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2MATfrontintrosa9c0

Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Matthew

  1. The birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of his ministry (1:1-4:25)
  2. Jesus Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:28)
  3. Jesus illustrates the kingdom of God through acts of healing (8:1-9:34)
  4. Jesus teaching about mission and the kingdom (9:35-10:42)
  5. Jesus teaching about the gospel of the kingdom of God. The beginning of opposition to Jesus. (11:1-12:50)
  6. Jesus parables about the kingdom of God (13:1-52)
  7. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:53-17:57)
  8. Jesus teaching about life in the kingdom of God (18:1-35)
  9. Jesus ministers in Judea (19:1-22:46)
  10. Jesus teaching about the final judgment and salvation (23:1-25:46)
  11. The crucifixion of Jesus, his death and resurrection (26:1-28:19)

What is the book of Matthew about?

The Gospel of Matthew is one of four books in the New Testament that describe some of the life of Jesus Christ. The authors of the gospels wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. Matthew showed that Jesus was the Messiah, and God would save Israel through him. Matthew often explained that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This may indicate that he expected most of his first readers to be Jewish. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Gospel of Matthew,” or “The Gospel according to Matthew.” Or they may choose a title that may be clearer, such as, “The Good News about Jesus that Matthew wrote.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Who wrote the Book of Matthew?

The book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the author was the Apostle Matthew.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the “kingdom of heaven?”

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

What were Jesus teaching methods?

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

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What are the Synoptic Gospels?

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

The texts are considered “parallel” when they are the same or almost the same among two or three gospels. When translating parallel passages, translators should use the same wording and make them as similar as possible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3MAT1introy7kk0

Matthew 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set a quotation from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this for the quoted material in 1:23.

Special concepts in this chapter

Genealogy

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Use of the passive voice

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

4MAT11ava10General Information:

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

5MAT11vpg1figs-metaphorἸησοῦ Χριστοῦ, υἱοῦ Δαυεὶδ, υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ1of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham

Here, son means “descendant.” If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Descendant of King David, who was a descendent of Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

6MAT13g8y6translate-names0of Perez … Zerah … of Hezron … of Ram

Unless stated otherwise, all of the names in this genealogy are mens names. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

7MAT15q5bdtranslate-namesῬαχάβ…Ῥούθ1Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth

Rahab and Ruth were the names of women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

8MAT111rj7pἐπὶ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος1at the deportation to Babylon

Alternate translation: See the UST

9MAT111v2imΒαβυλῶνος1to Babylon

Here, Babylonian refers to the country of Babylonia, not just the city of Babylon.

10MAT112y7cxμετὰ…τὴν μετοικεσίαν Βαβυλῶνος1after the deportation to Babylon

Use the same wording you used in 1:11 for Babylonian.

11MAT116b3bmfigs-activepassiveΜαρίας, ἐξ ἧς ἐγεννήθη Ἰησοῦς1of Mary, by whom Jesus was born

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Mary, who gave birth to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

12MAT116wdbotranslate-namesΜαρίας1

Mary is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

13MAT116z2rgfigs-activepassiveὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός1who is called Christ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom people call Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

14MAT117z5xwτῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος1the deportation to Babylon

Use the same wording you used in 1:11.

15MAT118gnl6writing-neweventτοῦ δὲ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἡ γένεσις οὕτως ἦν1General Information:

This begins a new part of the story in which the author describes the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

16MAT118cqt1figs-activepassiveμνηστευθείσης τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας τῷ Ἰωσήφ1His mother, Mary, having been engaged to marry Joseph

Mary was given by her parents to Joseph to marry him. This was common in their culture. 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: “Marys parents promised to Jospeh that Mary, Jesus mother, would marry him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

17MAT118xvk1figs-euphemismπρὶν…συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς1before they came together

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

18MAT118in4afigs-activepassiveεὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα1was found having in the womb

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they realized that she was going to have a baby” or “it happened that she was pregnant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

19MAT118q6y8figs-idiomεὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα1

This is an idiom meaning people discovered that she was pregnant. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: (1) “Joseph found out that she was pregnant” or (2), more generally “Some people discovered that she was pregnant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

20MAT118a71dfigs-explicitἐκ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1by the Holy Spirit

The power of the Holy Spirit had enabled Mary to have a baby before she had slept with a man. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “through the Holy Spirit allowing her to be pregnant without sleeping with a man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

21MAT119pu3pgrammar-connect-time-backgroundἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν1to divorce her

Mark is providing this background information to help readers understand who Joseph was and what his motives were. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “Joseph her husband was a righteous man who did not want to embarrass her publicly.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])

22MAT120iip4grammar-connect-time-simultaneousταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος, ἰδοὺ, ἄγγελος Κυρίου κατ’ ὄναρ ἐφάνη αὐτῷ1when he had thought

The angel appeared to Joseph at the same time he was considering divorcing Mary. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “During the time when Jospeh was considering divorcing Mary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])

23MAT120lc8rfigs-metaphorυἱὸς Δαυείδ1son of David

Here, son means “descendant.” If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Descendant of King David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

24MAT120va5efigs-activepassiveτὸ…ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ Πνεύματός ἐστιν Ἁγίου1the one who has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit caused Mary to become pregnant with this child” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

25MAT121j38fgrammar-connect-time-backgroundαὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν1she will bear a son

for he will save his people from their sins is explaining the meaning of the nameJesus. In Hebrew, Jesus comes from the word meaning “to save”. Use a natural way in your language for introducing this background information. Alternate translation: “For, just like his name means, he will save his people from their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])

26MAT121em9qτὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ1his people

Here, his refers to the those people who love the Lord. Alternate translation: “the people whom the Lord loves”

27MAT122c1vwfigs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ Κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet

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: “what the Lord told the prophet to write long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

28MAT122p39kfigs-explicitτοῦ προφήτου1the prophet

There were many prophets. Matthew was speaking specifically of Isaiah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the prophet Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

29MAT122e8ldwriting-quotationsλέγοντος1

In Pauls culture, saying is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Isaiah the prophet. If your readers would not understand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “He wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

30MAT123sln1translate-namesἘμμανουήλ1Immanuel

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

31MAT123wlftfigs-metaphorἰδοὺ1

The term behold focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Though it literally means “look” or “see,” in this case seeing figuratively means giving notice and attention. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am saying to you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

32MAT123lm6tgrammar-connect-time-backgroundὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον, μεθ’ ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός1which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew is providing this background information to help readers understand what the name Immanuel means. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “This name means, God with us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])

33MAT124iue3grammar-connect-logic-resultἐποίησεν ὡς προσέταξεν αὐτῷ ὁ ἄγγελος Κυρίου, καὶ παρέλαβεν τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ1Connecting Statement:

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: “Jospeh took Mary as his wife, just as the angel of the Lord commanded Him to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

34MAT125i7p5figs-euphemismοὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν αὐτὴν1he did not know her

Mark uses a polite expression to say that they had not engaged in sexual activity. Alternate translation: “He did not have sexual with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

35MAT2introdz1c0

Matthew 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

“His star”

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Learned men”

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

36MAT21j9yngrammar-connect-time-sequentialτοῦ δὲ Ἰησοῦ γεννηθέντος ἐν Βηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἐν ἡμέραις Ἡρῴδου τοῦ βασιλέως, ἰδοὺ, μάγοι ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν παρεγένοντο εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα1General Information:

learned men from the east arrived in Jerusalem comes after Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judea. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “Now after Jesus had been born in the city of Bethlehem, which is in Judea, men who studied the stars came to Jerusalem from an eastern country” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])

37MAT21kf5gtranslate-namesἩρῴδου1of Herod

There was more than one man named Herod. This refers to Herod the Great. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

38MAT21p6gctranslate-unknownμάγοι ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν1learned men from the east

