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Introduction to Romans

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Romans

  1. Introduction (1:1-15)
  2. Righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ (1:16-17)
  3. All mankind is condemned because of sin (1:18-3:20)
  4. Righteousness through Jesus Christ by faith in him (3:21-4:25)
  5. The fruits of the Spirit (5:1-11)
  6. Adam and Christ compared (5:12-21)
  7. Becoming like Christ in this life (6:1-8:39)
  8. Gods plan for Israel (9:1-11:36)
  9. Practical advice for living as Christians (12:1-15:13)
  10. Conclusion and greetings (15:14-16:27)

Who wrote the Book of Romans?

The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Romans. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul probably wrote this letter while he was staying in the city of Corinth during his third trip through the Roman Empire.

What is the Book of Romans about?

Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Rome. Paul wanted to get them ready to receive him when he visited them. He said his purpose was to “bring about the obedience of faith” (16:26).

In this letter Paul most fully described the gospel of Jesus Christ. He explained that both Jews and non-Jews have sinned, and God will forgive them and declare them righteous only if they believe in Jesus (chapters 1-11). Then he gave them practical advice for how believers should live (chapters 12-16),

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Romans.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Pauls Letter to the Church in Rome,” or “A Letter to the Christians in Rome.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What are the titles used to refer to Jesus?

In Romans, Paul described Jesus Christ by many titles and descriptions: Jesus Christ (1:1), the Seed of David (1:3), the Son of God (1:4), the Lord Jesus Christ (1:7), Christ Jesus (3:24), Propitiation (3:25), Jesus (3:26), Jesus our Lord (4:24), Lord of Hosts (9:29), a Stumbling Stone and Rock of Offence (9:33), the End of the Law (10:4), the Deliverer (11:26), Lord of the Dead and the Living (14:9), and the Root of Jesse (15:12).

How should theological terms in Romans be translated?

Paul uses many theological terms that are not used in the four gospels. As early Christians learned more about the meaning of Jesus Christ and his message, they needed words and expressions for new ideas. Some examples of these words are “justification” (5:1), “works of the law” (3:20), “reconcile” (5:10), “propitiation” (3:25), “sanctification” (6:19), and “the old man” (6:6).

The “key terms” dictionary can help translators understand many of these terms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

Terms such as those given above are difficult to explain. It is often hard or impossible for translators to find equivalent terms in their own languages. It can help to know that word equivalents of these terms are not necessary. Instead, translators can develop short expressions to communicate these ideas. For example, the term “gospel” can be translated as “the good news about Jesus Christ.”

Translators should also remember that some of these terms have more than one meaning. The meaning will depend on how the author is using the word in that particular passage. For example, “righteousness” sometimes means that a person obeys Gods law. At other times, “righteousness” means that Jesus Christ has perfectly obeyed Gods law for us.

What did Paul mean by “a remnant” of Israel (11:5)?

The idea of a “remnant” is important both in the Old Testament and for Paul. Most of the Israelites were either killed or scattered among other people when the Assyrians and then the Babylonians conquered their land. Only a relatively few Jews survived. They were known as “the remnant.”

In 11:1-9, Paul speaks of another remnant. This remnant is the Jews whom God saved because they believed in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/remnant]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What did Paul mean by being “in Christ”?

The phrase “in Christ” and similar phrases occur in 3:24; 6:11, 23; 8:1,2,39; 9:1; 12:5,17; 15:17; and 16:3,7,9,10. Paul used these kinds of phrases as a metaphor to express that Christian believers belong to Jesus Christ. Belonging to Christ means the believer is saved and is made a friend with God. The believer is also promised to live with God forever. However, this idea can be difficult to represent in many languages.

These phrases also have specific meanings that depend on how Paul used them in a particular passage. For example, in 3:24 (“the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”), Paul referred to our being redeemed “because” of Jesus Christ. In 8:9 (“you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit”), Paul spoke of believers submitting “to” the Holy Spirit. In 9:1 (“I tell the truth in Christ”), Paul meant that he is telling the truth that “is in agreement with” Jesus Christ.

Nevertheless, the basic idea of our being united with Jesus Christ (and with the Holy Spirit) is seen in these passages as well. Therefore, the translator has a choice in many passages that use “in.” He will often decide to represent the more immediate sense of “in,” such as, “by means of,” “in the manner of,” or “in regard to.” But, if possible, the translator should choose a word or phrase that represents the immediate sense and the sense of “in union with.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inchrist]])

How are the ideas of “holy,” “saints” or “holy ones,” and “sanctify” represented in Romans in the ULT?

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, the ULT uses the following principles:

  • Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless and faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones” or “holy people.” (See: 1:7)
  • Sometimes the meaning in a passage indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In cases where some other English versions have “saints” or “holy ones,” the ULT uses “believers.” (See: 8:27; 12:13; 15:25, 26, 31; 16:2, 15)
  • Sometimes the meaning in a passage indicates the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “set apart,” “dedicated to,” “consecrated,” or “reserved for.” (See: 15:16)

The UST will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.

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

For the following verses, modern version of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT includes the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote.

  • “he [God] works all things together for good” (8:28). Some older versions read, “All things work together for good.”
  • “But if it is by grace, it is no longer by works. Otherwise grace would no longer be grace” (11:6). Some older versions read: “But if it is by works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

The following verse is not in the best ancient copies of the Bible. Translators are advised not to include this verse. However, if in the translators region there are older Bible versions that have this verse, the translators can include it. If it is translated, it should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that it is probably not original to the Book of Romans.

  • “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (16:24).

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

3ROM1introhn5n0

Romans 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The first verse is a type of introduction. People in the ancient Mediterranean region often started their letters this way. Sometimes this is called a “salutation.”

Special concepts in this chapter

The gospel

This chapter refers to the contents of the Book of Romans as “the gospel” (Romans 1:2). Romans is not a gospel like Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Instead, chapters 1-8 present the biblical gospel: All have sinned. Jesus died for our sins. He was raised again that we might have new life in him.

Fruit

This chapter uses the imagery of fruit. The image of fruit usually refers to a persons faith producing good works in their life. In this chapter, it refers to the results of Pauls work among the Roman Christians. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

Universal Condemnation and the Wrath of God

This chapter explains that everyone is without excuse. We all know about the true God, Yahweh, from his creation all around us. Because of our sin and our sinful nature, every person justly deserves the wrath of God. This wrath was satisfied by Jesus dying on a cross for those who believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“God gave them over”

Many scholars view the phrases “God gave them over” and “God gave them up” as theologically significant. For this reason, it is important to translate these phrases with God playing a passive role in the action. God simply allows men to pursue their own desires, he does not force them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Difficult phrases and concepts

This chapter has many difficult ideas in it. How Paul writes makes many of the phrases in this chapter difficult to translate. The translator may need to use the UST to understand the meaning of the phrases. And it may be necessary to more freely translate these phrases. Some of the difficult phrases include: “obedience of faith,” “Son of God,” “whom I serve in my spirit,” “from faith to faith” and “exchanged the glory of the imperishable God for the likenesses of an image of perishable man.”

4ROM11x3emwriting-participantsΠαῦλος, δοῦλος Χριστοῦ1Paul

In the culture of this time, letter writers would give their own names first. Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Immediately after introducing the writer, you might also want to indicate to whom the letter was written (See Romans 1:7). Alternate translation: “I, Paul, am the one writing this letter to you believers in Christ in the city of Rome. I am a servant of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

5ROM11v5b9figs-activepassiveκλητὸς ἀπόστολος, ἀφωρισμένος εἰς εὐαγγέλιον Θεοῦ1called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God

You can state this in active form, or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that Jesus called and set apart (See also Acts 9:1-18. Alternate translation: “whom Jesus summoned to represent him and specially chose to proclaim Gods good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

6ROM11w6j9figs-ellipsisκλητὸς ἀπόστολος1

A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, to be is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

7ROM11uktsgrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς εὐαγγέλιον Θεοῦ1

Here, for introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which he is a servant of Christ Jesus, and the reason why Jesus called him and set him apart . Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order to preach Gods good news” or “so that I could announce the good news from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

8ROM11ji90grammar-connect-logic-goalεὐαγγέλιον Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe that the gospel comes from God. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “Gods” instead of the noun God. Alternate translation: “Gods gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

9ROM12tobhwriting-backgroundὃ προεπηγγείλατο διὰ τῶν προφητῶν αὐτοῦ ἐν Γραφαῖς ἁγίαις,1

In this verse Paul provides this background information about the nature of “the gospel” he proclaims. Paul wants to help readers understand that the ancient promises found in the writings of the prophets of the holy scriptures of the Jewish people about the coming of the Messiah or Christ were now coming true. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “this good news that I am proclaiming is what God promised long ago in the prophetical writings that are found in the Jewish sacred writings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

10ROM12cu3rfigs-distinguish1

Here, which marks that further information is going to be given about “the gospel of God” (See 1:1). Paul is emphasizing that “the gospel of God” has its origin in the holy scriptures that also come from God. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: “that is, the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

11ROM13lab1figs-distinguishπερὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1concerning his Son

This phrase gives us further information about “the gospel of God.” Paul means that the message of Gods promised good news is about “Christ Jesus” (See 1:1). If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “that is, the gospel about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

12ROM13lk5qguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1Son

Son is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Here, Son could refer to: (1) the divine nature of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Gods divine Son” (2) the human nature of Jesus as “Christ” (See 1:1,6). Because Son is an Old Testament title that can refer to David and his descendants as Gods chosen kings (See 2 Samuel 7:14; Psalm 2, Paul could also be using Son as a synonym for Gods anointed king or “Christ.” Alternate translation: “his Son the Christ” or “Gods Son the anointed king” (3) both Jesus divine and human natures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

13ROM13u5rgwriting-pronounsαὐτοῦ1

The pronoun his refers to God (See 1:1). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

14ROM13xiiofigs-distinguishτοῦ γενομένου ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυεὶδ κατὰ σάρκα1

This clause gives us further information about the human nature of “Christ Jesus” (See 1:1,6). Here Paul is making a distinction between Jesus divine nature as Gods Son and Jesus human nature as seed of David. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: See the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

15ROM13y2uyfigs-idiomτοῦ γενομένου ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυεὶδ1

Here, from a seed of David is an idiom meaning “Davids descendant.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “who was born from King Davids family line” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

16ROM13rj9ffigs-idiomκατὰ σάρκα1who was a descendant of David according to the flesh

Here, according to the flesh is an idiom meaning “related to physical descent.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “as a natural relative” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

17ROM14sxo3figs-parallelism1

In 1:34 Paul uses similar phrases, in different ways, to show that Jesus is both human and God. As it relates to Jesus human nature, he “was born from a seed of David according to the flesh.” As it relates to Jesus divine nature, he was designated the Son of God by resurrection in power according to the Spirit. Use a natural way in your language to show this parallelism. Alternate translation: See the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

18ROM14nhz7figs-infostructure1

In this verse, Paul places these phrases in the order he wants to emphasize. If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: See the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

19ROM14at5sfigs-activepassiveτοῦ ὁρισθέντος Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ1he was declared with power to be the Son of God

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that God did it. Alternate translation: “God demonstrated that Jesus was his Son” or “God identified Jesus, Son of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

20ROM14cp80guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱοῦ Θεοῦ…Πνεῦμα…Κυρίου1

Son of God is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. The mention of the Spirit indicates that Paul is referring to the activity of the Trinity in Gods designation of Jesus as Son of God. Here, the Old Testament title for God, Lord, is applied to Jesus, equating him with God. Be sure to accurately translate these titles in your translation. Alternate translation: See the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

21ROM14m89wfigs-possessionΠνεῦμα ἁγιωσύνης1Spirit of holiness

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the divine Spirit that is characterized by holiness. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “Holy” instead of the noun holiness. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

22ROM14h97zἐξ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν1by the resurrection from the dead

Here, the phrase translated of the dead is plural and a common biblical concept that refers to “dead people.” It means that Jesus physically died and was buried. If your language has a word or phrase for the place that dead people go, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “from the place where dead people are” or “from the grave” or “from the place where corpses are” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

23ROM14kkktguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesἸησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου1

Paul uses the terms Christ and Lord to express the human and divine natures of Jesus. Christ expresses his human relationship to King David as anointed king (See 1:3), and the Old Testament title Lord is applied to Jesus, equating him with God. Be sure to accurately translate these titles in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

24ROM14brejfigs-exclusiveἡμῶν1

Here, our refers to all Christians, so it is inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

25ROM15ww9afigs-explicitδι’ οὗ1we have received grace and apostleship

Paul assumes that his readers know that through whom refers to Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “it is through Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

26ROM15jr9efigs-abstractnounsδι’ οὗ ἐλάβομεν χάριν καὶ ἀποστολὴν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns grace and apostleship in another way. Alternate translation: “Jesus graced us and officially made us his apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

27ROM15mosgfigs-exclusiveἐλάβομεν1

When Paul says we, he is speaking about himself and other apostles, so we would be exclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we apostles received”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

28ROM15mv5ngrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς1

Here, for introduces a goal clause. Paul is stating the goal for which Jesus made Paul and other people his apostles. Use a natural way in your language introduce a goal clause. Alternate translation: “to achieve the goal of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

29ROM15krzjfigs-abstractnounsεἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun phrase for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun phrase for obedience of faith in another way. Alternate translation: “so that people from all the nations would faithfully obey Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

30ROM15cf3gfigs-possessionεἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως1

Here, obedience of faith could refer to: (1) obedience that is characterized by trust in God. Alternate translation: “for obedience by trusting in God” or “obedience that comes from trusting in God” or “for faithful obedience” (2) trust in God that leads to obedience. Alternate translation: “faith that leads to obedience” (3) Gentle obedience to the Christian Faith. Alternate translation: “bringing obedience to the Christian Faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

31ROM15b696figs-abstractnounsπίστεως1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith in another way. Alternate translation: “by trusting God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

32ROM15oikkfigs-possessionὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ1

Here, for the sake could refer to: (1) glorifying Jesus. Alternate translation: “for the glory of his fame” or “for the honor of Jesus name” (2) representing Jesus as apostles. Alternate translation: “on behalf of Jesus name” or “representing his name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

33ROM15sxc7figs-metonymyτοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ1for obedience of faith among all the nations, for the sake of his name

Here, his name figuratively means “Jesus.” Alternate translation: “Jesus name” or “Jesus fame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

34ROM16xurzfigs-explicitἐν οἷς1

Here it is assumed that among whom refers to the previous phrase among all the Gentiles. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “among the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

35ROM16sks2writing-pronounsὑμεῖς1

The pronoun you is plural and refers to the church at Rome (See 1:7). Alternate translation: “you believers in Christ at Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

36ROM16qq9zfigs-metaphorκλητοὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Paul speaks figuratively about the Roman church as if Jesus personally shouted at them or summoned them. He means that Jesus invited the Roman church to become his followers by trusting in the gospel message. If your readers would not understand what it means to be called in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “people summoned by Jesus Christ” or “invited by Jesus the Messiah from the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

37ROM17z85awriting-participantsπᾶσιν τοῖς οὖσιν ἐν Ῥώμῃ1This letter is to all who are in Rome, the beloved of God, who are called to be holy people

Here, Paul officially introduces the recipients of his letter. Use the natural form in your language for introducing the recipient of a letter. Here, all those being in Rome means the church or believers in Christ at Rome. Alternate translation: See the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

38ROM17zfwqἀγαπητοῖς Θεοῦ, κλητοῖς ἁγίοις1

Paul is using the adjectives beloved and called as nouns in order to describe the church at Rome. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are loved by God, people who are invited to become saints” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

39ROM17v8bltranslate-blessingχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1May grace be to you, and peace

After stating the people to whom he is writing, Paul adds a blessing or prayer. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing or prayer in your language. Alternate translation: “I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will act kindly toward all of you and grant you to live peacefully” or “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ show you how kind they are and allow you to live peacefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])

40ROM17d8paguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1God our Father

Father is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus, as his “Son” (See 1:3,4). Here, the Old Testament title for God, Lord, is applied to Jesus, equating him with God. Be sure to accurately translate these titles in your translation. Alternate translation: “our Father God and the Lord Jesus, the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

41ROM17j61dfigs-exclusiveΠατρὸς ἡμῶν1

Since Paul is addressing the church at Rome in this verse, our is inclusive of Paul, those at Rome, and by extension, all believers in Christ. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “the Father of we who trust in Christ” or “who is the Father of us Christians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

42ROM18yraugrammar-connect-logic-resultπρῶτον μὲν εὐχαριστῶ τῷ Θεῷ μου διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ περὶ πάντων ὑμῶν, ὅτι ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν καταγγέλλεται ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ.1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world, I first want to thank my God through Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

43ROM18totrgrammar-connect-words-phrasesπρῶτον μὲν1

Here, First indicates that Paul has finished his introduction to the letter, and what follows is the beginning of the content of the letter. Alternate translation: “The first thing I want to say is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

44ROM18ci5yfigs-distinguishτῷ Θεῷ μου1

When Paul speaks of my God, he does not mean that this is a different God than the one the Roman church has faith in. Paul is simply stating that he belongs to God. If in your language my God would indicate a distinction between Pauls God and the God of church at Rome God, you could add the plural pronoun “our.” Alternate translation: “our God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

45ROM18tdsjfigs-possessionτῷ Θεῷ μου1

Paul is using the possessive form to express that he belongs to God. When saying, my God, Paul does not mean that he owns or has authority over God. Paul means that as a “servant of Jesus Christ” (See 1:1), God has ownership and authority over him. You could use a natural way in your language to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “the God I belong to” or “the God that I serve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

46ROM18qtoyfigs-possessionδιὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Here, Paul is using the possessive form through Jesus Christ to express Pauls authority as an apostle (See 1:1). Paul means that it is through his calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ that he can offer special thanks to God for the church at Rome. If it is natural in your language, you could make this emphasis explicit. Alternate translation: “because I belong to Jesus Christ” or “as an apostle of Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

47ROM18mekgwriting-pronounsπερὶ πάντων ὑμῶν1

The pronoun you is plural and refers to the church at Rome. When Paul says all of you he is addressing the whole church as if they are one person. Throughout this letter, you refers exclusively to the church at Rome, unless otherwise noted. Alternate translation: “on behalf of the whole church” or “for the sake of each and every one of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

48ROM18d31rfigs-possessionἡ πίστις ὑμῶν1

Paul is using the possessive form your faith to express how much the Roman church trusts in God. He does not mean that the Roman church has a different faith than Pauls faith. Both the church at Rome and Paul trust in God through Jesus Christ. If the phrase your faith would make a distinction in your language between the faith of the Roman church and Paul, use a natural way in your language to avoid this distinction. Alternate translation: “how you trust in Christ” or “the way you trust God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

49ROM18bphffigs-abstractnounsἡ πίστις1

See 1:5 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

50ROM18efqsfigs-activepassiveκαταγγέλλεται1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that people other than the church at Rome are doing the proclaiming. Alternate translation: See the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

51ROM18k7qffigs-hyperboleἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ1

Here, throughout the whole world is an exaggeration that means “across the inhabited world” or “wherever the Roman Empire is.” Paul is not referring to every place on the planet. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses this idea. Alternate translation: “across the inhabited world” or “wherever the Roman Empire is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

52ROM19e9n1figs-metaphorμάρτυς γάρ μού ἐστιν ὁ Θεός1

Paul is appealing to God to validate his personal motives. He figuratively speaks as if he is summoning God as a witness to testify on his behalf before a judge. If your readers would not understand what God is my witness means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “I swear to/by God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

53ROM19c7pagrammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1For God is my witness

For indicates that what follows is something else important that the church at Rome should pay attention to. Here, For* marks the beginning of Pauls explanation of how he desires to come to Rome and why he has been hindered. Alternate translation: “Indeed” or “You also need to know that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

54ROM19dx6pfigs-distinguishᾧ λατρεύω ἐν τῷ πνεύματί μου ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1in my spirit

This phrase gives us further information about God. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation (remove preceding comma): “(he is who I serve fervently by proclaiming the gospel about his Son Jesus)” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

55ROM19ydncfigs-metaphorἐν τῷ πνεύματί μου ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1

Paul speaks figuratively of his spirit and the gospel as if they were locations in which he could perform service. He means that he serves God devotedly or enthusiastically by preaching the gospel. If your readers would not understand what in my spirit in the gospel means in this context, you could use equivalent metaphors from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “fervently when preaching the gospel about his Son” or “enthusiastically by announcing the good news concerning his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

56ROM19o66dfigs-possessionτοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1

Here, Paul could be using the possessive form of his Son to refer to: (1) Jesus as the object of the gospel. Alternate translation: “concerning his Son” or “that refers to his Son” (2) Jesus as the source of the gospel. Alternate translation: “that comes from his Son” (3) Jesus as the object and source of the gospel. Alternate translation: “about his Son and from his Son” If this is not clear in your language, you could make it explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

57ROM19rnp6writing-pronounsαὐτοῦ1the gospel of his Son

The pronoun his refers to God (See 1:3). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

58ROM19r2l5guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱοῦ1Son

Son is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to accurately translate this title in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

59ROM19f9p2figs-hyperboleἀδιαλείπτως1I make mention of you

Here, the word continually is an exaggeration that figuratively express the frequency of Pauls prayers to God for the church at Rome. Paul does not mean that he spends all of his time praying for the church at Rome. If your language would not use exaggeration in this way, use plain language and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I regularly” or “I habitually” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole)

60ROM19vtuqfigs-idiomμνείαν ὑμῶν ποιοῦμαι1

Here, the term making mention is an idiom for prayer. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I am … remembering to pray to God for you at Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

61ROM110mdc8figs-parallelismπάντοτε ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν μου, δεόμενος1I always request in my prayers that … I may at last be successful … in coming to you

This phrase means the same thing as “I continually make mention of you” in 1:9. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how intensely he prays that God will allow him to visit the church at Rome. Alternate translation: “in all my prayers, I beg God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

62ROM110oi0xfigs-hyperboleπάντοτε1

Here, the word always is an exaggeration that figuratively express the frequency of Pauls prayers to God for the church at Rome. Paul does not mean that he spends all of his time praying for the church at Rome. If your language would not use exaggeration in this way, use plain language and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “continually” or “constantly” or “habitually” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole)

63ROM110zfp4figs-hyperboleεἴ πως ἤδη ποτὲ1by any means

Here, the phrase if somehow now at last is an exaggeration that Paul uses to speak about visiting the church at Rome. Paul expresses a deep longing for God to allow him to come to Rome, because he has been hindered so many times (See 1:11, 13). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows deep longing. Alternate translation: “that at this time there would finally be some way that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

64ROM110is3pfigs-parallelismεὐοδωθήσομαι ἐν τῷ θελήματι τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς1at last

Since the word translated as I will be successful often means “to have a good journey,” Paul may be stressing how much he wants to visit the church at Rome. So here, I will be successful and ** to come to you** mean similar things. Paul says a similar thing twice, to show how deeply he desires to visit the church at Rome. If this is confusing in your language, you could make that idea explicit. Alternate translation: “if God wills it, I will have a good journey when I visit you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

65ROM110b5wyἐν τῷ θελήματι τοῦ Θεοῦ1by the will of God

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun will in another way. Alternate translation: “because God desires for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

66ROM111ki6hgrammar-connect-logic-resultἐπιποθῶ γὰρ ἰδεῖν ὑμᾶς1For I desire to see you

This is a reason clause. Here Paul is indicating why he constantly prays to visit the church at Rome in 1:910). Use natural way in your language to express the reason for something. Alternate translation: “Because I greatly yearn to see your faces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

67ROM111gjdufigs-metonymyἰδεῖν ὑμᾶς1

Paul is figuratively describing a visit to the church at Rome by association with seeing them, which is what someone does when visiting other people. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to see your faces” or “to visit you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

68ROM111b23bgrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα τι μεταδῶ χάρισμα ὑμῖν πνευματικὸν1

This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he longs to see the believers at Rome. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that I can share with you some kind of gracious gift that the Holy Spirit imparted to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

69ROM111f3g1grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς τὸ στηριχθῆναι ὑμᾶς1some spiritual gift, in order to strengthen you

This is a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “that leads to your spiritual strengthening” or “that causes your trust in God to remain strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

70ROM112pnnmfigs-distinguishτοῦτο δέ ἐστιν1

Here, and that is gives us further information about why Paul wants to share “some spiritual gift” with the church at Rome. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “namely” or “specifically” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

71ROM112ux1xfigs-activepassiveσυνπαρακληθῆναι ἐν ὑμῖν1That is, I long to be mutually encouraged among you, through each others faith, yours and mine

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for us to comfort each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

72ROM112ddtmfigs-possessionδιὰ τῆς ἐν ἀλλήλοις πίστεως, ὑμῶν τε καὶ ἐμοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to show how Paul and the church at Rome can be mutually encouraged. Use a natural way in your language to express the idea of manner. Alternate translation: “by both you and I sharing with one another how we trust in God” or “through talking about our common Christian faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

73ROM112e6pyfigs-abstractnounsπίστεως1

See 1:5 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

74ROM112fr36writing-pronounsὑμῶν τε καὶ ἐμοῦ1

The pronouns yours and mine are not meant to make a distinction between the Christian faith of Paul and the church at Rome (See 1:8). Paul means that they should mutually encourage each other because they have a mutual faith in Christ. If the pronouns yours and mine would make a distinction in your language between the faith of the Roman church and Paul, use a natural way in your language to avoid this distinction. Alternate translation: “since we have a mutual trust in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

75ROM113yi1ffigs-litotesοὐ θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν1I do not want you to be uninformed

Here Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “I definitely want you informed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

76ROM113rwznfigs-activepassiveἀγνοεῖν1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “ignorant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

77ROM113u1cqfigs-metaphorἀδελφοί1brothers

Unless otherwise noted, throughout this letter brothers is a metaphor meaning “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers in Christ.” If your readers would not understand what brothers means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

78ROM113pec7figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1

Although the term brothers is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both males and females. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” or “spiritual brothers and sisters” or “fellow believers in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

79ROM113ru3xgrammar-connect-words-phrasesὅτι1but I was hindered until now

Here, that marks a clause that explains what Paul wants the church at Rome to know about his desire to visit them. Use a natural way in your language to connect these ideas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

80ROM113b4vrgrammar-connect-logic-contrastκαὶ1

What follows the word but here is in contrast to what Paul intended. Instead, Paul was hindered from visiting the church at Rome. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “however” or “yet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

81ROM113axe9figs-asideκαὶ ἐκωλύθην ἄχρι τοῦ δεῦρο1

Here Paul is using an aside in order to reinforce how much he wants to visit the Roman church. If this would be confusing in your language, or your language does not use parenthesis, use a natural way in your language to communicate an aside. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])

82ROM113zvrjfigs-explicitκαὶ ἐκωλύθην ἄχρι τοῦ δεῦρο1

Paul assumes that his readers will know that until now means “even at the present time.” He does not mean that he was *hindered until the moment he wrote these words, but now he can come to Rome. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I have been hindered and still am” or “God continues to hinder me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

83ROM113b92ofigs-activepassiveἐκωλύθην1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God stopped me” or “God did not permit it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

84ROM113gnu7figs-metaphorἵνα τινὰ καρπὸν σχῶ καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν1in order to have a harvest among you

Paul speaks figuratively of his apostolic service as if he was a gardener producing fruit. He means that he wants to produce some spiritual benefit or growth in the church at Rome (See 1:11 for the same word some used similarly). If your readers would not understand what it means to have some fruit among you in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “in order to help you grow in how you trust in God” or “for the purpose of benefiting you spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

85ROM113nv7cgrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1

This phrase introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which he intended to come to Rome. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

86ROM113j96vκαθὼς καὶ ἐν τοῖς λοιποῖς ἔθνεσιν1the rest of the Gentiles

Here, Paul uses the emphatic phrase just as also to emphasize that God has allowed his apostolic service among the Gentiles to flourish. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “exactly as I have spiritually benefited to the rest of the non-Jewish churches”

87ROM113xydvfigs-extrainfoἐν τοῖς λοιποῖς ἔθνεσιν1

By among the rest of the Gentiles, Paul likely means the rest of churches among the nations to whom he preached the gospel (See 1:1213). In the next verse, he lists four types of people that summarize the term Gentiles. Since the expression is explained in the next verse, you do not need to explain its meaning further here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

88ROM114s4bmfigs-metaphorὀφειλέτης εἰμί1I am a debtor both

Paul speaks figuratively of himself as if he owed a monetary debt to the “Gentiles” (See 1:13). He means that as a servant and called apostle of Christ, it is his duty to preach the gospel to non-Jews. If your readers would not understand what it means to be a debtor in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “I owe it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

89ROM114j2szfigs-merismἝλλησίν τε καὶ βαρβάροις, σοφοῖς τε καὶ ἀνοήτοις1

Paul speaks figuratively, using these types of people to represent all the Gentiles or nations. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to all types of people from among the nations” or “to all kinds of cultures and all kinds of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

90ROM114q728figs-merismἝλλησίν τε καὶ βαρβάροις, σοφοῖς τε καὶ ἀνοήτοις1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that he is obligated to preach the gospel to every kind of Gentile. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “to wise Greeks and foolish barbarians” or “to each and every kind of Gentile” or “to every single non-Jewish person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

91ROM114ejxtfigs-nominaladjβαρβάροις, σοφοῖς τε καὶ ἀνοήτοις1

Paul is using the adjectives barbarians and wise and foolish as nouns in order to describe groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are not Greek, people who are wise and people who are foolish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

92ROM115h9zvgrammar-connect-logic-resultοὕτως1

This is a reason clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why someone does something. Alternate translation: “This is the reason why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

93ROM115z4hkfigs-asideτὸ κατ’ ἐμὲ1

Paul is using the phrase as it depends me as an aside in order to express how eager he is to visit Rome to proclaim the gospel. If this would be confusing in your language, you could add parenthesis or some other natural way in your language to indicate that this phrase is an aside. Alternate translation (no comma preceding): “(if I could have what I want)” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])

94ROM115xjnrfigs-ellipsisπρόθυμον…τοῖς1

Words are left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, I am and are are added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

95ROM115mwt1figs-nominaladjπρόθυμον1

Paul is using the adjective eager as a noun in order to describe himself. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “I am a person who has desired in advance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

96ROM115mq8xfigs-explicitτοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ1

It is implied that you who {are} in Rome means the church that is located in Rome (See 1:7). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “believers in Christ at Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

97ROM115usjvgrammar-connect-logic-goalεὐαγγελίσασθαι1

This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which he is eager. Use a natural way in your language for expressing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of announcing Gods good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

98ROM115h4bkgrammar-connect-resultπρόθυμον καὶ ὑμῖν τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ εὐαγγελίσασθαι1

This could be reason clause. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because I want to announce the gospel to you believers in the Messiah at Rome, I am eager” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

99ROM116bf9sgrammar-connect-logic-resultοὐ γὰρ ἐπαισχύνομαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, δύναμις γὰρ Θεοῦ ἐστιν εἰς σωτηρίαν παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι, Ἰουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι.1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because the gospel is Gods powerful way to save every type of person who believeswhether Jew or GreekI am not ashamed to proclaim it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

100ROM116oa6mgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For indicates that what follows is something else important that the church at Rome should pay attention to. In 1:1617 Paul neatly summarizes the theme of the letter. Use a natural way in your language to indicate emphasis. Alternate translation: “Indeed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

101ROM116mm2ffigs-litotesοὐ…ἐπαισχύνομαι1I am not ashamed of the gospel

Here Paul uses a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “I am greatly honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

102ROM116f5x9figs-possessionδύναμις γὰρ Θεοῦ ἐστιν εἰς σωτηρίαν παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι1for the Jew first and for the Greek

Paul is using the possessive form of God to describe that the gospel is the powerful way God saves people. Use a natural way in your language to indicate how someone does something. Alternate translation: “because it is the powerful way God saves each type of person who trusts in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

103ROM116sz5bgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς σωτηρίαν1first

This phrase introduces a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “that results in the salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

104ROM116q9w8figs-nominaladjπαντὶ1

Paul is using the singular adjective everyone as a plural noun in order to describe all types of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “all types of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

105ROM116zq2qfigs-merismἸουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι1

Paul figuratively refers to the Jew and the Greek, using these types of people in order to include all of humanity or everyone. In other words, the good news about the Christ is not just for Jews (as would be assumed in this context), but is for each person from every nation who continues to trust in God, since God makes no distinction between people types (See 2:11; 3:22; 10:12; Acts 10:34). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “first for the Jewish person and then for the non-Jewish person” or “for both the Jewish people and the culturally Greek people” or “regardless of ethnicity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

106ROM116u8ongrammar-connect-words-phrasesἸουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον1

Both the Jew first is meant to indicate that the Jewish people were the first to hear the gospel. Paul is not using first to express that the Jew is better than the Greek. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: See the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

107ROM117h38hfigs-metaphorδικαιοσύνη γὰρ Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ ἀποκαλύπτεται1Gods righteousness is revealed from faith to faith

Paul speaks figuratively about the righteousness of God as if it was an object that could be uncovered. He means that when the gospel is proclaimed, Gods righteousness becomes obvious. If your readers would not understand what is revealed means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “When people preach the gospel God clarifies how he makes people right with himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

108ROM117wfscfigs-activepassiveδικαιοσύνη γὰρ Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ ἀποκαλύπτεται1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Indeed, God clarifies how he makes people right with himself” or “Certainly, God reveals that he is righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

109ROM117qr31figs-possessionδικαιοσύνη γὰρ Θεοῦ1

Here Paul is using the possessive form of God that could refer to: (1) righteousness from/through God. Alternate translation: “In fact, how God makes people right with himself” (2) righteousness that belongs to/characterizes God. Alternate translation: “Certainly, Gods righteousness” Use a natural way in your language to make this possessive form explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

110ROM117of98grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For indicates that what follows is something else important about the “gospel” that the church at Rome should pay attention to. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that” or “This is because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

111ROM117gsl5figs-abstractnounsδικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun righteousness in another way. Alternate translation: “how God makes people right with himself” or “the way people become right with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

112ROM117ii3mwriting-pronounsἐν αὐτῷ1For in it

The pronoun it refers to “the gospel” (See 1:16). Alternate translation: “the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

113ROM117jl9ifigs-abstractnounsἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith in another way (See 1:5. Here, Paul uses this phrase to emphasize how the righteousness of God is revealed. This phrasefrom faith to faith could refer to: (1) the Old Testament faith that leads to the New Testament faith. Alternate translation: “from the prophesied faith in the Messiah to the revealed faith in the Messiah” (2) Gods faithfulness that causes human faithfulness. Alternate translation: “God is trustworthy and causes people to trust in him” (3) human faith that leads to human faithfulness. Alternate translation: “by people who trust in God that leads to faithfulness to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

114ROM117igg9writing-quotationsκαθὼς γέγραπται1as it has been written

In Pauls culture, just as it has been written is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Habakkuk the prophet. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a comparable phrase indicating that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “as it can be read in the Old Testament” or “exactly as Habakkuk the prophet says in the holy scriptures” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations)

115ROM117bgvhwriting-quotationsδὲ1

What follows the word But here is in contrast to what Habakuk the prophet previously says about the unrighteous person (See Habakkuk 2:4). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “However” or “Instead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

116ROM117hbv6figs-nominaladjὁ…δίκαιος1The righteous will live by faith

Paul is using the adjective the righteous as a noun in order to describe a type of person or group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the … person who is righteous” or “the … people who are righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

117ROM117a9y7figs-metaphorἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται1

Paul speaks figuratively of faith as if it was food that could keep the righteous alive. He means that faith is the means to live right with God or gain eternal life. If your readers would not understand what will live by faith means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “will stay alive through trusting in God” or “will live eternally by remaining faithful to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

118ROM117ee0ifigs-metaphorἐκ πίστεως2

Paul is using the possessive form to describe how faith brings life for the righteous. Here, by faith could refer to: (1) the human means of faith*. Alternate translation: “through trusting in God” (2) the divine origin of faith. Alternate translation: “from how faithful God is” (3) both the human means and divine origin of faith. Alternate translation: “from how faithful God is, by trusting in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

119ROM117e7eufigs-abstractnounsπίστεως2

See 1:5 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

120ROM118r15vfigs-activepassiveἀποκαλύπτεται γὰρ ὀργὴ Θεοῦ1For the wrath of God is revealed

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Now, God clarifies how angry he is” or “Certainly, God reveals how angry he is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

121ROM118ptajfigs-parallelismἀποκαλύπτεται γὰρ ὀργὴ Θεοῦ1

The two phrases that begin 1:17;18 mean the opposite thing. Paul says the opposite thing, with similar wording, to show the two-sided nature of how God is revealed in the preaching of the gospel. See how you translated For the righteousness of God is revealed in 1:17, and use a natural way in your language to make this parallelism explicit. Alternate translation: “Indeed, God clarifies how furious he is” or “Certainly, God reveals how angry he is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

122ROM118c69sgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1For

For indicates that what follows is something else important about what is revealed by God that the church at Rome should pay attention to. In 1:1832 Paul describes why God reveals his wrath to humanity. Alternate translation: “Certainly” or “You also need to know that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

123ROM118wzy3figs-abstractnounsὀργὴ Θεοῦ1the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun wrath in another way. Alternate translation: “how angry God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

124ROM118iuaufigs-possessionὀργὴ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form of God to describe wrath. Here, the wrath of God could refer to: (1) wrath that characterizes God. Alternate translation: “Gods wrath” (2) wrath that comes from God. Alternate translation: “the wrath from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

125ROM118kjenfigs-abstractnounsἐπὶ πᾶσαν ἀσέβειαν καὶ ἀδικίαν ἀνθρώπων, τῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐν ἀδικίᾳ κατεχόντων1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns ungodliness and unrighteousness and truth in another way. You could use verb forms to express these ideas. Alternate translation: “against all those people who deny God and do not want to become right with him. Because they do not want to become right with God, they keep withholding what is true about God from those who want to know” or “against all people who do ungodly things and act unrighteously, who suppress what God says is true by acting unrighteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