These men were men who studied the stars in the sky to try to learn what the gods were communicating to them. If your readers would not be familiar with this, you can state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “men who studied the stars” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

39MAT22w3ncgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἴδομεν γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ καὶ ἤλθομεν προσκυνῆσαι αὐτῷ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase is the result of the first phrase. Alternate translation: “We have come to worship him, for we saw his star in the sky in the east” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

40MAT22zj7cfigs-explicitαὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα1his star

They were not saying that the baby was the owner of the star, but rather that this star was directing them to where the child was. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the star that tells about him” or “the star that is associated with his birth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

41MAT22v248προσκυνῆσαι1to worship

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

42MAT23qu3dfigs-metonymyπᾶσα Ἱεροσόλυμα1all Jerusalem

Here, Jerusalem refers to the people who live in Jerusalem. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “all the people in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

43MAT23b0gtfigs-ellipsisκαὶ πᾶσα Ἱεροσόλυμα μετ’ αὐτοῦ1

Matthew left out some words in this phrase that might be needed in certain languages to make a full sentence. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “And many in Jerusalem were troubled along with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

44MAT23mc1rfigs-hyperboleπᾶσα Ἱεροσόλυμα1all Jerusalem

Here, all means “many.” Matthew is exaggerating to emphasize how many people were worried. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: “many of the people in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

45MAT24ne4vfigs-quotationsἐπυνθάνετο παρ’ αὐτῶν ποῦ ὁ Χριστὸς γεννᾶται1General Information:

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “He was asking them where the Messiah was supposed to have been born” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

46MAT25w68nfigs-ellipsisἐν Βηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας1In Bethlehem of Judea

Matthew is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “He is supposed to have been born in Bethlehem, which is in the region of Judea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

47MAT25z2i4figs-activepassiveοὕτως…γέγραπται διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1thus it has been written through the prophet

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this is what the prophet wrote long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

48MAT25o460writing-quotationsοὕτως γὰρ γέγραπται διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1

In Matthews culture, for thus it has been written through the prophet is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Micah the prophet. If your readers would not understand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Matthew is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “according to Micah the prophet, who wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

49MAT26kmw7figs-apostropheκαὶ σύ Βηθλέεμ, γῆ Ἰούδα, οὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμόσιν Ἰούδα; ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἐξελεύσεται ἡγούμενος, ὅστις ποιμανεῖ τὸν λαόν μου τὸν Ἰσραήλ1you, Bethlehem

Micah was speaking to Bethlehem as if it was a person. If this is confusing in your language, consider referring to Bethlehem in the third person. Alternate translation: “Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, is by no means the least among the leaders of Judah. For from this region a ruler will come who will shepherd my people Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

50MAT26c2clfigs-litotesοὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμόσιν Ἰούδα1are by no means the least among the leaders of Judah

If are by no means the least among the leaders of Judah is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “your town is among the most important towns in Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

51MAT26rihnfigs-metonymyἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἐξελεύσεται ἡγούμενος1

When Matthew says for from you will come out a ruler, he is talking about from the people who live in Bethlehem. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “from your people a leader will come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

52MAT26tg5dfigs-metaphorὅστις ποιμανεῖ τὸν λαόν μου τὸν Ἰσραήλ1who will shepherd my people Israel

Micah speaks of this ruler as one who will shepherd…Israel. This means he will lead and care for the people just like a shepherd cares for their animals. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “who will lead my people Israel and take care of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

53MAT28jtw7figs-infostructureπροσκυνήσω αὐτῷ1might worship him

Herod first says Having gone, search carefully for the young child, and after you have found him, report to me so that I also, having come, might worship him. and then he sent them to Bethlehem. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Herod said to the men who study the stars, “After you leave, search carefully for the young child, and after you have found him, report to me so that I also, having come, might worship him.” Then he sent them to Bethlehem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

54MAT211q8vpfigs-explicitπεσόντες προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ1

In their culture, falling down, they worshipped him was something that was done to a king. This shows that they saw Jesus as the true king of the Jews. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “They bowed down and honored the child as they would a king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

55MAT211r452figs-metonymyτοὺς θησαυροὺς αὐτῶν1their treasures

Here, their treasures refers to the boxes or bags they used to carry their treasures. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the containers that held their treasures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

56MAT211kidlfigs-explicitπροσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ δῶρα1

In some cultures, gifts are brought when you are meeting someone important to show that you honor them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “They offered him gifts to honor him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

57MAT213v88ffigs-explicitἕως ἂν εἴπω σοι1until I tell you

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can make the full meaning of this statement explicit. Alternate translation: “until I tell you it is safe to come back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

58MAT215ft3awriting-pronounsἦν ἐκεῖ1he was

It is implied that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus remained in Egypt. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jospeh, Mary and Jesus were there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

59MAT215we5wfigs-activepassiveἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ Κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “in order that God might prove true that which he spoke through the prophet Hosea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

60MAT215s792writing-quotationsλέγοντος1

See how you translated saying in 1:23(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

61MAT216g513figs-activepassiveἐνεπαίχθη ὑπὸ τῶν μάγων1he had been mocked by the learned men

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the learned men had embarrassed him by tricking him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

62MAT216d8d5figs-explicitἀποστείλας, ἀνεῖλεν πάντας τοὺς παῖδας1having sent forth, he killed all the male children

Herod sent other people to kill the children. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he gave orders for his soldiers to kill all the boys” or “he sent soldiers there to kill all the boy babies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

63MAT217l8g5figs-activepassiveἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν1Then was fulfilled

See how your translated this in 2:15 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

64MAT218k91tfigs-activepassiveφωνὴ…ἠκούσθη1A voice was heard

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: “People heard a voice” or “People heard a sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

65MAT218x062figs-doubletκλαυθμὸς καὶ ὀδυρμὸς πολύς1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that the sound of weeping was very loud. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “much weeping” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

66MAT218zm17figs-metonymyῬαχὴλ κλαίουσα τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν παρακληθῆναι1Rachel weeping for her children

Rachel lived many years before this time. This prophecy depicts Rachel, who is represented by her descendants weeping over their children. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Rachel are weeping over their children, and no one can comfort them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

67MAT218rgg1figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἤθελεν παρακληθῆναι1not willing to be comforted

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: “no one could comfort her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

68MAT218p9rifigs-euphemismὅτι οὐκ εἰσίν1because they are no more

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

69MAT220hz2mfigs-euphemismοἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παιδίου1those who seek the life of the child

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

70MAT222h4cqtranslate-namesἈρχέλαος1Archelaus

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

71MAT223dx5ifigs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν1what had been spoken through the prophets

See how you translated this in 2:15 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

72MAT3introa6h30

Matthew 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

“Bear fruit worthy of repentance”

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The kingdom of heaven is near”

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

73MAT31xp3zwriting-neweventδὲ1General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of the ministry of John the Baptist. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time while Jesus was still in Galilee” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

74MAT31ifa0writing-participantsἸωάννης ὁ Βαπτιστὴς1

This introduces John as a new character in the story. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. The expression “the Baptizer” identifies him as someone who baptized people in water after they were sorry for their sins. Since he is a new participant, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could call him something like “a man named John, who baptized people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

75MAT32hvx8figs-metonymyἤγγικεν…ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of the heavens is near

The phrase the kingdom of the heavens refers to God ruling as king. heavens refers to the place where God rules from. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “our God in heaven will soon show himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

76MAT33fl4vfigs-activepassiveοὗτος γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ῥηθεὶς διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος1For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying

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 John was the one who Isaiah spoke about when he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

77MAT33yhe7figs-quotesinquotesἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ1Make ready the way of the Lord … make his paths straight

Here there is a direct quotation inside a direct quotation, as Mark quotes Isaiah who quotes the messenger. If this would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “a voice crying out in the wilderness, telling people to make ready the way of the Lord and to make his paths straight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

78MAT33hxb6writing-quotationsφωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ1The voice of one calling out in the wilderness

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “The voice of someone crying out in the wilderness is heard, saying:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

79MAT33s62rfigs-synecdocheφωνὴ βοῶντος1

Here, a voice figuratively refers to the messenger who uses his voice to cry out. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “people will hear the messengers voice as he cries out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

80MAT33n7lhfigs-parallelismἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ1

Make ready the way of the Lord and make his paths straight mean the same thing. If this would be confusing in your language, you could combine the two. “Prepare to hear and obey the Lords message when he comes”. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

81MAT33j99ifigs-metaphorἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου1Make ready the way of the Lord

Isaiah uses a metaphor here of preparing paths or the way that someone will travel on. If someone prepares a path for another, they make the path walkable. If someone in high authority were coming, they would make sure the roads were clear from any hazards. So this metaphor means that the people should prepare themselves to receive the Lords message when he comes. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or use plain speech. Alternate translation: “Prepare to hear and obey the Lords message when he comes” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

82MAT34j647writing-backgroundαὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Ἰωάννης εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ, ἡ δὲ τροφὴ ἦν αὐτοῦ ἀκρίδες καὶ μέλι ἄγριον1Now this John had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey

The word Now is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Matthew gives the reader some background information about what John the Baptist ate, and what he looked like. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

83MAT34su9dfigs-idiomεἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου1had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist

had his clothing from the hair of a camel means that he wore clothes made from camels hair. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “wore clothing made from the hair of a camel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

84MAT34wo34translate-unknownκαμήλου1

If your readers would not know what a camel is, you could include a description in a footnote or use a more general term. Alternate translation: “animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

85MAT34xgxktranslate-unknownἀκρίδες1

If your readers would not know what locusts are, you could include a description in a footnote or use a more general term. Alternate translation: “grasshoppers” or “insects” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

86MAT35j8kefigs-metonymyἹεροσόλυμα, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος τοῦ Ἰορδάνου1Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around

The words Jerusalem, Judea, and the region around the Jordan are metonyms for the people from those areas. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “people from Jerusalem, Judea, and the region near the Jordan river” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

87MAT35zys1figs-hyperboleἹεροσόλυμα, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος1Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around

The word all is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many people went out. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that depicts many people. Alternate translation: “very many people from Jerusalem, Judea, and the region near the Jordan river” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

88MAT36v5xnfigs-activepassiveἐβαπτίζοντο…ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1being baptized by him

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

89MAT37fjl3figs-metaphorγεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1You offspring of vipers, who

Here, offspring of vipers means having the characteristic of vipers, which are poisonous snakes. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “You evil poisonous snakes!” or “You are evil like poisonous snakes!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

90MAT37c4clfigs-rquestionτίς ὑπέδειξεν ὑμῖν φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς?1who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

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

91MAT37h7acfigs-personificationφυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς1to flee from the coming wrath

The phrase coming wrath is being used to refer to Gods punishment. Wrath itself cannot come, but God is the one who causes it to happen. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to flee from Gods wrath which he is bringing against you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

92MAT38s8acfigs-metaphorποιήσατε οὖν καρπὸν ἄξιον τῆς μετανοίας1Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance

The phrase produce fruit is a metaphor referring to a persons actions. Just as a healthy tree bears good fruit, so should someone who love God do good. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Let your actions show that you have truly repented” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

93MAT39anyffigs-explicitπατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ1

They would say We have Abraham {as} father because they thought being Abrahams descendants would protect them from Gods judgement. Alternate translation: “Abraham is our ancestor, so God would not punish us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

94MAT39s4ogfigs-metaphorπατέρα1

Here, the word father figuratively means “ancestor.” If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “Abraham is our ancestor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

95MAT39k843figs-hyperboleδύναται ὁ Θεὸς ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων ἐγεῖραι τέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ1God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones

John uses an exaggeration here to show that God does not need these Pharisees and Sadducees to fulfill his promises which he made to Abraham. If our readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that portrays this exaggeration. Alternate translation: “God could make children of Abraham even out of these rocks!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

96MAT39eedcfigs-metaphorτέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ1

Here, the word children figuratively means “descendants.” If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “descendants for Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

97MAT310d4j5figs-activepassiveἤδη δὲ ἡ ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων κεῖται; πᾶν οὖν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1But already the ax is placed against the root of the trees. So every tree not producing good fruit is chopped down and is thrown into the fire.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the person who is going to cut down the tree has already placed his ax against the roots. So, he will cut down every tree which does not bear good fruit and throw it into the fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

98MAT310a8m8figs-metaphorπᾶν οὖν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1

every tree not producing good fruit is chopped down and is thrown into the fire is a figurative way of describing punishment. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “God will certainly punish every person who does not repent of their sins and do good deeds to show it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

99MAT311c1xffigs-explicitοὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς τὰ ὑποδήματα βαστάσαι1is mightier than I

carrying…sandals was a duty of a slave. John is saying implicitly that the one who is coming will be so great that he is not even worthy to be his slave. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I am not even worthy to be his slave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

100MAT311gtm7figs-metaphorαὐτὸς ὑμᾶς βαπτίσει ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ καὶ πυρί1He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire

John is using literal baptism, which puts a person under water, to speak figuratively of spiritual baptism, which cleanses people from their sin. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: See the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

101MAT312gcq8figs-metaphorοὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ1whose winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clear off his threshing floor

John is saying figuratively that the Messiah will come prepared to judge people right away. You could express this metaphor as a simile in your translation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here in your translation. Alternate translation: “He will already be prepared to judge people, just like a farmer who is ready to thresh grain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

102MAT312sq4pfigs-idiomοὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ1whose winnowing fork is in his hand

Here, in his hand means the person is ready to act. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “and Christ is holding a winnowing fork because he is ready” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

103MAT312b5m4translate-unknownτὸ πτύον1winnowing fork

A winnowing fork is a tool for tossing wheat into the air to separate the wheat grain from the chaff. The heavier grain falls back down, and the wind blows away the unwanted chaff. This tool is similar to a pitchfork. If you have a similar tool in your culture, you can use the word for it here. Otherwise, you can use a phrase that would express the meaning. Alternate translation: “tool for threshing grain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

104MAT312r2uatranslate-unknownτὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ1his threshing floor

The threshing floor was the place where wheat was stacked in preparation for threshing. To clear off the floor is to finish threshing all the grain. If your readers would not be familiar with this place, you could use the name of a place of similar use in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “The place where food is prepared” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

105MAT312av8lfigs-metaphorσυνάξει τὸν σῖτον αὐτοῦ εἰς τὴν ἀποθήκην…τὸ…ἄχυρον κατακαύσει πυρὶ ἀσβέστῳ1gather his wheat into the storehouse … he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire

John continues to speak figuratively to describe how the coming Messiah will judge people. The wheat is the part of the crop that is useful. It represents people who are obedient to God, who will be welcomed into his presence. The chaff is the husk that surrounds the grain. It is not useful for anything, so people burn it up.You could express this metaphor as a simile in your translation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He will welcome those who are obedient to God, just as a farmer stores good grain in his barn. But he will punish those who are disobedient to God, just as a farmer burns up the useless chaff” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

106MAT313vl93writing-neweventτότε1Connecting Statement:

This introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time later” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

107MAT313zbj9figs-activepassiveβαπτισθῆναι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1to be baptized by him

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

108MAT314cl7tfigs-rquestionἐγὼ χρείαν ἔχω ὑπὸ σοῦ βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ σὺ ἔρχῃ πρός με?1I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?