126ROM118rn72figs-possessionἀδικίαν ἀνθρώπων1hold back the truth

Paul is using the possessive form to describe men who are characterized by unrighteousness. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “unrighteous” instead of the noun unrighteousness. Alternate translation: “unrighteous men” or “unrighteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

127ROM118rztpfigs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both male and female. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

128ROM118g3qmfigs-distinguishτῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐν ἀδικίᾳ κατεχόντων1

This phrase gives us further information about the nature of all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. It is not making a distinction between a ungodliness and unrighteousness. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: See the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

129ROM119c6jhfigs-parallelismδιότι τὸ γνωστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, φανερόν ἐστιν ἐν αὐτοῖς, ὁ Θεὸς γὰρ αὐτοῖς ἐφανέρωσεν1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how obvious his existence should be to ungodly and unrighteous people (See 1:18). If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “Certainly, God has obviously shown to these people that he exists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

130ROM119z06bgrammar-connect-logic-resultδιότι1

Here, because introduces a reason clause. Use a natural way in your language to express the reason for something. Alternate translation: “since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

131ROM119jd85figs-activepassiveτὸ γνωστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that it is any human being. Alternate translation: “what people can visibly know about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

132ROM119tbu2figs-nominaladjτὸ γνωστὸν1that which is known about God is visible to them

Paul is using the adjective phrase that which {is} known as a noun in order to describe visible knowledge about God. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a verb phrase. Alternate translation: “what people can visibly know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

133ROM119r6efwriting-pronounsαὐτοῖς…αὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the ungodly and unrighteous men in 1:18. Unless, otherwise noted, them or “their” or “they” refers to the ungodly and unrighteous throughout 1:1932. Alternate translation: “all these ungodly and unrighteous people … all these ungodly and unrighteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

134ROM119u8z3grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For God has enlightened them

Here, for introduces a reason clause. Paul means that the reason why these people can visibly know about God, is because God has made sure that his existence is obvious. Use a natural way in your language to express the reason why something is true. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

135ROM120fo6qfigs-abstractnounsτὰ γὰρ ἀόρατα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ κτίσεως κόσμου, τοῖς ποιήμασιν νοούμενα, καθορᾶται; ἥ τε ἀΐδιος αὐτοῦ δύναμις καὶ θειότης1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns qualities, power, and nature in another way. Alternate translation: “In fact, even though people are unable to visibly see God, ever since the time when God created the universe, people could observe how he eternally controls everything and how he divinely exists, innately perceiving how he exists by investigating the things he made” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

136ROM120w39bgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For indicates that what follows is something else important about Pauls discussion on the existence of God that the church at Rome should pay attention to. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that” or “Certainly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

137ROM120szu6figs-metaphorτὰ γὰρ ἀόρατα αὐτοῦ…ἥ τε ἀΐδιος αὐτοῦ δύναμις καὶ θειότης1For his invisible qualities … have been clearly seen

Paul speaks figuratively of Gods invisible qualities of eternal power and divine nature as if people could see them with their eyes. Paul means that what God created demonstrates that he exists. If your readers would not understand what invisible qualities or eternal power and divine nature mean in this context, you could use equivalent metaphors from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: See the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

138ROM120uvc1figs-synecdocheκόσμου1world

Paul refers figuratively to the world to mean the whole universe. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “of all that God made” or “all that exists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

139ROM120c7hpfigs-activepassiveτοῖς ποιήμασιν1in the things that have been made

If your language does not use the passive form in this way you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “through those things God made” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

140ROM120dxr6grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἀναπολογήτους1they are without excuse

This is a result clause. Use natural way in your language to express result. Alternate translation: “As a result, these people cannot defend themselves” or “This is why they have nothing they can say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

141ROM120d7fhfigs-nominaladjαὐτοὺς ἀναπολογήτους1

Paul is using the adjective without excuse as a noun in order to describe the ungodly and unrighteous men in 1:18. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “these ungodly and unrighteous people cannot excuse themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

142ROM121pgtafigs-explicitγνόντες τὸν Θεὸν1

It is implied that these people do not actually know God in a personal sense. Paul means that they know about God or know that God exists. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “although they know about God” or “even though they realize that God exists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

143ROM121iasgfigs-doubletοὐχ ὡς Θεὸν ἐδόξασαν ἢ ηὐχαρίστησαν1

Here, not glorify him and nor give him thanks mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how dishonoring ungodly people are towards God. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “they thanklessly despise God” or “these people completely disregard God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

144ROM121xm6ifigs-activepassiveἐματαιώθησαν ἐν τοῖς διαλογισμοῖς αὐτῶν1became foolish in their thoughts

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “began to think foolish things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

145ROM121qxmhgrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλ’1

What follows the word instead is in contrast to glorifying and giving God thanks. Not only did these people refuse to honor God, but they also became foolish. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “In contrast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

146ROM121dantfigs-parallelismἐματαιώθησαν ἐν τοῖς διαλογισμοῖς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐσκοτίσθη ἡ ἀσύνετος αὐτῶν καρδία1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how foolish these ungodly people became by refusing to honor God. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “they started thinking foolishly and became totally senseless” or “they became completely senseless in the way they think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

147ROM121gw8yfigs-metaphorἀσύνετος αὐτῶν καρδία1their senseless hearts were darkened

Here, darkness is a metaphor that represents the peoples lack of understanding. Alternate translation: “they became unable to understand what God wanted them to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

148ROM121d2c0figs-metaphorἐσκοτίσθη ἡ ἀσύνετος αὐτῶν καρδία1

Paul speaks figuratively of the heart as if it could mentally sense things or could change to the color black. He means that these foolish people lack spiritual sensitivity. If your readers would not understand what a senseless heart or darkened mean in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “they became incapable of discerning spiritual things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

149ROM121t4p7figs-metonymyκαρδία1

Here, hearts is a metonym for a persons inner being or mind. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “inner being” or “mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

150ROM121sw8qgrammar-collectivenounsκαρδία1

The word heart is a singular noun that refers to the inner beings or minds of a group of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “inner beings” or “minds” or “hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

151ROM122ddr2figs-nominaladjφάσκοντες εἶναι σοφοὶ, ἐμωράνθησαν1They claimed to be wise, but they became foolish

Paul is using the adjective wise as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

152ROM122ly68ἐμωράνθησαν1They … they

In the original, the phrase they became foolish is one verb. Use a natural way in your language to express a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “they became fools” or “they acted like fools” or “they started acting like fools”

153ROM123x2wlfigs-metaphorκαὶ ἤλλαξαν τὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ ἐν ὁμοιώματι εἰκόνος φθαρτοῦ ἀνθρώπου, καὶ πετεινῶν, καὶ τετραπόδων, καὶ ἑρπετῶν.1for the likenesses of an image

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were money changers or money traders. Paul means that they stopped honoring God and started worshiping idols that represent creatures (See also 1:25). If your readers would not understand what exchanged means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “then they stopped honoring the never changing God in order to worship images of things God created that will one day change and decay: humans, birds, four-footed animals, and things that creep and crawl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

154ROM123k9xugrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1They exchanged the glory of the imperishable God

Here, and indicates that what follows describes what these ungodly and unrighteous people did after they “became foolish” (See 1:22). Alternate translation: “then they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

155ROM123qb7ffigs-parallelismτὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ ἐν ὁμοιώματι εἰκόνος φθαρτοῦ ἀνθρώπου1

These two phrases, the glory of the imperishable God and a likeness of an image of perishable man mean the opposite thing. Paul says the opposite thing, with similar phrases, to emphasize the contrast between God and man. Use a natural way in your language to express a contrast that uses parallel ideas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

156ROM123r14efigs-abstractnounsτὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ1of perishable man

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun phrase the glory in another way. Alternate translation: “what glorifies the incorruptible God” or “what honors the never changing God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

157ROM123u971figs-possessionτοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ1of birds, of four-footed beasts, and of creeping things

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the relationship between glory and the imperishable God. Here, of the imperishable God could refer to: (1) the glory that characterizes God. Alternate translation: “that characterizes God” (2) the glory that belongs to God. Alternate translation: “that belongs only to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

158ROM123rfezfigs-possessionεἰκόνος1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a likeness that comes from an image. Alternate translation: “that come from an image” or “that are based on an image” or “of images that are representative” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

159ROM123z0defigs-possessionφθαρτοῦ ἀνθρώπου1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe man who is characterized by being perishable. Alternate translation: “that are similar to corruptible humanity” or “that represent humans who decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

160ROM123osrtfigs-possessionκαὶ πετεινῶν, καὶ τετραπόδων, καὶ ἑρπετῶν1

Paul is using these possessive forms to further describe a likeness that the ungodly and unrighteous people make. Alternate translation: “and likenesses that resemble birds, four-footed animals, and creeping creatures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

161ROM124fvv6grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὸ1Therefore

Here, Therefore introduces a result clause. Paul is stating the result of rejecting the glory of God in 1:23. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a result clause. Alternate translation: “As a result” or “This is why” or “Because of this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

162ROM124ec9qfigs-metaphorπαρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς ἐν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν εἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν1God gave them over to

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if God were physically moving them. He means that God is allowing them to have what they desire or is placing them under the control of their lusts. If your readers would not understand what it means in this context that God gave them over, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation (remove comma after uncleanness): “God allowed them to deeply lust, which caused them to live impurely and” or “God permits them to become controlled by what they desire to lust after, leading them to live impurely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

163ROM124tlv5figs-possessionταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν1them … their … themselves

Paul is using the possessive form to describe hearts that are characterized by lusts. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “lustful” instead of the noun lusts. Alternate translation: “their lustful hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

164ROM124le2ofigs-possessionταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν εἰς1

Paul speaks figuratively of the heart as if it could lust. He means that the desires or affections or inner beings of these people are controlled by lust. If your readers would not understand what the lusts of their hearts means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “to lustfully desire bringing” or “to lust deep within causing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

165ROM124l804figs-metonymyτῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν1

Here, hearts is a metonym for a persons desires or inner being or mind. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in their desires” or “intheir inner beings” or “in their minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

166ROM124rkougrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν1

This is a result clause. Paul is stating the result of indulging in the lusts of their hearts. Use natural way in your language to express result. Alternate translation: “causing them to become spiritually unclean” or “resulting in living impurely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

167ROM124g0r4figs-metaphorεἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of uncleanness as if were something dirty. He means that these lustful people become spiritually impure through sexual immorality. If your readers would not understand what uncleanness means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “to become spiritually impure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

168ROM124puadgrammar-connect-logic-goalτοῦ ἀτιμάζεσθαι1

Paul is emphasizing the way these people expressed their lusts and uncleanness. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Here, to dishonor could refer to: (1) a description of their uncleanness. Alternate translation: “by dishonoring” or “causing them to disrespect” (2) the purpose for which God gave them over*. Alternate translation: “in order to dishonor” or “so that they failed to respect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

169ROM124a8pmfigs-euphemismτοῦ ἀτιμάζεσθαι τὰ σώματα αὐτῶν ἐν αὐτοῖς1for their bodies to be dishonored among themselves

In this clause, Paul is referring sexually immoral acts. This is a polite way of referring to something immoral. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “so that they committed sexually immoral acts” or “by indulging in sexually immoral activity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

170ROM125dv6hfigs-metaphorοἵτινες μετήλλαξαν τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ψεύδει1they

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were money changers or money traders. Paul means that they stopped believing what is true about God and started worshiping idols that represent creatures (See 1:23). If your readers would not understand what exchanged means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “these people refuse to trust what God says is true and accept what is false” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

171ROM125koeefigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ψεύδει1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns truth and lie in another way. Alternate translation: “what is correct about God and what is incorrect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

172ROM125e9pjfigs-possessionτὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1who worshiped and served the creation

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the relationship between God and the truth. Here, the truth of God could refer to: (1) what is true about God. Alternate translation: “Gods truth” (2) the truth that comes from God. Alternate translation: “the truth that comes from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

173ROM125v89ugrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1instead of

Here, and indicates that what follows is something else important about these ungodly and unrighteous people. In this context, and could refer to: (1) a marker of equivalence. Alternate translation: “in other words they” (2) a marker of purpose. Alternate translation: “so that they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

174ROM125bl7pfigs-doubletἐσεβάσθησαν καὶ ἐλάτρευσαν1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that these people totally rejected worshiping the true God. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “They reverently worshiped” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

175ROM125x3t4grammar-connect-logic-contrastπαρὰ1

What follows the word instead here is in contrast to what should be true, that all people would worship the true God who created them. Instead, these ungodly and unrighteous people worship what God created. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “in place of” or “rather than” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

176ROM125xrsafigs-distinguishὅς ἐστιν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας1

This phrase gives us further information about the Creator. It is not making a distinction between God and the Creator. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “God who should be praised forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

177ROM125m8zgtranslate-blessingὅς ἐστιν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας1

After naming the Creator, Paul adds a blessing. This is to reinforce how false the worship of these ungodly and unrighteous people is. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “may he be blessed forever and ever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])

178ROM125v1exfigs-nominaladjεὐλογητὸς1

Paul is using the adjective blessed as a noun in order to describe the Creator. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the God that should be blessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

179ROM126sk6f0

See 1:24 for how you translated the parallel words and ideas.

180ROM126jb2ggrammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦτο1Because of this

Here, For this reason introduces a result clause. In 1:26-32, Paul states the results of rejecting the true God and worshiping idols. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a result clause. Alternate translation: “Because of this” or “This is why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

181ROM126pil3figs-metaphorπαρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς πάθη ἀτιμίας1God gave them over to

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if God were physically moving them (See the note for this phrase and your translation at 1:24). He means that God is allowing them to have what they desire or is placing them under the control of their dishonorable passions. If your readers would not understand what it means in this context that God gave them over, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “God allows them to become controlled by vile sexually immoral acts” or “God permits them to dishonorably indulge in the sexual immoral activity they desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

182ROM126hw81figs-possessionπάθη ἀτιμίας1dishonorable passions

Paul is using the possessive form to describe passions that are characterized by dishonor. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “dishonorable” instead of the noun “dishonor.” Alternate translation: “dishonorable passions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

183ROM126lk73figs-abstractnounsπάθη ἀτιμίας1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract noun phrase passions of dishonor with a verbal phrase or another way. Alternate translation: “dishonor themselves by indulging in sexually immoral activity” or “passionately dishonor themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

184ROM126j4nigrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1for their women

Here, for indicates that what follows in 1:26-27 describes what passions of dishonor are. Alternate translation: “in other words,” or “indeed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

185ROM126v7d2αἵ τε γὰρ θήλειαι αὐτῶν μετήλλαξαν τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν εἰς τὴν παρὰ φύσιν1

See 1:25 for parallel language that indicates a connection between rejecting “the truth of God” and “Creator” and here accepting things contrary to nature.

186ROM126jqyifigs-metaphorμετήλλαξαν1

Paul speaks figuratively of these females as if they were money changers or money traders. Paul means that they stopped having natural sexual relations with males and began having sexual relations with females (See 1:24). If your readers would not understand what exchanged means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “these females stopped engaging in sexual activity with males and began engaging in sexual activity with females” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

187ROM126vs4afigs-euphemismτὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν εἰς τὴν παρὰ φύσιν1exchanged natural relations for those that were unnatural

Paul is referring to female homosexual activity as relations that are contrary to nature. This is a polite way of referring to something immoral. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “sexual activity with males for sexual activity with females” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

188ROM126hc1qfigs-abstractnounsτὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν εἰς τὴν παρὰ φύσιν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns relations and nature with a verbal phrase or in another way. Alternate translation: “natural sexual relationships for unnatural sexual relationships” or “how God intended them to engage in sexual activity for sexual activity that God did not intend” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

189ROM127ji3lgrammar-connect-words-phrasesὁμοίως τε καὶ οἱ ἄρσενες1

This phrase emphasizes that what follows is similar to 1:26. Alternate translation: “in the same way even the males” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

190ROM127g3jafigs-euphemismκαὶ οἱ ἄρσενες ἀφέντες τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν τῆς θηλείας1men also left their natural relations with women

This phrase refers to male homosexual activity. This is a polite way of referring to something immoral. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “even the males stop engaging in sexual activity with females” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

191ROM127gn3ffigs-metaphorἀφέντες1committed shameless acts

Paul speaks figuratively of these males as if they were going to another location. He means that they are abandoning or rejecting the way intended them to engage in sexual activity. If your readers would not understand what having left means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “after abandoning” or “because they rejected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

192ROM127c7jafigs-abstractnounsχρῆσιν1burned in their lust for one another

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun use with a verbal phrase or in another way. Alternate translation: “sexual relationship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

193ROM127qvi3figs-possessionτῆς θηλείας1men and received in themselves the penalty they deserved for their error

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the natural use that is associated with the female. Alternate translation: “associated with the female” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

194ROM127yvm1figs-metaphorἐξεκαύθησαν ἐν τῇ ὀρέξει αὐτῶν εἰς ἀλλήλους1error

Paul speaks figuratively of lust as if it were something that could be set on fire or something that flares out like a flame. He means that their lust is out of control like a burning fire. If your readers would not understand what burned means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “passionately lusted after one another” or “intensely desired each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

195ROM127ylj6figs-abstractnounsἐν τῇ ὀρέξει αὐτῶν εἰς ἀλλήλους1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun lust in another way. Alternate translation: “by passionately desiring each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

196ROM127z759writing-pronounsἀλλήλους1

The pronoun one another refers to other males. Alternate translation: “different males” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

197ROM127kxwjfigs-euphemismἄρσενες ἐν ἄρσεσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην κατεργαζόμενοι1

This phrase refers to male homosexual activity. This is a polite way of referring to something immoral. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “males shamelessly engaging in sexual activity with each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

198ROM127u2hhfigs-metaphorκατεργαζόμενοι1

Paul speaks figuratively of homosexual activity as if it could work or produce something. He means that their homosexual activity is morally shameful. If your readers would not understand what bringing about means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “committing” or “engaging in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

199ROM127fdzsτὴν ἀσχημοσύνην1

In the original, the phrase shameless acts is one abstract noun. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use translate shameless acts as a singular phrase or in another way. Alternate translation: “shameless activity” or “what is shameless”

200ROM127sjhbfigs-infostructureκαὶ τὴν ἀντιμισθίαν ἣν ἔδει τῆς πλάνης αὐτῶν, ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἀπολαμβάνοντες1

In the original, the word order is different, emphasizing the penalty. If it would be more natural in your language, you could arrange the order of these phrases to emphasize the penalty they deserved for their error. Alternate translation: “and the penalty they deserved for their error they received in themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

201ROM127jtrugrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

Here, and indicates that what follows is the result of their shameless acts. Alternate translation: “and as a result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

202ROM127raetfigs-metaphorἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἀπολαμβάνοντες1

Paul speaks figuratively of the penalty for homosexual activity as if it were something that could happen inside of them. If your readers would not understand what receiving in themselves means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “experiencing in their own bodies” or “receiving among themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

203ROM127byshfigs-rpronounsἑαυτοῖς1

Paul uses the word themselves to emphasize how serious the penalty for homosexual activity is. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “their very own bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

204ROM127x6fzfigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀντιμισθίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun the penalty in another way. Alternate translation: “the punishing act” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

205ROM127dbttfigs-distinguishἣν ἔδει τῆς πλάνης αὐτῶν1

This phrase gives us further information about the penalty. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “which is required for how they erred” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

206ROM128cx7ygrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ καθὼς1Because they did not approve of having God in their awareness

Here, **And just as” emphasizes that what follows refers back to similar ideas in 1:18-27. Alternate translation: “Similarly,” or “In the same way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

207ROM128bt7ufigs-metaphorοὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν, τὸν Θεὸν ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει1they … their … them

Paul speaks figuratively of God as if these people could decide to hold him inside their head. He means that they do not care to think about God. If your readers would not understand what this phrase means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “these people consider it useless to recognize that God exists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

208ROM128f53xfigs-abstractnounsτὸν Θεὸν ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun phrase for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract noun phrase having God in their awareness in another way. Alternate translation: “acknowledging that God exists” or “remembering to think about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

209ROM128yy1cfigs-metaphorπαρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν1he gave them up to a depraved mind

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if God were physically moving them (See the note for this phrase and your translation at 1:24,26). He means that God is allowing them to have what they desire or is placing them under the control of a depraved mind. If your readers would not understand what it means in this context that God gave them over, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “God allows them to become inclined toward things of which he disapproves” or “God permits them to inwardly perceive useless things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

210ROM128p8z2figs-abstractnounsεἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν1not proper

If your language does not use an abstract noun phrase for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract noun phrase to a depraved mind in another way. Alternate translation: “to incline toward things God disapproves” or “to inwardly perceive worthless things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

211ROM128ie4lποιεῖν1

This phrase could refer to: (1) the result of a depraved mind. Alternate translation: “as a result they do” or “causing them to practice” (2) the purpose of a depraved mind. Alternate translation: “so that they do”

212ROM128aye6figs-extrainfoτὰ μὴ καθήκοντα1

By those things that are not proper, Paul implies that those things are what follows in 1:29-31. Since this expression is explained in the next verses, you do not need to explain its meaning further here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

213ROM129c2e2figs-litany1They have been filled with

Paul uses a repetitive series of sentences and ideas in 1:29-31 to show how depraved these ungodly and unrighteous people have become. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” This is a list of “the things that are not proper” of which the ungodly and unrighteous people in 1:18-28 are guilty. Paul goes on to say in 1:32 that people “who practice such things are deserving of death.” Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone has done wrong. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

214ROM129y307figs-parallelismπεπληρωμένους πάσῃ ἀδικίᾳ, πονηρίᾳ, πλεονεξίᾳ, κακίᾳ; μεστοὺς φθόνου, φόνου, ἔριδος, δόλου, κακοηθείας1

These two clauses mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in similar ways, to amplify how bad these people are. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases under one verb. Alternate translation: “These people are fully: unrighteous, wicked, covetous, malicious, envious, murderous, argumentative, deceitful, and crafty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

215ROM129v0zjfigs-metaphorπεπληρωμένους πάσῃ ἀδικίᾳ1

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were a full container. He means that they have reached the limit of being sinful. If your readers would not understand what having been filled means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. “These people are totally dominated by refusing to become right God” or “These people are fully controlled by acting unrighteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

216ROM129t4qmfigs-activepassiveπεπληρωμένους1They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and evil intentions

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that the ungodly and unrighteous people did it (See 1:18. Alternate translation: “These people are dominated” or “These people are controlled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

217ROM129uqksfigs-abstractnounsἀδικίᾳ, πονηρίᾳ, πλεονεξίᾳ, κακίᾳ; μεστοὺς φθόνου, φόνου, ἔριδος, δόλου, κακοηθείας; ψιθυριστάς1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind these abstract nouns as verb phrases like the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

218ROM129ptcjfigs-abstractnounsκακίᾳ; μεστοὺς…ψιθυριστάς1

Words are left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, and, they, and, as well as They are are added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

219ROM129pkrdfigs-possessionμεστοὺς φθόνου, φόνου, ἔριδος, δόλου, κακοηθείας1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe traits that characterize these ungodly and unrighteous people. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjectives instead of the nouns. Alternate translation: “they are fully envious, murderous, argumentative, deceptive, and crafty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

220ROM129a7s3figs-metaphorμεστοὺς φθόνου1

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were a full container. He means that they have reached the limit of being sinful. If your readers would not understand what having been filled means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. “These people are totally dominated by acting envious” or “These people are fully controlled by acting envious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

221ROM129dzdafigs-nominaladjμεστοὺς1

Paul is using the adjective *full as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “they are people who are full” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

222ROM130f4ttfigs-nominaladjθεοστυγεῖς, ὑβριστάς, ὑπερηφάνους, ἀλαζόνας…κακῶν…ἀπειθεῖς1slanderers

Paul is using these adjectives as nouns in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “people who hate God, people who are insolent, people who are arrogant, people who are boastful … of evil things … people who are disobedient” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

223ROM130th8qfigs-abstractnounsκαταλάλους…ἐφευρετὰς κακῶν1inventing ways of doing evil

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns slanderers and inventors in another way. Alternate translation: “these people speak against others … these people discover new ways to do evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

224ROM130qq50figs-possessionἐφευρετὰς κακῶν1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe inventors that do evil things. If this is not clear in your language, you could make this phrase a verb form. Alternate translation: “they invent evil things” or “they discover how to do new kinds of evil deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

225ROM130f4a0grammar-collectivenounsκακῶν1

The word evil is a plural noun that refers to a group of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “a group of people” or “many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

226ROM131i7ixfigs-nominaladjἀσυνέτους, ἀσυνθέτους, ἀστόργους, ἀνελεήμονας1

Paul is using these adjectives as nouns in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are senseless, people who are faithless, people who are heartless, and people who merciless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

227ROM131rticfigs-ellipsisἀνελεήμονας1

A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, and is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

228ROM132cxx8figs-abstractnounsτὸ δικαίωμα1They understand the righteous regulations of God

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun the righteous decree in another way. Alternate translation: “what is rightly decreed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

229ROM132ytu6τὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1that those who practice such things

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a the righteous decree that comes from God. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “Gods” instead of the noun “God.” Alternate translation: “Gods righteous decree” or “what God decrees is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

230ROM132z12qgrammar-connect-words-phrasesὅτι1are deserving of death

Here, that indicates that what follows is the content of the the righteous decree of God. Alternate translation: “namely,” or “in other words,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

231ROM132ama2writing-pronounsοἱ…πράσσοντες1these things

The pronoun those refers to humanity in general. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a natural way in your language to emphasize those. Alternate translation: “those people who continue to do” or “anyone who practices” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

232ROM132iqg1writing-pronounsτὰ τοιαῦτα…αὐτὰ…τοῖς πράσσουσιν1who do them

The pronouns such things and things and them refer to the litany of “the things that are not proper” in 1:2832. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could make such things and things and them explicit. Alternate translation: “such improper things … these improper things … those who keep doing these improper things” or “these kinds of evil things … these evil things … those who keep doing these evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

233ROM132p9e9figs-nominaladjἄξιοι1

Paul is using the adjective deserving as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “are people who deserve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

234ROM132t0lsfigs-possessionἄξιοι θανάτου εἰσίν…συνευδοκοῦσιν τοῖς πράσσουσιν1

Paul is using the possessive forms death and those who do them as objects of the clause. Alternate translation: “are worthy to die … well pleased with people who practice these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

235ROM132jbu5figs-explicitοὐ μόνον…ποιοῦσιν1

The implication is that the people who do these things are the same as They. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they not only do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

236ROM132abwygrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ καὶ1

What follows the words but also here is in contrast to what was expected, that these evil people would be ashamed of their actions, not proud of them. Instead, these evil people even dare to approve of evil behavior. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “instead they even” or “surprisingly they even” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

237ROM2introdse20

Romans 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter shifts its audience from Roman Christians to those who “judge” other people and do not believe in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

“Therefore you are without excuse”

This phrase looks back at Chapter 1. In some ways, it actually concludes what Chapter 1 teaches. This phrase explains why everyone in the world must worship the true God.

Special concepts in this chapter

“Doers of the Law”

Those who try to obey the law will not be justified by trying to obey it. Those who are justified by believing in Jesus show that their faith is real by obeying Gods commands. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Paul uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical questions is to make the reader see their sin so they will trust in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Hypothetical Situation

In context, “he will give eternal life” in verse 7 is a hypothetical statement. If a person could live a perfect life, they would earn eternal life as a reward. But only Jesus was able to live a perfect life.

Paul gives another hypothetical situation in verses 17-29. Here he explains that even those who earnestly try to obey the law of Moses are guilty of violating the law. In English, this is about those who follow the “letter” of the law but cannot follow the “spirit” or general principles of the law. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“You who judge”

At times, You can translate this in a simpler way. But it is translated in this relatively awkward way because when Paul refers to “people who judge” he is also saying that everyone judges. It is possible to translate this as “those who judge (and everyone judges).”

238ROM21y6tsgrammar-connect-logic-resultδιὸ1Connecting Statement:

Here, Therefore marks a new section of the letter. It also introduces a result clause that summarizes the consequences of the behavior Paul describes in Romans 1:1832. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “As a result” or “So then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

239ROM21d7pjgrammar-collectivenounsεἶ…κρίνεις…σεαυτὸν κατακρίνεις…πράσσεις, ὁ κρίνων1Therefore you are without excuse

Here, you is a singular pronoun that refers to all of humanity in general. If your language does not use singular pronouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “every one of you is … every one of you judges … every one of you condemns yourself … every one of you who judges practices” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

240ROM21md5efigs-exclamationsὦ ἄνθρωπε1you

Here, O man is an exclamation that is meant to convict every judgmental person in the human race. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this idea. Alternate translation: “every human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

241ROM21x3migrammar-collectivenounsἄνθρωπε1you are

Here, man is a singular noun that refers to humanity in general. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

242ROM21n2mugrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, for introduces a reason clause. Paul gives the reasons why anyone who judges is at the same time condemning themselves. Alternate translation: “because” or “since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

243ROM21jt4bwriting-pronounsἐν ᾧ1you person, you who judge

The word translated that which is a pronoun that refers to any way or anytime a person might judge another. You may need to make this explicit in your language. Alternate translation: “anytime” or “in anything that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

244ROM21ybp2writing-pronounsτὸν ἕτερον1for what you judge in another you condemn in yourself

The pronoun another refers to any other person. You may need to make this explicit in your language. Alternate translation: “any other person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

245ROM21bzjpfigs-rpronounsσεαυτὸν κατακρίνεις1

Paul uses the word yourself to emphasize the surprising truth that judging others is self-condemning. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this surprise. Alternate translation: “you are self-condemned” or “you really judge yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

246ROM21nz11grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

Here, for introduces a clause that explains why these judgmental people are self-condemned. Alternate translation: “this is because” or “indeed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

247ROM21uwwzfigs-parallelismἐν ᾧ γὰρ κρίνεις τὸν ἕτερον, σεαυτὸν κατακρίνεις; τὰ γὰρ αὐτὰ πράσσεις, ὁ κρίνων.1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in similar ways, to emphasize that these judgmental people are self-condemned. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “indeed, judging other people is self-condemning because you do exactly what they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

248ROM21wumcwriting-pronounsτὰ…αὐτὰ1

The phrase the same things is a pronoun that refers to acts for which people judge one another. Use a natural way in your language to communicate this idea. Alternate translation: “the very same deeds” or “the same sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

249ROM22rgw4grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1those who practice such things

Here, But indicates that what follows is something else important that the church of Rome should pay attention to. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that” or “Indeed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

250ROM22jr4ifigs-exclusiveοἴδαμεν1But we know

Here, we could refer to: (1) Paul and the church at Rome. Alternate translation: “all of us believers in Christ” (2) mankind in general. Alternate translation: “all people” Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

251ROM22pv7qgrammar-connect-words-phrasesὅτι1

Here, that indicates that what follows is the content of what we know. Use a natural way in your language to mark the beginning of an explanation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

252ROM22kfy1figs-abstractnounsτὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν κατὰ ἀλήθειαν1Gods judgment is according to truth when it falls on those

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns judgment and truth in another way. Alternate translation: “when God judges it is always trustworthy” or “how God judges is based on what is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

253ROM22qca8figs-possessionτὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form of God to describe judgment. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “Gods” instead of the noun “God.” Alternate translation: “Gods judgment” or “how God judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

254ROM22c9orfigs-explicitτὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul assumes that his readers will know that the judgment of God refers to the time of final judgment for the human race (See 2:16). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Gods final judgment” or “when God finally judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

255ROM22q98tfigs-asideἐπὶ τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντας1

Paul could be saying this as an aside in order to express his negative evaluation of the judgmental “man” in 2:1,3. If this would be confusing in your language, you can continue his address to the “man” in the second person. Alternate translation: “upon you who practice such things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])

256ROM22e3fqfigs-metaphorἐπὶ1

Paul speaks figuratively of judgment as if it could be placed on top of these people. He means that Gods judgment is against or attacking or looming over these people. If your readers would not understand what upon means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “against” or “looming over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

257ROM22j46fwriting-pronounsτοὺς…πράσσοντας1

The pronoun those refers to humanity in general (See 1:32. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use a natural way in your language to emphasize those. Alternate translation: “those people who continue to do” or “anyone who practices” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

258ROM22mjaowriting-pronounsτὰ τοιαῦτα1

The pronoun such things refers to the litany of “the things that are not proper” in 1:2832. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could make such things explicit. Alternate translation: “such improper things” or “these kinds of evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

259ROM23zwg7figs-rquestionλογίζῃ δὲ τοῦτο, ὦ ἄνθρωπε, ὁ κρίνων τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντας, καὶ ποιῶν αὐτά, ὅτι σὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ?1person

Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize that these judgmental people should know that God will finally judge them. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You scorn the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience! You know that the kindness of God leads to repentance!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

260ROM23ijd6grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1consider this

Here, But indicates that what follows resumes Pauls rebuke of the judgmental man in 2:1. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

261ROM23jct9writing-pronounsτοῦτο1

The pronoun this refers to the final clause of this verse that you will escape from the judgment of God. You could use a natural way in your language to emphasize or make this idea explicit. Alternate translation: “this fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

262ROM23rk75figs-exclamationsὦ ἄνθρωπε1you who judge those who practice such things although you do the same things

Here, O man is an exclamation that is meant to convict every judgmental person in the human race (See 2:1](../02/01.md)). Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this idea. Alternate translation: “every human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

263ROM23ysysfigs-infostructureὁ κρίνων τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντας, καὶ ποιῶν αὐτά, ὅτι σὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “that you will escape from the judgment of God, when you judge those who are practicing such things and you are doing the same things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

264ROM23p7mwfigs-parallelismὁ κρίνων τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντας, καὶ ποιῶν αὐτά1Will you escape from the judgment of God?

These two phrases those who are practicing such things and you are doing the same things have the same meaning. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show the hypocrisy of these judgmental people. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “who keeps doing the same things you judge others for doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

265ROM23mo4pwriting-pronounsτὰ τοιαῦτα…αὐτά1

The pronouns such things and the same things refer to the litany of “the things that are not proper” in 1:2832. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could make such things and the same things explicit. Alternate translation: “such improper things … the same improper” or “these kinds of evil things … the same evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

266ROM23bd82figs-personificationὅτι σὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, judgment is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person that someone could run away from. Paul means that Gods judgment is decisive and final. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “that God will not decisively judge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

267ROM23n94ugrammar-connect-words-phrasesὅτι σὺ1

Here, that indicates that what follows is the content of what this man is thinking. You could use natural way in your language to emphasize this idea. Alternate translation: “that you actually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

268ROM23h47vfigs-abstractnounsσὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun judgment in another way. Alternate translation: “you can escape when God finally judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

269ROM23mawifigs-possessionτὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form of God to describe judgment. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “Gods” instead of the noun “God.” Alternate translation: “Gods judgment” or “how God judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

270ROM23hpejfigs-explicitτὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul assumes that his readers will know that the judgment of God refers to the time of final judgment for the human race (See 2:2,16). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Gods final judgment” or “when God finally judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

271ROM24pex3figs-rquestionἢ τοῦ πλούτου τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας καταφρονεῖς, ἀγνοῶν ὅτι τὸ χρηστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰς μετάνοιάν σε ἄγει?1Or do you think so little of the riches of his goodness, his delayed punishment, and his patience … repentance?

Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize that these judgmental people should actually know that the kindness of God leads them to repentance. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You scorn the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience! You know that the kindness of God leads you to repentance!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

272ROM24v9yfwriting-pronounsκαταφρονεῖς…σε1

The pronoun you is singular and refers to “man” in 2:1,3 throughout 2:4-5, as representative of the whole human race. If your language does not use singular pronouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “do you O man scorn … you O man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

273ROM24w537figs-metaphorτοῦ πλούτου τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας1Do you think so little of the riches … patience

Paul speaks figuratively of Gods kindness and forbearance and patience as if they were wealth that could be acquired or rejected. He means that these people reject Gods way to acquire repentance. If your readers would not understand what the riches means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “how supremely kind and lenient and calm God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

274ROM24swj9figs-abstractnounsτοῦ πλούτου τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας1Do you not know that his goodness is meant to lead you to repentance?