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

109MAT315h6cafigs-exclusiveἡμῖν1for us

Here, us refers to Jesus and John. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

110MAT315wdcufigs-idiomπληρῶσαι πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην1

To fulfill all righteousness means to do everything which God requires someone to do. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to do everything which God has told us to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

111MAT316inf6figs-activepassiveβαπτισθεὶς1But having been baptized

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: “After John baptized Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

112MAT316jh1vfigs-activepassiveἀνεῴχθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ οὐρανοί1the heavens were opened to him

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

113MAT316e3nafigs-simileκαταβαῖνον ὡσεὶ περιστερὰν1coming down like a dove

The phrase like a dove could mean: (1) the Spirit looked like a dove as he descended upon Jesus. Alternate translation: “The Spirit came down from heaven, looking like a dove” (2) the Spirit descended upon Jesus as a dove descends from the sky toward the ground. Alternate translation: “The Spirit of God came down from heaven as a dove comes down” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile)

114MAT317m2wkfigs-personificationφωνὴ ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν λέγουσα1a voice from the heavens saying

Mark speaks figuratively of this voice as if it were a living thing that could come from heaven to earth. The voice is Gods voice. Alternate translation: “God spoke from heaven and said” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification)

115MAT317myz8guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱός μου1my Son

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

116MAT4introhgw20

Matthew 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 the poetry in verses 6, 15 and 16, which are words from the Old Testament.

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quotation in verse 10.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“the kingdom of heaven has come near”

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

“If you are the Son of God”

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

117MAT41k51mwriting-neweventτότε1General Information:

This introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “After this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

118MAT41aq3sfigs-activepassiveὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνήχθη…ὑπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματος1Jesus was led up by the Spirit

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

119MAT41wy4bfigs-activepassiveπειρασθῆναι ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου1to be tempted by the devil

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

120MAT42cft7translate-numbersἡμέρας τεσσεράκοντα καὶ νύκτας τεσσεράκοντα140 days and 40 nights

This means he fasted continually with no breaks for a period of 40 days. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

121MAT42cuu1figs-merismἡμέρας τεσσεράκοντα καὶ νύκτας τεσσεράκοντα1

Matthew uses 40 days and 40 nights to express that Jesus fasted for 40 entire days without stoping. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “for 40 whole days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

122MAT43oywsgrammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ Υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰπὲ ἵνα οἱ λίθοι οὗτοι ἄρτοι γένωνται1

The devil is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, and that the stone will only become bread if Jesus speaks to them as the Son of God. The devil is speaking as if it is uncertain who Jesus is in order to challenge him to do this miracle to prove that he really is the Son of God. If this would be unclear in your language, you can clarify. Alternate translation: “Prove that you are the Son of God by commanding these stones to become bread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])

123MAT43c1acguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ1the Son of God

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

124MAT44fd67figs-activepassiveγέγραπται1It is written

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

125MAT44sph9writing-quotationsγέγραπται1

In Matthews culture, it is written is a normal way to introduce a quotation from an important text, in this case, the Old Testament book written by Moses. If your readers would not understand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Jesus is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “as it can be read in the Old Testament” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

126MAT44i33vοὐκ ἐπ’ ἄρτῳ μόνῳ ζήσεται ὁ ἄνθρωπος1

This can either be (1) a command. Alternate translation: “Man shall not live on bread alone” or (2) a general statement: Alternate translation: “Man does not live on bread alone”

127MAT44d010figs-genericnounὁ ἄνθρωπος1

This verse is not speaking about a specific person, but about people in general. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “A person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

128MAT44xbaigrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλ’1

What follows the word but here is in contrast to what came before it. People should not only live on food, but also must hear what the Lord is teaching them. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “But also” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

129MAT44jl6ffigs-metaphorπαντὶ ῥήματι ἐκπορευομένῳ διὰ στόματος Θεοῦ1but by every word that comes through the mouth of God

coming from the mouth of God is figurative meaning everything which God has spoken. God does not actually have a mouth for words to come from. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “every word which God has spoken” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

130MAT46x2vgguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ1the Son of God

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

131MAT46dnrpfigs-explicitβάλε σεαυτὸν κάτω1

When Satan tells Jesus to throw yourself down, he means from on top of the temple. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “throw yourself down from on top of the high point of the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

132MAT46x6zcfigs-activepassiveγέγραπται γὰρ1

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 God has written in his word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

133MAT46fa8lwriting-quotationsγέγραπται1If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down

Satan is quoting from the book of Psalms. See note on 4:4 for how you translated this phrase (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

134MAT46f1mmfigs-explicitἐπὶ χειρῶν ἀροῦσίν σε1They will lift you up

This verse is saying that Gods angels would catch Jesus if he were to throw himself down. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The angels would catch you if you fell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

135MAT47fn07figs-activepassiveπάλιν γέγραπται1Again it is written

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

136MAT47c7t5figs-genericnounοὐκ ἐκπειράσεις1You will not test

Here, You refers to people in general, and not to a specific person. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “No one shall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

137MAT48d12qfigs-explicitκαὶ τὴν δόξαν αὐτῶν1Again, the devil

their glory is referring to the riches that these nations have. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and the riches which they possessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

138MAT49al72grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalταῦτά σοι πάντα δώσω1All these things I will give you

Satan is using a hypothetical statement to tempt Jesus. Make sure to make this hypothetical statement explicit in your language. Alternate translation: “If you bow down and worship me, I will give you all of these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])

139MAT49eas8translate-symactionἐὰν πεσὼν1having fallen down

This was a common action to show that a person was worshiping. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “if you show reverence to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

140MAT410k49qfigs-activepassiveγέγραπται γάρ1For it is written

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

141MAT410rig8figs-genericnounπροσκυνήσεις…λατρεύσεις1You will worship … you will serve

Here, You refers to people in general and not to a specific person. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “Each person shall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

142MAT412v7p4writing-backgroundδὲ1General Information:

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

143MAT412d1vifigs-activepassiveἸωάννης παρεδόθη1John had been arrested

If your language does not use the passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the king had arrested John” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

144MAT413hpm4figs-explicitἐν ὁρίοις Ζαβουλὼν καὶ Νεφθαλείμ1in the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali

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

145MAT414tj7cfigs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν1what was spoken

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

146MAT415egx6figs-synecdocheγῆ Ζαβουλὼν καὶ γῆ Νεφθαλείμ…Γαλιλαία τῶν ἐθνῶν1The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali … Galilee of the Gentiles!

Jesus refers figuratively to these places, when he is really referring to the people who live in them. If our readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “You who live in Zebulun and Naphtali” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

147MAT415se2rὁδὸν θαλάσσης1

the way of the sea could also be a title referring to a road which ran along the Sea of Galilee.

148MAT416fsl6figs-explicitὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος ἐν σκοτίᾳ1

the people being referred to here are the Jews. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The Jews, who are sitting in darkness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

149MAT416h2xrfigs-metaphorὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος ἐν σκοτίᾳ φῶς εἶδεν μέγα…ἐν χώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου, φῶς1The people who are sitting in darkness have seen a great light

Here, darkness and region and shadow of death are metaphors for not knowing the truth about God. And light is a metaphor for Gods true message that saves people from their sin. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “The people sitting in sin have heard the message that God saves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

150MAT416j6gzfigs-metaphorὁ καθήμενος…τοῖς καθημένοις1

sitting is a metaphor for living. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “who are living…to those living” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

151MAT416nn1rfigs-parallelismτοῖς καθημένοις ἐν χώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου, φῶς ἀνέτειλεν αὐτοῖς1to those who are sitting in the region and shadow of death, upon them has a light arisen

and to those sitting in the region and shadow of death, upon them has a light arisen has the same meaning as the first part of the sentence. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “Those who are sitting in darkness have seen a great light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

152MAT417dku3figs-metonymyἤγγικεν…ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of the heavens has come near

See how you translated this in 3:2 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

153MAT418yrx7writing-neweventδὲ1General Information:

This begins a new story about Jesus ministry in Galilee. Here he begins to gather men to be his disciples. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time later” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

154MAT418yfh5figs-explicitβάλλοντας ἀμφίβληστρον εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν1casting a net into the sea

They were casting a net in order to catch fish. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “throwing a net into the water to catch fish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

155MAT418yyiytranslate-unknownβάλλοντας ἀμφίβληστρον1

Some cultures use a net to catch fish. A net is something which is thrown into the water to trap fish in it. If this would not be understood in your culture, you can use a general phrase. Alternate translation: “fishing in the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

156MAT418qmzogrammar-connect-time-backgroundἦσαν γὰρ ἁλιεῖς1

Mark is providing this background information to help readers understand why they were casting fishing nets. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “They were doing this because they worked as fishermen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])

157MAT419y3zgfigs-idiomδεῦτε ὀπίσω μου1Come after me

Come after me is an idiom meaning to follow someone and be their student. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “Follow me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

158MAT419n9h3figs-metaphorποιήσω ὑμᾶς ἁλιεῖς ἀνθρώπων1I will make you fishers of men

I will make you fishers of men means Simon and Andrew will teach people Gods true message, so others will also follow Jesus. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way.Alternate translation: “I will teach you to gather men to me like you used to gather fish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

159MAT421utn4figs-idiomἐκάλεσεν αὐτούς1he called them

he called them is an idiom meaning that he told them to follow him. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “he told them to follow him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

160MAT423jt3mfigs-metonymyκηρύσσων τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1preaching the gospel of the kingdom

Here, kingdom refers to Gods reign as king. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “preaching the good news that God will soon show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

161MAT423nr8mfigs-merismπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1every disease and every sickness

The words disease and sickness are used here to cover every form of sickness which someone might have. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “every form of sickness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

162MAT423ljkdfigs-hyperboleπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1

every here is an exaggeration, and does not mean that he healed every single disease among the people, but rather that he healed many different kinds of diseases. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: “many diseases and many sicknesses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

163MAT424i296figs-activepassiveδαιμονιζομένους1being possessed by demons

If your language does not use the passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom demons controlled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

164MAT424hwa0figs-personificationἀπῆλθεν ἡ ἀκοὴ αὐτοῦ εἰς ὅλην τὴν Συρίαν1

News itself can not go out, but rather, people spread the news about what Jesus was doing. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “people were spreading the news of what Jesus was doing into all of Syria” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

165MAT424unqnfigs-hyperboleπροσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ πάντας τοὺς κακῶς1

all those having sickness here is an exaggeration and does not mean that every single person who was sick was brought to him, but rather that many were brought. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: “Those who lived there brought many sick people to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

166MAT424p3nftranslate-unknownσεληνιαζομένους1the epileptic

This refers to someone who goes unconscious and their body moves uncontrollably. If your readers would not be familiar with this disease, you could use the name of something like this from your language, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “those who sometimes become unconscious and move uncontrollably” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

167MAT424qk4ctranslate-unknownκαὶ παραλυτικούς1and the paralytic

A person who is a paralytic is someone who is not able to use a large portion of their body due to injury or sickness. If your readers would not be familiar with this sickness, you could use the name of something like this in your language, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “someone who is paralyzed” or “someone who is not able to use a large portion of their body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

168MAT425i9m7translate-namesΔεκαπόλεως1the Decapolis

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

169MAT5introawz80

Matthew 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

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

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

Special concepts in this chapter

“His disciples”

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

Generic Noun Phrases

In this chapter, because Jesus is talking to a very large crowd, he often uses words such as “you”, “those”, “a person”, “someone” or other ways of speaking about people in general. He is not speaking about any particular person. This is a common practice when giving important universal teachers as Jesus is doing here. Express these phrases in a way that is natural in your language for speaking about people in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

The Law

Many times in this chapter, it sounds like Jesus contrasts what the law says with “but I say”. Jesus is not actually contrasting what he says with the law, but is just expanding on the meaning of the law for his listeners, to apply it to their lives. Make sure this is clear to your readers.

170MAT51c5rqwriting-neweventδὲ1Connecting Statement:

This introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time later” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

171MAT52q9mmfigs-idiomἀνοίξας τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ1having opened his mouth

Here, having opened his mouth is an idiom meaning to speak. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “when Jesus began to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

172MAT53jhdgfigs-idiomμακάριοι1

The phrase Blessed {are} indicates that God is giving favor to people and that their situation is positive or good. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “How good it is for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

173MAT53o3y4figs-nominaladjοἱ πτωχοὶ1

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

174MAT53od1cfigs-genericnounοἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι1

Jesus is referring to people in general in this phrase, not of any particular person. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. See the note in the chapter introduction for a longer explanation. Alternate translation: “The people who are poor in spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

175MAT53j7ctfigs-idiomοἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι1the poor in spirit

The phrase poor in spirit refers to someone who is in need of God. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “those who know they need God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

176MAT53wpi6figs-metonymyὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens

See how you translated kingdom of the heavens in 3:2 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

177MAT54u8s3figs-idiomμακάριοι1

See the note in the previous verse. [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

178MAT54pgy8figs-genericnounοἱ πενθοῦντες1those who mourn

See how you handled this type of phrase in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

179MAT54lie5figs-activepassiveαὐτοὶ παρακληθήσονται1they will be comforted

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

180MAT55mvb1figs-nominaladjοἱ πραεῖς1the meek

Jesus is using the adjective meek as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are humble” or “you who are humble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

181MAT56bi1jfigs-metaphorοἱ πεινῶντες καὶ διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην1those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

hungering and thirsting for righteousness describes people who strongly desire to do what is right. Hunger and thirst are the strongest desire a person can have. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “those who desire to live right as much as they desire food and drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

182MAT56hlq2figs-activepassiveαὐτοὶ χορτασθήσονται1they will be filled

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

183MAT58s9gdfigs-idiomοἱ καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ1the pure in heart

Here, pure in heart is an idiom for a persons intentions. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “those who have good intentions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

184MAT58cr20figs-genericnounοἱ καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ1

See the note in 5:3. Alternate translation: “people whose intentions please God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

185MAT58t6nifigs-idiomαὐτοὶ τὸν Θεὸν ὄψονται1they will see God

Here, they will see God means they will be able to live in Gods presence, which a person cannot do unless they are in right relationship with him. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “they will live in Gods presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

186MAT59tv19figs-activepassiveὅτι αὐτοὶ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ κληθήσονται1for they will be called sons of God

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

187MAT510bqu7figs-activepassiveοἱ δεδιωγμένοι1those who have been persecuted

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

188MAT510f3lifigs-metonymyαὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1theirs is the kingdom of the heavens

See how you translated this in 5:3 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

189MAT511t5kbfigs-youμακάριοί ἐστε…ὑμᾶς…ὑμῶν1Blessed are you

The word you here, and in the remainder of the chapter, unless otherwise notified, is plural. Jesus is talking to the people in the crowd. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

190MAT511eez3figs-explicitἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1for my sake

When Jesus says because of me, he means because they are following him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “because you follow me” or “because you believe in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

191MAT512ssk9figs-doubletχαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε1Rejoice and be very glad

Here, Rejoice and be very glad mean almost the same thing. Jesus said this to be emphatic. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Be very glad!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

192MAT512bpwbfigs-metonymyἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

Here, in the heavens means with God. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “which you will receive when you are with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

193MAT513i3zpfigs-metaphorὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ ἅλας τῆς γῆς; ἐὰν δὲ τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ, ἐν τίνι ἁλισθήσεται1You are the salt of the earth

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

194MAT513yoiffigs-rquestionἐὰν δὲ τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ, ἐν τίνι ἁλισθήσεται?1with what might it be made salty again?