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words kindness, forbearance, and patience**, you could express these same ideas with verbal forms or in another way. Alternate translation: “that God is greatly gracious, tolerates sinners, and is patient” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

275ROM24ppltfigs-possessionτῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας…τὸ χρηστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe how his kindness, forbearance, and patience relates to God. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “Gods” instead of the pronoun his and the noun God, or express this idea another way. Alternate translation: “Gods kindness, forbearance, and patience … Gods kindness” or “ of how kind, lenient, and calm God is … since God is so kind, he” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

276ROM24u0iogrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς μετάνοιάν σε ἄγει1

Here, to repentance is a goal clause. Paul is stating the goal of the kindness of God. Use a natural way in your language to indicate a goal clause. Alternate translation: “leads you to repent” or “guides you to deeply change the way you perceive things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

277ROM24jamvfigs-abstractnounsμετάνοιάν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word repentance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or in another way. Alternate translation: “to repent” or “to deeply change the way you perceive things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

278ROM25t8pvgrammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1Connecting Statement:

What follows the word But here is in contrast to how these judgmental people should respond to Gods “kindness” (See 2:4). Instead, their lack of repentance ensures that God will finally judge them. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “However” or “Indeed” or “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

279ROM25agl8figs-metaphorκατὰ δὲ τὴν σκληρότητά σου καὶ ἀμετανόητον καρδίαν1But it is to the extent of your hardness and unrepentant heart

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were hard substance and as if their heart were a person who could repent. He means that these people stubbornly refuse to repent from their judgmental way of life. If your readers would not understand what your hardness and unrepentant heart means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “However, based on how stubborn you are and how you refuse to repent” or “In fact, since you are so obstinate and refuse to change the way you perceive things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

280ROM25v6z1figs-metonymyκαρδίαν1

Here, heart is a metonym for a persons will or inner being. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “will” or “inner being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

281ROM25f52gfigs-hendiadysτὴν σκληρότητά σου καὶ ἀμετανόητον1hardness and unrepentant heart

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word hardness describes how unrepentant these people are. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use and. Alternate translation: “your stubbornly unrepentant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

282ROM25nbycfigs-abstractnounsθησαυρίζεις σεαυτῷ ὀργὴν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ,1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words wrath, revelation, and judgment you could express the same ideas with verbal forms or in another way. Alternate translation: “God will intensely punish you at the final time when he punishes and reveals how he will judge those who are not right with him” or “you are increasing how intensely God will punish you when he punishes and finally reveals how fairly he judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

283ROM25fv4kfigs-metaphorθησαυρίζεις σεαυτῷ ὀργὴν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς1you are storing up for yourself wrath

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they could store up wrath like a treasure. He means that the more they refuse to repent, the greater will be their punishment when God finally judges all humanity on the day of wrath. If your readers would not understand what storing up means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “you are increasing how much God will punish you when he finally punishes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

284ROM25pck0figs-explicitἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul assumes that his readers will know that the day of wrath and the judgment of God refers to the time of final judgment for the human race (See 2:2,16). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “for the time God finally punishes and when God reveals how he will justly judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

285ROM25h8cpfigs-doubletἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ1on the day of wrath … of the revelation of Gods righteous judgment

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize the two components of the Judgment Day: wrath against unrepentant people and righteous judgment for those who repent. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “on the final day that God will punish unrepentant people and reveal who is righteous” or “when God finally reveals how he punishes the unrepentant and vindicates his righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

286ROM25yqtafigs-idiomἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς1

Here, the phrase the day of wrath is an idiom that refers to the common Old Testament phrase for Gods final judgment of the human race (For example see Zephaniah 1:15, 18; 2:3). Paul does not mean that this is a literal day when this will happen, but a period of time or even outside of how humans reckon time. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could capitalize the term day or make this explicit some other way. Alternate translation: “when God punishes for the last time” or “on the Day of Gods wrath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

287ROM25fnpjfigs-possessionἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive forms of the revelation and of the righteous and of God to describe the judgment. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a verb clause to express these ideas. Alternate translation: “when God reveals how righteously he judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

288ROM26frovfigs-quotationsἀποδώσει ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this modified Old Testament quotation (See Septuagint Psalm 62:13); Proverbs 24:12) as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “will pay back to each according to his deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

289ROM26ylpm1

In 2:7-10, Paul explains what he means that God will pay back to each according to his deeds. If your language does not use a colon to indicate that that follows is the explanation of an idea, use a natural way in your language to make this explicit.

290ROM26c4dnwriting-pronounsἑκάστῳ1will pay back

The pronoun each refers to every human being. If your readers would not understand this, you could make this referent explicit. Alternate translation: “to every human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

291ROM26gj1qfigs-abstractnounsκατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ1to every person according to his actions

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun deeds in another way. Alternate translation: “for how they act” or “based on what he does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

292ROM27rrbffigs-infostructureτοῖς μὲν καθ’ ὑπομονὴν ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ, δόξαν καὶ τιμὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν ζητοῦσιν, ζωὴν αἰώνιον;1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “to those who are seeking glory and honor and incorruptibility, according to consistent, good actionseternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

293ROM27sqdofigs-metaphorτοῖς…ζητοῦσιν1

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were on a quest for something lost. He means that they are striving or trying to live in such a way as to achieve eternal life. If your readers would not understand what are seeking means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “for those who … keep working to attain” or “to those people who … keep hoping to attain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

294ROM27ub51figs-abstractnounsδόξαν καὶ τιμὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν1praise, honor, and incorruptibility

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns glory, honor, and incorruptibility in another way. Alternate translation: “for God to glorify, honor, and cause them to live forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

295ROM27gec6figs-ellipsisζωὴν αἰώνιον1seeking

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “eternal life is what God pays back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

296ROM28dtftfigs-parallelism1

2:7 and 2:8 mean the opposite thing. Paul says similar things in opposite ways, to show the contrasting rewards for those who do good or obey unrighteousness. Use a natural way in your language to make these ideas explicit.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

297ROM28guq1grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1Connecting Statement:

What follows the word but here is in contrast to the people with good actions in 2:7. Instead, these people obey unrighteousness (See 1:18). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “however,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

298ROM28wa6ffigs-abstractnounsὀργὴ καὶ θυμός1self-seeking

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns wrath and fierce anger in another way. Alternate translation: “God will intensely punish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

299ROM28blwxfigs-doubletὀργὴ καὶ θυμός1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize Gods intense anger toward those who disobey the truth. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “fierce wrath” or “angry wrath” or “wrathful anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

300ROM28c2n3figs-ellipsisτοῖς…ἐξ1wrath

A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, are is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to those who are from“ or “to those who have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

301ROM28j1e6figs-abstractnounsἐξ ἐριθείας1wrath and fierce anger will come

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun translated selfish ambition in another way. Alternate translation: “selfishly motivated” or “hostile toward God” or “contentious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

302ROM28peqffigs-possessionἐξ ἐριθείας1

Paul is using the possessive form from self ambition. Here, it could refer to: (1) selfish desire. Alternate translation: “selfishly motivated” (2) hostility. Alternate translation: “hostile” (3) rivalry. Alternate translation: “contentious” or “factious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

303ROM28fcb4figs-parallelismἀπειθοῦσι τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, πειθομένοις δὲ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ1disobey the truth but obey unrighteousness

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show that how bad these people are. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “who are disobedient to all that is true and right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

304ROM28xhtmfigs-personificationἀπειθοῦσι τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, πειθομένοις δὲ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ1

Here, the truth is spoken of figuratively as if it were a person someone could disobey, and unrighteousness as if it were a person that someone could obey. Paul means that these people reject what God says is true and right by disobeying him. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “who reject what God says is true and right by disobeying him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

305ROM28m7pmfigs-abstractnounsτῇ ἀληθείᾳ…τῇ ἀδικίᾳ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns truth and unrighteousness in another way. Alternate translation: “what is true … what is unrighteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

306ROM29tdlufigs-parallelism1

2:9 and 2:10 mean the opposite thing. Paul says similar things in opposite ways, to show the contrasting rewards for those who do what is evil or “good.” Use a natural way in your language to make these ideas explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

307ROM29ospbfigs-metaphorθλῖψις καὶ στενοχωρία, ἐπὶ πᾶσαν ψυχὴν ἀνθρώπου τοῦ κατεργαζομένου τὸ κακόν1

Paul speaks figuratively of Tribulation and distress as if these ideas were located on top of a person. He means that every evil person will experience Tribulation and distress . If your readers would not understand what will be on means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “God will cause every person who keeps acting evil to become troubled and distressed” or “Every human being who habitually does what is evil will experience distress and difficulty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

308ROM29qonffigs-abstractnounsθλῖψις καὶ στενοχωρία, ἐπὶ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns Tribulation and ** distress** in another way. Alternate translation: “God will bring difficult and distressing times to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

309ROM29u8f7figs-doubletθλῖψις καὶ στενοχωρία1tribulation and distress on

These two words mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how intense Gods judgment will be against these people. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “Distressing tribulation” or “Intense distress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

310ROM29ck9ifigs-synecdocheἐπὶ πᾶσαν ψυχὴν ἀνθρώπου1on every human soul

Paul refers figuratively to the human soul to mean the whole life of a person. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “will come to every human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

311ROM29n7q4figs-nominaladjτὸ κακόν1has practiced evil

Paul is using the adjective evil as a noun in order to describe things people do. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “what is evil” or “things that are evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

312ROM29a9s5figs-merismἸουδαίου τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνος1to the Jew first, and also to the Greek

Paul figuratively refers to the Jew and the Greek, using these types of people in order to include all of humanity or every human soul (See the same phrase in 1:16). Since the Jews were chosen by God to be his people, they are first to experience Gods Tribulation and distress if they do evil, then the Greek, who does not know who God is. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “first for the Jewish person and then for the non-Jewish person” or “for both the Jewish people and the Gentiles” or “regardless of ethnicity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

313ROM210vt1fgrammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1But praise, honor, and peace will come to everyone

What follows the word But here is in contrast to what those who “work the evil” will experience. Instead, those who work the good will experience glory and honor and peace. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “However” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

314ROM210i9tgfigs-abstractnounsδόξα δὲ, καὶ τιμὴ, καὶ εἰρήνη, παντὶ τῷ ἐργαζομένῳ τὸ ἀγαθόν1practices good

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns glory, honor, and peace in another way (See how you translated 2:7). Alternate translation: “God will glorify, and honor, and cause everyone who does what is good to live peacefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

315ROM210zg3sfigs-nominaladjπαντὶ1to the Jew first, and also to the Greek

Paul is using the adjective everyone as a pronoun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “will be to each person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

316ROM210ib56figs-nominaladjτὸ ἀγαθόν1first

Paul is using the adjective good as a noun in order to describe things people do. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “good deeds” or “things that are good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

317ROM210u06jἸουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι1

See how you translated this phrase in 2:9

318ROM211s7a6grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1For there is no favoritism with God

Here, For introduces a reason clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why someone does something. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

319ROM211eol0figs-abstractnounsοὐ…ἐστιν προσωπολημψία παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun favoritism in another way. Alternate translation: “God does not honor one type of person above another” or “God is not more favorable toward a Jewish person than a Greek person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

320ROM212ve06figs-parallelismὅσοι γὰρ ἀνόμως ἥμαρτον, ἀνόμως καὶ ἀπολοῦνται; καὶ ὅσοι ἐν νόμῳ ἥμαρτον, διὰ νόμου κριθήσονται1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing, in slightly different ways, to show that God will punish as many as have sinned without “favoritism” (See 2:11). If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “For as many as have sinned will perish and God will judgewhether or not they have Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

321ROM212wkx8grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1For as many as have sinned

Here, For indicates that what follows in 2:12-16 explains the phrase “there is no favoritism with God” (See 2:11). Use a natural way in your language to make this emphasis explicit. Alternate translation: “Indeed” or “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

322ROM212ml3kwriting-pronounsὅσοι…ὅσοι1without the law will also perish without the law

The pronoun as many as is plural and refers to “the Jew” and “the Greek” in 2:9-10. You could use a way that is natural in your language to make this use of as many as explicit. Alternate translation: “all the Jews and Greeks that” or “whatever types of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

323ROM212m6cyἀνόμως…ἀνόμως1as many as have sinned

Here, without the law could refer to: (1) not having Gods law. Alternate translation: “apart from Gods law” or “outside of Gods law” (2) breaking Gods law. Alternate translation: “by acting lawlessly” You could use a natural way in your language to emphasize this use of without the law.

324ROM212qkh4ἀνόμως καὶ ἀπολοῦνται1

Here, and will perish could refer to: (1) the eternal destruction of non-Jews. Alternate translation: “God will also destroy them apart from what the law requires” (2) how God will judge the non-Jews. Alternate translation: “God will not hold them responsible for what they did not know about his law when he destroys them” Use a natural way in your language to make express this idea.

325ROM212y3bufigs-metaphorἐν νόμῳ1with respect to the law will be judged by the law

Paul speaks figuratively of the Jews as if they were located underneath the law. He means that when they sin they are guilty of breaking the law because they are Jews and know what the law requires. If your readers would not understand what it means to be under the law in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “while knowing what Gods law requires” or “being aware of what Gods law says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

326ROM212w4cpfigs-activepassiveδιὰ νόμου κριθήσονται1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God will judge the Jews according to his law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

327ROM212a0k4figs-personificationδιὰ νόμου1

Here, the law is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could judge someone. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “according to what the law requires or “by what the law says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

328ROM213k32ufigs-aside1For

In 2:1315, Paul could be saying these things as an aside in order to further explain the distinction between Gods future judgment against Jews and non-Jews who live sinfully. If this would be confusing in your language, you could indicate this with parentheses or another way that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])

329ROM213rqfmfigs-parallelismοὐ γὰρ οἱ ἀκροαταὶ νόμου δίκαιοι παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ, ἀλλ’ οἱ ποιηταὶ νόμου δικαιωθήσονται1

These two phrases mean the opposite thing. Paul says the opposite thing, in slightly different ways, to distinguish what kind of people God makes right with himself. If saying the opposite thing, in slightly different ways, might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the ideas into one. Alternate translation: “God will only make right with himself those who do what his law says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

330ROM213eg4hfigs-metaphorοὐ γὰρ οἱ ἀκροαταὶ νόμου δίκαιοι παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ1who are righteous before God

Paul speaks figuratively of righteous people as if they are located in the presence of God. He means that God makes them right with himself. If your readers would not understand what before God means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “Indeed, God does not make righteous those who simply hear his law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

331ROM213sw8xgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1Connecting Statement:

Here, For introduces a reason clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why someone does something. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

332ROM213t28wfigs-ellipsisοὐ…δίκαιοι1it is not the hearers of the law

A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, are is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “are not righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

333ROM213s4nafigs-nominaladjοὐ…δίκαιοι1but it is the doers of the law

Paul is using the adjective righteous as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “are not the people who are righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

334ROM213c1bufigs-activepassiveἀλλ’ οἱ ποιηταὶ νόμου δικαιωθήσονται1who will be justified

If your language does not use the passive form in this way you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “Instead, God will make righteous those who do what his law says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

335ROM214tktbfigs-parallelismὅταν γὰρ ἔθνη τὰ μὴ νόμον ἔχοντα, φύσει τὰ τοῦ νόμου ποιῶσιν, οὗτοι νόμον μὴ ἔχοντες, ἑαυτοῖς εἰσιν νόμος1

These two phrases do by nature the things of the law and are a law to themselves mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show what is truly means to obey Gods law. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine these ideas into one. Alternate translation: “When the Gentiles instinctually do what Gods law says, they are actually obeying Gods law, even though they are unaware of what it says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

336ROM214q2idgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1they do not have the law

Here, For indicates that what follows in 2:1416 is describing who the “doers of the law” are (See 2:13). Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

337ROM214piuwfigs-merismἔθνη1

Here Paul speaks figuratively, using the term Gentiles as a synonym for “the Greek,” and to refer to the part of humanity that is non-Jewish (See 2:910). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the nations” or “the non-Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

338ROM214vlumfigs-metaphorτὰ μὴ νόμον ἔχοντα…νόμον μὴ ἔχοντες1

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they own or possess the law. He means that they are unaware of the law that God gave to the Jewish people (See “without the law” in 2:12). If your readers would not understand what who do not have the law means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “who are unaware of Gods law … who are unaware of Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

339ROM214xpedfigs-metaphorφύσει1

Paul speaks figuratively of nature as if it were a source of power for the Gentiles to do what the law says. He means that the Gentiles naturally or instinctually understand what it means to obey Gods law. If your readers would not understand what by nature means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “instinctually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

340ROM214symgfigs-personificationἑαυτοῖς εἰσιν νόμος1

Here, the Gentiles are spoken of figuratively as though they were a law. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “are actually obeying Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

341ROM215xl6vfigs-metaphorοἵτινες ἐνδείκνυνται τὸ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου, γραπτὸν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν1By this they show

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they actually have the deeds of the law written on the surface of their hearts that people could see. He means that even though they are unaware of Gods law, they demonstrate that they naturally understand what Gods law requires by obeying it. If your readers would not understand what it means to show the deeds of the law, and what written on their hearts means in this context, you could use equivalent metaphors from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “By obeying Gods law, these Gentiles exhibit that they instinctually understand how God requires people to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

342ROM215x35cfigs-possessionτὸ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου1the actions required by the law are written in their hearts

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the work that characterizes obeying law. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “laws” instead of the noun “law.” Alternate translation: “the laws work” or “what the law requires a person to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

343ROM215v60qfigs-activepassiveοἵτινες ἐνδείκνυνται τὸ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου, γραπτὸν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use the passive form be written in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “By obeying Gods law, these Gentiles show that God has revealed deep within them how he requires people to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

344ROM215rsw7figs-parallelismσυνμαρτυρούσης αὐτῶν τῆς συνειδήσεως, καὶ μεταξὺ ἀλλήλων, τῶν λογισμῶν κατηγορούντων ἢ καὶ ἀπολογουμένων1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that God has given the Gentiles an inner witness so they can know what his law requires. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “their conscience testifies within them by accusing or defending them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

345ROM215z28qfigs-personificationσυνμαρτυρούσης αὐτῶν τῆς συνειδήσεως1bears witness to them, and their own thoughts either accuse or defend them

Here, the conscience is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person bearing witness in a courtroom. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “because the way God has made them inwardly aware of what his law requires confirms this is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

346ROM215o7wtfigs-abstractnounsτῆς συνειδήσεως1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun conscience in another way. Alternate translation: “with the way God has made them inwardly aware of what his law requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

347ROM215ub8tfigs-distinguishκαὶ μεταξὺ ἀλλήλων, τῶν λογισμῶν κατηγορούντων ἢ καὶ ἀπολογουμένων1

This clause explains what bearing witness means. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer or begin a new sentence like the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

348ROM215qk53figs-personificationκαὶ μεταξὺ ἀλλήλων, τῶν λογισμῶν κατηγορούντων ἢ καὶ ἀπολογουμένων1

Here, thoughts are spoken of figuratively as though they were a person who could accuse or defend someone in court. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation (remove preceding comma): “by accusing or defending them in the way they think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

349ROM216ep9afigs-explicitἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὅτε κρίνει ὁ Θεὸς τὰ κρυπτὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου, διὰ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1

Paul assumes that his readers know that Christ Jesus will represent God as judge at the final judgment. Paul also implies that Christ Jesus is God the Son (See 1:3,9), since Paul says God will judge and that this will happen through Christ Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the time when God the Son, Christ Jesus, will judge all the things people secretly think. This corresponds to Gods good news that I preach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

350ROM216c5fpfigs-explicitἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὅτε κρίνει ὁ Θεὸς1on the day when God will judge

Paul assumes that his readers will know that the day when God judges refers to the time of final judgment for the human race (See 2:2,5). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the time God ultimately judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

351ROM216o6kxfigs-idiomἐν ἡμέρᾳ1

Here, the phrase on the day is an idiom that refers to the common Old Testament phrase for Gods final judgment of the human race. Paul does not mean that this is a literal day when this will happen, but a period of time or even outside of how humans reckon time. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could capitalize day or make this explicit some other way. Alternate translation: “at the time” or “on the Day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

352ROM216lyvdfigs-possessionτὰ κρυπτὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe secrets that men have. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “human” instead of the noun “men.” Alternate translation: “human secrets” or “the things people secretly think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

353ROM216gxetfigs-abstractnounsτὰ κρυπτὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun secrets in another way. Alternate translation: “what people secretly think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

354ROM216r8hzfigs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “all human beings” or “all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

355ROM216xb7tfigs-infostructureκατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου, διὰ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “through Christ Jesus, according to my gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

356ROM216e9bpfigs-metaphorκατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου1

Paul speaks figuratively of the gospel as if it belongs to him. He means that this is the gospel with which God entrusted him to preach. If your readers would not understand what my gospel means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “based on Gods good news that I preach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

357ROM217lc6mgrammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1Connecting Statement:

Here, But marks a new section in [2:1729] where Paul shows why the Jews cannot escape Gods judgment either. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that” or “However” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

358ROM217cnq7grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1if you call yourself a Jew

In 2:17-20, Paul speaks as if these descriptions of Jews were hypothetical possibilities, but he means that they are actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since” or “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

359ROM217kfe8figs-youcrowdσὺ1

Even though Paul is speaking to the Jewish people, he is hypothetically addressing an individual, so you and your and yourself is singular throughout 2:1727. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your and yourself in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

360ROM217pglgfigs-metaphorσὺ Ἰουδαῖος ἐπονομάζῃ1

Paul speaks figuratively of the Jews as if they named themselves. He means that they consider themselves to be Gods people. If your readers would not understand what it means to name yourself a Jew in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “you call yourself Jewish” or “you regard yourself as truly Jewish” or “you designate yourself as Gods people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

361ROM217gz6jfigs-metaphorἐπαναπαύῃ νόμῳ,1rest upon the law

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were resting or leaning on Gods law. He means that they consider themselves as Gods people because they are descendants of the Jewish people who received Gods law from Moses. If your readers would not understand what it means to rely upon the law in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “think that obeying Gods law makes you one of Gods people” or “you consider that knowing Gods law makes you Jewish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

362ROM217dapjfigs-metaphorκαυχᾶσαι ἐν Θεῷ1

Paul speaks figuratively of the Jews as if they were boasting inside of God. He means that the Jews brag that they are the only nation that knows God. If your readers would not understand what it means to boast in God in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation, “brag that you are the only ones who know God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

363ROM218xn6wgrammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ γινώσκεις τὸ θέλημα, καὶ δοκιμάζεις τὰ διαφέροντα, κατηχούμενος ἐκ τοῦ νόμου,1because you have been instructed from the law

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “and because you are instructed from the law, you know his will and approve of what is excellent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

364ROM218l3wefigs-ellipsisτὸ θέλημα1know his will

A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, his is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

365ROM218qxktfigs-abstractnounsτὸ θέλημα1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun will in another way. Alternate translation: “what God wills” or “what God wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

366ROM218aqbhfigs-personificationκατηχούμενος ἐκ τοῦ νόμου1

Here, the law is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could instruct someone. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “since you have learned what Gods law says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

367ROM219nk76figs-rpronounsπέποιθάς τε σεαυτὸν ὁδηγὸν εἶναι τυφλῶν1

Paul uses the word yourself to emphasize how convinced the Jews are that they are the only ones who can spiritually guide others. Use a way that is natural in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “and you have convinced yourself that you alone can guide those who are spiritually blind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

368ROM219wi7zfigs-metaphorσεαυτὸν ὁδηγὸν εἶναι τυφλῶν1you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness

Paul speaks figuratively of the Jews as if they are the only people who can clearly see. He means that the Jews think they are the only ones who can spiritual lead others to Gods truth. If your readers would not understand what it means to be a guide to the blind in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “you are the only ones who can spiritually lead others to what Gods law says is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

369ROM219j76cfigs-parallelismὁδηγὸν…τυφλῶν, φῶς τῶν ἐν σκότει1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how spiritually unaware the Jews consider the non-Jews to be. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the two ideas into one. Alternate translation: “the only ones who can guide those who are spiritually unaware to what God says is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

370ROM219beopfigs-abstractnounsὁδηγὸν εἶναι τυφλῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun guide in another way. Alternate translation: “can guide the spiritually blind people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

371ROM219r4onfigs-nominaladjτυφλῶν1

Paul is using the adjective blind as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “to people who are spiritually blind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

372ROM219xlgefigs-personificationφῶς τῶν ἐν σκότει1

Here, light is spoken of figuratively as though it were a Jewish person who could illuminate those in darkness. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “someone who can reveal what is true to those who are spiritually unaware” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

373ROM220ymeygrammar-connect-logic-resultπαιδευτὴν ἀφρόνων, διδάσκαλον νηπίων, ἔχοντα τὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐν τῷ νόμῳ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the third phrase gives the reason for the result that the first two phrases describe. Alternate translation: “since you have in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth, you believe you should be an instructor of the foolish and a teacher of little children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

374ROM220pf6vfigs-parallelismπαιδευτὴν ἀφρόνων, διδάσκαλον νηπίων1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how spiritually unaware the Jews consider the non-Jews to be. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “people who must spiritually instruct those people who are as foolish as children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

375ROM220p7qqfigs-nominaladjἀφρόνων1a corrector of the foolish

Paul is using the adjective foolish as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “of people who are foolish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

376ROM220ar5afigs-metaphorδιδάσκαλον νηπίων1a teacher of little children

Paul speaks figuratively of the non-Jews as if they were little children. He means that they are spiritually uneducated or ignorant. If your readers would not understand what little children means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “people who are like uneducated infants” or “people who are spiritually ignorant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

377ROM220ose0figs-metaphorἔχοντα τὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐν τῷ νόμῳ1

Paul speaks figuratively of the law as if it were a shape or image a person could hold. He means that the law contains Gods true knowledge that the Jews think they exclusively own. If your readers would not understand what the form means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “understanding through Gods law what represents how a person can truly know God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

378ROM220ua61figs-possessionτὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας1

Paul is using the possessive forms of knowledge and of the truth to describe the form of the law. Here, of knowledge and of the truth could refer to: (1) what represents a true knowledge about God. Alternate translation: “what represents knowledge and truth” or “what forms true knowledge about God” (2) the source of true knowledge about God. Alternate translation: “the source of what we know about God and what is true about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

379ROM220ergsfigs-parallelismτῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how the law contains the true knowledge about God. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “of true knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

380ROM220y6i5figs-abstractnounsτῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns knowledge and ** truth** in another way. Alternate translation: “of what we know is true about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

381ROM221uq9yfigs-rquestionὁ…διδάσκων ἕτερον, σεαυτὸν οὐ διδάσκεις?1You who teach others, do you not teach yourself?

Paul is using a question to scold his listeners. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “you teach others, but you do not teach yourself!” or “you teach others, but you do not do what you teach!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

382ROM221hl38figs-rquestionὁ κηρύσσων μὴ κλέπτειν, κλέπτεις?1You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

Paul is using a question to scold his listeners. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “You tell people not to steal, but you steal!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

383ROM222vb45figs-rquestionὁ λέγων μὴ μοιχεύειν, μοιχεύεις?1You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?

Paul is using a question to scold his listeners. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “You tell people not to commit adultery, but you commit adultery!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

384ROM222qn68figs-rquestionὁ βδελυσσόμενος τὰ εἴδωλα, ἱεροσυλεῖς?1You who hate idols, do you rob temples?

Paul is using a question to scold his listener. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “You say you hate idols, but you rob temples!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

385ROM222mv4dἱεροσυλεῖς1Do you rob temples

This could mean: (1) they do not send to the Jerusalem temple all the money that is due to God. (2) they steal items from local pagan temples to sell and make a profit.

386ROM223grr3figs-rquestionὃς ἐν νόμῳ καυχᾶσαι διὰ τῆς παραβάσεως τοῦ νόμου, τὸν Θεὸν ἀτιμάζεις?1You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

Paul uses a question to scold his listener. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “It is wicked that you claim to be proud of the law, while at the same time you disobey it and bring shame to God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

387ROM224q13dfigs-activepassiveτὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ…βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “many Gentiles blaspheme the name of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

388ROM224xq7qfigs-metonymyὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ1name of God

The word name is a metonym that refers to the entirety of God, not just his name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

389ROM225i4970Connecting Statement:

Paul continues to show that God, by his law, condemns even the Jews who have Gods law.

390ROM225jg8qπεριτομὴ μὲν γὰρ ὠφελεῖ1For circumcision indeed benefits you

“I say all of this because being circumcised does benefit you”

391ROM225sbm3ἐὰν…παραβάτης νόμου ᾖς2if you break the law

“if you do not obey the commandments found in the law”

392ROM225xq62ἡ περιτομή σου, ἀκροβυστία γέγονεν1your circumcision becomes uncircumcision

“it is as though you were no longer circumcised”

393ROM226vt7fἡ ἀκροβυστία1the uncircumcised person

“the person who is not circumcised”

394ROM226nf3jτὰ δικαιώματα τοῦ νόμου φυλάσσῃ1keeps the requirements of the law

“obeys what God commands in the law”

395ROM226be71figs-rquestionοὐχ ἡ ἀκροβυστία αὐτοῦ εἰς περιτομὴν λογισθήσεται?1will not his uncircumcision be considered as circumcision?

Paul asks this question to emphasize that circumcision is not what makes one right before God. Alternate translation: “he will be considered as circumcised.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

396ROM226nd8ofigs-activepassiveοὐχ ἡ ἀκροβυστία αὐτοῦ εἰς περιτομὴν λογισθήσεται?1

You can translate this question as a statement in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will consider him as circumcised.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

397ROM227lqz2figs-activepassiveκαὶ κρινεῖ ἡ ἐκ φύσεως ἀκροβυστία, τὸν νόμον τελοῦσα1And will not the one who is naturally uncircumcised condemn you … the law?

You can translate this statement in an active form. Alternate translation: “And the one who obeys the law, even though people have not physically circumcised him, will condemn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

398ROM228g2vhἐν τῷ φανερῷ1outwardly

This refers to Jewish rituals, such as circumcision, which people can see.

399ROM228bl6hἐν τῷ φανερῷ ἐν σαρκὶ1merely outward in the flesh

This refers to the physical change to a mans body when someone circumcises him.

400ROM228s44mfigs-synecdocheσαρκὶ1flesh

Here, the flesh is a synecdoche for the whole body. Alternate translation: “the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

401ROM229hkk4figs-parallelismὁ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ Ἰουδαῖος; καὶ περιτομὴ καρδίας1he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart

These two phrases have similar meanings. The first phrase, the one who is inwardly a Jew, explains the second phrase, circumcision of the heart. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

402ROM229v149ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ1inwardly

This refers to the values and motivations of the person whom God has transformed.

403ROM229dk8qfigs-metonymyκαρδίας1of the heart

Here, heart is a metonym for the inner person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

404ROM229dd3pfigs-synecdocheἐν Πνεύματι, οὐ γράμματι1in the Spirit, not in the letter

Here, letter is a synecdoche that refers to written scripture. Alternate translation: “through the work of the Holy Spirit, not because you know the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

405ROM229qa6bἐν Πνεύματι1in the Spirit

The term the Spirit could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit. (2) the spiritual part of the person that God changes.

406ROM3introy2kb0

Romans 3 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 verses 4 and 10-18 of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Chapter 3 answers the question, “What advantage does being a Jew have over being a Gentile?” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”

Because God is holy, anyone with him in heaven must be perfect. Any sin at all will condemn a person. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]])

The purpose of the law of Moses

Obeying the law cannot make a person right with God. Obeying Gods law is a way a person shows they believe in God. People have always been justified only by faith. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Paul frequently uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical questions is to make the reader see their sin so they will trust in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]])

407ROM31v7880Connecting Statement:

Paul proclaims the advantage that Jews have because God gave them his law.

408ROM31gcd6figs-explicitτί οὖν τὸ περισσὸν τοῦ Ἰουδαίου, ἢ τίς ἡ ὠφέλια τῆς περιτομῆς?1Then what advantage does the Jew have? And what is the benefit of circumcision?

Paul presents ideas that people might have after they hear what he wrote in chapter 2. He does this in order to respond to them in verse 2. Alternate translation: “Some people might say, Then what advantage does the Jew have? And what is the benefit of circumcision?’” or “Some people might say, If that is true, then the Jews do not have any advantage, and there is no benefit in being circumcised.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

409ROM31dvkefigs-rquestionτί οὖν τὸ περισσὸν τοῦ Ἰουδαίου, ἢ τίς ἡ ὠφέλια τῆς περιτομῆς?1

Paul used a rhetorical question to cause the listeners to think about the answer. He will answer clearly in the following verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

410ROM32rri9figs-explicitπολὺ κατὰ πάντα τρόπον1It is great in every way

Paul now responds to the concerns brought up in verse 1. Here, Great in every way! is an emphatic answer to that question. Alternate translation: “But there is great advantage to being a Jew!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

411ROM32q2dhπρῶτον μὲν1First of all

This could mean: (1) “first in order of time.” (2) “most certainly.” (3) This could mean “most importantly.”

412ROM32r62gfigs-explicitἐπιστεύθησαν τὰ λόγια τοῦ Θεοῦ1they were entrusted with revelation from God

Here, the sayings of God refers to Gods words and promises. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God gave his words that contain his promises to the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

413ROM33d9k3figs-rquestionτί γάρ εἰ ἠπίστησάν τινες? μὴ ἡ ἀπιστία αὐτῶν, τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Θεοῦ καταργήσει?1For what if some Jews were without faith? Will their unbelief abolish Gods faithfulness?

Paul uses these questions to make people think. Alternate translation: “Some Jews have not been faithful to God. Should we conclude from this that God will not fulfill his promise?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

414ROM34z465μὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have an expression in your language that you could use here. “That is not possible!” or “Certainly not!”

415ROM34kz4jγινέσθω δὲ ὁ Θεὸς1Instead, let be found

“We should say this instead, let God be”

416ROM34ld9hfigs-explicitγινέσθω…ὁ Θεὸς ἀληθής1let God be found to be true

God will always be true and will keep his promises. Alternate translation: “God always does what he has promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

417ROM34nud9figs-hyperboleπᾶς δὲ ἄνθρωπος ψεύστης1even though every man is a liar

The words every and liar are exaggerations here to add emphasis that God alone is always true to his promises. Alternate translation: “even if every man were a liar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

418ROM34te39figs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1As it has been written

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Just as the scriptures themselves agree with what I am saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

419ROM34x6axfigs-parallelismὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου, καὶ νικήσεις ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε1That you might be shown to be righteous in your words, and that you might prevail when you come into judgment

These two phrases have very similar meanings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

420ROM34lnnrfigs-activepassiveὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου, καὶ νικήσεις ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Everyone must acknowledge that what you say is true, and you will always win your case when anyone accuses you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

421ROM35dgk8figs-rquestionεἰ δὲ ἡ ἀδικία ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην συνίστησιν, τί ἐροῦμεν? μὴ ἄδικος ὁ Θεὸς, ὁ ἐπιφέρων τὴν ὀργήν?1But if our unrighteousness shows the righteousness of God, what can we say? Can we say that God is unrighteous to bring his wrath upon us?

Paul uses these questions to present what some people were arguing and to get his readers to think about whether or not this argument is true. Alternate translation: “Some people say that since our unrighteousness shows Gods righteousness, then God is unrighteous when he punishes us.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

422ROM35e9uxfigs-metonymyὁ ἐπιφέρων τὴν ὀργήν1to bring his wrath

Here, wrath is a metonym for punishment. Alternate translation: “to bring his punishment upon us” or “to punish us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

423ROM35j631(κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω.)1I am using a human argument

“I am saying here what some people say” or “This is what some people say”

424ROM36gd5fμὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

“We must never say that God is unrighteous”

425ROM36zg9sfigs-rquestionἐπεὶ πῶς κρινεῖ ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον?1For then how would God judge the world?

Paul uses this question to show that the arguments against the gospel are not valid, since the Jews believe that God will judge all people. Alternate translation: “We all know that God will in fact judge the world!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

426ROM36lnp3figs-metonymyτὸν κόσμον1the world

The world is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “anyone in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

427ROM37b9k1figs-rquestionεἰ δὲ ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ἐμῷ ψεύσματι ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, τί ἔτι κἀγὼ ὡς ἁμαρτωλὸς κρίνομαι?1But if the truth of God through my lie provides abundant praise for him, why am I still being judged as a sinner?

Here Paul imagines someone continuing to reject the Christian gospel. That adversary argues, because his sin shows the righteousness of God, then God should not declare that he is a sinner on judgment day if, for example, he tells lies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

428ROM38tz14figs-rquestionκαὶ μὴ καθὼς βλασφημούμεθα, καὶ καθώς φασίν τινες ἡμᾶς λέγειν, ὅτι ποιήσωμεν τὰ κακὰ, ἵνα ἔλθῃ τὰ ἀγαθά?1And not, just as we are blasphemed and just as some affirm us to say, “Let us do evil, so that good may come”?

Here Paul raises a question of his own, to show how ridiculous the argument of his imaginary adversary is. Alternate translation: “I might as well be saying, Let us do evil, so that good may come!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

429ROM38kb9dκαθὼς βλασφημούμεθα1as we are falsely reported to say

“as some lie to tell others that this is what we are saying”

430ROM38cn1cὧν τὸ κρίμα ἔνδικόν ἐστιν1The judgment on them is just

It will be only fair when God condemns these enemies of Paul, for telling lies about what Paul has been teaching.

431ROM39z3wu0Connecting Statement:

Paul sums up that all are guilty of sin, none are righteous, and no one seeks God.

432ROM39fia9figs-rquestionτί οὖν? προεχόμεθα?1What then? Are we excusing ourselves?

Paul asks these questions to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “We Jews should not try to imagine we are going to escape Gods judgment, just because we are Jewish!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

433ROM39g85qοὐ πάντως1Not at all

These words are stronger than a simple “no,” but not as strong as “absolutely not!”

434ROM310u88nfigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1This is as it is written

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “This is as the prophets have written in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

435ROM311h9e9figs-explicitοὐκ ἔστιν ὁ συνίων1There is no one who understands

There is no one who understands what is right. Alternate translation: “No one really understands what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

436ROM311y7etfigs-explicitοὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ἐκζητῶν τὸν Θεόν1There is no one who seeks after God

Here the phrase seeks God means to have a relationship with God. Alternate translation: “No one sincerely tries to have a right relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

437ROM312cen3figs-idiomπάντες ἐξέκλιναν1They have all turned away

This is an idiom that means the people do not even want to think about God. They want to avoid him. Alternate translation: “They have all rejected God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

438ROM312y6qafigs-explicitἅμα ἠχρεώθησαν1They together have become useless

Since no one does what is good, they are useless to God. Alternate translation: “Everyone has become useless to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

439ROM313zf4iαὐτῶν…αὐτῶν1Their … Their

The words Their refer to the “Jews and Greeks” of Romans 3:9.