Jesus uses a question to teach the disciples that God does not use people who dont care about what he wants. 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: “A person who stops following God becomes useless to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

195MAT513e7czfigs-activepassiveεἰ μὴ βληθὲν ἔξω, καταπατεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1except to be thrown out to be trampled by men

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “except for people to throw it out into the road and walk on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

196MAT513ojrggrammar-connect-exceptionsεἰς οὐδὲν ἰσχύει ἔτι, εἰ μὴ βληθὲν ἔξω1

Jesus is saying that the only use for the salt is to be trampled upon. If it would appear in your language that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “The salt only useful for being thrown out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])

197MAT514wgh5figs-metaphorὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου1You are the light of the world

Just like a light shines in a dark place, Jesus is saying that his disciples will shine with his message in the world. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “You are like a light for the people of the world to see God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

198MAT514bn28figs-explicitοὐ δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους κειμένη1A city being set on a hill is not able to be hidden

At night when it is dark, people can see the lights of a city shining from far away, as the city is not blocked by anything being on top of the hill. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “At night, when the lights are most visible, a city on a hill cannot be hidden” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

199MAT514ny4hfigs-activepassiveοὐ δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους κειμένη1A city being set on top of a hill is not able to be hidden

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language.. Alternate translation: “Everyone can see the lights from a city which is up on a hill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

200MAT515s5sbfigs-genericnounοὐδὲ καίουσιν λύχνον1Neither do they light a lamp

See the note in the chapter introduction. Alternate translation: “People do not light a lamp” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

201MAT515c8elgrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλ’1put it under a basket

What follows the words but rather here is in contrast to what came before it. Instead of foolishly putting a lamp in a basket, you should put it out to light up the room. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “But” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

202MAT516qhp8figs-metaphorλαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων1Let your light shine before men

Let your light shine before men means a disciple of Jesus should live in such a way that others can learn about Gods truth because of how they live. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Let your lives be like a light that shines before people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

203MAT516iiu8translate-kinshipτὸν Πατέρα ὑμῶν τὸν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1your Father who is in the heavens

God is referred to as our Father. He is not our father in that same way as our biological father. That detail is not normally translated, but if your language has a specific word for a mans father, it would be appropriate to use it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])

204MAT516ouqifigs-metonymyἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1

See how you translated in the heavens in 5:12(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

205MAT517gg3kfigs-metonymyτοὺς προφήτας1the prophets

This refers to what the prophets wrote in the scriptures. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. “the writings of the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

206MAT517re9hfigs-ellipsisοὐκ ἦλθον καταλῦσαι, ἀλλὰ πληρῶσαι1

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “I did not come to nullify the law and the prophets, but I came to fulfill them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

207MAT517jirtgrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1

What follows the word but here is in contrast to what came before it. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “But rather” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

208MAT518cv3mfigs-merismἕως ἂν παρέλθῃ ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ, ἰῶτα ἓν ἢ μία κερέα οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου1until the heaven and the earth may pass away

The phrase until the heaven and the earth may pass away, one jot or one tittle may certainly not pass away from the law exaggerates the fact that no part of Gods word will ever pass away. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows honor. Alternate translation: “Not even the smallest part of Gods word will ever pass away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

209MAT518ylz6figs-explicitἰῶτα ἓν ἢ μία κερέα1one jot or one tittle

The jot was the smallest Hebrew letter, and the tittle was a small mark that was the difference between two Hebrew letters. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the smallest written letter or the smallest part of a letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

210MAT519uxz2grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalὃς ἐὰν οὖν λύσῃ μίαν τῶν ἐντολῶν τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων…ἐλάχιστος κληθήσεται ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν…ὃς δ’ ἂν ποιήσῃ καὶ διδάξῃ, οὗτος μέγας κληθήσεται ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν.1whoever may break

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to teach the crowd of his disciples the importance of Gods law. Alternate translation: “If one were to nullify even the smallest of these commandments, God would call him the least important in his kingdom…If one were to do and teach the commandments, God would call him great in his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])

211MAT519hxl1figs-genericnounὃς ἐὰν οὖν λύσῃ…ὃς δ’ ἂν ποιήσῃ1

See the note in the chapter introduction. Alternate translation: “If anyone therefore breaks…if anyone does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

212MAT519dv5cfigs-activepassiveδιδάξῃ οὕτως τοὺς ἀνθρώπους…κληθήσεται1may teach men to do so will be called

If your language does not use the passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “teaches others to do so, God will call that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

213MAT519bg2vfigs-metonymyτῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1least in the kingdom of the heavens

See how you translated this in 3:2 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

214MAT520l3lvfigs-doublenegativesὅτι ἐὰν μὴ περισσεύσῃ ὑμῶν ἡ δικαιοσύνη…οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε1that unless your righteousness may abound … you may certainly not enter

If your readers would misunderstand this double negative, you can state it in a positive form. Alternate translation: “that your righteousness must exceed … Pharisees in order to enter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

215MAT520zqr6grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalἐὰν μὴ περισσεύσῃ ὑμῶν ἡ δικαιοσύνη πλεῖον…οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to teach the disciples about how holy they need to be to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Alternate translation: “If your righteousness does not become much greater…you will never be a part of Gods people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])

216MAT521t6k5figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις1it was said to the ancients

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God said through Moses to your ancestors long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

217MAT521mij2figs-explicitὃς…ἂν φονεύσῃ, ἔνοχος ἔσται τῇ κρίσει1Whoever may kill will be held for the judgment

Here, the judgment implies that a judge will condemn the person to die. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “A judge will condemn anyone who kills another person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

218MAT522d5nltranslate-kinshipτῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ…τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ1with his brother

Here, his brother refers to a fellow disciple of Jesus, not to a literal brother or a neighbor. If your reader would not understand this, you can make it explicit. Alternate translation: “with another one of my followers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])

219MAT522w721translate-transliterateῥακά1Fool … You fool

This is an Aramaic word. Matthew spelled it out using Greek letters so his readers would know how it sounded. In your translation you can spell it the way it sounds in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

220MAT522i9r5figs-ellipsisὃς δ’ ἂν εἴπῃ2

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “Whoever might say to his brother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

221MAT523chv4figs-explicitἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον1at the altar

It is implied that this is Gods altar at the temple in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to God at the altar in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

222MAT524z9m5figs-activepassiveπρῶτον διαλλάγηθι τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου1first, be reconciled with your brother

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

223MAT524q08wgrammar-connect-time-sequentialτότε1

The word then indicates that only after the two are reconciled can this person offer something upon the altar. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show this relationship by using a fuller phrase. Alternate translation: “then, once you are brought together again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])

224MAT525x4tafigs-youἴσθι εὐνοῶν τῷ ἀντιδίκῳ σου ταχὺ, ἕως ὅτου εἶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ; μήποτέ σε παραδῷ ὁ ἀντίδικος τῷ κριτῇ, καὶ ὁ κριτὴς τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ, καὶ εἰς φυλακὴν βληθήσῃ1Be in agreement with your accuser quickly while you are with him on the way, lest your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison

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

225MAT525sr9dtranslate-unknownτῷ ἀντιδίκῳ σου1with your accuser

An accuser is a person who blames someone for doing something wrong. He takes the wrongdoer to court to accuse him before a judge. If your readers would not understand this, you can state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “one who accuses another of doing wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

226MAT525x1tkfigs-idiomσε παραδῷ…τῷ κριτῇ1may hand you over to the judge

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

227MAT525lr2nfigs-explicitἕως ὅτου εἶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ1

Here, on the way is referring to the time when they are walking to the place where the judge is. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “while you are walking with him on the road to the court house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

228MAT525nev9figs-idiomμήποτέ σε παραδῷ ὁ ἀντίδικος τῷ κριτῇ1

Here, hand you over means to bring someone to the judge to have the judge deal with them. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “lest your accuser might bring you to the judge and give you to him so that he can judge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