440ROM313bbq5figs-metonymyὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν1Their throat is an open grave

Here, throat is a metonym for everything that people say that is unrighteous and disgusting. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

441ROM313sjjufigs-metaphorτάφος ἀνεῳγμένος1

Here, open grave is a metaphor that refers to the stench of the evil words of the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

442ROM313sx6yfigs-metonymyταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν1Their tongues have deceived

Here, tongues is a metonym for the false words that people speak. Alternate translation: “People have spoken lies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

443ROM313qk16figs-metaphorἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν1The poison of snakes is under their lips

Here, poison of asps is a metaphor that is used to represent the great harm of the evil words that the people speak. Alternate translation: “Their evil words injure people just like the poison of a venomous snake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

444ROM313gx9bfigs-metonymyἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν1

The word lips refers to the words of the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

445ROM314sqr5figs-metonymyὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει1Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness

Here, mouths is a metonym that represents the evil words of the people. Alternate translation: “They are full of cursing and bitterness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

446ROM314j0sgfigs-hyperboleὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει1

Paul exaggerates about the amount of cursing and bitterness in these people to emphasize how evil they were. Alternate translation: “They often speak curses and cruel words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

447ROM314wisbfigs-hyperboleὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει1

The word full exaggerates how often people speak bitterly and curse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

448ROM315vds1figs-synecdocheὀξεῖς οἱ πόδες αὐτῶν, ἐκχέαι αἷμα1Their feet are swift to pour out blood

Here, feet is a synecdoche that represents the people themselves. Alternate translation: “They are in a hurry to shed blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

449ROM315quphfigs-metaphorὀξεῖς οἱ πόδες αὐτῶν, ἐκχέαι αἷμα1

The word blood is a metaphor that refers to killing people. Alternate translation: “They are in a hurry to harm and murder people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

450ROM315a1drοἱ πόδες αὐτῶν1Their feet

Their refers to the Jews and Greeks in Romans 3:9.

451ROM316d4y3ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν1their paths

Here, their refers to the Jews and Greeks in Romans 3:9.

452ROM316lyh1figs-metonymyσύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν1Destruction and suffering are in their paths

Destruction and suffering are metonyms that represent the harm that these people cause others to suffer. Alternate translation: “They try to destroy others and cause them to suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

453ROM317zk1iἔγνωσαν1They have known

These words refer to the Jews and Greeks in Romans 3:9.

454ROM317jb6bὁδὸν εἰρήνης1a way of peace

“how to live at peace with others.” A way is a road or path.

455ROM318cpf2αὐτῶν1their

Here, their refers to the Jews and Greeks in Romans 3:9.

456ROM318bx27figs-synecdocheοὐκ ἔστιν φόβος Θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν1There is no fear of God before their eyes

Here, fear is a metonym that represents respect for God and willingness to honor him. Alternate translation: “Everyone refuses to give God the respect he deserves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

457ROM319e8h2figs-personificationὅσα ὁ νόμος λέγει, τοῖς…λαλεῖ1whatever the law says, it speaks

Paul speaks of the law here as if it were alive and had its own voice. Alternate translation: “everything that the law says people should do is for those” or “all the commands that Moses wrote in the law are for those” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

458ROM319n399τοῖς ἐν τῷ νόμῳ1the ones who are under the law

“those who must obey the law”

459ROM319cu9xfigs-synecdocheἵνα πᾶν στόμα φραγῇ1in order that every mouth may be shut

Here, mouth is a synecdoche that means the words people speak. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

460ROM319cy5rfigs-activepassiveἵνα πᾶν στόμα φραγῇ1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so that no people will be able to say anything valid to defend themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

461ROM319w12yfigs-synecdocheὑπόδικος γένηται πᾶς ὁ κόσμος τῷ Θεῷ1the whole world held accountable to God

Here, world is a synecdoche that represents all the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “that God can declare everyone in the world guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

462ROM320xs9xσὰρξ1flesh

Here, flesh refers to all human beings.

463ROM320gaa3γὰρ1For

“Therefore” or “This is because”

464ROM320wtp4διὰ…νόμου ἐπίγνωσις ἁμαρτίας1through the law comes the knowledge of sin

“when someone knows Gods law, he realizes that he has sinned”

465ROM321fqz40Connecting Statement:

But here shows Paul has completed his introduction and is now beginning to make his main point.

466ROM321y3teνυνὶ1now

The word now refers to the time since Jesus came to the earth.

467ROM321e4qefigs-activepassiveχωρὶς νόμου, δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ πεφανέρωται1apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has made known a way to be right with him without obeying the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

468ROM321tnf8figs-personificationμαρτυρουμένη ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν1It was witnessed by the Law and the Prophets

The words the Law and the Prophets refer to the parts of scripture that Moses and the prophets wrote in the Jewish scriptures. Paul describes them here as if they were people testifying in court. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

469ROM321gvcafigs-activepassiveμαρτυρουμένη ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “What Moses and the prophets wrote confirms this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

470ROM322ffw8figs-explicitδικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ διὰ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ

Here, righteousness means being right with God. Alternate translation: “being right with God comes about through trusting Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

471ROM322s36ifigs-explicitοὐ γάρ ἐστιν διαστολή1For there is no distinction

Paul implies that God accepts all people in the same way. Alternate translation: “because there is no difference at all between the Jews and the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

472ROM323lym5figs-metonymyὑστεροῦνται τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ1come short of the glory of God

Here the glory of God is a metonym that refers to the image of God and his nature. Alternate translation: “have failed to be like God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

473ROM324xcu6figs-explicitδικαιούμενοι δωρεὰν τῇ αὐτοῦ χάριτι, διὰ τῆς ἀπολυτρώσεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1they are freely justified by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

Here, justified refers to being made right with God. Alternate translation: “the have been made right with God as a free gift, because Christ Jesus redeemed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

474ROM324ibi2figs-activepassiveδικαιούμενοι δωρεὰν τῇ αὐτοῦ χάριτι, διὰ τῆς ἀπολυτρώσεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God makes them right with himself as a free gift, because Christ Jesus sets them free” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

475ROM324bcc2δικαιούμενοι δωρεὰν1they are freely justified

This means that they are justified wdithout having to earn or merit being justified. God freely justifies them. Alternate translation: “they are made right with God without earning it”

476ROM325m159figs-metonymyἐν τῷ αὐτοῦ αἵματι1in his blood

Here, his blood is a metonym for the death of Jesus as a sacrifice for sins. Alternate translation: “in his death as a sacrifice for sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

477ROM325ieq9πάρεσιν1disregard

This could mean: (1) God ignores their sin. (2) God forgives their sin.

478ROM326lm1rπρὸς τὴν ἔνδειξιν τῆς δικαιοσύνης αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ1This all happened for the demonstration of his righteousness at this present time

“he did this to show how God makes people right with himself”

479ROM326cg55εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν δίκαιον καὶ δικαιοῦντα τὸν ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ1so that he could be just, and justify the one who has faith in Jesus

“in order to show by this that he is both just and the one who declares everyone righteous who has faith in Jesus”

480ROM327fjm4figs-rquestionποῦ οὖν ἡ καύχησις?1Where then is boasting? It is excluded

Paul asks this question to show that there is no reason for people to boast about obeying the law. Alternate translation: “So there is no way that we can boast that God favors us because we obeyed those laws.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

481ROM327euflfigs-activepassiveἐξεκλείσθη1

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “We have no reason to boast at all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

482ROM327v3utfigs-rquestionδιὰ ποίου νόμου? τῶν ἔργων?1On what grounds? Of works? No, but on the grounds of faith

Paul asks two rhetorical questions to emphasize that it is not the law that keeps us from boasting. You can translate this by combining the two questions into one. Alternate translation: “Should we exclude it because of our good works?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

483ROM327v3gdfigs-ellipsisοὐχί, ἀλλὰ διὰ νόμου πίστεως1

You can translate this by including the words that Paul implies. Alternate translation: “No, rather, we should exclude it because of faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

484ROM328t8umfigs-genericnounἄνθρωπον1a person is justified by faith

Here, a man refers to any person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

485ROM328jb14figs-abstractnounsδικαιοῦσθαι πίστει ἄνθρωπον1

You can translate the abstract noun faith with the verb “believe.” Alternate translation: “a person is justified when they believe in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

486ROM328o95ufigs-activepassiveδικαιοῦσθαι πίστει ἄνθρωπον1

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “God justifies any person who believes in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

487ROM328ycx2χωρὶς ἔργων νόμου1without works of the law

“even if he has done no works of the law”

488ROM329n7r5figs-rquestionἢ Ἰουδαίων ὁ Θεὸς μόνον?1Or is God the God of Jews only?

Paul asks this question for emphasis. Alternate translation: “You who are Jews certainly should not think that you are the only ones whom God will accept!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

489ROM329gdt4figs-rquestionοὐχὶ καὶ ἐθνῶν? ναὶ, καὶ ἐθνῶν1Is he not also the God of Gentiles? Yes, of Gentiles also

Paul asks this question to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “He will also accept non-Jews, that is, Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

490ROM330gk5dfigs-metonymyὃς δικαιώσει περιτομὴν ἐκ πίστεως, καὶ ἀκροβυστίαν διὰ τῆς πίστεως1he will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith

Here, the circumcision is a metonym that refers to Jews and the uncircumcision is a metonym that refers to non-Jews. Alternate translation: “God will make both Jews and non-Jews right with himself through their faith in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

491ROM331wb6rfigs-rquestionνόμον οὖν καταργοῦμεν διὰ τῆς πίστεως?1Do we then nullify the law through faith?

Paul asks a question that one of his readers might have. Alternate translation: “Someone might say that we can ignore the law because we have faith.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

492ROM331jdq1figs-rquestionμὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question. You may have a similar express in your language that you could use here. Alternate translation: “This is certainly not true” or “Certainly not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

493ROM331y6qxνόμον ἱστάνομεν1we uphold the law

“we obey the law”

494ROM331nzr7figs-exclusiveκαταργοῦμεν1we uphold

The pronoun we refers to Paul, other believers, and the readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

495ROM4introf9jc0

Romans 4 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 verses 7-8 of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The purpose of the law of Moses

Paul builds upon material from chapter 3. He explains how Abraham, the father of Israel, was justified. Even Abraham could not be justified by what he did. Obeying the law of Moses does not make a person right with God. Obeying Gods commands is a way a person shows they believe in God. People have always been justified only by faith. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Circumcision

Circumcision was important to the Israelites. It identified a person as a descendant of Abraham. It was also a sign of the covenant between Abraham and Yahweh. However, no person was justified only by being circumcised. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/circumcise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical questions is to make the reader see their sin so they will trust in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

496ROM41gw290Connecting Statement:

Paul confirms that even in the past believers were made right with God by faith and not by the law.

497ROM41gwp3figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν, εὑρηκέναι Ἀβραὰμ τὸν προπάτορα ἡμῶν κατὰ σάρκα?1What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, found?

Paul uses the question to catch the attention of the reader and to start talking about something new. Alternate translation: “This is what Abraham our physical ancestor found” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

498ROM43w9i5figs-rquestionτί γὰρ ἡ Γραφὴ λέγει1For what does the scripture say

Paul uses this question to add emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

499ROM43r9tefigs-personificationτί γὰρ ἡ Γραφὴ λέγει?1

Paul speaks of the Scriptures as if they were alive and could talk. Alternate translation: “For we can read in the scripture” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

500ROM43smc6figs-activepassiveἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην1it was counted to him as righteousness

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God considered Abraham as a righteous person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

501ROM44dsl8figs-activepassiveὁ μισθὸς οὐ λογίζεται κατὰ χάριν1what he is paid is not counted as a gift

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one counts what the employer pays him as a gift from the employer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

502ROM44et9xfigs-activepassiveἀλλὰ κατὰ ὀφείλημα1but as what is owed

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “but as what his employer owes him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

503ROM45ynp2ἐπὶ τὸν δικαιοῦντα1in the one who justifies

“in God, who justifies”

504ROM45va3efigs-activepassiveλογίζεται ἡ πίστις αὐτοῦ εἰς δικαιοσύνην1his faith is counted as righteousness

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God considers that persons faith as righteousness” or “God considers that person righteous because of his faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

505ROM46fhq9καθάπερ καὶ Δαυεὶδ λέγει τὸν μακαρισμὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ᾧ ὁ Θεὸς λογίζεται δικαιοσύνην χωρὶς ἔργων1David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness without works

“David also wrote about how God blesses the man whom God makes righteous without works”

506ROM47dur6figs-parallelismὧν ἀφέθησαν αἱ ἀνομίαι…ὧν ἐπεκαλύφθησαν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι;1whose lawless deeds are forgiven … whose sins are covered

The same concept is stated in two different ways. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

507ROM47d4f4figs-activepassiveὧν ἀφέθησαν αἱ ἀνομίαι…ὧν ἐπεκαλύφθησαν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι;1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord has forgiven those who have broken the law … whose sins the Lord has covered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

508ROM49sgz7figs-rquestionὁ μακαρισμὸς οὖν οὗτος ἐπὶ τὴν περιτομὴν, ἢ καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν ἀκροβυστίαν?1Then is this blessing pronounced only on those of the circumcision, or also on those of the uncircumcision?

This remark appears in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “Does God bless only those who are circumcised, or also those who are not circumcised?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

509ROM49dn7vfigs-metonymyτὴν περιτομὴν1those of the circumcision

Here, the circumcision is a metonym that refers to the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

510ROM49d5qpfigs-metonymyτὴν ἀκροβυστίαν1those of the uncircumcision

Here, the uncircumcision is a metonym that refers to the people who are not Jews. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

511ROM49m3uhfigs-activepassiveἐλογίσθη τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἡ πίστις εἰς δικαιοσύνην1Faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God considered the faith of Abraham as righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

512ROM410uy4tfigs-rquestionπῶς οὖν ἐλογίσθη? ἐν περιτομῇ ὄντι, ἢ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ?1So how was it counted? When Abraham was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision?

Paul asks these questions to add emphasis to his remarks. Alternate translation: “When did God consider Abraham to be righteous? Was it before his circumcision, or after it?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

513ROM410p5rpοὐκ ἐν περιτομῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ1It was not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision

“It happened before he was circumcised, not after he was circumcised”

514ROM411s2ezfigs-explicitσφραγῖδα τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῆς πίστεως τῆς ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ1a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had already possessed when he was in uncircumcision

Here, righteousness of the faith means that God considered him to be righteous. Alternate translation: “a visible sign that God considered him righteous because he had believed in God before he was circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

515ROM411i2vzδι’ ἀκροβυστίας1even if they are in uncircumcision

“even if they are not circumcised”

516ROM411a5b6figs-activepassiveεἰς τὸ λογισθῆναι αὐτοῖς τὴν δικαιοσύνην1This means that righteousness will be counted for them

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “for God will consider them righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

517ROM412u8j3καὶ πατέρα περιτομῆς1And he became the father of the circumcision

Here, circumcision refers to those who are true believers in God, both Jews and Gentiles.

518ROM412s9jtfigs-idiomκαὶ τοῖς στοιχοῦσιν τοῖς ἴχνεσιν τῆς ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ πίστεως, τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ1who follow in the steps of faith of our father Abraham

Here, walk in the footsteps is an idiom that means to follow someones example. Alternate translation: “who follow our father Abrahams example of faith even before he was circumcised” or “who have faith as our father Abraham did while he was still uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

519ROM413x9s9figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ διὰ δικαιοσύνης πίστεως1but through the righteousness of faith

The words “the promise came” are understood from the first phrase. You can translate this by adding these implied words. Alternate translation: “but the promise came through faith, which God considers as righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

520ROM414cf9tfigs-metaphorκληρονόμοι1heirs

The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

521ROM414p51nfigs-explicitεἰ…οἱ ἐκ νόμου κληρονόμοι1if those who live by the law are to be the heirs

Here, from the law refers to obeying the law. Alternate translation: “if those who obey the law are the ones who will inherit the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

522ROM414gd78κεκένωται ἡ πίστις καὶ κατήργηται ἡ ἐπαγγελία1faith is made empty, and the promise is void

“faith has no value, and the promise is meaningless”

523ROM415b3h8figs-abstractnounsοὐδὲ παράβασις1there is no trespass

This can be restated to remove the abstract noun trespass. Alternate translation: “no one can break the law” or “it is impossible to disobey the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

524ROM416tm4jἐκ πίστεως1it is by faith

The word it refers to receiving what God had promised. Alternate translation: “it is by faith that we receive the promise” or “we receive the promise by faith”

525ROM416mex6διὰ τοῦτο ἐκ πίστεως, ἵνα κατὰ χάριν, εἰς τὸ εἶναι βεβαίαν, τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν1in order that the promise may rest on grace

“So the promise was given by faith and received through grace, so that it could be assured”

526ROM416ns6rτῷ ἐκ τοῦ νόμου1those who are under the law

This refers to the Jewish people, who were obligated to obey the law of Moses.

527ROM416v4z9τῷ ἐκ πίστεως Ἀβραάμ1those who share the faith of Abraham

This refers to those who have faith just as Abraham did before he was circumcised. Alternate translation: “those who believe as Abraham did”

528ROM416l7ggfigs-exclusiveπατὴρ πάντων ἡμῶν1father of us all

Here the word us refers to Paul and includes all Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Christ. Abraham is the physical ancestor of the Jewish people, but he is also the spiritual father of those who have faith. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

529ROM417iju4figs-explicitκαθὼς γέγραπται1as it is written

Where it is written can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “as it has been written in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

530ROM417xuwyfigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “as someone has written in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

531ROM417mxm5figs-youτέθεικά σε1I have made you

Here the word you is singular and refers to Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

532ROM417ph37figs-explicitκατέναντι οὗ ἐπίστευσεν Θεοῦ, τοῦ ζῳοποιοῦντος τοὺς νεκροὺς1in the presence of God whom he trusted, who gives life to the dead

Here, whom he trusted refers to God. Alternate translation: “Abraham was in the presence of God whom he trusted, who gives life to those who have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

533ROM417uun9καλοῦντος τὰ μὴ ὄντα ὡς ὄντα1calls the things that do not exist into existence

“created everything from nothing”

534ROM418g8fmfigs-explicitὃς παρ’ ἐλπίδα, ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι ἐπίστευσεν1In hope he believed against hope

This idiom means that Abraham trusted God even though it did not seem possible that he could have a son. Alternate translation: “and even though it seemed impossible for him to have descendants, he believe God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

535ROM418b92qfigs-activepassiveκατὰ τὸ εἰρημένον1according to what he had been told

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “just as God said to Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

536ROM418p5elfigs-explicitοὕτως ἔσται τὸ σπέρμα σου1So will your descendants be

The full promise God gave to Abraham can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You will have more descendants than you can count” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

537ROM419m9gqfigs-litotesκαὶ μὴ ἀσθενήσας τῇ πίστει,1Without becoming weak in faith,

You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “And he remained strong in his faith, although” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

538ROM420ep2zfigs-doublenegativesοὐ διεκρίθη τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ, ἀλλ’1did not hesitate in unbelief

You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: “he kept on acting in faith, and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

539ROM420zdj5figs-activepassiveἐνεδυναμώθη τῇ πίστει1he was strengthened in faith

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “became stronger in his faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

540ROM421y2shκαὶ πληροφορηθεὶς1He was fully convinced

“and Abraham was completely sure”

541ROM421sbu3δυνατός ἐστιν καὶ ποιῆσαι1he was also able to accomplish

“God was able to do”

542ROM422i56afigs-activepassiveδιὸ καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην1Therefore this was also counted to him as righteousness

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Therefore God counted Abrahams belief as righteousness” or “Therefore God considered Abraham righteous because Abraham believed him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

543ROM423a92nἐγράφη δὲ1Now it was

Now is used here to connect Abrahams being made right by faith to present-day believers being made right by faith in Christs death and resurrection.

544ROM423r65cδι’ αὐτὸν μόνον1only for his benefit

“for Abraham only”

545ROM423z432figs-activepassiveὅτι ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ1that it was counted for him

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “that God counted righteousness to him” or “that God considered him righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

546ROM424pfc9figs-exclusiveδι’ ἡμᾶς1for us

The word our refers to Paul and includes all believers in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

547ROM424nh4kfigs-activepassiveοἷς μέλλει λογίζεσθαι, τοῖς πιστεύουσιν1also for us, for whom it will be counted, we who believe

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “because God will consider us righteous also if we believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

548ROM424a6c7figs-idiomτὸν ἐγείραντα Ἰησοῦν, τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν, ἐκ νεκρῶν1him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead

The phrase raised … from the dead is an idiom for “caused to live again.” Alternate translation: “the one who caused Jesus our Lord to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

549ROM425cca1figs-activepassiveὃς παρεδόθη διὰ τὰ παραπτώματα ἡμῶν, καὶ ἠγέρθη διὰ τὴν δικαίωσιν ἡμῶν1who was delivered up for our trespasses and was raised for our justification

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “whom God gave over to enemies for our trespasses and whom God brought back to life so he could make us right with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

550ROM5introi1dt0

Romans 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Many scholars view verses 12-17 as some of the most important, but difficult, verses in Scripture to understand. Some of their richness and meaning has likely been lost while being translated from how the original Greek was constructed.

Special concepts in this chapter

Results of justification

How Paul explains the results of our being justified is an important part of this chapter. These results include having peace with God, having access to God, being confident about our future, being able to rejoice when suffering, being eternally saved, and being reconciled with God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]])

“All sinned”

Scholars are divided over what Paul meant in verse 12: “And death spread to all people, because all sinned.” Some believe that all of mankind was present in the “seed of Adam.” So, as Adam is the father of all mankind, all of mankind was present when Adam sinned. Others believe that Adam served as a representative head for mankind. So when he sinned, all of mankind “fell” as a result. Whether people today played an active or passive role in Adams original sin is one way these views differ. Other passages will help one decide. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/seed]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

The second Adam

Adam was the first man and the first “son” of God. He was created by God. He brought sin and death into the world by eating the forbidden fruit. Paul describes Jesus as the “second Adam” in this chapter and the true son of God. He brings life and overcame sin and death by dying on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]])

551ROM51xmp30Connecting Statement:

Paul begins to tell many different things that happen when God makes believers right with him.

552ROM51age4δικαιωθέντες οὖν1Since we are justified

“Because we are justified”

553ROM51s6xdfigs-exclusiveἔχωμεν…ἡμῶν1we … our

All occurrences of we and our refer to all believers and should be inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

554ROM51p11yδιὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1through our Lord Jesus Christ

“because of what our Lord Jesus Christ did”

555ROM52du8bδι’ οὗ καὶ τὴν προσαγωγὴν ἐσχήκαμεν, τῇ πίστει εἰς τὴν χάριν ταύτην, ἐν ᾗ ἑστήκαμεν1Through him we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand

Here, by faith refers to our trust in Jesus, which allows us to stand before God. Alternate translation: “because we trust in Jesus, God allows us to come into his presence”

556ROM53q5p7οὐ μόνον δέ1Not only this

The word this refers to the ideas described in Romans 5:1-2.

557ROM53u14ffigs-exclusiveκαὶ καυχώμεθα1we … our … We

Here, we refers to all believers and should be inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

558ROM55i8pdfigs-exclusiveἡμῶν…ἡμῖν1our … us

The words our and us refer to all believers and should be inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

559ROM55pp1nfigs-personificationἡ…ἐλπὶς οὐ καταισχύνει1that hope does not disappoint

Paul uses personification here as he speaks of hope as if it were alive. Alternate translation: “we are very confident that we will receive the things that we wait for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

560ROM55qka8figs-metonymyὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν1because the love of God has been poured into our hearts

Here, hearts represents a persons thoughts, feelings, or inner person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

561ROM55c09dfigs-metaphorὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν1

The phrase the love of God has been poured into our hearts is a metaphor for God showing love to his people. Alternate translation: “because he has loved us greatly” or “because God has shown us how much he loves us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

562ROM55dc95figs-activepassiveὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν1

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “because he has loved us greatly” or “because God has shown us how much he loves us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

563ROM56x5egfigs-exclusiveἡμῶν1we

The pronoun we here refers to all believers and so should be inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

564ROM57xv5wμόλις γὰρ ὑπὲρ δικαίου τις ἀποθανεῖται1For one will hardly die for a righteous man

“For it is hard to find someone who is willing to die, even for a righteous man”

565ROM57nnj9ὑπὲρ γὰρ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ, τάχα τις καὶ τολμᾷ ἀποθανεῖν1That is, perhaps someone would dare to die for a good person

“But you might find someone who is willing to die for such a good person”

566ROM58xew8συνίστησιν1proves

You can translate this verb in past tense using “demonstrated” or “showed.”

567ROM58bw77figs-exclusiveἡμῶν…ἡμῶν1us … we

The pronouns us and we refer to all believers and should be inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

568ROM59l35jfigs-explicitπολλῷ οὖν μᾶλλον δικαιωθέντες νῦν ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ1Much more, then, now that we are justified by his blood

Here, justified means that God puts us in a right relationship with himself. Alternate translation: “How much more then, now that we have been made right with God because of the death of Jesus on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

569ROM59x9yifigs-activepassiveπολλῷ οὖν μᾶλλον δικαιωθέντες νῦν ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “How much more will God do for us now that he has made us right with himself because of the death of Jesus on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

570ROM59nvs3figs-metonymyτῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ1blood

Here, his blood is a metonym for the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

571ROM59sh8fσωθησόμεθα1we will be saved

Here, saved means that through Jesus sacrificial death on the cross, God has forgiven us and rescued us from being punished in hell for our sin.

572ROM59bev3figs-metonymyτῆς ὀργῆς1his wrath

Here, wrath is a metonym that refers to Gods punishment of those who have sinned against him. Alternate translation: “Gods punishment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

573ROM510v8a1figs-exclusiveκατηλλάγημεν…σωθησόμεθα1we were

Both occurrences of we refer to all believers and should be inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

574ROM510u6bnΥἱοῦ αὐτοῦ, πολλῷ μᾶλλον καταλλαγέντες, σωθησόμεθα ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ1his Son … his life

“of Gods Son, much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by the life of Gods Son”

575ROM510rnc5figs-activepassiveκατηλλάγημεν τῷ Θεῷ διὰ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God allowed us to have a peaceful relationship with him because his son died for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

576ROM510cu3cguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1Son

Son is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

577ROM510qe6yfigs-activepassiveκαταλλαγέντες1after having been reconciled

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “now that God has made us his friends again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

578ROM512hjx40Connecting Statement:

Paul explains why death happened even before God gave the law to Moses.

579ROM512wf9ffigs-personificationδι’ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου ἡ ἁμαρτία εἰς τὸν κόσμον εἰσῆλθεν, καὶ διὰ τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ θάνατος1through one man sin entered … death entered through sin

Paul describes sin as a dangerous thing that came into the world through the actions of one man, Adam. This sin then became an opening through which death, pictured here as another dangerous thing, also came into the world. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

580ROM513eqa2figs-explicitἄχρι γὰρ νόμου, ἁμαρτία ἦν ἐν κόσμῳ1For until the law, sin was in the world

This means that the people sinned before God gave the law. Alternate translation: “People in the world sinned before God gave his law to Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

581ROM513juq7figs-activepassiveἁμαρτία δὲ οὐκ ἐλλογεῖται, μὴ ὄντος νόμου1but there is no accounting for sin when there is no law

This means that God did not charge the people with sinning before he gave the law. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but God did not record sin against the law before he gave the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

582ROM514ev8aἀλλὰ…ὁ θάνατος1Nevertheless, death

“Even though what I have just said is true, death” or “There was no written law from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, but death” (Romans 5:13).

583ROM514bd3qfigs-personificationἐβασίλευσεν ὁ θάνατος ἀπὸ Ἀδὰμ μέχρι Μωϋσέως1death ruled from Adam until Moses

Paul is speaking of death as if it were a king who ruled. Alternate translation: “people continued to die from the time of Adam until the time of Moses as a consequence of their sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

584ROM514t481καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς μὴ ἁμαρτήσαντας ἐπὶ τῷ ὁμοιώματι τῆς παραβάσεως Ἀδάμ1even over those who did not sin like Adams disobedience

“even people whose sins were different from Adams continue to die”

585ROM514hdj4ὅς ἐστιν τύπος τοῦ μέλλοντος1who is a pattern of him who was to come

Adam was a pattern of Christ, who appeared much later. He had much in common with him.

586ROM515kln1figs-explicitεἰ γὰρ τῷ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματι, οἱ πολλοὶ ἀπέθανον1For if by the trespass of one the many died

Here, one refers to Adam. Alternate translation: “For if by the sin of Adam alone, many died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

587ROM515p83vfigs-explicitπολλῷ μᾶλλον ἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ δωρεὰ ἐν χάριτι, τῇ τοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, εἰς τοὺς πολλοὺς ἐπερίσσευσεν1how much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound for the many

Here, grace refers to Gods free gift that he made available to everyone through Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “even more through the man Jesus Christ, who died for us all, did God kindly offer us this gift of everlasting life, although we do not deserve it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

588ROM516pe38figs-explicitκαὶ οὐχ ὡς δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος, τὸ δώρημα1For the gift is not like the outcome of that one mans sin

Here, the gift refers to Gods freely erasing the record of our sins. Alternate translation: “And the gift is not like the result of Adams sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

589ROM516ci72figs-explicitτὸ μὲν γὰρ κρίμα ἐξ ἑνὸς, εἰς κατάκριμα, τὸ δὲ χάρισμα ἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων, εἰς δικαίωμα1The judgment followed one trespass and brought condemnation, but the gift … justification

Here Paul gives two reasons why “the gift is not like the result of Adams sin.” The “judgment of condemnation” implies that we all deserve Gods punishment for our sins. Alternate translation: “Because on the one hand, God declared that all people deserve to be punished because of the sin of one man, but on the other hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

590ROM516m63gfigs-explicitτὸ…χάρισμα ἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων, εἰς δικαίωμα3the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification

This refers to how God makes us right with him even when we do not deserve it. Alternate translation: “Gods kind gift to put us right with himself despite our many sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

591ROM516uh4xἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων1followed many trespasses

“after the sins of many”

592ROM517f94rτῷ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματι1trespass of the one

This refers to the sin of Adam.

593ROM517kz6zfigs-personificationὁ θάνατος ἐβασίλευσεν1death ruled

Here Paul speaks of death as a king who ruled. The “rule” of death causes everyone to die. Alternate translation: “everyone died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

594ROM518wr2rὡς δι’ ἑνὸς παραπτώματος1by one trespass

“as through the one sin committed by Adam”

595ROM518ta2jfigs-explicitεἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους εἰς κατάκριμα1condemnation came to all people

Here, condemnation refers to Gods punishment. Alternate translation: “all people deserve Gods punishment for sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

596ROM518wgh4δι’ ἑνὸς δικαιώματος1one act of righteousness

the sacrifice of Jesus Christ

597ROM518ifk1figs-explicitεἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους εἰς δικαίωσιν ζωῆς1justification and life for all people

Here, justification refers to Gods ability to make people right with him. Alternate translation: “God offered to make all people right with him so they would live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

598ROM519j5yhτῆς παρακοῆς τοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου1one mans disobedience

the disobedience of Adam

599ROM519q8ljfigs-activepassiveἁμαρτωλοὶ κατεστάθησαν οἱ πολλοί1the many were made sinners

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “many people sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

600ROM519aa3eτῆς ὑπακοῆς τοῦ ἑνὸς1the obedience of the one

the obedience of Jesus

601ROM519w571figs-activepassiveδίκαιοι κατασταθήσονται οἱ πολλοί1will the many be made righteous

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will make many people right with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

602ROM520w958figs-personificationνόμος…παρεισῆλθεν1the law came in

Here Paul speaks of the law as if it were a person entering a room. Alternate translation: “God gave his law to Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

603ROM520c59uἐπλεόνασεν ἡ ἁμαρτία1sin abounded

“sin increased”

604ROM520x7nyfigs-explicitὑπερεπερίσσευσεν ἡ χάρις1grace abounded even more

Here, grace refers to Gods undeserved blessings. Alternate translation: “God continued to act even more kindly toward them, in a way that they did not deserve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

605ROM521wmy8figs-personificationὥσπερ ἐβασίλευσεν ἡ ἁμαρτία ἐν τῷ θανάτῳ1as sin ruled in death

Here Paul speaks of sin as if it were a king that ruled. Alternate translation: “as sin resulted in death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

606ROM521w4utfigs-personificationοὕτως καὶ ἡ χάρις βασιλεύσῃ διὰ δικαιοσύνης, εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1even so grace might rule through righteousness for everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord

Paul speaks of grace here as if it were a king that ruled. Alternate translation: “grace gave people everlasting life through the righteousness of Jesus Christ our Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

607ROM521m5byfigs-personificationοὕτως καὶ ἡ χάρις βασιλεύσῃ διὰ δικαιοσύνης1so grace might rule through righteousness

Paul speaks of grace here as if it were a king that ruled. Alternate translation: “so God might give his free gift to people in righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

608ROM521yqtffigs-explicitοὕτως καὶ ἡ χάρις βασιλεύσῃ διὰ δικαιοσύνης1

The word righteousness refers to Gods ability to make people right with him. Alternate translation: “so God might give his free gift to people to make them right with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

609ROM521ew1bfigs-exclusiveτοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1our Lord

With the pronoun our, Paul includes himself, his readers, and all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

610ROM6introv5220

Romans 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul begins this chapter by answering how someone might hypothetically object to what he taught in Chapter 5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Against the Law

In this chapter, Paul refutes the teaching that Christians can live however they want after they are saved. Scholars call this “antinomianism” or being “against the law.” To motivate godly living, Paul recalls the great price Jesus paid for a Christian to be saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])

Servants of sin

Before believing in Jesus, sin enslaves people. God frees Christians from serving sin. They are able to choose to serve Christ in their lives. Paul explains that when Christians choose to sin, they willingly choose to sin. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Fruit

This chapter uses the imagery of fruit. The image of fruit usually refers to a persons faith producing good works in their life. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical questions is to make the reader see their sin so they will trust in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Death

Paul uses “death” many different ways in this chapter: physical death, spiritual death, sin reigning in the heart of man, and to end something. He contrasts sin and death with the new life provided by Christ and the new way Christians are supposed to live after they are saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]])

611ROM61x13n0Connecting Statement:

Under grace, Paul tells those who believe in Jesus to live a new life as though dead to sin and alive to God.

612ROM61pvg3figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν? ἐπιμένωμεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσῃ?1What then will we say? Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound?

Paul asks these rhetorical questions to get the attention of his readers. Alternate translation: “So, what should we say about all of this? We certainly should not keep on sinning so that God will give us more and more grace!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

613ROM61fj9efigs-exclusiveἐροῦμεν1we say

The pronoun we refers to Paul, his readers, and other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

614ROM62be39figs-rquestionοἵτινες ἀπεθάνομεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, πῶς ἔτι ζήσομεν ἐν αὐτῇ1We who died to sin, how can we still live in it?

Paul uses this rhetorical question to add emphasis. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “We who died to sin should certainly not keep on sinning!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

615ROM62rgtefigs-metaphorοἵτινες ἀπεθάνομεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, πῶς ἔτι ζήσομεν ἐν αὐτῇ?1

Here, died to sin means that those who follow Jesus are now like dead people who cannot be affected by sin. Alternate translation: “We are now like dead people on whom sin has no effect! So we certainly should not keep on sinning!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

616ROM63x4xsfigs-rquestionἢ ἀγνοεῖτε, ὅτι ὅσοι ἐβαπτίσθημεν εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν, εἰς τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ ἐβαπτίσθημεν?1Do you not know that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

Paul uses this question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “Remember, when someone baptized us to show that we have a relationship with Christ, this also shows that we died with Christ on the cross!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

617ROM64f4vafigs-metaphorσυνετάφημεν οὖν αὐτῷ διὰ τοῦ βαπτίσματος εἰς τὸν θάνατον1We were buried, then, with him through baptism into death

Here Paul speaks of a believers baptism in water as if it were a death and burial. Alternate translation: “When someone baptized us, it is just like that person buried us with Christ in the tomb” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

618ROM64z6zkfigs-simileὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς περιπατήσωμεν1

This compares a believers new spiritual life to Jesus coming back to life physically. The believers new spiritual life enables that person to obey God. Alternate translation: “just as Jesus was brought back to life after he died, we might have new spiritual life and obey God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

619ROM64t47rfigs-idiomὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός1just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we might walk in newness of life

To be raised from the dead is an idiom for causing a person to live again. Alternate translation: “just as Jesus was raised back to life after he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

620ROM64dpy2figs-activepassiveὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “just as the Father brought Jesus back to life after he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

621ROM64ps5dἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

This means he was brought back from among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To be raised from among them speaks of becoming alive again.

622ROM65wnd4figs-metaphorσύμφυτοι γεγόναμεν τῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως ἐσόμεθα1we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection

Paul compares our union with Christ to death. Those who are joined with Christ in death will share in his resurrection. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

623ROM65shm0figs-activepassiveσύμφυτοι γεγόναμεν τῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως ἐσόμεθα1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “died with him in the likeness of his death, we will also certainly be united with his resurrection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

624ROM66f13efigs-metaphorὁ παλαιὸς ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος συνεσταυρώθη1our old man was crucified with him

The old man is a metaphor that refers to the person before he believes in Jesus. Paul describes our old sinful person as dying on the cross with Jesus when we believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “our sinful person was crucified with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

625ROM66fhvhfigs-activepassiveὁ παλαιὸς ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος συνεσταυρώθη1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “our sinful person died on the cross with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

626ROM66l6pdfigs-metonymyτὸ σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας1the body of sin

This is a metonym that refers to the whole sinful person. Alternate translation: “our sinful nature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

627ROM66syc4figs-activepassiveκαταργηθῇ1might be destroyed

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “might die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

628ROM66ft8vfigs-activepassiveμηκέτι δουλεύειν ἡμᾶς τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ1we should no longer be enslaved to sin

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “sin should no longer enslave us” or “we should no longer be slaves to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

629ROM66hq35figs-metaphorμηκέτι δουλεύειν ἡμᾶς τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ1we should no longer be enslaved to sin

Being enslaved to sin is a metaphor meaning having such a strong desire to sin that one is unable to stop himself from sinning. It is as if sin controls the person. Alternate translation: “we should no longer be controlled by sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

630ROM67g3pffigs-explicitὁ γὰρ ἀποθανὼν, δεδικαίωται ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας.1He who has died is declared righteous with respect to sin

Here, righteous refers to Gods ability to make people right with him. Alternate translation: “Because if a person has died to sin, that person is considered to be right with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

631ROM67hoqmfigs-activepassiveὁ γὰρ ἀποθανὼν, δεδικαίωται ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “When a person has died to sin, God declares a person right with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

632ROM68muv7figs-explicitἀπεθάνομεν σὺν Χριστῷ1we have died with Christ

Here, died refers to the fact that believers are no longer controlled by sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

633ROM69zkq2figs-idiomεἰδότες ὅτι Χριστὸς ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν1We know that since Christ has been raised from the dead

Here to be raised is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “for we know that Christ, who has been brought back to life after he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

634ROM69gjqqfigs-activepassiveεἰδότες ὅτι Χριστὸς ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “We know since God brought Christ back to life after he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

635ROM69kl3eἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To be raised from among them is to become alive again.