229MAT525pq6dfigs-ellipsisὁ κριτὴς τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ1the judge to the officer

Here, “hand you over” is implied from the previous phrase. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “and the judge might hand you over to the officer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

230MAT525gcm5translate-unknownτῷ ὑπηρέτῃ1to the officer

Here, the officer is a person who has authority to carry out the decisions of a judge. Usually this involves bringing people to jail if they have been declared guilty by the judge. Alternate translation: “one who carries out the judges orders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

231MAT525pzh4figs-activepassiveεἰς φυλακὴν βληθήσῃ1you will be thrown into prison

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

232MAT527jxg5figs-activepassiveὅτι ἐρρέθη1that it was said

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

233MAT528glg9figs-metonymyαὐτὴν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1everyone who looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart

Here, heart Is referring to the inner thoughts and desires of a person. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “with her in his thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

234MAT529et3nfigs-youεἰ δὲ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔξελε αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ; συμφέρει γάρ σοι ἵνα ἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μελῶν σου, καὶ μὴ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου βληθῇ εἰς Γέενναν1But if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for you that one of your members should perish, and your whole body should not be thrown into hell

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

235MAT529ikp5figs-synecdocheεἰ…ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε1if your right eye causes you to stumble

Here, right eye refers to both eyes. It was common in Jesus time to think the right eye was more important. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “if one of your eyes causes you to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

236MAT529y0f2figs-metaphorεἰ…ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε1if your right eye causes you to stumble

Here, to stumble is a metaphor meaning “to sin.” If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “if you want to sin because of what you see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

237MAT529v6jrfigs-hyperboleἔξελε αὐτὸν1pluck it out

This is an exaggerated command for a person to do whatever he needs to do to stop sinning, even if that means removing an eye. If you mention both eyes in this verse, it will be necessary to say “pluck them out” here. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

238MAT529v1cnfigs-activepassiveκαὶ μὴ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου βληθῇ εἰς Γέενναν1and your whole body should not be thrown into hell

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “than for God to throw your whole body into hell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

239MAT529v687figs-metaphorἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μελῶν σου1

Here, a member is referring to an individual part of the body. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “one individual part of your body perish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

240MAT530wtykfigs-parallelismκαὶ εἰ ἡ δεξιά σου χεὶρ σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔκκοψον αὐτὴν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ; συμφέρει γάρ σοι ἵνα ἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μελῶν σου, καὶ μὴ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου εἰς Γέενναν ἀπέλθῃ1

This verse has the same meaning as the previous verse. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the verses into one. Alternate translation: “If a part of your body causes you to sin against God, you should destroy it. For it is better that one part of your body be destroyed than for God to throw your entire body into Gehenna” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

241MAT530zx8xfigs-metonymyεἰ ἡ δεξιά σου χεὶρ σκανδαλίζει σε1if your right hand causes you to stumble

Here, the hand stands for the actions of the whole person. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation “If you do something that causes you to sin, cut it off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

242MAT530qs74figs-hyperboleἔκκοψον αὐτὴν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ1cut it off

This is an exaggerated command for a person to do whatever he needs to do to stop sinning. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

243MAT530pdkqfigs-metaphorἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μελῶν σου1

See how you translated this word in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

244MAT531dh23figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη1it has been said

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

245MAT532j2aqgrammar-connect-exceptionsπᾶς ὁ ἀπολύων τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, παρεκτὸς λόγου πορνείας, ποιεῖ αὐτὴν μοιχευθῆναι1makes her to commit adultery

If it would appear in your language that Luke was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “A man is only allow to divorce a woman if she has been unfaithful to him with another man. Otherwise, he will cause her to be adulterous ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])

246MAT532zai7figs-activepassiveἀπολελυμένην1she who has been divorced

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: “her after her husband has divorced her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

247MAT533fk86figs-activepassiveἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις1it was said to the ancients

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God said to those who lived long ago” or “Moses said to your ancestors long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

248MAT533tk9ygrammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1Do not swear a false oath, but carry out your oaths to the Lord.

What follows the word but here is in contrast to what came before it. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “But rather” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

249MAT534u7sufigs-metaphorμήτε ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, ὅτι θρόνος ἐστὶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1it is the throne of God

Here, heaven is spoken of as the throne of God in a figurative way. Heaven is the place where God rules from. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “not by the heavens, where God rules from as a throne” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

250MAT535e7z8translate-unknownὑποπόδιόν ἐστιν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ1it is the footstool for his feet

Here, footstool is used to refer to the earth. If your readers would not know what a footstool is, you can use a general expression. Alternate translation: “something on which God can rest his feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

251MAT535mvcdfigs-metaphorὅτι ὑποπόδιόν ἐστιν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ1

God does not need a footstool for his feet, for he does not have feet. This language is metaphorical, telling the reader that the earth belongs to God. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “no longer belong to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

252MAT536l9c8figs-youμήτε ἐν τῇ κεφαλῇ σου ὀμόσῃς, ὅτι οὐ δύνασαι μίαν τρίχα λευκὴν ποιῆσαι ἢ μέλαιναν1Neither may you swear by your head, for you are not able to make one hair white or black

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

253MAT536z5vuμήτε ἐν τῇ κεφαλῇ σου ὀμόσῃς1may you swear

To swear by your head figuratively means to swear by your own authority. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “Neither should you swear by your own authority” or “Neither should you swear by your own knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

254MAT538zar1figs-activepassiveὅτι ἐρρέθη1that it was said

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: “that God said” or “that Moses said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

255MAT538w53lfigs-explicitὀφθαλμὸν ἀντὶ ὀφθαλμοῦ καὶ ὀδόντα ἀντὶ ὀδόντος1An eye in exchange for an eye, and a tooth in exchange for a tooth

This passages is speaking of the punishment of injuring someones eye or tooth. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation, as expressed in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

256MAT539qrx1figs-nominaladjτῷ πονηρῷ1the evil person

Jesus is using the adjective evil 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: “someone who is evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

257MAT540gr2xfigs-youσοι…σου…τὸ ἱμάτιον1

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

258MAT540t9f4translate-unknownτὸν χιτῶνά…ἱμάτιον1coat … cloak

The coat was worn close to the body, like a heavy shirt or a sweater. The cloak, the more valuable of the two, was worn over the coat for warmth and also used as a blanket for warmth at night. If your readers would not be familiar with these, you can state what these things are explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

259MAT541i867figs-explicitὅστις1whoever

The context implies that he is speaking about a Roman soldier. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “If a soldier of the Roman army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

260MAT541i86sfigs-explicitμίλιον ἕν1one mile

Here, one mile refers to the Roman mile, which was 1,000 paces, This was the distance a Roman soldier could legally force someone to carry something for him. If mile is confusing, it can be translated literally. Alternate translation: “1000 paces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

261MAT541zv6ifigs-ellipsisὕπαγε μετ’ αὐτοῦ δύο1go with him two

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “go with him two miles” or “go with him 2000 paces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

262MAT543cyz3figs-youἠκούσατε…σου…σου1

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

263MAT543fp6xfigs-activepassiveὅτι ἐρρέθη1that it was said

See how you translated this in 5:27. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

264MAT543tqj3figs-genericnounτὸν πλησίον σου1your neighbor

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

265MAT545my3dtranslate-kinshipγένησθε υἱοὶ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1you may be sons of your Father

We are not Gods physical children, but his spiritual children. It is best to translate sons with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to human sons or children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])

266MAT545jzu9guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠατρὸς ὑμῶν1of your Father

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

267MAT545syjzfigs-metonymyἐν οὐρανοῖς1

See how you translated in the heavens in 5:12(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

268MAT545qj7nfigs-metonymyτὸν ἥλιον αὐτοῦ ἀνατέλλει ἐπὶ πονηροὺς καὶ ἀγαθοὺς, καὶ βρέχει ἐπὶ δικαίους καὶ ἀδίκους1

Here, he makes his sun to rise and he sends rain on are figurative for sending blessings, as sun and rain help crops to grow. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “God gives blessing to both those who are right with him and those who are not right with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

269MAT546se4kfigs-rquestionτίνα μισθὸν ἔχετε?1what reward do you have?