636ROM69wem1figs-personificationθάνατος αὐτοῦ οὐκέτι κυριεύει1death no longer has authority over him

Here, death is described as a king or ruler that has power over people. Alternate translation: “he can never die again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

637ROM610s2xyfigs-explicitὃ γὰρ ἀπέθανεν, τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ ἀπέθανεν ἐφάπαξ1For in regard to the death that he died to sin, he died once for all

The phrase once for all means to finish something completely. You can make this full meaning explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “For when he died he broke the power of sin completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

638ROM611cac8οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς, λογίζεσθε1In the same way, you also must consider

“For this reason, consider”

639ROM611jja7λογίζεσθε ἑαυτοὺς εἶναι1consider yourselves

“think of yourselves as being” or “see yourselves as being”

640ROM611dw6lfigs-metaphorνεκροὺς μὲν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ1dead to sin

Just as one cannot force a corpse to do anything, sin has no power to force believers to dishonor God. Alternate translation: “as if you were dead to the power of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

641ROM611q4kyνεκροὺς μὲν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, ζῶντας δὲ τῷ Θεῷ1dead to sin, but alive to God

“dead to the power of sin, but living to honor God”

642ROM611vtl1ζῶντας…τῷ Θεῷ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1alive to God in Christ Jesus

“living to honor God through the power Christ Jesus gives you”

643ROM612dng20Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds us that grace rules over us, not the law; we are not sins slaves, but Gods slaves.

644ROM612s6h1figs-personificationμὴ…βασιλευέτω ἡ ἁμαρτία ἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι1do not let sin rule in your mortal body

Paul speaks of people sinning as if sin was their master or king that controlled them. Alternate translation: “do not let sinful desires control you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

645ROM612cm8dfigs-synecdocheἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι1in your mortal body

This phrase refers to the physical part of a person, which will die. Alternate translation: “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

646ROM612r462figs-personificationεἰς τὸ ὑπακούειν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις αὐτοῦ1in order that you may obey its lusts

Paul speaks of a person having evil desires as if it sin were a master that had evil desires. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

647ROM613rh3zfigs-synecdocheμηδὲ παριστάνετε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα ἀδικίας τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ1Do not present the parts of your body to sin, to be tools used for unrighteousness

The picture is of the sinner offering the members of his body to his master or king. Ones members are a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “Do not offer yourselves to sin so that you do what is not right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

648ROM613r4wzfigs-explicitἀλλὰ παραστήσατε ἑαυτοὺς τῷ Θεῷ, ὡσεὶ ἐκ νεκρῶν ζῶντας1But present yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life

Here, as living refers to the believers new spiritual life. Alternate translation: “But offer yourselves to God, because he has given you new spiritual life” or “But offer yourselves to God, as those who had died and are now alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

649ROM613pgw5figs-synecdocheκαὶ τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα δικαιοσύνης τῷ Θεῷ1the parts of your body to God as tools to be used for righteousness

Here, members is a synecdoche that refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “let God use you for what is pleasing to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

650ROM614gez3figs-personificationἁμαρτία…ὑμῶν οὐ κυριεύσει,1Do not allow sin to rule over you

Paul speaks of sin here as if it were a king who rules over people. Alternate translation: “do not let sinful desires control what you do” or “do not allow yourselves to do the sinful things you want to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

651ROM614iev9figs-explicitοὐ γάρ ἐστε ὑπὸ νόμον1For you are not under law

To be under law means to be subject to its limitations and weaknesses. You can make the full meaning explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “For you are no longer bound to the law of Moses, which could not give you the power to stop sinning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

652ROM614fl3efigs-explicitἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν1but under grace

To be under grace means that Gods free gift provides the power to keep from sinning. You can make the full meaning explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “but you are bound to Gods grace, which does give you the power to stop sinning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

653ROM615zxb8figs-rquestionτί οὖν? ἁμαρτήσωμεν ὅτι οὐκ ἐσμὲν ὑπὸ νόμον, ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν?1What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be

Paul is using two questions to emphasize that living under grace is not a reason to sin. Alternate translation: “However, just because we are bound to grace instead of the law of Moses certainly does not mean we are allowed to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

654ROM615c77gμὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

“We would never want that to happen!” or “May God help me not to do that!” This expression shows an extremely strong desire that this does not take place. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated it in Romans 3:31.

655ROM616jl1wfigs-rquestionοὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι ᾧ παριστάνετε ἑαυτοὺς δούλους εἰς ὑπακοήν, δοῦλοί ἐστε ᾧ ὑπακούετε— ἤτοι ἁμαρτίας εἰς θάνατον, ἢ ὑπακοῆς εἰς δικαιοσύνην?1Do you not know that the one to whom you present yourselves as slaves is the one to which you are obedient, the one you must obey?

Paul uses a question to scold anyone who may think Gods grace is a reason to keep sinning. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “You should know that you are slaves to the master you choose to obey—whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

656ROM616q2i4figs-personificationἤτοι ἁμαρτίας…ἢ ὑπακοῆς1whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience

Here, Paul speaks of sin and obedience as if they were masters that a slave would obey. Alternate translation: “whether you are like slaves to sin … or like slaves to obedience” or “You are either a slave to sin … or you are a slave to obedience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

657ROM616w9wfεἰς θάνατον…εἰς δικαιοσύνην1which leads to death … which leads to righteousness

“which results in death … which results in righteousness”

658ROM617dz5xχάρις δὲ τῷ Θεῷ1But thanks be to God!

“But I thank God!”

659ROM617yxt7figs-metaphorὅτι ἦτε δοῦλοι τῆς ἁμαρτίας1For you were slaves of sin

To be slaves of sin is a metaphor for having such a strong desire to sin that one is unable to stop himself from sinning. It is as if sin controls the person. Alternate translation: “For you were like slaves of sin” or “For you were controlled by sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

660ROM617my2zfigs-metonymyὑπηκούσατε δὲ ἐκ καρδίας1but you have obeyed from the heart

Here the word heart refers to having sincere or honest motives for doing something. Alternate translation: “but you truly obeyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

661ROM617pz14figs-activepassiveεἰς ὃν παρεδόθητε τύπον διδαχῆς1the pattern of teaching that you were given

Here, pattern refers to the way of living that leads to righteousness. The believers change their old way of living to match this new way of living that Christian leaders teach to them. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “the teaching that Christian leaders gave you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

662ROM618y2zgfigs-activepassiveἐλευθερωθέντες δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας1You have been made free from sin

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Now that Christ has freed you from sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

663ROM618idu4ἐλευθερωθέντες δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας1You have been made free from sin

Here, freed from sin is a metaphor for no longer having a strong desire to sin and being able to stop oneself from sinning. Alternate translation: “Since your strong desire to sin has been taken away” or “Now that you have been made free from sins control over you”

664ROM618g42lfigs-metaphorἐδουλώθητε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ1you have been made slaves of righteousness

Being enslaved to righteousness is a metaphor meaning having a strong desire to do what is right. It is as if righteousness controls the person. Alternate translation: “you have been made like slaves of righteousness” or “you are now controlled by righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

665ROM618fx5rἐδουλώθητε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ1you have been made slaves of righteousness

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Christ has made you slaves of righteousness” or “Christ has changed you so that now you are controlled by righteousness”

666ROM619l4clἀνθρώπινον λέγω1I speak like a man

Paul may have expected his readers to wonder why he was speaking of slavery and freedom. Here he is saying that he is using these ideas from their everyday experience to help them understand that people are controlled either by sin or by righteousness. Alternate translation: “I am speaking about this in human terms” or “I am using examples from everyday life”

667ROM619l4ahfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὴν ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν1because of the weakness of your flesh

Often Paul uses the word flesh as the opposite of “spirit.” Alternate translation: “because you do not fully understand spiritual things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

668ROM619ran5figs-synecdocheπαρεστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν δοῦλα τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ τῇ ἀνομίᾳ1presented the parts of your body as slaves to uncleanness and to evil

Here, members refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “offered yourselves as slaves to everything that is evil and not pleasing to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

669ROM619wzt1figs-synecdocheπαραστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, δοῦλα τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ εἰς ἁγιασμόν1present the parts of your body as slaves to righteousness for sanctification

Here, members refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “offer yourselves as slaves to what is right before God so that he might set you apart and give you the power to serve him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

670ROM620i1zefigs-metaphorἐλεύθεροι ἦτε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ1you were free from righteousness

Here, free from righteousness is a metaphor for not having to do what is righteous. Alternate translation: “it was as though you were free from righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

671ROM620mu0yfigs-ironyἐλεύθεροι ἦτε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ1

The people were living as though they thought that they did not have to do what was right. Alternate translation: “you behaved as though you did not have to do what was right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

672ROM621kjl5figs-rquestionτίνα οὖν καρπὸν εἴχετε τότε, ἐφ’ οἷς νῦν ἐπαισχύνεσθε1At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed?

Here, fruit here is a metaphor for “result” or “outcome.” Paul is using a question to emphasize that sinning results in nothing good. Alternate translation: “So nothing good came from those things that now cause you shame” or “So you gained nothing by doing those things that now cause you shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

673ROM622z3apfigs-activepassiveνυνὶ δέ, ἐλευθερωθέντες ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, δουλωθέντες δὲ τῷ Θεῷ1But now that you have been made free from sin and are enslaved to God

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But now that you have become free from sin and have become Gods slaves” or “But now that God has freed you from sin and made you his slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

674ROM622j25tfigs-metaphorνυνὶ δέ, ἐλευθερωθέντες ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας1But now that you have been made free from sin

Being freed from sin is a metaphor for being able not to sin. Alternate translation: “But now that God has made you able not to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

675ROM622u9dmfigs-metaphorδουλωθέντες δὲ τῷ Θεῷ1and are enslaved to God

Being enslaved to God is a metaphor for being able to serve and obey God. Alternate translation: “but now that God has made you able to serve him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

676ROM622npf3figs-metaphorἔχετε τὸν καρπὸν ὑμῶν εἰς ἁγιασμόν1you have your fruit for sanctification

Here, fruit is a metaphor for “result” or “benefit.” Alternate translation: “the benefit is your sanctification” or “the benefit is that you live in a holy way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

677ROM622a478τὸ δὲ τέλος ζωὴν αἰώνιον1The result is eternal life

“and the result of all of this is that you will live forever with God”

678ROM623ze3fτὰ γὰρ ὀψώνια τῆς ἁμαρτίας θάνατος1For the wages of sin are death

The word wages refers to a payment given to someone for their work. Alternate translation: “For if you serve sin, you will receive spiritual death as payment” or “For if you continue sinning, God will punish you with spiritual death”

679ROM623pf3sτὸ δὲ χάρισμα τοῦ Θεοῦ ζωὴ αἰώνιος ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, τῷ Κυρίῳ ἡμῶν1but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord

“but God gives eternal life to those who belong to Christ Jesus our Lord”

680ROM7introfl1y0

Romans 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

“Or do you not know”

Paul uses this phrase to discuss a new topic, while connecting what follows with the previous teaching.

Special concepts in this chapter

“We have been released from the law”

Paul explains that the law of Moses is no longer in effect. While this is true, the timeless principles behind the law reflect the character of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Marriage

Scripture commonly uses marriage as a metaphor. Here Paul uses it to describe how the church relates to the law of Moses and now to Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Flesh

This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

681ROM71nj1k0Connecting Statement:

Paul explains how the law controls those who want to live under the law.

682ROM71mk7wfigs-rquestionἢ ἀγνοεῖτε, ἀδελφοί (γινώσκουσιν γὰρ νόμον λαλῶ), ὅτι ὁ νόμος κυριεύει τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ?1do you not know, brothers … that the law controls a person for as long as he lives?

Paul asks this question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “So you certainly know that people have to obey laws only while they are alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

683ROM71r9flἀδελφοί1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

684ROM72as1h0Connecting Statement:

This verse begins a description of what Paul means by “the law controls a person for as long as he lives” (Romans 7:1).

685ROM72l6d9figs-metaphorἡ…ὕπανδρος γυνὴ τῷ ζῶντι ἀνδρὶ δέδεται νόμῳ1the married woman is bound by law to the husband

Here, bound by law to her living husband is a metaphor for a woman being united to her husband according to the law of marriage. Alternate translation: “according to the law, the married woman is united to the husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

686ROM72iu7rἡ…ὕπανδρος γυνὴ1the married woman

This refers to any woman who is married.

687ROM73w3yw0Connecting Statement:

This verse ends a description of what Paul means by “the law controls a person for as long as he lives” (Romans 7:1).

688ROM73r2m4figs-activepassiveμοιχαλὶς χρηματίσει1she will be called an adulteress

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will consider her an adulteress” or “people will call her an adulteress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

689ROM73wg4kἐλευθέρα ἐστὶν ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου1she is free from the law

Here being free from the law means not having to obey the law. In this case, the woman does not have to obey the law that says that a married woman cannot marry another man. Alternate translation: “she does not have to obey that law”

690ROM74ne64ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου1Therefore, my brothers

This relates back to Romans 7:1.

691ROM74u5nuἀδελφοί1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

692ROM74z8zjfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ὑμεῖς ἐθανατώθητε τῷ νόμῳ διὰ τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ1you were also made dead to the law through the body of Christ

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “you also died to the law when through Christ you died on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

693ROM74t9ntfigs-idiomτῷ ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγερθέντι1to him who was raised from the dead

Here, raised from the dead is an idiom for “caused to live again.” Alternate translation: “to him who was caused to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

694ROM74rj6ufigs-activepassiveτῷ ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγερθέντι1

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “to him whom God raised from the dead” or “to him whom God caused to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

695ROM74c4rlfigs-metaphorκαρποφορήσωμεν τῷ Θεῷ1we might produce fruit for God

Here, fruit is a metaphor for actions that please God. Alternate translation: “we might be able to do things pleasing to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

696ROM75xed9figs-metaphorεἰς τὸ καρποφορῆσαι τῷ θανάτῳ1to bear fruit for death

Here, fruit is a metaphor for a “result of ones actions” or “outcome of ones actions.” Alternate translation: “which resulted in spiritual-death” or “the outcome of which was our own spiritual death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

697ROM76mze70Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds us that God does not make us holy by the law.

698ROM76l8w4figs-activepassiveκατηργήθημεν ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου1we have been released from the law

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has released us from the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

699ROM76j6i3figs-exclusiveκατηργήθημεν1we have been released

The pronoun we refers to Paul and the believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

700ROM76l2l3figs-activepassiveἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα1to that by which we were held

This refers to the law. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “to the law which held us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

701ROM76rm8rfigs-explicitγράμματος1the letter

Here, the letter refers to the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “of the law of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

702ROM77k1jjfigs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν?1What will we say then?

Paul uses this phrase to introduce a new topic. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

703ROM77erx6μὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

“Of course that is not true!” This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in Romans 9:14.

704ROM77zl8mfigs-personificationτὴν ἁμαρτίαν οὐκ ἔγνων, εἰ μὴ διὰ νόμου1I would never have known sin, if it were not through the law

Paul is speaking of sin as if it were a person who can act. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

705ROM78mz77figs-personificationἀφορμὴν δὲ λαβοῦσα ἡ ἁμαρτία διὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς, κατειργάσατο ἐν ἐμοὶ πᾶσαν ἐπιθυμίαν;1But sin took the opportunity … brought about every lust

Paul continues comparing sin to a person who can act. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

706ROM78r5i2χωρὶς…νόμου, ἁμαρτία νεκρά1without the law, sin is dead

“if there were no law, there would be no breaking of the law, so there would be no sin”

707ROM79q9lefigs-personificationἡ ἁμαρτία ἀνέζησεν1sin regained life

This could mean: (1) Paul realized that he was sinning. (2) Paul strongly desired to sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

708ROM710yu1ufigs-metaphorεὑρέθη μοι ἡ ἐντολὴ, ἡ εἰς ζωὴν, αὕτη εἰς θάνατον.1The commandment that was to bring life turned out to be death for me

Paul speaks of Gods commandment as if it resulted primarily in physical death. Alternate translation: “God gave me the commandment so I would live, but it killed me instead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

709ROM711r582figs-personificationἡ γὰρ ἁμαρτία ἀφορμὴν λαβοῦσα διὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς, ἐξηπάτησέν με καὶ δι’ αὐτῆς ἀπέκτεινεν1For sin took the opportunity through the commandment and deceived me. Through the commandment it killed me

As in Romans 7:7-8, Paul is describing sin as a person who can do three things: take the opportunity, deceive, and kill. Alternate translation: “Because I wanted to sin, I deceived myself into thinking that I could sin and obey the commandment at the same time, but God punished me for disobeying the commandment by separating me from him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

710ROM711qi99ἡ…ἁμαρτία1sin

“my desire to sin”

711ROM711f6sxfigs-metaphorἀπέκτεινεν1it killed me

Paul speaks of sin as if it resulted primarily in physical death. Alternate translation: “it separated me from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

712ROM713cz5k0Connecting Statement:

Paul talks about the struggle inside his inner man between sin in his inner man and his mind with the law of God—between sin and good.

713ROM713us69οὖν1So

Paul is introducing a new topic.

714ROM713e1bxfigs-rquestionτὸ…ἀγαθὸν ἐμοὶ ἐγένετο θάνατος?1did what is good become death to me?

Paul uses this question to add emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

715ROM713g451τὸ…ἀγαθὸν1what is good

This refers to Gods law.

716ROM713qwe9ἐμοὶ ἐγένετο θάνατος1become death to me

“did … cause me to die”

717ROM713hgm6figs-rquestionμὴ γένοιτο!1May it never be

This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. Alternate translation: “Of course that is not true!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

718ROM713m4l5figs-personificationἡ ἁμαρτία…μοι κατεργαζομένη θάνατον;1sin … brought about death in me

Paul is viewing sin as though it were a person who could act. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

719ROM713pnq6μοι κατεργαζομένη θάνατον1brought about death in me

“separated me from God”

720ROM713a6zbδιὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς1through the commandment

“because I disobeyed the commandment”

721ROM715udc80Connecting Statement:

Paul talks about the struggle inside his inner man between his flesh and the law of God—between sin and good.

722ROM715u3avὃ γὰρ κατεργάζομαι, οὐ γινώσκω1For what I do, I do not really understand

“I am not sure why I do some of the things that I do”

723ROM715hv9gὃ γὰρ κατεργάζομαι1For what I do

“Because what I do”

724ROM715az2zfigs-hyperboleοὐ…ὃ θέλω, τοῦτο πράσσω2what I want to do, this I do not do

The words I do not do are an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul does not do what he wants to do as often as he would like or that he does what he does not want to do too often. Alternate translation: “I do not always do what I want to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

725ROM715zv5lfigs-hyperboleὃ μισῶ, τοῦτο ποιῶ.1what I hate, this I do

The words I do, which implies that he always does what he hates to do, are an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul does what he does not want to do too often. Alternate translation: “the things that I know are not good are the things that I sometimes do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

726ROM716y26sεἰ δὲ ὃ οὐ θέλω, τοῦτο ποιῶ1But if I do

“However, if I do what I do not want to do”

727ROM716q3b5σύνφημι τῷ νόμῳ, ὅτι καλός1I agree with the law

“I know Gods law is good”

728ROM717f6n8figs-personificationἡ ἐνοικοῦσα ἐν ἐμοὶ ἁμαρτία1the sin that lives in me

Paul describes sin as a living being that has the power to influence him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

729ROM718p1c1figs-metonymyτῇ σαρκί μου1my flesh

Here, flesh is a metonym for the sinful nature. Alternate translation: “my sinful nature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

730ROM719ri3bἀγαθόν1the good

“the good deeds” or “the good actions”

731ROM719j69gκακὸν1the evil

“the evil deeds” or “the evil actions”

732ROM720afw6figs-personificationἀλλὰ ἡ οἰκοῦσα ἐν ἐμοὶ ἁμαρτία1rather sin that lives in me

Paul speaks of sin as if it were alive and living inside him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

733ROM721fbr9figs-personificationὅτι ἐμοὶ τὸ κακὸν παράκειται1that evil is actually present in me

Paul speaks of evil here as if it were alive and living inside him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

734ROM722m13qfigs-metaphorτὸν ἔσω ἄνθρωπον1the inner man

This refers to the newly-revived spirit of a person who trusts in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

735ROM723clu4βλέπω δὲ ἕτερον νόμον ἐν τοῖς μέλεσίν μου, ἀντιστρατευόμενον τῷ νόμῳ τοῦ νοός μου, καὶ αἰχμαλωτίζοντά με1But I see a different principle in my body parts. It fights against that new principle in my mind. It takes me captive

“But I am able only to do what my old nature tells me to do, not to live the new way the Spirit shows me”

736ROM723t7yhτῷ νόμῳ τοῦ νοός μου1new principle

This refers to the new spiritually-alive nature.

737ROM723fct8ἕτερον νόμον ἐν τοῖς μέλεσίν μου1a different principle in my body parts

This refers to the old nature, the way people are when they are born.

738ROM723u4nyτῷ νόμῳ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, τῷ ὄντι ἐν τοῖς μέλεσίν μου1the principle of sin that is in my body parts

“my sinful nature”

739ROM724h8l8figs-rquestionτίς με ῥύσεται ἐκ τοῦ σώματος τοῦ θανάτου τούτου?1Who will deliver me from this body of death?

Paul uses this question to express great emotion. If your language has a way of showing great emotion through an exclamation or a question, use it here. Alternate translation: “I want someone to set me free from the control of what my body desires!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

740ROM724nu6uμε ῥύσεται1deliver me

“will rescue me”

741ROM724md8efigs-metaphorτοῦ σώματος τοῦ θανάτου τούτου1this body of death

This is a metaphor that means a body that will experience physical death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

742ROM725w9uiχάρις τῷ Θεῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord

This is the answer to the question in 7:24.

743ROM725adx1figs-metaphorἄρα οὖν αὐτὸς ἐγὼ, τῷ μὲν νοῒ δουλεύω νόμῳ Θεοῦ; τῇ δὲ σαρκὶ, νόμῳ ἁμαρτίας1So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind. However, with the flesh I serve the principle of sin

The mind and flesh are used here to show how they compare to serve either the law of God or the principle of sin. With the mind or intellect one can choose to please and obey God and with the flesh or physical nature to serve sin. Alternate translation: “My mind chooses to please God, but my flesh chooses to obey sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

744ROM8introev4r0

Romans 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The first verse of this chapter is a transitional sentence. Paul concludes his teaching of Chapter 7 and leads into the words of Chapter 8.

Some translations set 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 verse 36. Paul quotes these words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Indwelling of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is said to live inside a person or inside their heart. If the Spirit is present, this signifies that a person is saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

“These are sons of God”

Jesus is the Son of God in a unique way. God also adopts Christians to be his children. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/adoption]])

Predestination

Many scholars believe Paul in this chapter teaches on a subject known as “predestination.” This is related to the biblical concept of “predestine.” Some take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen some to be eternally saved. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject. So translators need to take extra care when translating this chapter, especially with regards to elements of causation. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/predestine]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Paul poetically presents his teaching in verses 38 and 39 in the form of an extended metaphor. He explains that nothing can separate a person from the love of God in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

No condemnation

This phrase must be translated carefully to avoid doctrinal confusion. People are still guilty of their sin. God disapproves of acting sinfully, even after believing in Jesus. God still punishes the sins of believers, but Jesus has paid the punishment for their sin. This is what Paul expresses here. The word “condemn” has several possible meanings. Here Paul emphasizes that people who believe in Jesus are no longer punished eternally for their sin by being “condemned to hell.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]])

Flesh

This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])

745ROM81xq2y0Connecting Statement:

Paul gives the answer to the struggle he has with sin and good.

746ROM81xw65figs-explicitοὐδὲν ἄρα νῦν κατάκριμα τοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

Here, condemnation refers to punishing people. Alternate translation: “God will not condemn and punish those who are joined to Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

747ROM81i12tἄρα1therefore

“for that reason” or “because what I have just told you is true”

748ROM82x8uufigs-explicitὁ…νόμος τοῦ Πνεύματος τῆς ζωῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

Here, the Spirit of life refers to Gods Spirit. Alternate translation: “the working of the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

749ROM82th4nfigs-metaphorἠλευθέρωσέν σε ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου τῆς ἁμαρτίας καὶ τοῦ θανάτου1has set you free from the law of sin and death

Being set free from the law of sin and death is a metaphor for not being controlled by the law of sin and death. Alternate translation: “has caused the law of sin and death to no longer control you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

750ROM82u82eτοῦ νόμου τῆς ἁμαρτίας καὶ τοῦ θανάτου1the law of sin and death

This could mean: (1) the law of Moses, which provokes people to sin, and their sin causes them to die. Alternate translation: “the law which causes sin and death” (2) Paul is stating the principle that people sin and die.

751ROM83j98tfigs-personificationτὸ γὰρ ἀδύνατον τοῦ νόμου, ἐν ᾧ ἠσθένει διὰ τῆς σαρκός, ὁ Θεὸς1For what the law was unable to do because it was weak through the flesh, God did

Here the law is described as a person who could not break the power of sin. Alternate translation: “For the law did not have the power to stop us from sinning, because the power of sin within us was too strong. But God did stop us from sinning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

752ROM83etf2διὰ τῆς σαρκός1through the flesh

“because of peoples sinful nature”

753ROM83p4qqτὸν ἑαυτοῦ Υἱὸν πέμψας, ἐν ὁμοιώματι σαρκὸς ἁμαρτίας, καὶ περὶ ἁμαρτίας, κατέκρινε τὴν ἁμαρτίαν1He … sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh … an offering for sin … he condemned sin

The Son of God forever satisfied Gods holy anger against our sin by giving his own body and human life as the eternal sacrifice for sin.

754ROM83csl8guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸν1Son

Son is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

755ROM83uf94ἐν ὁμοιώματι σαρκὸς ἁμαρτίας1in the likeness of sinful flesh

“who looked like any other sinful human being”

756ROM83hfr2καὶ περὶ ἁμαρτίας1to be an offering for sin

“so that he could die as a sacrifice for our sins”

757ROM83es29κατέκρινε τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ἐν τῇ σαρκί1he condemned sin in the flesh

“God broke the power of sin through the body of his Son”

758ROM84j9fffigs-activepassiveτὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ νόμου πληρωθῇ ἐν ἡμῖν1the requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “we might fulfill what the law requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

759ROM84acc4figs-metaphorτοῖς μὴ κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦσιν1we who walk not according to the flesh

Here, walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: “we who do not obey our sinful desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

760ROM84bgg7figs-idiomτοῖς μὴ κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦσιν1

Here, flesh is an idiom for sinful human nature. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

761ROM84a5t4ἀλλὰ κατὰ Πνεῦμα1but according to the Spirit

“but who obey the Holy Spirit”

762ROM86y6p70Connecting Statement:

Paul continues to contrast the flesh with the Spirit we now have.

763ROM86vyw4figs-personificationτὸ…φρόνημα τῆς σαρκὸς…τὸ δὲ φρόνημα τοῦ Πνεύματος1the mind set on the flesh … the mind set on the Spirit

Here Paul speaks of both the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Spirit as if they were living persons. Alternate translation: “the way sinful people think … the way people who listen to the Holy Spirit think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

764ROM88me7uοἱ…ἐν σαρκὶ ὄντες1Those who are in the flesh

This refers to people who do what their sinful nature tells them to do.

765ROM89czm9ἐν σαρκὶ1in the flesh

“acting according to your sinful natures.” See how the flesh was translated in Romans 8:5.

766ROM89e54uἐν Πνεύματι1in the Spirit

“acting according to the Holy Spirit”

767ROM89p55fΠνεύματι,…Πνεῦμα Θεοῦ…Πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ1Spirit … Gods Spirit … Spirit of Christ

These all refer to the Holy Spirit.

768ROM89bei3εἴπερ1if it is true that

This phrase does not mean Paul doubts that some of them have Gods Spirit. Paul wants them to realize that they all have Gods Spirit. Alternate translation: “since” or “because”

769ROM810q8befigs-explicitεἰ…Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν1If Christ is in you

How Christ lives in a person could be made explicit. Alternate translation: “If Christ lives in you through the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

770ROM810e6g9figs-idiomτὸ μὲν σῶμα νεκρὸν διὰ ἁμαρτίαν1the body is dead with respect to sin

This could mean: (1) a person is spiritually dead to the power of sin. (2) the physical body will still die because of sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

771ROM810yb1bfigs-idiomτὸ δὲ Πνεῦμα ζωὴ διὰ δικαιοσύνην1the spirit is alive with respect to righteousness

This could mean: (1) a person is spiritually alive because God has given him power to do what is right. (2) God will bring the person back to life after he dies because God is righteous and gives believers eternal life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

772ROM811jlc9εἰ δὲ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ ἐγείραντος τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐκ νεκρῶν οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν1If the Spirit … lives in you

Paul assumes that the Holy Spirit lives in his readers. Alternate translation: “Since the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you”

773ROM811b9puτοῦ ἐγείραντος1of him who raised

“of God, who raised”

774ROM811jr6pfigs-idiomἐγείραντος τὸν Ἰησοῦν1raised Jesus

Here “to raise” is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “who caused Jesus to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

775ROM811t27dτὰ θνητὰ σώματα ὑμῶν1mortal bodies

“your physical bodies” or “your bodies, which will die someday”

776ROM812mv1rἄρα οὖν1So then

“Because what I have just told you is true”

777ROM812qw5bἀδελφοί1brothers

Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

778ROM812e3j8figs-metaphorὀφειλέται ἐσμέν1we are debtors

Paul is speaking of obedience as if it were paying back a debt. Alternate translation: “we need to obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

779ROM812fb3mfigs-ellipsisοὐ τῇ σαρκὶ, τοῦ κατὰ σάρκα ζῆν1but not to the flesh to live according to the flesh

You can include the implied word “debtors.” Alternate translation: “but we are not debtors to the flesh, and we do not have to obey our sinful desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

780ROM813ri75εἰ γὰρ κατὰ σάρκα ζῆτε1For if you live according to the flesh

“Because if you live only to please your sinful desires”

781ROM813b9n5μέλλετε ἀποθνῄσκειν1you are about to die

“you will certainly be separated from God”

782ROM813ld2hfigs-metaphorεἰ δὲ Πνεύματι τὰς πράξεις τοῦ σώματος θανατοῦτε1but if by the Spirit you put to death the bodys actions

Paul speaks of not doing sinful deeds as putting them to death. Alternate translation: “but if by the power of the Holy Spirit you stop obeying your sinful desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

783ROM814u8pvfigs-activepassiveὅσοι γὰρ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ἄγονται1For as many as are led by the Spirit of God

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For all the people whom the Spirit of God leads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

784ROM814gd1iυἱοί Θεοῦ1sons of God

Here, sons of God refers to all believers in Jesus.

785ROM815ecq3ἐν ᾧ κράζομεν1by which we cry

“who causes us to cry out”

786ROM815vxs9translate-unknownἈββά, ὁ Πατήρ1Abba, Father

Abba is the word for Father in the Aramaic language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

787ROM817fj7wfigs-metaphorκληρονόμοι μὲν Θεοῦ1heirs of God

Paul speaks of the Christian believers as if they will inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: “we also will one day receive what God has promised us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

788ROM817q751figs-metaphorσυνκληρονόμοι…Χριστοῦ1we are joint heirs with Christ

Paul speaks of the Christian believers as if they will inherit property and wealth from a family member. God will give to us what he gives to Christ. Alternate translation: “we will also receive what God has promised us and Christ together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

789ROM817j6iafigs-activepassiveἵνα καὶ συνδοξασθῶμεν1that we may also be glorified with him

God will honor Christian believers when he honors Christ. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “that God may glorify us along with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

790ROM818phk60Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds us as believers that our bodies will be changed at the redemption of our bodies in this section which ends in Romans 8:25.

791ROM818i5nuγὰρ1For

This emphasizes I consider. Here, it does not mean “because.”

792ROM818b3b1figs-activepassiveλογίζομαι…ὅτι οὐκ ἄξια τὰ παθήματα τοῦ νῦν καιροῦ, πρὸς1I consider that … are not worthy to be compared with

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “I cannot compare the sufferings of this present time with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

793ROM818jjb8figs-activepassiveμέλλουσαν…ἀποκαλυφθῆναι1will be revealed

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “that God will reveal” or “that God will make known” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

794ROM819d911figs-personificationἡ…ἀποκαραδοκία τῆς κτίσεως, τὴν…ἀπεκδέχεται1the eager expectation of the creation waits for

Paul describes everything that God created as a person who eagerly waits for something. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

795ROM819dm6sfigs-activepassiveτὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τῶν υἱῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1for the revealing of the sons of God

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “for the time when God will reveal his sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

796ROM819sr2pτῶν υἱῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1sons of God

Here refers to all believers in Jesus.

797ROM820l9abfigs-activepassiveτῇ γὰρ ματαιότητι, ἡ κτίσις ὑπετάγη1For the creation was subjected to futility

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For God caused what he had created to be unable to achieve what he intended” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

798ROM820yvl3figs-personificationοὐχ ἑκοῦσα, ἀλλὰ διὰ τὸν ὑποτάξαντα1not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it

Here Paul describes “creation” as a person who can desire. Alternate translation: “not because this is what the created things wanted, but because it is what God wanted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

799ROM821l6qcfigs-activepassiveαὐτὴ ἡ κτίσις ἐλευθερωθήσεται1the creation itself will be delivered

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will save creation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

800ROM821ba5hfigs-metaphorἀπὸ τῆς δουλείας τῆς φθορᾶς1from slavery to decay

Here being in slavery to decay is a metaphor for being certain to decay. Alternate translation: “from being destined to decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

801ROM821tx57figs-metaphorεἰς τὴν ἐλευθερίαν τῆς δόξης τῶν τέκνων τοῦ Θεοῦ1that it will be brought into the freedom of the glory of the children of God

Here, freedom is in contrast with slavery to decay. It is a metaphor meaning that the creation will not decay. Alternate translation: “that it will become gloriously free from decay like the children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

802ROM822l69kfigs-metaphorοἴδαμεν γὰρ ὅτι πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις συνστενάζει καὶ συνωδίνει ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν1For we know that the whole creation groans and labors in pain together even now

The creation is compared to a woman who groans while giving birth to a baby. Alternate translation: “For we know that everything that God created wants to be free and groans for it like a woman giving birth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

803ROM823k1wyfigs-explicitυἱοθεσίαν ἀπεκδεχόμενοι1waiting for our adoption, the redemption of our body

Here, our adoption refers to when we will become full members of Gods family, as adopted sons. Alternate translation: “waiting for when we are fully members of Gods family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

804ROM823qsb9figs-metaphorτὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν τοῦ σώματος ἡμῶν1

Here, the word redemption means when God saves us. Alternate translation: “when he saves our bodies from decay and death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

805ROM824x4gifigs-activepassiveτῇ γὰρ ἐλπίδι ἐσώθημεν1For in this certain hope we were saved

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For God saved us because we hoped in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

806ROM824tks9figs-rquestionἐλπὶς δὲ βλεπομένη, οὐκ ἔστιν ἐλπίς; ὃ γὰρ βλέπει τις, ἐλπίζει?1Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he can see?

Paul uses a question to help his audience understand what hope is. Alternate translation: “But if we are confidently waiting, that means we do not yet have what we want. No one can confidently wait if he already has what he wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

807ROM826h8jy0Connecting Statement:

Though Paul has been emphasizing that there is a struggle in believers between the flesh and the Spirit, he affirms that the Spirit is aiding us.

808ROM826jmp8στεναγμοῖς ἀλαλήτοις1inexpressible groans

“with groanings that we cannot express in words”

809ROM827tq4nὁ…ἐραυνῶν τὰς καρδίας1He who searches the hearts

Here, the one refers to God.

810ROM827tz5hfigs-metonymyὁ…ἐραυνῶν τὰς καρδίας1

Here, hearts is a metonym for a persons thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “God, who searches all our thoughts and feelings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

811ROM827v184figs-metaphorὁ…ἐραυνῶν τὰς καρδίας1

The phrase searches the hearts is a metaphor for examining thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “God, who knows all our thoughts and feelings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

812ROM828w4rz0Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds the believers that nothing can separate them from Gods love.

813ROM828q3cefigs-activepassiveτοῖς…κλητοῖς οὖσιν2for those who are called

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “for those whom God chose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

814ROM829m3vvοὓς προέγνω1those whom he foreknew

“those whom he knew before he even created them”

815ROM829rg4tκαὶ προώρισεν1he also predestined

“he also made it their destiny” or “he also planned in advance for them”

816ROM829xhn2figs-activepassiveσυμμόρφους τῆς εἰκόνος τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1to be conformed to the image of his Son

God planned from before the beginning of creation to grow those who believe in Jesus, the Son of God, into persons who are like Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “that he would change them to be like his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

817ROM829yuw2guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1Son

Son is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

818ROM829lf49εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν πρωτότοκον1that he might be the firstborn

“so that his Son would be the firstborn”

819ROM829s552figs-explicitἐν πολλοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1among many brothers

Here, brothers refers to all believers, both male and female. Alternate translation: “among many brothers and sisters who belong to the family of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

820ROM830hg3fοὓς…προώρισεν1Those whom he predestined

“those whom God made plans for in advance”

821ROM830g1y3figs-explicitτούτους καὶ ἐδικαίωσεν1these he also justified

Here, justified is in the past tense to emphasize that this will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “these he also put right with himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

822ROM830g29gfigs-explicitτούτους καὶ ἐδόξασεν1these he also glorified

The word glorified is in the past tense to emphasize that this will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “these he will also glorify” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

823ROM831xpu3figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν πρὸς ταῦτα? εἰ ὁ Θεὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, τίς καθ’ ἡμῶν?1What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Paul uses questions to emphasize the main point of what he said previously. Alternate translation: “This is what we should know from all of this: since God is helping us, no one can defeat us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

824ROM832l73iguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὅς γε τοῦ ἰδίου Υἱοῦ οὐκ ἐφείσατο1He who did not spare his own Son

God the Father sent the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to the cross as the holy, infinite sacrifice necessary to satisfy Gods infinite, holy nature against the sin of humanity. Here, Son is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

825ROM832b3auἀλλὰ…παρέδωκεν αὐτόν1but delivered him up

“but put him under the control of his enemies”

826ROM832gk4lfigs-rquestionπῶς οὐχὶ καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ, τὰ πάντα ἡμῖν χαρίσεται?1how will he not also with him freely give us all things?

Paul is using a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: “he will certainly and freely give us all things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

827ROM832rib2πῶς οὐχὶ καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ, τὰ πάντα ἡμῖν χαρίσεται1freely give us all things

“he will certainly also kindly give us all things”

828ROM833vr1bfigs-rquestionτίς ἐγκαλέσει κατὰ ἐκλεκτῶν Θεοῦ? Θεὸς ὁ δικαιῶν.1Who will bring any accusation against Gods chosen ones? God is the one who justifies

Paul uses a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: “No one can accuse us before God because he is the one who makes us right with him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

829ROM834vt5rfigs-rquestionτίς ὁ κατακρινῶν?1Who is the one who condemns?

Paul uses a question for emphasis. He does not expect an answer. Alternate translation: “No one will condemn us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

830ROM834vd8gtranslate-symactionὅς, καί ἐστιν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Θεοῦ1who is at the right hand of God

To be at the right hand of God is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “who is at the place of honor beside God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

831ROM835h9bafigs-rquestionτίς ἡμᾶς χωρίσει ἀπὸ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Χριστοῦ?1Who will separate us from the love of Christ?

Paul uses this question to teach that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Alternate translation: “No one will ever separate us from the love of Christ!” or “Nothing will ever separate us from the love of Christ!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

832ROM835m2hlfigs-ellipsisθλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμὸς, ἢ λιμὸς, ἢ γυμνότης, ἢ κίνδυνος, ἢ μάχαιρα?1Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

The words “shall separate us from the love of Christ” are understood from the previous question. Alternate translation: “Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword separate us from the love of Christ?”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

833ROM835ldx1figs-rquestionθλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμὸς, ἢ λιμὸς, ἢ γυμνότης, ἢ κίνδυνος, ἢ μάχαιρα?1Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that even these things cannot separate us from the love of Christ. Alternate translation: “Even tribulation, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, and sword cannot separate us from the love of Christ!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

834ROM835qe2zfigs-abstractnounsθλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμὸς, ἢ λιμὸς, ἢ γυμνότης, ἢ κίνδυνος, ἢ μάχαιρα1Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

The abstract nouns can be expressed with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “Even if people cause us trouble, hurt us, take away our clothes and food, or kill us, they cannot separate us from the love of Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

835ROM835kcjrfigs-metonymyἢ μάχαιρα1

Here, sword is a metonym that represents being killed violently. Alternate translation: “or being killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

836ROM835q2dcfigs-doubletθλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία1Tribulation, or distress

These words both mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

837ROM836t67yfigs-youὅτι ἕνεκεν σοῦ1For your benefit

Here, your is singular and refers to God. Alternate translation: “For you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

838ROM836s7wjfigs-exclusiveθανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν1we are killed all day long

Here, we refers to the one who wrote this part of Scripture, but not his audience, who was God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

839ROM836h6v7figs-hyperboleθανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν1

The phrase all day long is an exaggeration to emphasize how much danger they are in. Paul uses this part of Scripture to show that all who belong to God should expect difficult times. Alternate translation: “we are continually killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

840ROM836phxqfigs-activepassiveθανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “our enemies continually seek to kill us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

841ROM836g3pifigs-simileἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς1We were considered as sheep for the slaughter

Here Paul compares to livestock those whom people kill because they are loyal to God. Alternate translation: “Our lives are considered of no more value to them than the sheep they kill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

842ROM836gmi0figs-activepassiveἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Our lives have no more value to them than the sheep they kill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

843ROM837iui3ὑπερνικῶμεν1we are more than conquerors

“we have complete victory”

844ROM837wcm6figs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ ἀγαπήσαντος ἡμᾶς1through the one who loved us

You can make explicit the kind of love that Jesus showed. Alternate translation: “because of Jesus, who loved us so much he was willing to die for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

845ROM838fch1πέπεισμαι1I have been convinced

“I am confident”

846ROM838js9qἀρχαὶ1governments

This could refer to: (1) demons. (2) human kings and rulers.

847ROM838q7tiοὔτε δυνάμεις1nor powers

This could refer to: (1) spiritual beings with power. (2) human beings with power.

848ROM9introw6f40

Romans 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Paul changes what he is teaching about. In Chapters 9-11, he focuses on the nation of Israel.

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 verses 25-29 and 33 of this chapter. Paul quotes all of these words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Flesh

Paul uses the word “flesh” in this chapter only to refer to Israelites, people physically descending from Abraham through Jacob, who God named Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])

In other chapters, Paul uses the word “brother” to mean fellow Christians. However, in this chapter, he uses “my brothers” to mean his kinsmen the Israelites.

Paul refers to those who believe in Jesus as “children of God” and “children of the promise.”

Predestination

Many scholars believe Paul in this chapter teaches extensively on a subject known as “predestination.” This is related to the biblical concept of “predestine.” Some take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen some people to eternally save. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject. So translators need to take extra care when translating this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/predestine]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Stone of stumbling

Paul explains that while some Gentiles accepted Jesus as their savior by believing in him, most Jews were trying to earn their salvation and so rejected Jesus. Paul, quoting the Old Testament, describes Jesus as a stone that the Jews stumble over when walking. This “stone of stumbling” causes them to “fall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“It is not everyone in Israel who truly belongs to Israel”

Paul uses the word “Israel” in this verse with two different meanings. The first “Israel” means the physical descendants of Abraham through Jacob. The second “Israel” means those who are Gods people through faith. The UST reflects this.

849ROM91b89f0Connecting Statement:

Paul tells of his personal desire that the people of the nation of Israel will be saved. Then he emphasizes the different ways in which God has prepared them to believe.

850ROM91yg93figs-doubletἀλήθειαν λέγω ἐν Χριστῷ, οὐ ψεύδομαι1I tell the truth in Christ. I do not lie

These two expressions mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize that he is telling the truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

851ROM91h9mpσυνμαρτυρούσης μοι τῆς συνειδήσεώς μου ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ1my conscience bears witness with me in the Holy Spirit

“the Holy Spirit controls my conscience and confirms what I say”

852ROM92jx3afigs-idiomὅτι λύπη μοί ἐστιν μεγάλη, καὶ ἀδιάλειπτος ὀδύνη τῇ καρδίᾳ μου1that for me there is great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart

Here, unceasing pain in my heart is an idiom that Paul uses to share his emotional distress. Alternate translation: “I tell you that I grieve very greatly and deeply” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

853ROM92jky1figs-doubletλύπη…μεγάλη, καὶ ἀδιάλειπτος ὀδύνη1great sorrow and unceasing pain

These two expressions mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how great his emotions are. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

854ROM93rh5hfigs-activepassiveηὐχόμην γὰρ ἀνάθεμα εἶναι αὐτὸς, ἐγὼ ἀπὸ τοῦ Χριστοῦ1For I could wish that I myself would be cursed and set apart from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race according to the flesh

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “I personally would be willing to let God curse me and, keep me apart from Christ forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

855ROM93eg9bτῶν ἀδελφῶν1brothers

Here, brothers means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

856ROM94p1ysοἵτινές εἰσιν Ἰσραηλεῖται1They are Israelites

“who, like me, are Israelites”

857ROM94l6vsfigs-metaphorὧν ἡ υἱοθεσία1They have adoption

Here Paul uses the metaphor of adoption to indicate that the Israelites are like Gods children. Alternate translation: “who have God as their father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

858ROM96s2ma0Connecting Statement:

Paul emphasizes that those who are born in the family of Israel can really only be a true part of Israel through faith.

859ROM96equ8οὐχ οἷον δὲ, ὅτι ἐκπέπτωκεν ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ1But it is not as though the promises of God have failed

“But God has not failed to keep his promises” or “But God has kept his promises”

860ROM96wy8zοὐ γὰρ πάντες οἱ ἐξ Ἰσραήλ οὗτοι, Ἰσραήλ1For it is not everyone in Israel who truly belongs to Israel

God did not make his promises to all the physical descendants of Israel (or Jacob), but to his spiritual descendants, that is, those who trust in Jesus.

861ROM97s3rjοὐδ’ ὅτι εἰσὶν σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ πάντες τέκνα1Neither are all Abrahams descendants truly his children

“Nor are they all children of God just because they are Abrahams descendants”

862ROM98s5xafigs-metonymyτὰ τέκνα τῆς σαρκὸς,1the children of the flesh are not

Here, children of the flesh is a metonym that refers to the physical descendants of Abraham. Alternate translation: “all of Abrahams descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

863ROM98y17ufigs-metaphorοὐ…ταῦτα τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ1children of God

The phrase children of God is a metaphor that refers to people who are spiritual descendants, those who have faith in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

864ROM98ta8tτὰ τέκνα τῆς ἐπαγγελίας1children of the promise

The phrase children of the promise refers to people who will inherit the promises that God gave to Abraham.

865ROM99up57ἐπαγγελίας…ὁ λόγος οὗτος1this is the word of promise

“these are the words God used when he made the promise”

866ROM99wqb2figs-activepassiveἔσται τῇ Σάρρᾳ υἱός1a son will be given to Sarah

You can translate this in an active form to express that God will give a son to Sarah. Alternate translation: “I will give Sarah a son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

867ROM910mb5qfigs-exclusiveτοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν1our father

Paul refers to Isaac as our father because Isaac was the ancestor of Paul and of the Jewish believers in Rome. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

868ROM910icc1κοίτην, ἔχουσα1had conceived

“had become pregnant”

869ROM911h16yμήπω γὰρ γεννηθέντων, μηδὲ πραξάντων τι ἀγαθὸν ἢ φαῦλον1for the children were not yet born and had not yet done anything good or bad

“before the children were born and before they had done anything, whether good or bad”

870ROM911a1gzἵνα ἡ κατ’ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις τοῦ Θεοῦ μένῃ1so that the purpose of God according to choice might stand

“so that what God wants to happen according to His choice will happen”

871ROM911eez1μήπω γὰρ γεννηθέντων1for the children were not yet born

“before the children were born”

872ROM911iw56μηδὲ πραξάντων τι ἀγαθὸν ἢ φαῦλον1had not yet done anything good or bad

“not because of anything they had done”

873ROM912ze3m0Connecting Statement:

It may be necessary in your language to place this verse between verse 10 and verse 11: “our father Isaac, it was said to her, The older will serve the younger. Now the children were not yet born and had not yet done anything good or bad, but so that the purpose of God according to choice might stand—not because of actions, but because of him who calls. It is just”

874ROM912d6mrἐκ τοῦ1because of him

because of God

875ROM912wv7nἐρρέθη αὐτῇ, ὅτι ὁ μείζων δουλεύσει τῷ ἐλάσσονι1it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.”

“God said to Rebecca, The older son will serve the younger son

876ROM913xt7tfigs-hyperboleτὸν Ἰακὼβ ἠγάπησα, τὸν δὲ Ἠσαῦ ἐμίσησα1Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated

The word hated is an exaggeration. God loved Jacob much more than he loved Esau. He did not literally hate Esau. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

877ROM914m8xkfigs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν?1What then will we say?

Paul is using the question to get the attention of his readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

878ROM914s1hmμὴ γένοιτο!1May it never be

“That is not possible!” or “Certainly not!” This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here.

879ROM915kq2cfigs-metaphorτῷ Μωϋσεῖ γὰρ λέγει1For he says to Moses

Paul speaks about Gods talking with Moses as if it is being done in the present time. Alternate translation: “For God said to Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

880ROM916d4f5οὐ τοῦ θέλοντος, οὐδὲ τοῦ τρέχοντος1it is not because of him who wills, nor because of him who runs

“it is not because of what people want or because they try hard”

881ROM916ues3figs-metaphorοὐδὲ τοῦ τρέχοντος1nor because of him who runs

Paul speaks of a person who does good things in order to gain Gods favor as if that person were running a race. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

882ROM917x1cjfigs-personificationλέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφὴ1For the scripture says

Here the scripture is personified as if God were talking to Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “For the scripture records that God said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

883ROM917xu7sἐξήγειρά σε…ἐνδείξωμαι…μου1I … my

Here the pronouns I and my refer to God as the speaker.

884ROM917nfv5figs-youσε1you

Here, you is singular and refers to Pharaoh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

885ROM917pz5xfigs-idiomἐξήγειρά σε1I raised you up

Here, raised is an idiom for causing something to be what it is. Alternate translation: “I made you the powerful man that you are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

886ROM917gps5figs-activepassiveὅπως διαγγελῇ τὸ ὄνομά μου1so that my name might be proclaimed

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so that people might proclaim my name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

887ROM917jp6ifigs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομά μου1my name

Here, name is a metonym that could refer to: (1) God in all of his being. Alternate translation: “who I am” (2) Gods reputation. Alternate translation: “how great I am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

888ROM917jn7ufigs-hyperboleἐν πάσῃ τῇ γῇ1in all the earth

“wherever there are people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

889ROM918a1uvὃν δὲ θέλει, σκληρύνει1whom he wishes, he makes stubborn

God makes stubborn whoever he wishes to make stubborn.

890ROM919z4j2figs-youἐρεῖς μοι οὖν1You will say then to me

Paul is talking to the critics of his teaching as though he were only talking to one person. You may need to use the plural here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

891ROM919bbe4figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἔτι μέμφεται? τῷ γὰρ βουλήματι αὐτοῦ, τίς ἀνθέστηκεν?1Why does he still find fault? For who has ever withstood his will?

These rhetorical questions are complaints against God. You can translate them as strong statements. Alternate translation: “He should not find fault with us. No one has ever been able to withstand his will.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

892ROM919hqr7μέμφεται…αὐτοῦ1he … his

The words he and his here refer to God.

893ROM919n1tiτῷ…βουλήματι αὐτοῦ, τίς ἀνθέστηκεν1has … withstood his will

“who has ever stopped him from doing what he wanted to do”

894ROM920arw8figs-metaphorμὴ ἐρεῖ τὸ πλάσμα, τῷ πλάσαντι, τί με ἐποίησας οὕτως?1Will what has been molded say to the one who molds it, “Why … way?”

Paul uses the potters right to make any kind of container he wants from the clay as a metaphor for the creators right to do whatever he wants with his creation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

895ROM920knb3figs-rquestionμὴ ἐρεῖ τὸ πλάσμα, τῷ πλάσαντι, τί με ἐποίησας οὕτως?1

Paul asks questions to emphasize his point. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “What a person has molded should never say to the one who molds it, Why did you make me this way?!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

896ROM920wcj3figs-rquestionτί με ἐποίησας οὕτως1Why did you make me this way?

This question is a rebuke and can be translated as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have made me this way!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

897ROM921e94afigs-rquestionἢ οὐκ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν ὁ κεραμεὺς τοῦ πηλοῦ, ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ φυράματος ποιῆσαι ὃ μὲν εἰς τιμὴν σκεῦος, ὃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν?1Does the potter not have the right … for daily use?

This rhetorical question is a rebuke. Alternate translation: “The potter certainly has the right over the clay to make from the same lump a container for special occasions, but another for daily use.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

898ROM922we86figs-metaphorσκεύη ὀργῆς1containers of wrath

Paul speaks of people as if they were containers. Alternate translation: “people who deserve wrath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

899ROM923ufj7γνωρίσῃ…αὐτοῦ1he … his

The pronouns he and his here refer to God.

900ROM923v33rfigs-metaphorσκεύη ἐλέους1containers of mercy

Paul speaks of people as if they were containers. Alternate translation: “people who deserve mercy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

901ROM923she3figs-metaphorτὸν πλοῦτον τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ1the riches of his glory upon

Paul compares Gods wonderful actions here to great riches. Alternate translation: “his glory, which is of great value, upon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

902ROM923t41sfigs-explicitἃ προητοίμασεν εἰς δόξαν1which he had previously prepared for glory

Here, glory refers to life in heaven with God. Alternate translation: “whom he prepared ahead of time in order that they might live with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

903ROM924y6vpfigs-exclusiveκαὶ…ἡμᾶς1also for us

The pronoun us here refers to Paul and fellow believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

904ROM924t8rnἐκάλεσεν1called

Here, called means God has appointed or chosen people to be his children, to be his servants and proclaimers of his message of salvation through Jesus.

905ROM925eqc20Connecting Statement:

In this section Paul explains how Israels unbelief as a nation was told ahead of time by the prophet Hosea.

906ROM925ewb4figs-explicitὡς καὶ ἐν τῷ Ὡσηὲ λέγει1As he says also in Hosea

Here, he refers to God. Alternate translation: “As God says also in the book that Hosea wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

907ROM925m82vtranslate-namesτῷ Ὡσηὲ1Hosea

Hosea was an Old Testament prophet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

908ROM925gi5kκαλέσω τὸν οὐ λαόν μου, λαόν μου1I will call my people who were not my people

“I will choose for my people those who were not my people”

909ROM925yy15figs-activepassiveτὴν οὐκ ἠγαπημένην, ἠγαπημένην1her beloved who was not beloved

Here, the one refers to Hoseas wife, Gomer, who represents the nation of Israel. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “I will choose her whom I did not love to be one whom I love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

910ROM926qe9fυἱοὶ Θεοῦ ζῶντος1sons of the living God

The word living may refer to the fact that God is the only true God, and not like the false idols. Alternate translation: “children of the true God”

911ROM927zqi1κράζει1cries out

“calls out”

912ROM927k9j8figs-simileὡς ἡ ἄμμος τῆς θαλάσσης1as the sand of the sea

Here Paul compares the number of the people of Israel to the number of grains of sand in the sea. Alternate translation: “too many to count” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

913ROM927wig1figs-activepassiveσωθήσεται1will be saved

Paul uses the word saved in a spiritual sense. If God saves a person, it means that through believing in Jesus death on the cross, God has forgiven him and rescued him from being punished for his sin. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

914ROM928cm32λόγον…ποιήσει Κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1the Lord will carry out his sentence on the earth

Here, word refers to how he has decided to punish people. Alternate translation: “the Lord will punish people on the earth according to how he has said”

915ROM929dl9xfigs-exclusiveἡμῖν…ν ἐγενήθημεν1us … we

Here the pronouns us and we refer to Isaiah and those to whom he spoke. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

916ROM929tk2efigs-explicitὡς Σόδομα ἂν ἐγενήθημεν, καὶ ὡς Γόμορρα ἂν ὡμοιώθημεν1we would be like Sodom, and we would have become like Gomorrah

God killed all of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sin. Alternate translation: “we all would have been destroyed like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah” or “God would have destroyed all of us, like he destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gommorah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

917ROM930m5l2figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν?1What will we say then?

Paul uses this question to get the attention of his readers. Alternate translation: “This is what we must say.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

918ROM930ki4kὅτι ἔθνη1That the Gentiles

“We will say that the Gentiles”

919ROM930bnl6τὰ μὴ διώκοντα δικαιοσύνην1who were not pursuing righteousness

“who were not trying to please God”

920ROM930gl4mfigs-explicitδικαιοσύνην…τὴν ἐκ πίστεως1the righteousness by faith

Here, by faith refers to placing ones trust in Christ. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “because God made them right with him when they trusted in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

921ROM931f18nfigs-explicitεἰς νόμον οὐκ ἔφθασεν1did not arrive at it

This means that the Israelites could not please God by trying to keep the law. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “were not able to please God by keeping the law because they could not keep it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

922ROM932y4pffigs-ellipsisδιὰ τί?1Why not?

This is an ellipsis. You can include the implied words in your translation. Alternate translation: “Why could they not attain righteousness?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

923ROM932e7p7figs-rquestionδιὰ τί?1

Paul asks this question to get the attention of his readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

924ROM932j5jpfigs-explicitὡς ἐξ ἔργων1by works

This refers to things that people do to try to please God. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “by trying to do things that would please God” or “by keeping the Law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

925ROM933kx9cfigs-explicitκαθὼς γέγραπται1as it has been written

You can indicate that Isaiah wrote this. Alternate translation: “just as it has been written by Isaiah the prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

926ROM933ivt3figs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “as Isaiah the prophet wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

927ROM933dy6xfigs-metonymyἐν Σιὼν1in Zion

Here, Zion is a metonym that represents Israel. Alternate translation: “in Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

928ROM933u3djfigs-doubletλίθον προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτραν σκανδάλου1stone of stumbling and a rock of offense

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

929ROM933mf6hfigs-metaphorλίθον προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτραν σκανδάλου1

These phrases are metaphors that refer to Jesus and his death on the cross. It was as if the people stumbled over a stone because they were disgusted when they considered Jesus death on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

930ROM933tu4iπιστεύων ἐπ’ αὐτῷ1believes in it

Because the stone stands for a person, you may need to translate this as “who believes in him.”

931ROM10introc2li0

Romans 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set prose 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 words in verse 8.

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 verses 18-20 of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gods righteousness

Paul teaches here that while many Jews earnestly tried to be righteous, they did not succeed. We cannot earn Gods righteousness. God gives us Jesus righteousness when we believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He does this to convince his readers that God does not save only the Hebrew people, so Christians must be ready to go and share the gospel with the whole world. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“I will provoke you to jealousy by what is not a nation”

Paul uses this prophecy to explain that God will use the church to make the Hebrew people jealous. This is so they will seek God and believe the gospel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/jealous]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

932ROM101pi370Connecting Statement:

Paul continues stating his desire for Israel to believe but emphasizes that both those who are Jews as well as everyone else can only be saved by faith in Jesus.

933ROM101hj4bἀδελφοί1Brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

934ROM101tq7kfigs-metonymyἡ μὲν εὐδοκία τῆς ἐμῆς καρδίας1my hearts desire

Here, heart is a metonym for a persons emotions or inner being. Alternate translation: “my greatest desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

935ROM101tmf2ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν εἰς σωτηρίαν1is for them, for their salvation

“is that God will save the Jews”

936ROM102y7qgμαρτυρῶ…αὐτοῖς1I testify about them

“I declare truthfully about them”

937ROM103bw97figs-explicitἀγνοοῦντες γὰρ τὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην1For they do not know of Gods righteousness

Here, righteousness refers to the way God puts people right with himself. You can make this explicit in the translation. Alternate translation: “For they do not know how God puts people right with himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

938ROM103a6r4τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐχ ὑπετάγησαν1They did not submit to the righteousness of God

“they did not accept Gods way of putting people right with himself”

939ROM104x1w8τέλος γὰρ νόμου Χριστὸς1For Christ is the fulfillment of the law

“For Christ completely fulfilled the law”

940ROM104f6pufigs-explicitεἰς δικαιοσύνην παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι1for righteousness for everyone who believes

Here, believes means “trusts.” Alternate translation: “in order that he may make everyone who trusts in him right before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

941ROM105qby2τὴν δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐκ νόμου1the righteousness that comes from the law

“how the law makes a person right before God”

942ROM105wjn6figs-explicitὅτι ὁ ποιήσας αὐτὰ ἄνθρωπος, ζήσεται ἐν αὐτῇ1The man who does the righteousness of the law will live by this righteousness

In order to be made right with God through the law, a person would have to keep the law perfectly, which is not possible. Alternate translation: “The person who perfectly obeys the law will live because the law will make him right before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

943ROM105qkz4ζήσεται1will live

Here, will live could refer to: (1) eternal life. (2) mortal life in fellowship with God.

944ROM106sr9zfigs-personificationἡ δὲ ἐκ πίστεως δικαιοσύνη οὕτως λέγει1But the righteousness that comes from faith says this

Here, righteousness is described as a person who can speak. Alternate translation: “But Moses writes this about how faith makes a person right before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

945ROM106x7h4figs-youμὴ εἴπῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1Do not say in your heart

Moses was addressing the people as if he were speaking to only one person. The pronoun your is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

946ROM106nwlwfigs-metonymyμὴ εἴπῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1

Here, heart is a metonym for a persons mind or inner being. Alternate translation: “Do not say to yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

947ROM106tf9rfigs-rquestionτίς ἀναβήσεται εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν?1Who will ascend into heaven?

Moses uses a question to teach his audience. His previous instruction of, “Do not say” requires a negative answer to this question. You can translate this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one is able to go up to heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

948ROM106gi7sτοῦτ’ ἔστιν Χριστὸν καταγαγεῖν1that is, to bring Christ down

“in order that they might have Christ come down to earth”

949ROM107w8xefigs-rquestionτίς καταβήσεται εἰς τὴν Ἄβυσσον?1Who will descend into the abyss

Moses uses a question to teach his audience. His previous instruction of, “Do not say” requires a negative answer to this question. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “No person can go down and enter the place where the spirits of dead persons are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

950ROM107iw13ἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.

951ROM107t8ddνεκρῶν1dead

Here, the dead speaks of physical death.

952ROM108gz7tfigs-personificationἀλλὰ τί λέγει?1But what does it say?

The word it refers to “the righteousness” of Romans 10:6. Here Paul describes righteousness as a person who can speak. Alternate translation: “But this is what Moses says?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

953ROM108sen1figs-rquestionἀλλὰ τί λέγει?1

Paul uses a question to emphasize the answer he is about to give. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

954ROM108kzb2figs-personificationἐγγύς σου τὸ ῥῆμά ἐστιν1The word is near you

Paul speaks of Gods word as if it were a person who can move. Alternate translation: “You have heard the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

955ROM108y6mqfigs-metonymyἐγγύς σου τὸ ῥῆμά ἐστιν, ἐν τῷ στόματί σου, καὶ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1The word is … in your mouth

The word mouth is a metonym that refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “You can hear and know how to speak and think about Gods message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

956ROM108zvx4figs-metonymyἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1The word is … in your heart

The phrase in your heart is metonym that refers to what a person thinks and believes. Alternate translation: “and you know what it means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

957ROM108lh5dτὸ ῥῆμα τῆς πίστεως1the word of faith

“Gods message that tells us that we must believe in him”

958ROM109tz7rἐὰν ὁμολογήσῃς ἐν τῷ στόματί σου, Κύριον Ἰησοῦν1if with your mouth you confess Jesus as Lord

“if you verbally confess that Jesus is Lord”

959ROM109ie71figs-metonymyπιστεύσῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1believe in your heart

Here, heart is a metonym for a persons mind or inner person. Alternate translation: “believe in your mind” or “truly believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

960ROM109zdf5figs-idiomαὐτὸν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν1raised him from the dead

Here, raised here is an idiom for “caused to live again.” Alternate translation: “caused him to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

961ROM109c3cqfigs-activepassiveσωθήσῃ1you will be saved

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will save you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

962ROM1010g7i1figs-metonymyκαρδίᾳ γὰρ πιστεύεται εἰς δικαιοσύνην, στόματι δὲ ὁμολογεῖται εἰς σωτηρίαν1For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation

Here, heart is a metonym that represents the mind or will. Alternate translation: “For it is with the mind that a person trusts and is right before God, and it is with the mouth that a person confesses and God saves him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

963ROM1010xs8cfigs-synecdocheστόματι1with the mouth

Here, mouth is a synecdoche that represents a persons capacity to speak. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

964ROM1011gu99figs-personificationλέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφή1For scripture says

Paul speaks of the scripture as if it were alive and had a voice. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

965ROM1011r6tffigs-explicitλέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφή1

You can make explicit who wrote the scripture that Paul uses here. Alternate translation: “For Isaiah wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

966ROM1011nv71figs-activepassiveπᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ἐπ’ αὐτῷ οὐ καταισχυνθήσεται1Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame

This is equivalent to: “Everyone who does not believe will be shamed.” The negative is used here for emphasis. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will honor everyone who believes in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

967ROM1012z8p4figs-explicitοὐ γάρ ἐστιν διαστολὴ Ἰουδαίου τε καὶ Ἕλληνος1For there is no difference between Jew and Greek

Paul implies that God will treat all people the same. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “In this way, God treats the Jews and the non-Jews the same” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

968ROM1012p9pyfigs-explicitπλουτῶν εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους αὐτόν1he is rich to all who call upon him

Here, being rich means that God blesses richly. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “and he richly blesses all who trust in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

969ROM1013pe96figs-metonymyπᾶς γὰρ ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου, σωθήσεται1For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved

Here the word name is a metonym for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

970ROM1013js1bfigs-activepassiveπᾶς γὰρ ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου, σωθήσεται1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For the Lord will save everyone who trusts in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

971ROM1014utr4figs-rquestionπῶς οὖν ἐπικαλέσωνται εἰς ὃν οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν?1How then can they call on him in whom they have not believed?

Paul uses a question to emphasize the importance of taking the good news of Christ to those who have not heard. The word they refers to those who do not yet belong to God. Alternate translation: “Those who do not believe in God cannot call on him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

972ROM1014lx52figs-rquestionπῶς…πιστεύσωσιν οὗ οὐκ ἤκουσαν?2How can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?

Paul uses another question for the same reason. Alternate translation: “they cannot believe in him if they have not heard his message!” or “they cannot believe in him if they have not heard the message about him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

973ROM1014mrl8πιστεύσωσιν1believe in

Here this means to acknowledge that what that person has said is true.

974ROM1014iwc1figs-rquestionπῶς…ἀκούσωσιν χωρὶς κηρύσσοντος?3How can they hear without a preacher?

Paul uses another question for the same reason. Alternate translation: “they cannot hear the message if someone does not tell them!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

975ROM1015e8rtfigs-metonymyὡς ὡραῖοι οἱ πόδες τῶν εὐαγγελιζομένων τὰ ἀγαθά!1How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim good news

Paul uses feet to represent those who travel and bring the message to those who have not heard it. Alternate translation: “It is wonderful when messengers come and tell us the good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

976ROM1016hku8οὐ πάντες ὑπήκουσαν1not all of them obeyed

Here, them refers to the Jews. “not all of the Jews obeyed”

977ROM1016j3sefigs-rquestionΚύριε, τίς ἐπίστευσεν τῇ ἀκοῇ ἡμῶν?1Lord, who has believed our message?

Paul is using this question to emphasize that Isaiah prophesied in the Scriptures that many Jews would not believe in Jesus. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “Lord, so many of them do not believe our message.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

978ROM1016z4s9τῇ ἀκοῇ ἡμῶν1our message

Here, our refers to God and Isaiah.

979ROM1017wu5aἡ πίστις ἐξ ἀκοῆς1faith comes from hearing

Here, faith refers to “believing in Christ”

980ROM1017nq87ἡ…ἀκοὴ διὰ ῥήματος Χριστοῦ2hearing by the word of Christ

“hearing by listening to the message about Christ”

981ROM1018f6jyfigs-rquestionἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ οὐκ ἤκουσαν? μενοῦνγε1But I say, “Did they not hear?” Yes, most certainly

Paul uses a question for emphasis. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “But, I say the Jews certainly have heard the message about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

982ROM1018s5zhfigs-parallelismεἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν; καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης, τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν1Their sound has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

Both of these statements mean basically the same thing and Paul uses them for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

983ROM1018g4vdfigs-personificationεἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν; καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης, τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν1

The word their refers to the sun, moon, and stars. Here they are described as human messengers that tell people about God. This refers to how their existence shows Gods power and glory. Alternate translation: “The sun, moon, and the stars are proof of Gods power and glory, and everyone in the world sees them and knows the truth about God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

984ROM1018lz77figs-explicitεἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν; καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης, τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν1

You can make explicit that Paul is quoting Scripture here. Alternate translation: “As the Scriptures record, The sun, moon, and the stars are proof of Gods power and glory, and everyone in the world sees them and knows the truth about God.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

985ROM1019ib4mfigs-rquestionἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ Ἰσραὴλ οὐκ ἔγνω?1Moreover, I say, “Did Israel not know?”

Paul uses a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: “Again I tell you that Israel did know the message.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

986ROM1019zyw0figs-metonymyἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ Ἰσραὴλ οὐκ ἔγνω?1

The word Israel is a metonym for the people who lived in the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “Again I tell you the people of Israel did know the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

987ROM1019jjt3figs-explicitπρῶτος Μωϋσῆς λέγει1First Moses says, “I will provoke you … I will stir you up to anger.”

This means that Moses wrote down what God said. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

988ROM1019vxzzfigs-youἐγὼ παραζηλώσω ὑμᾶς,…παροργιῶ ὑμᾶς1

Both instances of I refer to God, and you refers to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “God will provoke you … God will stir you up to anger.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

989ROM1019ve6tἐπ’ οὐκ ἔθνει1by what is not a nation

“by those you do not consider to be a real nation” or “by people who do not belong to any nation”

990ROM1019s3nzfigs-explicitἐπ’ ἔθνει ἀσυνέτῳ1By means of a nation without understanding

Here, without understanding means that the people do not know God. Alternate translation: “by a nation with people who do not know me or my commands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

991ROM1019g7ztπαροργιῶ ὑμᾶς1I will stir you up to anger

“I will make you angry” or “I will cause you to become angry”

992ROM1019a7k7figs-youὑμᾶς1you

Here, you refers to the nation of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

993ROM1020qcx20General Information:

Here the words I, “me,” and “my” refer to God.

994ROM1020cv1xἨσαΐας δὲ ἀποτολμᾷ καὶ λέγει1Then Isaiah was very bold when he says

This means the prophet Isaiah wrote what God had said.

995ROM1020fc4bεὑρέθην ἐν τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ζητοῦσιν1I was found by those who did not seek me

Prophets often speak of things in the future as if they have already happened. This emphasizes that the prophecy will certainly come true.

996ROM1020u60ffigs-activepassiveεὑρέθην ἐν τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ζητοῦσιν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Even though the Gentile people will not look for me, they will find me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

997ROM1020t78jἐμφανὴς ἐγενόμην1I appeared

“I made myself known”

998ROM1020k8ppλέγει1he says

He refers to God, who is speaking through Isaiah.

999ROM1021hw4wὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν1All the day long

This phrase is used to emphasize Gods continual effort. “Continually”

1000ROM1021il8stranslate-symactionἐξεπέτασα τὰς χεῖράς μου πρὸς λαὸν ἀπειθοῦντα καὶ ἀντιλέγοντα1I reached out my hands to a disobedient and stubborn people

The action of reaching out a hand represents offering help to a person. Alternate translation: “I tried to welcome you and to help you, but you refused my help and continued to disobey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1001ROM11introe9qz0

Romans 11 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 verses 9-10, 26-27, and 34-35, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Grafting

Paul uses the image of “grafting” to refer to the place of the Gentiles and Jews in the plans of God. Making one plant to be permanently part of another plant is called “grafting.” Paul uses the picture of God grafting the Gentiles as a wild branch into his saving plans. But God has not forgotten about the Jews, who are spoken of as the natural plant. God will also save Jews who believe in Jesus.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Did God reject his people? May it never be”

Whether Israel (the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) has a future in the plans of God, or if they have been replaced in the plans of God by the church, is a major theological issue in Chapters 9-11. This phrase is an important part of this section of Romans. It seems to indicate that Israel remains distinct from the church. Not all scholars arrive at this conclusion. Despite their currently rejecting Jesus as their Messiah, Israel has not exhausted the grace and mercy of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])

1002ROM111p2h90Connecting Statement:

Though Israel as a nation has rejected God, God wants them to understand salvation comes by grace without works.

1003ROM111wp35λέγω οὖν1I say then

“I, Paul, say then”

1004ROM111p4zdfigs-rquestionμὴ ἀπώσατο ὁ Θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ?1did God reject his people?

Paul asks this question so that he can answer the questions of other Jews who are upset that God has included the Gentiles among his people, while the hearts of the Jewish people have been hardened. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1005ROM111wqu2μὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

“That is not possible!” or “Certainly not!” This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in Romans 9:14.

1006ROM111bc4gφυλῆς Βενιαμείν1tribe of Benjamin

This refers to the tribe descended from Benjamin, one of the 12 tribes into which God divided the people of Israel.

1007ROM112h4qeὃν προέγνω1whom he foreknew

“whom he knew ahead of time”

1008ROM112cjp6figs-rquestionἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ἐν Ἠλείᾳ τί λέγει ἡ Γραφή, ὡς ἐντυγχάνει τῷ Θεῷ κατὰ τοῦ Ἰσραήλ?1Do you not know what the scripture says about Elijah, how he pleaded with God against Israel?

You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you know what the Scriptures record about when Elijah pleaded with God against Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1009ROM112dd1efigs-personificationτί λέγει ἡ Γραφή1what the scripture says

Paul is referring to the scriptures as if they were able to speak. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1010ROM113fh9iἀπέκτειναν1they have killed

Here, they refers to the people of Israel.

1011ROM113ut1sκἀγὼ ὑπελείφθην μόνος1I alone am left

The pronoun I here refers to Elijah.

1012ROM113dv5uζητοῦσιν τὴν ψυχήν μου1seeking my life

“they want to kill me”

1013ROM114rj4efigs-rquestionἀλλὰ τί λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ χρηματισμός?1But what does Gods answer say to him?

Paul is using this question to bring the reader to his next point. Alternate translation: “How does God answer him?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1014ROM114x6e9αὐτῷ1him

The pronoun him refers to Elijah.

1015ROM115ce2rλῖμμα1remnant

Here this means a small part of people whom God chose to receive his grace.

1016ROM116q6esfigs-explicitεἰ δὲ χάριτι1But if it is by grace

Paul continues to explain how Gods mercy works. Alternate translation: “But since Gods mercy works by grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1017ROM117k94bfigs-rquestionτί οὖν?1What then?

“What should we conclude?” Paul asks this question to move his reader to his next point. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is what we need to remember.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1018ROM118uc8gfigs-metaphorἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς πνεῦμα κατανύξεως, ὀφθαλμοὺς τοῦ μὴ βλέπειν, καὶ ὦτα τοῦ μὴ ἀκούειν1God has given them a spirit of dullness, eyes so that they should not see, and ears so that they should not hear

This is a metaphor about the fact that the people are spiritually dull. They are not able to hear or receive spiritual truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1019ROM118z47aπνεῦμα κατανύξεως1spirit of dullness

Here, spirit means “the characteristics of,” such as the “spirit of wisdom.”

1020ROM118zyk1ὀφθαλμοὺς τοῦ μὴ βλέπειν1eyes so that they should not see

The concept of seeing with ones eyes was considered to be equivalent to gaining understanding.

1021ROM118ny8wὦτα τοῦ μὴ ἀκούειν1ears so that they should not hear

The concept of hearing with the ears was considered to be equivalent to obedience.

1022ROM119kpg8figs-metonymyγενηθήτω ἡ τράπεζα αὐτῶν εἰς παγίδα, καὶ εἰς θήραν1Let their table become a net and a trap

Here, table here is a metonym that represents feasting. Alternate translation: “Please, God, make their feasts become like a trap” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1023ROM119l6refigs-metaphorγενηθήτω ἡ τράπεζα αὐτῶν εἰς παγίδα, καὶ εἰς θήραν1

Here, net and trap are metaphors that represent punishment. Alternate translation: (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1024ROM119x0wlfigs-activepassiveγενηθήτω ἡ τράπεζα αὐτῶν εἰς παγίδα, καὶ εἰς θήραν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Please, God, make their feasts like a trap that catches them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1025ROM119ya1gfigs-metaphorσκάνδαλον1a stumbling block

A stumbling block is anything that causes a person to trip so that he falls down. Here it represents something that tempts a person to sin. Alternate translation: “something that tempts them to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1026ROM119xex5ἀνταπόδομα αὐτοῖς1a retribution for them

“something that allows you to take revenge on them”

1027ROM1110c1njfigs-metonymyτὸν νῶτον αὐτῶν διὰ παντὸς σύνκαμψον1bend their backs continually

Here, make their backs bend is a metonym for forcing slaves to carry heavy loads on their backs. Alternate translation: “make them continually carry heavy loads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1028ROM1110biqgfigs-metaphorτὸν νῶτον αὐτῶν διὰ παντὸς σύνκαμψον1

This is a metaphor for making them suffer. Alternate translation: “make them continually suffer like people carrying heavy loads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1029ROM1111z8tw0Connecting Statement:

With Israel as a nation rejecting God, Paul warns the Gentiles to be careful they do not make the same mistake.

1030ROM1111r9hgfigs-rquestionμὴ ἔπταισαν ἵνα πέσωσιν?1Did they stumble so as to fall?

Paul uses this question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “Has God rejected them forever because they sinned?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1031ROM1111qbx4μὴ γένοιτο!1May it never be

“That is not possible!” or “Certainly not!” This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in Romans 9:14.

1032ROM1111f1jwπαραζηλῶσαι αὐτούς1provoke … to jealousy

See how you translated this phrase in Romans 10:19.

1033ROM1112ew4ifigs-doubletεἰ…τὸ παράπτωμα αὐτῶν, πλοῦτος κόσμου, καὶ τὸ ἥττημα αὐτῶν, πλοῦτος ἐθνῶν1if their failure is the riches of the world, and if their loss is the riches of the Gentiles

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. If you need to, you can combine them in your translation. Alternate translation: “when the Jews failed spiritually, the result was that God abundantly blessed the non-Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1034ROM1112dh1gπλοῦτος ἐθνῶν1the riches of the world

Because the Jews rejected Christ, God richly blessed the Gentiles by giving them the opportunity to receive Christ.

1035ROM1112it9kκόσμου1the world

Here the world is a metonym that refers to the people who live in the world, especially the Gentiles.

1036ROM1114ua2kπαραζηλώσω1I will provoke to jealousy

See how you translated this phrase in Romans 10:19.

1037ROM1114h1qeμου τὴν σάρκα1those who are of my own flesh

This refers to Pauls fellow Jews.

1038ROM1114gp38figs-explicitκαὶ σώσω τινὰς ἐξ αὐτῶν1Perhaps I will save some of them

God will save those who believe. Alternate translation: “and perhaps some will believe and God will save them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1039ROM1115es22εἰ γὰρ ἡ ἀποβολὴ αὐτῶν καταλλαγὴ κόσμου1For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world

“For if because God rejected them, he will reconcile the rest of the world to himself”

1040ROM1115ui3iἡ ἀποβολὴ αὐτῶν1their rejection

The pronoun their refers to Jewish unbelievers.

1041ROM1115m3fsfigs-metonymyκόσμου1the world

Here, the world is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1042ROM1115em8mfigs-rquestionτίς ἡ πρόσλημψις εἰ μὴ ζωὴ ἐκ νεκρῶν?1what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

Paul asks this question to emphasize that when God accepts the Jews, it will be a wonderful thing. Alternate translation: “how will it be when God accepts them? It will be like they have come back to life from among the dead!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1043ROM1115civ7figs-activepassiveτίς ἡ πρόσλημψις εἰ μὴ ζωὴ ἐκ νεκρῶν?1

You can translate it in an active form. Alternate translation: “then when God accepts them, it will be like they have died and become alive again!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1044ROM1115jn4lνεκρῶν1the dead

These words speak of all dead people together in the underworld.

1045ROM1116b2s5figs-metaphorεἰ δὲ ἡ ἀπαρχὴ ἁγία, καὶ τὸ φύραμα;1If the firstfruits are reserved, so is the lump of dough

Paul is speaking of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Israelites ancestors, as if they were the first grain or firstfruits to be harvested. He is also speaking of the Israelites who are descendants of those men as if they were a lump of dough that they made from the grain. Alternate translation: “If Abraham is counted as the first of what has been offered to God, all of our ancestors who followed should also be counted as Gods possession” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1046ROM1116dci1figs-metaphorεἰ ἡ ῥίζα ἁγία, καὶ οἱ κλάδοι1If the root is reserved, so are the branches

Paul is speaking of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Israelites ancestors, as if they were the root of a tree, and the Israelites who are descendants of those men, as if they were the branches of the tree. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1047ROM1116d1zifigs-metaphorἁγία1reserved

The people always dedicated to God the first crops that they harvested. Here, “firstfruits” stands for the first people to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1048ROM1117slf6figs-metaphorεἰ δέ τινες τῶν κλάδων ἐξεκλάσθησαν1But if some of the branches were broken off

Here Paul refers to the Jews who rejected Jesus as branches that were broken off. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1049ROM1117b8icfigs-activepassiveεἰ δέ τινες τῶν κλάδων ἐξεκλάσθησαν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “But if someone broke off some of the branches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1050ROM1117qv65σὺ δὲ ἀγριέλαιος ὢν1if you, a wild olive branch

The pronoun you, and the phrase a wild olive branch, refer to the Gentile people who have accepted salvation through Jesus.

1051ROM1117z6hrfigs-metaphorἐνεκεντρίσθης ἐν αὐτοῖς1were grafted in among them

Here Paul speaks of the Gentile Christians as if they were grafted into the faith of Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1052ROM1117lb1pfigs-activepassiveἐνεκεντρίσθης ἐν αὐτοῖς1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God attached you to the tree among the remaining branches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1053ROM1117s9w3figs-metaphorτῆς ῥίζης τῆς πιότητος τῆς ἐλαίας ἐγένου1the rich root of the olive tree

Here, the richness of the root is a metaphor that refers to the promises of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1054ROM1118gqd6figs-metaphorμὴ κατακαυχῶ τῶν κλάδων1do not boast over the branches

Here, the branches is a metaphor that stands for the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “do not say you are better than the Jewish people God has rejected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1055ROM1118llz1figs-metaphorοὐ σὺ τὴν ῥίζαν βαστάζεις, ἀλλὰ ἡ ῥίζα σέ1it is not you who supports the root, but the root that supports you

Again Paul implies that the Gentile believers are branches that are connected to the root of the faith of the Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs. God saves them only because of the covenant promises that he made to the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1056ROM1119mm6wfigs-metaphorἐξεκλάσθησαν κλάδοι1Branches were broken off

Branches here refer to the Jews who rejected Jesus and whom God has now rejected. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1057ROM1119qk8cfigs-activepassiveἐξεκλάσθησαν κλάδοι1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God broke branches off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1058ROM1119p9tifigs-metaphorἐγὼ ἐνκεντρισθῶ1I might be grafted in

Paul uses this phrase to refer to the Gentile believers whom God has accepted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1059ROM1119z9l9figs-activepassiveἐγὼ ἐνκεντρισθῶ1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “he might attach me in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1060ROM1120puj9τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ ἐξεκλάσθησαν1their … they

The pronouns They and their refer to the Jewish people who did not believe.

1061ROM1120v2uafigs-metaphorσὺ δὲ τῇ πίστει ἕστηκας1but you stand firm because of your faith

Paul speaks of the Gentile believers remaining faithful as if they were standing firm and no one could move them. Alternate translation: “but you remain because of your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1062ROM1121f6i7figs-metaphorεἰ γὰρ ὁ Θεὸς τῶν κατὰ φύσιν κλάδων οὐκ ἐφείσατο, οὐδὲ σοῦ φείσεται1For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you

Here the natural branches refer to the Jewish people who rejected Jesus. Alternate translation: “Since God did not spare those unbelieving Jews, who grew up like a trees natural branches that came from the root, then know, if you do not believe, he will not spare you either” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1063ROM1122xdm3χρηστότητα καὶ ἀποτομίαν Θεοῦ1the kind actions and the severity of God

Paul is reminding the Gentile believers that although God may act very kindly toward them, he will not hesitate to judge and punish them.

1064ROM1122p691figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ μὲν τοὺς πεσόντας, ἀποτομία; ἐπὶ δὲ σὲ, χρηστότης Θεοῦ1severity came on the Jews who fell … Gods kindness comes on you

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns severity and kindness. Alternate translation: “God dealt harshly with the Jews who fell, but God acts kindly toward you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1065ROM1122scf8figs-metaphorτοὺς πεσόντας1those who fell

Doing what is wrong is spoken of as if it is falling down. Alternate translation: “the Jews who have done wrong” or “the Jews who have refused to trust in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1066ROM1122z41mfigs-abstractnounsἐὰν ἐπιμένῃς τῇ χρηστότητι1if you continue in his kindness

This can be restated to remove the abstract noun kindness. Alternate translation: “if you continue doing what is right so that he continues being kind to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1067ROM1122t4mkfigs-metaphorἐπεὶ καὶ σὺ ἐκκοπήσῃ1Otherwise you also will be cut off

Paul again uses the metaphor of a branch, which God can cut off if he needs to. Here, cut off is a metaphor for rejecting someone. Alternate translation: “Otherwise you will be rejected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1068ROM1122l17ifigs-activepassiveἐπεὶ καὶ σὺ ἐκκοπήσῃ1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Otherwise God will cut you off” or “Otherwise God will reject you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1069ROM1123lvk7figs-doublenegativesἐὰν μὴ ἐπιμένωσι τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ1if they do not continue in their unbelief

The phrase do not continue in their unbelief is a double negative. You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “if the Jews start believing in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1070ROM1123zu7kfigs-metaphorἐνκεντρισθήσονται1will be grafted in

Paul speaks of the Jews as if they were branches that could be grafted back into a tree if they start to believe in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1071ROM1123lx11figs-activepassiveἐνκεντρισθήσονται1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will graft them back in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1072ROM1123yjj6ἐνκεντρίσαι1graft

This is a common process where the end of a live branch of one tree is inserted into another tree so that the new branch will continue to grow in that tree.

1073ROM1123r5kgκἀκεῖνοι…αὐτούς1they … them

The occurrences of they and them refer to the Jews.

1074ROM1124s1a4figs-metaphorεἰ γὰρ σὺ ἐκ τῆς κατὰ φύσιν ἐξεκόπης ἀγριελαίου, καὶ παρὰ φύσιν ἐνεκεντρίσθης εἰς καλλιέλαιον, πόσῳ μᾶλλον οὗτοι, οἱ κατὰ φύσιν ἐνκεντρισθήσονται τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐλαίᾳ1For if you were cut out of what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a good olive tree, how much more will these Jews, who are the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree?

Paul continues speaking of the Gentile believers and Jews as if they were branches of a tree. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1075ROM1124dem3figs-activepassiveεἰ γὰρ σὺ ἐκ τῆς κατὰ φύσιν ἐξεκόπης ἀγριελαίου, καὶ παρὰ φύσιν ἐνεκεντρίσθης εἰς καλλιέλαιον, πόσῳ μᾶλλον οὗτοι, οἱ κατὰ φύσιν ἐνκεντρισθήσονται τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐλαίᾳ?1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For if God had cut you out of what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature had grafted you into a good olive tree, how much more will he graft these Jews, who are the natural branches, into their own olive tree?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1076ROM1124yn21figs-metaphorοἱ κατὰ φύσιν1branches

Paul continues speaking of the Jews and Gentiles as if they were branches. The branches according to nature represent the Jews who were originally connected to the faith of Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1077ROM1125ye5wfigs-doublenegativesοὐ…θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν1I do not want you to be uninformed

Here Paul uses a double negative. You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “I very much want you to be aware” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1078ROM1125w7lxἀδελφοί1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1079ROM1125q3i2θέλω1I

Here the pronoun I refers to Paul.

1080ROM1125sf4vὑμᾶς…ἦτε…ἑαυτοῖς1you … you … your

The pronouns you and yourselves refer to the Gentile believers.

1081ROM1125me1gfigs-explicitἵνα μὴ ἦτε παρ’ ἑαυτοῖς φρόνιμοι1in order that you will not be wise in your own thinking

Paul does not want the Gentile believers to think they are wiser than the Jewish unbelievers. Alternate translation: “so that you will not think you are wiser than you are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1082ROM1125ec4jfigs-metaphorπώρωσις ἀπὸ μέρους τῷ Ἰσραὴλ γέγονεν1a partial hardening has occurred in Israel

Paul speaks of stubbornness as if it were a hardening of physical organs in the body. Some Jews have refused to accept salvation through Jesus. Alternate translation: “many people of Israel continue to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1083ROM1125db1xἄχρι οὗ τὸ πλήρωμα τῶν ἐθνῶν εἰσέλθῃ1until the completion of the Gentiles come in

The word until here implies that a portion Jews will refuse to believe until after God has finished bringing the Gentiles into the church.

1084ROM1126ds7a0Connecting Statement:

Paul says that a deliverer will come out of Israel to the glory of God.

1085ROM1126vu7tfigs-activepassiveκαὶ οὕτως πᾶς Ἰσραὴλ σωθήσεται1Thus all Israel will be saved

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and thus God will save all Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1086ROM1126n7yffigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1just as it is written

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “just as the scriptures record” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1087ROM1126dm4efigs-metonymyἐκ Σιὼν1Out of Zion

Here, Zion is used as a metonym for the place where God dwells. Alternate translation: “From where God is among the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1088ROM1126v96cὁ ῥυόμενος1the Deliverer

“the one who brings his people to safety”

1089ROM1126at55figs-metaphorἀποστρέψει ἀσεβείας1He will remove ungodliness

Paul speaks of ungodliness as if it were an object that someone could remove, perhaps like someone removes a garment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1090ROM1126bkr2figs-metonymyἀπὸ Ἰακώβ1from Jacob

Here, Jacob is used as a metonym for Israel. Alternate translation: “from the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1091ROM1127ll39figs-metaphorἀφέλωμαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν1I will take away their sins

Here Paul speaks of sins as if they were objects that someone could take away. Alternate translation: “I will remove the burden of their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1092ROM1128ctn9figs-explicitκατὰ μὲν τὸ εὐαγγέλιον1As far as the gospel is concerned

You can make explicit why Paul mentions the gospel. Alternate translation: “Because the Jews rejected the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1093ROM1128x6aafigs-explicitἐχθροὶ δι’ ὑμᾶς1they are enemies for your sake

You can make explicit whose enemies they are, and how this was for the Gentiles sake. Alternate translation: “they are Gods enemies for your sake” or “God has treated them as enemies in order that you also might hear the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1094ROM1128dr2qfigs-explicitκατὰ…τὴν ἐκλογὴν2as far as election is concerned

You can make explicit why Paul mentions election. Alternate translation: “because God has elected the Jews” or “because God has chosen the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1095ROM1128jas2figs-explicitἀγαπητοὶ διὰ τοὺς πατέρας1they are beloved because of their forefathers

You can make explicit who loves the Jews and why Paul mentions their forefathers. Alternate translation: “they are loved by God because of what he promised to do for their ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1096ROM1128d82kfigs-activepassiveἀγαπητοὶ διὰ τοὺς πατέρας1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God still loves them because of what he promised to do for their ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1097ROM1129p2sffigs-metaphorἀμεταμέλητα γὰρ τὰ χαρίσματα καὶ ἡ κλῆσις τοῦ Θεοῦ1For the gifts and the call of God are unchangeable

Paul speaks of the spiritual and material blessings that God promised to give his people as if they were gifts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1098ROM1129mnqsfigs-explicitἀμεταμέλητα γὰρ τὰ χαρίσματα καὶ ἡ κλῆσις τοῦ Θεοῦ1

The call of God refers to the fact that God called the Jews to be his people. Alternate translation: “For God never changed his mind about what he has promised to give them, and about how he has called them to be his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1099ROM1130bj8gὑμεῖς ποτε ἠπειθήσατε1you were formerly disobedient

“you did not obey in the past”

1100ROM1130df91figs-explicitἠλεήθητε τῇ τούτων ἀπειθείᾳ1you have received mercy because of their disobedience

Here, mercy means Gods undeserved blessings. Alternate translation: “because the Jews have rejected Jesus, you have received blessings that you did not deserve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1101ROM1130g3cnfigs-youὑμεῖς1you

Here, you refers to Gentile believers, and is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1102ROM1132t6cbfigs-metaphorσυνέκλεισεν…ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς πάντας εἰς ἀπείθειαν1God has shut up all into disobedience

God has treated people who disobey him like prisoners who are unable to escape from prison. Alternate translation: “God has made prisoners of those who disobey him. Now they cannot stop disobeying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1103ROM1133x3kbfigs-doubletὦ βάθος πλούτου, καὶ σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως Θεοῦ1Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!

Here, wisdom and knowledge mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “How amazing are the many benefits of both Gods wisdom and knowledge!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1104ROM1133u322ὡς ἀνεξεραύνητα τὰ κρίματα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀνεξιχνίαστοι αἱ ὁδοὶ αὐτοῦ1How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways beyond discovering

“We are completely unable to understand the things that he has decided and find out the ways in which he acts toward us”

1105ROM1134r2wjfigs-rquestionτίς γὰρ ἔγνω νοῦν Κυρίου, ἢ τίς σύμβουλος αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο?1For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has become his advisor?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one is as wise as the Lord. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one has ever known the mind of the Lord, and no one has become his advisor.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1106ROM1134yy52figs-metonymyνοῦν Κυρίου1the mind of the Lord

Here, mind is a metonym for knowing things or thinking about things. Alternate translation: “all that the Lord knows” or “what the Lord thinks about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1107ROM1135j5cnfigs-rquestionἢ τίς προέδωκεν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἀνταποδοθήσεται αὐτῷ?1Or who has first given anything to God, that God must repay him?

Paul uses this question to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “No one has ever given anything to God that he did not first receive from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1108ROM1136abc1writing-pronounsἐξ αὐτοῦ, καὶ δι’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν, τὰ πάντα. αὐτῷ1For from him … through him … to him

Here, all occurrences of him refer to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1109ROM1136rpx6figs-explicitαὐτῷ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας1To him be the glory forever

This expresses Pauls desire for all people to honor God. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “May all people honor him forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1110ROM12introaky90

Romans 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 words of verse 20, which are from the Old Testament.

Many scholars believe Paul uses the word therefore in Romans 12:1 to refer back to all of Chapters 1-11. Having carefully explained the Christian gospel, Paul now explains how Christians should live in light of these great truths. Chapters 12-16 focus on living out ones Christian faith. Paul uses many different commands in these chapters to give these practical instructions. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Christian living

Under the law of Moses, people were required to offer temple sacrifices of animals or grain. Now Christians are required to live their lives as a type of sacrifice to God. Physical sacrifices are no longer required. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Body of Christ

The body of Christ is an important metaphor or image used in Scripture to refer to the church. Each church member plays a unique and important function. Christians need each other. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/body]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1111ROM121rhs30Connecting Statement:

Paul tells what the life of a believer should be and how believers should serve.

1112ROM121d2y3figs-explicitπαρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God

Here, brothers refers to fellow believers, both male and female. Alternate translation: “Fellow believers, because of the great mercy that God has given you I very much want you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1113ROM121w1mzfigs-synecdocheπαραστῆσαι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν θυσίαν ζῶσαν1to present your bodies a living sacrifice

Here Paul uses the word bodies to refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “to offer yourselves completely to God as a living sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1114ROM121wuylfigs-metaphorπαραστῆσαι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν θυσίαν ζῶσαν1

Paul is comparing a believer in Christ who completely obeys God to the animals that the Jews killed and then offered to God. Alternate translation: “to offer yourselves completely to God while you are alive as if you were a dead sacrifice on a temple altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1115ROM121dwr5figs-doubletἁγίαν, εὐάρεστον, τῷ Θεῷ1holy, acceptable to God

This could refer to: (1) a sacrifice that you give to God alone and that pleases him. (2) a sacrifice that is acceptable to God because it is morally pure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1116ROM121tyk7τὴν λογικὴν λατρείαν ὑμῶν1This is your reasonable service

“which is the right way to worship God”

1117ROM122clc6figs-metaphorμὴ συνσχηματίζεσθε τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ1Do not be conformed to this world

This could mean: (1) do not behave as the world behaves. (2) do not think the way the world does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1118ROM122pyb6figs-activepassiveμὴ συνσχηματίζεσθε τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ1Do not be conformed

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “do not act and think like the world does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1119ROM122d2qqfigs-metonymyτῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ1this world

Here, this world refers to unbelievers who live in the world. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1120ROM122na8pfigs-activepassiveἀλλὰ μεταμορφοῦσθε τῇ ἀνακαινώσει τοῦ νοός1but be transformed by the renewal of your mind

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “but let God change the way you think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1121ROM123nyc2figs-explicitδιὰ τῆς χάριτος τῆς δοθείσης μοι1because of the grace that was given to me

Here, grace refers to Gods choosing Paul to be an apostle and leader of the church. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “through the grace that caused me to become an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1122ROM123l6c6figs-activepassiveδιὰ τῆς χάριτος τῆς δοθείσης μοι1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “because God freely chose me to be an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1123ROM123s6ygπαντὶ τῷ ὄντι ἐν ὑμῖν, μὴ ὑπερφρονεῖν παρ’ ὃ δεῖ φρονεῖν1that everyone who is among you should not think more highly of themselves than they ought to think

“that no one among you should think they are better than they are”

1124ROM123me4tἀλλὰ φρονεῖν εἰς τὸ σωφρονεῖν1Instead, they should think in a wise way

“but you should be wise in how you think about yourselves”

1125ROM123m8z7figs-explicitἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ Θεὸς ἐμέρισεν μέτρον πίστεως1just as God has given out to each one a certain amount of faith

Paul implies here that believers have different abilities that correspond to their faith in God. Alternate translation: “since God has given each of you the faith to trust in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1126ROM124zm8pγὰρ1For

Paul the word For to show that he will now explain why some Christians should not think they are better than others.

1127ROM124v2pifigs-metaphorἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, πολλὰ μέλη ἔχομεν1we have many members in one body

Paul refers to all the believers in Christ as if they were different parts of the human body. He does this to illustrate that although believers may serve Christ in different ways, each person belongs to Christ and serves in an important way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1128ROM124v5iyμέλη1members

Here, members are such things as eyes, stomachs, and hands.

1129ROM125dhx8figs-metaphorτὸ δὲ καθ’ εἷς ἀλλήλων μέλη1are individually members of each other

Paul speaks of the believers as if God had physically joined them together like the parts of the human body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1130ROM125cutlfigs-activepassiveτὸ δὲ καθ’ εἷς ἀλλήλων μέλη1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has joined each believer together with all other believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1131ROM126hrr1figs-metaphorἔχοντες δὲ χαρίσματα κατὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν διάφορα1We have different gifts according to the grace that was given to us

Paul speaks of believers different abilities as being free gifts from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1132ROM126y267figs-activepassiveἔχοντες δὲ χαρίσματα κατὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν διάφορα1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has freely given each of us the ability to do different things for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1133ROM126bnk9κατὰ τὴν ἀναλογίαν τῆς πίστεως1let it be done according to the proportion of his faith

This could mean: (1) he should speak prophecies that do not go beyond the amount of faith God has given us. (2) he should speak prophecies that agree with the teachings of our faith.

1134ROM128m2asfigs-explicitὁ μεταδιδοὺς1giving

Here, giving refers to giving money and other things to people. You can make this meaning explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “if one has the gift of giving money or other goods to people in need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1135ROM129iv5hfigs-activepassiveἡ ἀγάπη ἀνυπόκριτος1Let love be without hypocrisy

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “You must love people sincerely and truly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1136ROM129eaw7ἡ ἀγάπη1love

The word Paul uses here refers to the kind of love that comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself.

1137ROM1210mr8iτῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ1love

This is another word that means brotherly love or love for a friend or family member. This is natural human love between friends or relatives.

1138ROM1210ng86τῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ…φιλόστοργοι1Concerning love of the brothers, be affectionate

Here Paul begins a list of nine items, each of the form in … be to tell the believers what kind of people they should be. You may need to translate some of the items as “in … do.” The list continues to Romans 12:13.

1139ROM1210ux2yτῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ1Concerning love of the brothers

“as for how you love your fellow believers”

1140ROM1210tj57τῇ τιμῇ ἀλλήλους προηγούμενοι1Concerning honor, respect one another

“honor and respect one another” or “honor your fellow believers by respecting them”

1141ROM1211iu2iτῇ σπουδῇ μὴ ὀκνηροί, τῷ πνεύματι ζέοντες, τῷ Κυρίῳ δουλεύοντες1Concerning diligence, do not be hesitant. Concerning the spirit, be eager. Concerning the Lord, serve him

“do not be lazy in your duty, but be eager to follow the Spirit and to serve the Lord”

1142ROM1212l3esτῇ θλίψει ὑπομένοντες1be patient in suffering

“wait patiently whenever you have troubles”

1143ROM1213vk5hταῖς χρείαις τῶν ἁγίων κοινωνοῦντες1Share in the needs of the saints

“when fellow Christians are in trouble, help them with what they need”

1144ROM1213exd8τὴν φιλοξενίαν διώκοντες1Find many ways to show hospitality

This is the last item in the list that began in Romans 12:9. “always welcome them into your home when they need a place to stay”

1145ROM1216hwd1figs-idiomτὸ αὐτὸ εἰς ἀλλήλους φρονοῦντες1Be of the same mind toward one another

This is an idiom that means to live in unity. Alternate translation: “agreeing with one another” or “living in unity with each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1146ROM1216ar7yμὴ τὰ ὑψηλὰ φρονοῦντες1Do not think in proud ways

“do not think that you are more important than others”

1147ROM1216cc23τοῖς ταπεινοῖς συναπαγόμενοι1accept lowly people

“welcome people who do not seem important”

1148ROM1216h469μὴ γίνεσθε φρόνιμοι παρ’ ἑαυτοῖς1Do not be wise in your own thoughts

“Do not think of yourselves as having more wisdom than everyone else”

1149ROM1217h2tzμηδενὶ κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ ἀποδιδόντες1Repay no one evil for evil

“do not do evil things to someone who has done evil things to you”

1150ROM1217fzh8προνοούμενοι καλὰ ἐνώπιον πάντων ἀνθρώπων1Do good things in the sight of all people

“do things that everyone considers to be good”

1151ROM1218pgt7τὸ ἐξ ὑμῶν, μετὰ πάντων ἀνθρώπων εἰρηνεύοντες1as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people

“do whatever you can to live in peace with everyone”

1152ROM1219ew6xfigs-metonymyδότε τόπον τῇ ὀργῇ1give way to his wrath

Here, wrath is a metonym for Gods punishment. Alternate translation: “allow God to punish them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1153ROM1219ns3bfigs-activepassiveγέγραπται γάρ1For it is written

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “for someone has written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1154ROM1219l2i8figs-parallelismἐμοὶ ἐκδίκησις; ἐγὼ ἀνταποδώσω1Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that God will avenge his people. Alternate translation: “I will certainly avenge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1155ROM1220c4igfigs-youὁ ἐχθρός σου…σωρεύσεις1your enemy … feed him … give him a drink … if you do this, you will heap

The pronouns your and you are singular and addressed as to one person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1156ROM1220q7dqἀλλὰ ἐὰν πεινᾷ ὁ ἐχθρός σου, ψώμιζε αὐτόν; ἐὰν διψᾷ, πότιζε αὐτόν; τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν, ἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ.1But if your enemy is hungry … his head

In 12:20 Paul quotes another part of scripture. Alternate translation: “But the scripture also says, If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For doing this, you will heap coals of fire on his his head

1157ROM1220wce6figs-metaphorἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ1You will heap coals of fire on his head

Paul speaks of the blessings that the enemies will receive as if someone were pouring hot coals on their heads. This could mean: (1) you will make the person who harmed you feel badly about how he has mistreated you. (2) you will give God a reason to judge your enemy more harshly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1158ROM1221q761figs-personificationμὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ, ἀλλὰ νίκα ἐν τῷ ἀγαθῷ τὸ κακόν1Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

Paul describes evil as though it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1159ROM1221k8etfigs-activepassiveμὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Do not let those who are evil defeat you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1160ROM1221p7fdμὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ, ἀλλὰ νίκα…τὸ κακόν1Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil

These verbs are addressed as to one person and so are singular.

1161ROM13introl4q70

Romans 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In the first part of this chapter, Paul teaches Christians to obey rulers who govern them. At that time, ungodly Roman rulers governed the land. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Ungodly rulers

When Paul teaches about obeying rulers, some readers will find this difficult to understand, especially in places where rulers persecute the church. Christians must obey their rulers as well as obey God, unless the rulers do not allow Christians to do something God explicitly commands them to do. There are times when a believer must submit to these rulers and suffer at their hands. Christians understand that this world is temporary and they will ultimately be with God forever. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Flesh

This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

1162ROM131v5ik0Connecting Statement:

Paul tells believers how to live under their rulers.

1163ROM131b8nffigs-synecdocheπᾶσα ψυχὴ…ὑποτασσέσθω1Let every soul be obedient to

Here, soul is a synecdoche for the whole person. “Let every Christian obey” or “Everyone should obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1164ROM131g1byἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις1higher authorities

“submit to government officials”

1165ROM131wii2figs-doublenegativesοὐ…ἔστιν ἐξουσία, εἰ μὴ ὑπὸ Θεοῦ1there is no authority unless it comes from God

This is a double negative. You can translate it in a positive form. Alternate translation: “all authority comes from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1166ROM131j3lrfigs-activepassiveαἱ δὲ οὖσαι ὑπὸ Θεοῦ τεταγμέναι εἰσίν1The authorities that exist have been appointed by God

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “And the people who are in authority are there because God put them there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1167ROM132ui8yτῇ ἐξουσίᾳ1that authority

“that government authority” or “the authority that God placed in power”

1168ROM132dsa3figs-activepassiveοἱ…ἀνθεστηκότες, ἑαυτοῖς κρίμα λήμψονται1those who oppose it will receive judgment on themselves

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will judge those who oppose government authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1169ROM133m3yfγὰρ1For

Paul uses this word to begin his explanation of Romans 13:2 and to tell about what will result if the government condemns a person.

1170ROM133c2xaοἱ…ἄρχοντες οὐκ εἰσὶν φόβος1rulers are not a terror

Rulers do not make good people afraid.

1171ROM133jt2zτῷ ἀγαθῷ ἔργῳ,…τῷ κακῷ1to good deeds … to evil deeds

People are identified with their good deeds or evil deeds.

1172ROM133z4sqfigs-rquestionθέλεις δὲ μὴ φοβεῖσθαι τὴν ἐξουσίαν?1Do you desire to be unafraid of the one in authority?

Paul uses this question to get people to think about what they need to do in order not to be afraid of rulers. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you how you can be unafraid of the ruler.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1173ROM133ahl9ἕξεις ἔπαινον ἐξ αὐτῆς1you will receive his approval

The government will say good things about people who do what is good.

1174ROM134ink8figs-litotesοὐ…εἰκῇ τὴν μάχαιραν φορεῖ1he does not carry the sword for no reason

You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “he carries the sword for a very good reason” or “he has the power to punish people, and he will punish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1175ROM134s3vzfigs-metonymyτὴν μάχαιραν φορεῖ1carry the sword

Roman governors carried a short sword as a symbol of their authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1176ROM134au7jfigs-metonymyἔκδικος εἰς ὀργὴν1an avenger for wrath

Here, wrath represents the punishment people receive when they do evil deeds. Alternate translation: “a person who punishes people as an expression of the governments anger against evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1177ROM135q81vοὐ μόνον διὰ τὴν ὀργὴν, ἀλλὰ καὶ διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν1not only because of the wrath, but also because of conscience

“not only so the government will not punish you, but also so you will have a clear conscience before God”

1178ROM136r1jyδιὰ τοῦτο1Because of this

“because the government punishes evildoers”

1179ROM136r4b3τελεῖτε1you pay

Paul is addressing the believers here, so this verb is plural.

1180ROM136hy4fγὰρ…εἰσιν2For they are

“This is why you should pay taxes: authorities are”

1181ROM137z9cnἀπόδοτε πᾶσι1Pay to everyone

Paul is addressing the believers here, so this verb is plural.

1182ROM137wg2lfigs-ellipsisτῷ τὸν φόρον, τὸν φόρον; τῷ τὸ τέλος, τὸ τέλος; τῷ τὸν φόβον, τὸν φόβον; τῷ τὴν τιμὴν, τὴν τιμήν1Tax to whom tax is due, toll to whom toll is due; fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due.

The word “pay” is understood from the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “pay tax to whom tax is due and toll to whom toll is due. Pay fear to whom fear is due and honor to him to whom honor is due” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1183ROM137nwi2figs-metaphorτῷ τὸν φόβον, τὸν φόβον; τῷ τὴν τιμὴν, τὴν τιμήν1fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due

Here paying fear and honor is a metaphor for fearing and honoring those who deserve to be feared and honored. Alternate translation: “Fear those who deserve to be feared, and honor those who deserved to be honored” or “Respect those whom you ought to respect, and honor those whom you ought to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1184ROM137s2nfτὸ τέλος1toll

This is a kind of tax.

1185ROM138s8pb0Connecting Statement:

Paul tells believers how to act toward neighbors.

1186ROM138a69gfigs-doublenegativesμηδενὶ μηδὲν ὀφείλετε, εἰ μὴ τὸ ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν1Owe no one anything, except to love one another

This is a double negative. You can translate it in a positive form. Alternate translation: “Pay all you owe to everyone, and fulfill your obligation to love one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1187ROM138ay3nεἰ μὴ τὸ ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν1except to love one another

This is the one debt that can remain.

1188ROM138p6cwὀφείλετε1Owe

This verb is plural and applies to all the Christians in Rome.

1189ROM138i5auἀγαπᾶν1love

This refers to the kind of love that comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself.

1190ROM1310vy62figs-personificationἡ ἀγάπη τῷ πλησίον κακὸν οὐκ ἐργάζεται1Love does not harm ones neighbor

This phrase portrays love as a person who is being kind to other people. Alternate translation: “People who love their neighbors do not harm them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1191ROM1311b6l3figs-metaphorεἰδότες τὸν καιρόν, ὅτι ὥρα ἤδη ὑμᾶς ἐξ ὕπνου ἐγερθῆναι1we know the time, that it is already time for us to awake out of sleep

Paul speaks of the need for the Roman believers to change their behavior as if they needed to wake up from being asleep. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1192ROM1312ahn4figs-metaphorἡ νὺξ προέκοψεν1The night has advanced

Paul speaks of the time when people do evil deeds as night. Alternate translation: “The sinful time is almost over” or “It is as though the night is almost finished” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1193ROM1312p7xpfigs-metaphorἡ…ἡμέρα ἤγγικεν2the day has come near

Paul speaks of the time when people do what is right as the day. Alternate translation: “the time of righteousness will begin soon” or “it is as though it will soon be day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1194ROM1312bb8tfigs-metaphorἀποθώμεθα οὖν τὰ ἔργα τοῦ σκότους1Let us therefore put aside the works of darkness

Paul speaks of works of darkness as if they are clothing that a person puts aside. Here to put aside means to stop doing something. Here, darkness is a metaphor for evil. Alternate translation: “Let us therefore stop doing the evil things that people do in the dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1195ROM1312y5n4figs-metaphorἐνδυσώμεθα…τὰ ὅπλα τοῦ φωτός1let us put on the armor of light

Here, light is a metaphor for what is good and right. Paul speaks of doing what is right as if it were putting on armor to protect ones self. Alternate translation: “let us start doing what is right. Doing this will protect us from what is evil like armor protects a solider” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1196ROM1313gv4qfigs-exclusiveπεριπατήσωμεν1Let us walk

Paul includes his readers and other believers with himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1197ROM1313e6ijfigs-metaphorὡς ἐν ἡμέρᾳ εὐσχημόνως περιπατήσωμεν1Let us walk appropriately, as in the day

Paul speaks of living as true believers as if one were walking while it is day. Alternate translation: “Let us walk in a visible way knowing that everyone can see us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1198ROM1313qes3figs-doubletκοίταις καὶ ἀσελγείαις1in sexual immorality or in uncontrolled lust

These concepts mean basically the same thing. You can combine them in your translation. Alternate translation: “in sexually immoral acts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1199ROM1313h6xlἔριδι1strife

This refers to plotting against and arguing with other people.

1200ROM1314sir6figs-metaphorἐνδύσασθε τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν1put on the Lord Jesus Christ

Paul speaks of accepting the moral nature of Christ as if he were our outer clothing that people can see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1201ROM1314j795ἐνδύσασθε1put on

If your language has a plural form for commands, use it here.

1202ROM1314xre7figs-metonymyτῆς σαρκὸς πρόνοιαν μὴ ποιεῖσθε1make no provision for the flesh

Here the flesh refers to the self-directed nature of people who oppose God. This is the sinful nature of human beings. Alternate translation: “do not allow your old evil heart any opportunity at all for doing wicked things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1203ROM14introkt8c0

Romans 14 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 verse 11 of this chapter, which Paul quotes from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Weak in faith

Paul teaches that Christians can have real faith and at the same time be “weak in faith” in a given situation. This describes Christians whose faith is immature, not strong, or misunderstood. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Dietary restrictions

Many religions in the ancient Near East restricted what was eaten. Christians have freedom to eat what they want. But they need to use this freedom wisely, in a way that honors the Lord and does not cause others to sin. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

The judgment seat of God

The judgment seat of God or Christ represents a time when all people, including Christians, will be held accountable for the way they lived their lives.

1204ROM141abm60Connecting Statement:

Paul encourages believers to remember that they are answerable to God.

1205ROM141jf8vἀσθενοῦντα τῇ πίστει1weak in faith

This refers to those who felt guilty over eating and drinking certain things.

1206ROM141p697μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν1without giving judgment about arguments

“and do not condemn them for their opinions”

1207ROM142ii8gὃς μὲν πιστεύει φαγεῖν πάντα1One person has faith to eat anything

Some people believe God permits them to eat any kind of food.

1208ROM142n2n6ὁ…ἀσθενῶν λάχανα ἐσθίει1another who is weak eats only vegetables

This describes a person who believes God does not want him to eat meat.

1209ROM144q9bxfigs-rquestionσὺ τίς εἶ, ὁ κρίνων ἀλλότριον οἰκέτην?1Who are you, you who judge a servant belonging to someone else?

Paul is using a question to scold those who are judging others. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not God, and you are not allowed to judge one of his servants!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1210ROM144xq7rfigs-youσὺ…ὁ κρίνων1you, who judges

The form of you here is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1211ROM144ba38figs-metaphorτῷ ἰδίῳ κυρίῳ στήκει ἢ πίπτει1It is before his own master that he stands or falls

Paul speaks of God as if he were a master who owned slaves. Alternate translation: “Only the master can decide if he will accept the slave or not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1212ROM144cp9yfigs-metaphorσταθήσεται δέ, δυνατεῖ γὰρ ὁ Κύριος στῆσαι αὐτόν1But he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand

Paul speaks of the servant who is acceptable to God as if he were being made to stand instead of falling. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1213ROM144uctofigs-activepassiveσταθήσεται δέ, δυνατεῖ γὰρ ὁ Κύριος στῆσαι αὐτόν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “But the Lord will accept him because he is able to make the servant acceptable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1214ROM145x7j2ὃς μὲν κρίνει ἡμέραν παρ’ ἡμέραν; ὃς δὲ κρίνει πᾶσαν ἡμέραν.1One person values one day above another. Another values every day equally

“One person thinks one day is more important than all the others, but another person thinks that all days are the same”

1215ROM145m511figs-explicitἕκαστος ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοῒ, πληροφορείσθω1Let each person be convinced in his own mind

You can make the full meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “Let each person be convinced that he is honoring the Lord by what he does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1216ROM145y5eafigs-activepassiveἕκαστος ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοῒ, πληροφορείσθω1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Let each person be sure what he is doing is to honor the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1217ROM146pfn6figs-explicitὁ φρονῶν τὴν ἡμέραν, Κυρίῳ φρονεῖ1He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord

Here, observes refers to worshiping. Alternate translation: “The person who worships on a certain day does it to honor the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1218ROM146esu5figs-ellipsisὁ ἐσθίων1he who eats

The word “everything” is understood from Romans 14:3. It can be repeatd here. Alternate translation: “the person who eats every kind of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1219ROM146f9tmΚυρίῳ ἐσθίει1eats for the Lord

“eats to honor the Lord” or “eats that way in order to honor the Lord”

1220ROM146jh8jfigs-ellipsisκαὶ ὁ μὴ ἐσθίων1He who does not eat

The word “everything” is understood from Romans 14:3. It can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “and he who does not eat everything” or “and the person who does not eat certain kinds of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1221ROM147txm3figs-explicitοὐδεὶς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἑαυτῷ ζῇ1For none of us lives for himself

Here, lives for himself means to live only to please oneself. Alternate translation: “None of us should live merely to please ourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1222ROM147u9arfigs-exclusiveοὐδεὶς…ἡμῶν1none of us

Paul is including his readers, so this is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1223ROM147c9lsfigs-explicitοὐδεὶς ἑαυτῷ ἀποθνῄσκει1none dies for himself

This means anyones death affects other people. Alternate translation: “none of us should think that when we die, it affects only us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1224ROM148s3lbfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Paul is speaking of both himself and his readers, so all instances of “we” are inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1225ROM1410db9afigs-rquestionτί κρίνεις τὸν ἀδελφόν σου? ἢ καὶ σὺ τί ἐξουθενεῖς τὸν ἀδελφόν σου?1why do you judge your brother? And you, why do you despise your brother?

By using these questions, Paul is demonstrating how he might need to scold individuals among his readers. Alternate translation: “it is wrong for you to judge your brother, and it is wrong for you to despise your brother!” or “stop judging and despising your brother!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1226ROM1410al55τὸν ἀδελφόν1brother

Here, brother means a fellow Christian, male or female.

1227ROM1410jq85figs-metonymyπάντες γὰρ παραστησόμεθα τῷ βήματι τοῦ Θεοῦ1For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God

The judgment seat refers to Gods authority to judge. Alternate translation: “For God will judge us all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1228ROM1411fel6figs-activepassiveγέγραπται γάρ1For it is written,

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For someone has written in the scriptures:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1229ROM1411tf76figs-explicitζῶ ἐγώ1As I live

This phrase is used to start an oath or solemn promise. Alternate translation: “You can be certain that this is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1230ROM1411sb6qfigs-synecdocheἐμοὶ κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ, καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ Θεῷ1to me every knee will bend, and every tongue will confess to God

Paul uses the word God and tongue to refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “every person will bow and give praise to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1231ROM1411vngpfigs-123personἐμοὶ κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ, καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ Θεῷ1

The Lord uses the word God to refer to himself. Alternate translation: “every person will bow and give praise to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1232ROM1412nsy8περὶ ἑαυτοῦ, λόγον δώσει τῷ Θεῷ1will give an account of himself to God

“will have to explain our actions to God”

1233ROM1413ia62figs-doubletἀλλὰ τοῦτο κρίνατε μᾶλλον, τὸ μὴ τιθέναι πρόσκομμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ ἢ σκάνδαλον1but instead decide this, that no one will place a stumbling block or a snare for his brother

Here, stumbling block and snare mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “but instead make it your goal not to do or say anything that might cause a fellow believer to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1234ROM1413cx4sτῷ ἀδελφῷ1brother

Here, brother refers to a fellow Christian, male or female.

1235ROM1414t7gcfigs-doubletοἶδα καὶ πέπεισμαι ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ1I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus

Here the words know and am persuaded mean basically the same thing; Paul uses them to emphasize his certainty. Alternate translation: “I am certain because of my relationship with the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1236ROM1414fuk1figs-doublenegativesοὐδὲν κοινὸν δι’ ἑαυτοῦ1nothing is unclean by itself

You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “everything by itself is clean” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1237ROM1414mjc5δι’ ἑαυτοῦ1by itself

“by its nature” or “because of what it is”

1238ROM1414w3ggfigs-explicitεἰ μὴ τῷ λογιζομένῳ τι κοινὸν εἶναι, ἐκείνῳ κοινόν1Only for him who considers anything to be unclean, for him it is unclean

Paul implies here that a person should stay away from anything that he thinks is unclean. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “but if a person thinks something is unclean, then for that person it is unclean and he should stay away from it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1239ROM1415iw7wεἰ…διὰ βρῶμα, ὁ ἀδελφός σου λυπεῖται1If because of food your brother is hurt

“If you hurt your fellow believers faith over the matter of food.” Here the word your refers to those who are strong in faith and brother refers to those who are weak in faith.

1240ROM1415ln42ὁ ἀδελφός1brother

Here, brother refers to a fellow Christian, male or female.

1241ROM1415bj8vfigs-metaphorοὐκέτι κατὰ ἀγάπην περιπατεῖς1you are no longer walking in love

Paul speaks of the behavior of believers as if it were a walk. Alternate translation: “then you are no longer showing love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1242ROM1416gl48μὴ βλασφημείσθω οὖν ὑμῶν τὸ ἀγαθόν1So do not allow what you consider to be good to be spoken of as evil

“If someone else thinks that something is evil, do not do it, even if you consider it to be good”

1243ROM1417j92kfigs-explicitοὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ βρῶσις καὶ πόσις, ἀλλὰ δικαιοσύνη, καὶ εἰρήνη, καὶ χαρὰ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ1For the kingdom of God is not about food and drink, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit

Paul argues that God set up his kingdom so he could give us a right relationship with himself, and to provide peace and joy. Alternate translation: “For God did not set up his kingdom so that he could rule over what we eat and drink. He set up his kingdom so we could have a right relationship with him, and so he could give us peace and joy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1244ROM1418am8mfigs-activepassiveδόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1approved by people

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “people will approve of him” or “people will respect him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1245ROM1419i3rvfigs-explicitτὰ τῆς εἰρήνης διώκωμεν, καὶ τὰ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς τῆς εἰς ἀλλήλους1let us pursue the things of peace and the things that build up one another

Here, build up one another refers to helping each other grow in faith. Alternate translation: “let us seek to live peacefully together and help one another grow stronger in faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1246ROM1420p65hfigs-explicitμὴ ἕνεκεν βρώματος, κατάλυε τὸ ἔργον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Do not destroy the work of God because of food

You can make explicit the full meaning of this sentence. Alternate translation: “Do not undo what God has done for a fellow believer just because you want to eat a certain kind of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1247ROM1420dk72figs-explicitἀλλὰ κακὸν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ τῷ διὰ προσκόμματος ἐσθίοντι1but it is evil for that person who eats and causes him to stumble

Here a stumbling block is a food that a weaker brother eats despite thinking it is wrong, and thereby goes against his conscience. Alternate translation: “but it would be a sin for someone to eat food, which another brother thinks is wrong to eat, if by eating this causes the weaker brother to do something that is against his conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1248ROM1421mrr4καλὸν τὸ μὴ φαγεῖν κρέα, μηδὲ πιεῖν οἶνον, μηδὲ ἐν ᾧ ὁ ἀδελφός σου προσκόπτει1It is good not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor anything by which your brother takes offense

“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that might cause your brother to sin”

1249ROM1421iq9gὁ ἀδελφός1brother

Here, brother refers to a fellow Christian, male or female.

1250ROM1421e1dufigs-youσου1your

Here, you is singular and stresses the responsibility of each individual believer for his fellow believer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1251ROM1422hjk9σὺ πίστιν ἣν ἔχεις1The faith you have

Here, faith refers back to the beliefs about food and drink.

1252ROM1422b3hifigs-youσὺ…σεαυτὸν1you … yourself

Here, you and yourself are singular. Because Paul is addressing the believers, you may have to translate this using plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1253ROM1422r53rμακάριος ὁ μὴ κρίνων ἑαυτὸν ἐν ᾧ δοκιμάζει1Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves

“Blessed are those who do not feel guilty for what they decide to do”

1254ROM1423s1phfigs-activepassiveὁ δὲ διακρινόμενος, ἐὰν φάγῃ, κατακέκριται1He who doubts is condemned if he eats

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will say that the person does wrong if he is not sure if it is right to eat a certain food, but he eats it anyway” or “The person who is not sure if it is right to eat a certain food, but then eats it anyway will have a troubled conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1255ROM1423yr44figs-explicitὅτι οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως1because it is not from faith

Anything that is not from faith is something that God does not want you to do. You can make explicit the full meaning here. Alternate translation: “God will say that he is wrong because he is eating something he believes God does not want him to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1256ROM1423tr9ifigs-explicitπᾶν δὲ ὃ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως, ἁμαρτία ἐστίν1whatever is not from faith is sin

Anything that is not from faith is something that God does not want you to do. You can make explicit the full meaning here. Alternate translation: “you are sinning if you do something that you do not believe God wants you to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1257ROM15introae9u0

Romans 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 verses 9-11 and 21 of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.

Some translations set prose quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the quoted words in verse 12.

In Romans 15:14, Paul begins to speak more personally. He shifts from teaching to telling of his personal plans.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Strong/Weak

These terms are used to refer to people who are mature and immature in their faith. Paul teaches that those who are strong in faith need to help those who are weak in faith. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

1258ROM151cx660Connecting Statement:

Paul concludes this section about believers living for others with reminding them how Christ lived.

1259ROM151u19sδὲ1Now

Translate this using the words your language uses to introduce a new idea into an argument.

1260ROM151u73xfigs-explicitἡμεῖς, οἱ δυνατοὶ1we who are strong

Here, strong refers to the people who are strong in their faith. They believe that God allows them to eat any kind of food. Alternate translation: “we who are strong in faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1261ROM151dx9dfigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς1we

This refers to Paul, his readers, and other believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1262ROM151cv61figs-explicitτῶν ἀδυνάτων1of the weak

Here, the weak refers to the people who are weak in their faith. They believe that God does not allow them to eat some kinds of food. Alternate translation: “those who are weak in faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1263ROM152z2k8figs-explicitπρὸς οἰκοδομήν1in order to build him up

By this, Paul means to strengthen someones faith. Alternate translation: “to strengthen his faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1264ROM153y6fefigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “someone wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1265ROM153bcz1figs-explicitκαθὼς γέγραπται1it was just as it is written

Here Paul refers to a scripture where Christ (the Messiah) speaks to God. Alternate translation: “the Messiah said to God in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1266ROM153qni7οἱ ὀνειδισμοὶ τῶν ὀνειδιζόντων σε, ἐπέπεσαν ἐπ’ ἐμέ1The insults of those who insulted you fell on me

The insults of those who insulted God fell on Christ.

1267ROM154txd4figs-activepassiveὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν ἐγράφη1For whatever was previously written was written for our instruction

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For in times past, the prophets wrote everything in the Scriptures to teach us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1268ROM154m7yyfigs-exclusiveἡμετέραν…ἔχωμεν1our … we have

Paul includes his readers and other believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1269ROM154g6r1figs-explicitἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ διὰ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν Γραφῶν, τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν1in order that through patience and through encouragement of the scriptures we would have certain hope

Here, have hope means that the believers will know that God will fulfill his promises. You can make explicit the full meaning in your translation. Alternate translation: “In this way the scriptures will encourage us to expect that God will do for us everything that he has promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1270ROM155u2zm0Connecting Statement:

Paul encourages the believers to remember that both Gentile believers and Jews that believe are made one in Christ.

1271ROM155g5xmΘεὸς…δῴη1may … God … grant

“I pray that … God … will grant”

1272ROM155ws7qτὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν ἀλλήλοις1to be of the same mind with each other

“to be in agreement with each other” or “to be united”

1273ROM156uz1zfigs-metonymyἐν ἑνὶ στόματι, δοξάζητε1praise with one mouth

This means to be united in praising God. Alternate translation: “praise God together in unity as if only one mouth were speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1274ROM157z941προσλαμβάνεσθε ἀλλήλους1receive one another

“accept one another”

1275ROM158gbh8λέγω γὰρ1For I say

The pronoun I refers to Paul.

1276ROM158k4myfigs-metonymyΧριστὸν διάκονον γεγενῆσθαι περιτομῆς1Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision

Here, the circumcision is a metonym that refers to the Jews. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ has been made a servant of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1277ROM158r0gdfigs-activepassiveΧριστὸν διάκονον γεγενῆσθαι περιτομῆς1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ has become a servant of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1278ROM158me1eεἰς τὸ βεβαιῶσαι τὰς ἐπαγγελίας1in order to confirm the promises

This is one of the two purposes for which Christ became a servant of the circumcision.

1279ROM158gu7zfigs-explicitτὰς ἐπαγγελίας τῶν πατέρων1the promises given to the fathers

Here, the fathers refers to the ancestors of the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “the promises to the ancestors of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1280ROM158dxz1figs-activepassiveτὰς ἐπαγγελίας τῶν πατέρων1

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “the promises that God gave to the ancestors of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1281ROM159k5q7τὰ δὲ ἔθνη, ὑπὲρ ἐλέους δοξάσαι τὸν Θεόν1and for the Gentiles to glorify God for his mercy

This is the second reason for which Christ became a servant of the circumcision. Alternate translation: “and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy”

1282ROM159xgc4figs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1As it is written

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “as someone has written in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1283ROM159em5qfigs-metonymyτῷ ὀνόματί σου ψαλῶ1sing praise to your name

Here, your name is a metonym that refers to God. Alternate translation: “sing praise to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1284ROM1510yvy9καὶ πάλιν λέγει1Again it says

“And again the scripture says”

1285ROM1510x4kgfigs-explicitμετὰ τοῦ λαοῦ αὐτοῦ1with his people

This refers to Gods people. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “with the people of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1286ROM1511xw7tἐπαινεσάτωσαν αὐτὸν1Let praise him

“let … praise the Lord”

1287ROM1512fta5figs-metonymyἡ ῥίζα τοῦ Ἰεσσαί1root of Jesse

Jesse was the physical father of King David. Alternate translation: “descendant of Jesse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1288ROM1512i4nnfigs-explicitἐπ’ αὐτῷ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν1in him the Gentiles will have hope

Here, him refers to the descendant of Jesse, the Messiah. Those who are not Jews will also trust him to fulfill his promises. Alternate translation: “the people who are not Jews can trust him to do what he has promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1289ROM1513w7wnfigs-hyperboleπληρώσαι ὑμᾶς πάσης χαρᾶς καὶ εἰρήνης1May fill you with all joy and peace

Paul exaggerates here to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “may … fill you with great joy and peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1290ROM1514h98x0Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds the believers in Rome that God chose him to reach the Gentiles.

1291ROM1514qfs6figs-explicitπέπεισμαι…ἀδελφοί μου, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐγὼ περὶ ὑμῶν1I myself am also convinced about you, my brothers

Paul is quite sure that the believers in Rome are honoring each other in their behavior. Alternate translation: “I myself am completely sure that you yourselves have acted toward others in a completely good way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1292ROM1514d878ἀδελφοί1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1293ROM1514qhv3figs-hyperboleπεπληρωμένοι πάσης γνώσεως1filled with all knowledge

Paul exaggerates here to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “having been filled with sufficient knowledge to follow God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1294ROM1514ge2lfigs-explicitδυνάμενοι καὶ ἀλλήλους νουθετεῖν1able to also exhort one another

Here, to exhort means to teach. Alternate translation: “also able to teach each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1295ROM1515n2grfigs-activepassiveτὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1the grace given me by God

Paul speaks of grace as if it were a physical gift that God had given him. God had appointed Paul and apostle even though he had persecuted believers before he decided to follow Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “the grace that God gave me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1296ROM1516wiw1figs-metaphorγένηται ἡ προσφορὰ τῶν ἐθνῶν εὐπρόσδεκτος1the offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable

Paul speaks of his preaching the gospel as if he, as a priest, were making an offering to God. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles might please God when they obey him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1297ROM1518lu97figs-doublenegativesοὐ γὰρ τολμήσω τι λαλεῖν, ὧν οὐ κατειργάσατο Χριστὸς δι’ ἐμοῦ, εἰς ὑπακοὴν ἐθνῶν λόγῳ καὶ ἔργῳ1by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God

You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: “For the sake of the obedience of the Gentiles, I will only speak of what Christ has accomplished through me in my words and actions and by the power of signs and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1298ROM1518by9sεἰς ὑπακοὴν ἐθνῶν1for the obedience of the Gentiles

“so that the Gentiles will obey God”

1299ROM1518xds3figs-explicitλόγῳ καὶ ἔργῳ1These are things done by word and action

Here, word and deed refers to what Christ has accomplished through Paul. Alternate translation: “through me in my words and actions” or “the things that Christ has accomplished through what I have said and done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1300ROM1519g8bkfigs-doubletσημείων καὶ τεράτων1signs and wonders

These two words mean basically the same thing and refer to various kinds of miracles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1301ROM1519c8ffὥστε…ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ κύκλῳ μέχρι τοῦ Ἰλλυρικοῦ1so that from Jerusalem, and round about as far as Illyricum

This is from the city of Jerusalem as far as the province of Illyricum, a region close to Italy.

1302ROM1520x9xmfigs-explicitοὕτως δὲ φιλοτιμούμενον εὐαγγελίζεσθαι, οὐχ ὅπου ὠνομάσθη Χριστός1In this way, my desire has been to proclaim the gospel, but not where Christ is known by name

Paul only wants to preach to people who have never heard of Christ. Alternate translation: “but because of this, I want to preach the good news in places where people have never heard of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1303ROM1520kt3rfigs-metaphorἵνα μὴ ἐπ’ ἀλλότριον θεμέλιον οἰκοδομῶ1in order that I might not build upon another mans foundation

Paul speaks of his ministry work as if he were building a house on a foundation. Alternate translation: “in order that I might not be simply continuing the work that someone else already started. I do not want to be like a man who builds a house on someone elses foundation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1304ROM1521rb5rfigs-explicitκαθὼς γέγραπται1It is as it is written

Here Paul refers to what Isaiah wrote in the scriptures. You can make the meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “what is happening is like what was written by Isaiah in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1305ROM1521wy8kfigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1

You can translate this in an active form and make the meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “what is happening is like what Isaiah wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1306ROM1521u8d6figs-activepassiveοἷς οὐκ ἀνηγγέλη περὶ αὐτοῦ1Those to whom no tidings of him came

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “Those whom no one had told the news about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1307ROM1522f1fq0Connecting Statement:

Paul tells the believers in Rome about his personal plans to visit them and asks the believers to pray.

1308ROM1522ex5jfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐνεκοπτόμην1I was also hindered

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “they also hindered me” or “people also hindered me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1309ROM1523b6klfigs-explicitμηκέτι τόπον ἔχων ἐν τοῖς κλίμασι τούτοις1I no longer have any place in these regions

Paul implies that there are no more places in these areas where people live who have not heard about Christ. Alternate translation: “there are no more places in these regions where people have not heard about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1310ROM1524si59translate-namesτὴν Σπανίαν1Spain

At that time, Spain was a Roman province west of Rome that Paul desired to visit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1311ROM1524c6wqδιαπορευόμενος1in passing

“as I pass through Rome” or “while I am on my way”

1312ROM1524vya3figs-explicitκαὶ ὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι ἐκεῖ1and to be helped by you along my journey there

Here Paul implies that he wants the Roman believers to provide some financial assistance to him for his journey to Spain. Alternate translation: “that you will provide for me on my journey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1313ROM1524rziefigs-activepassiveκαὶ ὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι ἐκεῖ1

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “and that you will help me on my journey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1314ROM1524wg6dἐὰν ὑμῶν πρῶτον ἀπὸ μέρους ἐμπλησθῶ1I have enjoyed your company

“after I have enjoyed spending some time with you”

1315ROM1526vn1rfigs-synecdocheεὐδόκησαν…Μακεδονία καὶ Ἀχαΐα1it was the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia

Here the words Macedonia and Achaia are synecdoches for the people who live in those areas. Alternate translation: “the believers in the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia were happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1316ROM1527w5apεὐδόκησαν γάρ1Indeed they were please to do this

“Indeed, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to do it”

1317ROM1527tfz1ὀφειλέται εἰσὶν αὐτῶν1indeed, they are their debtors

“indeed the people of Macedonia and Achaia are in debt to the believers in Jerusalem”

1318ROM1527en7lεἰ…τοῖς πνευματικοῖς αὐτῶν ἐκοινώνησαν τὰ ἔθνη, ὀφείλουσιν καὶ ἐν τοῖς σαρκικοῖς λειτουργῆσαι αὐτοῖς1if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to serve them

“since the Gentiles have shared in the spiritual things of the Jerusalem believers, the Gentiles ought to share their physical things with the Jerusalem believers”

1319ROM1528zz8ufigs-metaphorσφραγισάμενος αὐτοῖς τὸν καρπὸν τοῦτον1made sure that they have received what was collected

Paul speaks of the money he is taking to Jerusalem as if it were a fruit that was collected and sealed for them. Alternate translation: “and have safely delivered this offering to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1320ROM1529ylq8figs-explicitἐν πληρώματι εὐλογίας Χριστοῦ, ἐλεύσομαι1I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ

This phrase means that Christ will bless Paul and the Roman believers. Alternate translation: “Christ will abundantly bless us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1321ROM1530w1taδὲ1Now

If your language has a way to show that Paul has stopped talking about the good things he is confident of (Romans 15:29) and is now starting to talk about the dangers he faces, use it here.

1322ROM1530yb7mπαρακαλῶ…ὑμᾶς1I urge you

“I encourage you”

1323ROM1530v9iyἀδελφοί1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1324ROM1530fy1vσυναγωνίσασθαί1to strive together with

“to work hard with” or “to struggle with”

1325ROM1531u7stfigs-activepassiveῥυσθῶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀπειθούντων1I may be rescued from those who are disobedient

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God may rescue me from those who are disobedient” or “God may keep those who are disobedient from harming me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1326ROM1531nw5hfigs-explicitκαὶ ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ εὐπρόσδεκτος τοῖς ἁγίοις γένηται1and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the believers

Here Paul expresses his desire that the saints in Jerusalem will gladly accept the money from the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Alternate translation: “and pray that the believers in Jerusalem will be glad to receive the money that I am bringing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1327ROM1533s947figs-explicitὁ…Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης μετὰ1May the God of peace be with

The God of peace means the God who causes believers to have inner peace. Alternate translation: “I pray that God who causes all of us to have inner peace may be with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1328ROM16introqy960

Romans 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Paul gives personal greetings to some of the Christians in Rome. It was common to end a letter in the ancient Near East with this type of personal greeting.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Because of the personal nature of this chapter, much of the context is unknown. This will make translation more difficult. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1329ROM161sg6a0Connecting Statement:

Paul then greets many of the believers in Rome by name.

1330ROM161vkg8συνίστημι δὲ ὑμῖν Φοίβην1I commend to you Phoebe

“I want you to respect Phoebe”

1331ROM161sry4translate-namesΦοίβην1Phoebe

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

1332ROM161q86qfigs-exclusiveτὴν ἀδελφὴν ἡμῶν1our sister

The word our refers to Paul and all believers. Alternate translation: “our sister in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1333ROM161q669translate-namesΚενχρεαῖς1Cenchrea

Cenchrea was a seaport city in Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1334ROM162cwx1figs-explicitαὐτὴν προσδέξησθε ἐν Κυρίῳ1you may receive her in the Lord

Paul encourages the Roman believers to welcome Phoebe as a fellow believer. Alternate translation: “you would welcome her because we all belong to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1335ROM162yic3ἀξίως τῶν ἁγίων1in a manner worthy of the saints

“in the way that believers should welcome other believers”

1336ROM162qp4wfigs-euphemismπαραστῆτε αὐτῇ1stand by her

Paul encourages the Roman believers to give to Phoebe anything she needs. Alternate translation: “help her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1337ROM162inh1καὶ…προστάτις πολλῶν ἐγενήθη καὶ ἐμοῦ αὐτοῦ2has become a helper of many, and of myself as well

“has helped many people, and she has also helped me”

1338ROM163c5lgtranslate-namesΠρίσκαν καὶ Ἀκύλαν1Priscilla and Aquila

Priscilla was the wife of Aquila. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1339ROM163fsk1figs-explicitτοὺς συνεργούς μου ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1my fellow workers in Christ Jesus

Pauls fellow workers are people who also tell others about Jesus. Alternate translation: “who work with me to tell people about Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1340ROM165i32dκαὶ τὴν κατ’ οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίαν1Greet the church that is in their house

“and greet the believers who meet in their house to worship”

1341ROM165bn9ztranslate-namesἘπαίνετον1Epaenetus

Epaenetus is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1342ROM165d1f1figs-metaphorἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀσίας εἰς Χριστόν1firstfruit of Asia to Christ

Paul speaks of Epaenetus as if he were a fruit that he harvested. Alternate translation: “first person in Asia to believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1343ROM166ew2ztranslate-namesΜαρίαν1Mary

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

1344ROM167tzk4translate-namesἈνδρόνικον1Andronicus

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

1345ROM167z9uktranslate-namesἸουνίαν1Junias

This could refer to: (1) Junia, a womans name. (2) Junias, a mans name, although this is less likely. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1346ROM167gce3figs-activepassiveοἵτινές εἰσιν ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις1They are prominent among the apostles

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “whom the apostles know very well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1347ROM168h976translate-namesἈμπλιᾶτον1Ampliatus

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

1348ROM168alh2τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου ἐν Κυρίῳ1my beloved in the Lord

“my dear friend and fellow believer in the Lord”

1349ROM169bd5ltranslate-namesΟὐρβανὸν…Στάχυν1Urbanus … Stachys

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

1350ROM1610k55ttranslate-namesἈπελλῆν…Ἀριστοβούλου1Apelles … Aristobulus

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

1351ROM1610q96nτὸν δόκιμον ἐν Χριστῷ1the approved in Christ

The word approved refers to someone who has been tested and proved to be genuine. Alternate translation: “whom Christ has approved”

1352ROM1611gt6rtranslate-namesἩρῳδίωνα…Ναρκίσσου1Herodion … Narcissus

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

1353ROM1611ket9figs-explicitτοὺς ὄντας ἐν Κυρίῳ1who are in the Lord

This refers to those who trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: “who are believers” or “who belong to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1354ROM1612sq9ntranslate-namesΤρύφαιναν…Τρυφῶσαν…Περσίδα1Tryphaena … Tryphosa … Persis

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

1355ROM1613zmf4translate-namesῬοῦφον1Rufus

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

1356ROM1613zy3xfigs-activepassiveτὸν ἐκλεκτὸν ἐν Κυρίῳ1chosen in the Lord

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “whom the Lord has chosen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1357ROM1613hqf6figs-metaphorτὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐμοῦ1his mother and mine

Paul speaks of the mother of Rufus as if she were his own mother. Alternate translation: “his mother, whom I also think of as my mother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1358ROM1614dwh9translate-namesἈσύγκριτον, Φλέγοντα, Ἑρμῆν, Πατροβᾶν, Ἑρμᾶν1Asyncritus … Phlegon … Hermes … Patrobas … Hermas

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

1359ROM1614ck2wἀδελφούς1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1360ROM1615ye9jtranslate-namesΦιλόλογον…Νηρέα…Ὀλυμπᾶν1Philologus … Nereus … Olympas

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

1361ROM1615n2rxtranslate-namesἸουλίαν1Julia

Julia is the name of a woman. She was probably the wife of Philologus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1362ROM1616g2z1φιλήματι ἁγίῳ1a holy kiss

an expression of affection for fellow believers

1363ROM1616t1q4figs-hyperboleἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς αἱ ἐκκλησίαι πᾶσαι τοῦ Χριστοῦ1All the churches of Christ greet you

Here Paul speaks in a general manner concerning the churches of Christ. Alternate translation: “The believers in all the churches in this area send their greetings to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1364ROM1617u1m90Connecting Statement:

Paul gives one last warning to the believers about unity and living for God.

1365ROM1617wx6rἀδελφοί1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1366ROM1617ztv5σκοπεῖν1to think about

“to watch out for”

1367ROM1617n59lfigs-explicitτὰς διχοστασίας καὶ τὰ σκάνδαλα…ποιοῦντας1who are causing the divisions and obstacles

This refers to those who argue and cause others to stop trusting in Jesus. Alternate translation: “who are causing believers to argue with one another and to stop having faith in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1368ROM1617j9x7παρὰ τὴν διδαχὴν ἣν ὑμεῖς ἐμάθετε1They are going beyond the teaching that you have learned

“and teaching things that do not agree with the truth you have already learned”

1369ROM1617b318figs-metaphorἐκκλίνετε ἀπ’ αὐτῶν1Turn away from them

Here, turn away is a metaphor for “refuse to listen.” Alternate translation: “do not listen to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1370ROM1618ea6hfigs-ellipsisἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ1but their own stomach

The words “they serve” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “but they serve their own stomach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1371ROM1618nxn4figs-metonymyἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ1but their own stomach

Here, stomach is a metonym that refers to physical desires. Alternate translation: “but they only care about their physical desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1372ROM1618eff9figs-metaphorἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ1

Serving there stomach represents satisfying their desires. Alternate translation: “but they only want to satisfy their own selfish desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1373ROM1618eif6figs-doubletκαὶ διὰ τῆς χρηστολογίας καὶ εὐλογίας1By their smooth and flattering speech

The words smooth and flattering mean basically the same thing. Paul is emphasizing how these people are deceiving believers. Alternate translation: “and by saying things that seem to be good and true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1374ROM1618c2jefigs-metonymyἐξαπατῶσι τὰς καρδίας τῶν ἀκάκων1they deceive the hearts of the innocent

Here, hearts is a metonym for a persons mind or inner being. Alternate translation: “they deceive the innocent believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1375ROM1618m9h5τῶν ἀκάκων1innocent

This refers to those who are simple, inexperienced, and naive. Alternate translation: “of those who innocently trust them” or “of those who do not know these teachers are fooling them”

1376ROM1619imc7figs-personificationἡ γὰρ ὑμῶν ὑπακοὴ, εἰς πάντας ἀφίκετο1For your obedience reaches everyone

Here Paul speaks of the Roman believers obedience as if it were a person who could go to people. Alternate translation: “For everyone has heard how you obey Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1377ROM1619le5lἀκεραίους…εἰς τὸ κακόν1innocent to that which is evil

“not involved in doing evil things”

1378ROM1620s3cqfigs-metaphorὁ δὲ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης συντρίψει τὸν Σατανᾶν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας ὑμῶν ἐν τάχει1The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet

The phrase crush … under your feet refers to complete victory over an enemy. Here Paul speaks of the victory over Satan as if the Roman believers were trampling an enemy under their feet. Alternate translation: “Soon God will give you peace and complete victory over Satan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1379ROM1621z4g30Connecting Statement:

Paul gives greetings from the believers who are with him.

1380ROM1621ku15translate-namesΛούκιος…Ἰάσων…Σωσίπατρος1Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater

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

1381ROM1622xu3qtranslate-namesἐγὼ, Τέρτιος, ὁ γράψας τὴν ἐπιστολὴν1Tertius, who write this epistle

Tertius is the man who wrote down what Paul spoke. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1382ROM1622nx4gἀσπάζομαι ὑμᾶς…ἐν Κυρίῳ1greet you in the Lord

“greet you as a fellow believer”

1383ROM1623sw7rtranslate-namesΓάϊος…Ἔραστος…Κούαρτος1Gaius … Erastus … Quartus

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

1384ROM1623j9u7ὁ ξένος1the host

This refers to Gaius, the person in whose house Paul and his fellow believers gathered for worship.

1385ROM1623m5hgὁ οἰκονόμος1the treasurer

This is a person who takes care of the money for a group.

1386ROM1625psm30Connecting Statement:

Paul closes with a prayer of blessing.

1387ROM1625v71lδὲ1Now

Here the word Now marks the closing section of the letter. If you have a way of doing this in your language, you can use it here.

1388ROM1625pp5kfigs-metaphorὑμᾶς στηρίξαι1to strengthen you

Paul speaks here of having strong faith as if a person were being set firmly in place. Alternate translation: “to make your faith strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1389ROM1625kmw1κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου, καὶ τὸ κήρυγμα Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ

“by the good news that I have preached about Jesus Christ”

1390ROM1625s5kyfigs-metaphorκατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν μυστηρίου χρόνοις αἰωνίοις σεσιγημένου1according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long ages

Paul says that God has revealed previously hidden truths to the believers. He speaks of these truths as if they were a secret. Alternate translation: “because God has revealed to us believers what had been kept secret for a long time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1391ROM1625n6c1figs-activepassiveκατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν μυστηρίου χρόνοις αἰωνίοις σεσιγημένου1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “because God has revealed to us believers the secret that he was keeping for a long time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1392ROM1626d7r5figs-doubletφανερωθέντος δὲ νῦν διά τε Γραφῶν προφητικῶν, κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ αἰωνίου Θεοῦ εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως, εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη γνωρισθέντος1but now has been revealed and made known through the prophetic writings to all nations, by the command of the eternal God

The verbs revealed and made known mean basically the same thing. Paul uses both of them to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “but now the mystery has been made known to all the nations through the prophetic writings so people can believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1393ROM1626efyyfigs-activepassiveφανερωθέντος δὲ νῦν διά τε Γραφῶν προφητικῶν, κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ αἰωνίου Θεοῦ εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως, εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη γνωρισθέντος1

You can combine the verbs revealed and made known in an active form. Alternate translation: “but now the eternal God has made it known to all the nations through the prophetic writings so that people would believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1394ROM1626lc6dfigs-abstractnounsεἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως1to bring about the obedience of faith

Here, obedience and faith are abstract nouns. You can use the verbs “obey” and “trust” in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that all nations will believe and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1395ROM1626cvi3figs-explicitεἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως1

You may need to make explicit who will obey and trust. Alternate translation: “so that all nations will obey God because they trust in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1396ROM1627qmj7figs-explicitμόνῳ σοφῷ Θεῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. ἀμήν!1To the only wise God … be glory forever. Amen

Here, through Jesus Christ refers to what Jesus did. To give glory means to praise God. Alternate translation: “Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, we will praise forever the one who alone is God and who alone is wise. Amen!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])