Jesus uses this question to teach the people that loving those who love them is not something special that God will reward them for. This is because it is easy to love those who love you back. 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 will get no reward.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

270MAT546cb77figs-rquestionοὐχὶ καὶ οἱ τελῶναι τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν?1Do not even the tax collectors do the same thing?

Jesus asks this question to show that even people who are considered to be the most evil do this. 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: “Even the tax collectors do the same thing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

271MAT547ba6efigs-rquestionτί περισσὸν ποιεῖτε? οὐχὶ καὶ οἱ ἐθνικοὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν1what do you do more?

Jesus asks these questions to teach his followers that they are no better than the Gentiles if they do not welcome people who are not like 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 do not do anything better than those who do not know God. For the Gentiles do this very thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

272MAT548l6paguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠατὴρ1Father

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

273MAT6introjrj20

Matthew 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

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

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

274MAT61zvn1figs-youὑμῶν…μὴ ποιεῖν…οὐκ ἔχετε…ὑμῶν1

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

275MAT61at4q0Connecting Statement:

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

276MAT61bgc7figs-explicitἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι αὐτοῖς1before men to be seen by them

It is implied that those who see this person will honor him. Alternate translation: “in front of people to be seen by them so they will give you honor for what you have done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

277MAT61vvm4figs-activepassiveἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι αὐτοῖς1before men to be seen by them

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “in front of people just so that they can see you and honor you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

278MAT61juj5guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτῷ Πατρὶ1Father

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

279MAT62d8kwfigs-metaphorμὴ σαλπίσῃς ἔμπροσθέν σου1do not sound a trumpet before yourself

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

280MAT62dk6uἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

281MAT63z4c1figs-yousingularσοῦ…σου…σου1

All occurrences of you and your are singular in this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

282MAT63vca2figs-metaphorμὴ γνώτω ἡ ἀριστερά σου τί ποιεῖ ἡ δεξιά σου1do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing

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

283MAT64h4wefigs-activepassiveσου ἡ ἐλεημοσύνη ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ1your gift may be in secret

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you can give to the poor without other people knowing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

284MAT65a7z40Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach about prayer.

285MAT65m54ufigs-youπροσεύχῃ…ὑμῖν1

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The first occurrence of you is singular and second is plural. In some languages they both may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

286MAT65e12vfigs-explicitὅπως φανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1so that they may be seen by men

It is implied that those who see them will give them honor. Alternate translation: “so that they will be seen and people will honor them for what they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

287MAT65rzpjfigs-activepassiveὅπως φανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1so that they may be seen by men

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that people will see them and give them honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

288MAT65z3h6ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

289MAT66dqv4εἴσελθε εἰς τὸ ταμεῖόν σου1enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door

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

290MAT66vdr7τῷ Πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ1to your Father who is in secret

This could mean: (1) no one can see God. Alternate translation: “to your Father, who is invisible” (2) God is in that private place with the praying person. Alternate translation: “to your Father, who is with you in private”

291MAT66kkn7guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτῷ Πατρί σου1to your Father

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

292MAT66eb6rὁ Πατήρ σου, ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ1your Father who sees in secret

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

293MAT67d1t2μὴ βατταλογήσητε1do not make useless repetitions

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

294MAT67a8aifigs-activepassiveεἰσακουσθήσονται1they will be heard

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “their false gods will hear them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

295MAT68fr1dfigs-youμὴ…ὁμοιωθῆτε…ὑμῶν…ὑμᾶς1

Jesus is talking to a group of people about how they as individuals should pray. The first you in this verse is singular. The second word your and the second you are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

296MAT68nv9iguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1Father

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

297MAT69ad6lΠάτερ ἡμῶν, ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου1Our Father who is in heaven

This is the beginning of the prayer.

298MAT69mq4xfigs-metonymyἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου1let your name be sanctified

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

299MAT610n67cfigs-metonymyἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου1Let your kingdom come

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

300MAT610pdc5figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς1Let your will also be done on earth as it is in heaven

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “May everything on earth happen in accordance with your will just as everything in heaven does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

301MAT611dft8figs-synecdocheτὸν ἄρτον…τὸν ἐπιούσιον1daily bread

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

302MAT612yi9sfigs-metaphorτὰ ὀφειλήματα1debts

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

303MAT612i8fqfigs-metaphorτοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν1our debtors

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

304MAT613l8u6figs-abstractnounsμὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν1do not bring us into temptation

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun temptation, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “do not let anything tempt us” or “do not let anything cause us to desire to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

305MAT614ns3mfigs-youἀφῆτε…ὑμῖν…ὑμῶν1

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

306MAT614z79afigs-abstractnounsτὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν1their trespasses

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun trespasses, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “when they trespass against you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

307MAT614v7neguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1Father

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

308MAT615pi3zfigs-abstractnounsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις…τὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν1those of men … your trespasses

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun trespasses, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “men when they trespass against you … when you trespass against God” or “men when they do things that harm you … when you do things that make your Father angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

309MAT616q19r0Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach about fasting.

310MAT616j7xgfigs-youνηστεύητε…ὑμῖν1

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

311MAT616xv6bἀφανίζουσιν…τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν1they disfigure their faces

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

312MAT616ix6hἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

313MAT617c20jfigs-yousingularσὺ…σου…σου1

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

314MAT617k283ἄλειψαί σου τὴν κεφαλὴν1anoint your head

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

315MAT618d27sτῷ Πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυφαίῳ1to your Father who is in secret

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

316MAT618m56aguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτῷ Πατρί σου1to your Father

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

317MAT618tby8ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυφαίῳ1who sees in secret

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

318MAT619z3jx0Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach about money and possessions.

319MAT619tqp1θησαυροὺς1treasures

Here, treasures refers to riches, the things to which a person gives the most value.

320MAT619z9wdὅπου σὴς καὶ βρῶσις ἀφανίζει1where moth and rust destroy

Alternate translation: “where moth and rust ruin treasures”

321MAT619tqc9σὴς1moth

A moth is a small, flying insect that destroys cloth by eating it.

322MAT619enl6βρῶσις1rust

a brown substance that forms on metals

323MAT620v5tnfigs-metaphorθησαυρίζετε…ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐν οὐρανῷ1store up for yourselves treasures in heaven

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

324MAT621b74qfigs-metonymyἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία σου1there will your heart be also

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

325MAT622g215figs-yousingularσου…σου1

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

326MAT622sbl1figs-metaphorὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός…φωτεινὸν ἔσται1The eye is the lamp of the body … is full of light

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

327MAT622r4d1figs-metaphorὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός1The eye is the lamp of the body

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

328MAT622u47qὀφθαλμός1eye

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

329MAT623dl86figs-metaphorἐὰν δὲ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου…τὸ σκότος πόσον1But if your eye … how great is that darkness

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

330MAT623p231figs-metaphorἐὰν…ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρὸς ᾖ1if your eye is evil

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

331MAT623n42mεἰ…τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος, ἐστίν τὸ σκότος πόσον1if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

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

332MAT624ijn3figs-parallelismἢ γὰρ τὸν ἕνα μισήσει καὶ τὸν ἕτερον ἀγαπήσει, ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται καὶ τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει1for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and will despise the other

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

333MAT624zt2uοὐ δύνασθε Θεῷ δουλεύειν καὶ μαμωνᾷ1You are not able to serve God and wealth

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

334MAT625s5uyfigs-youὑμῖν…ὑμῶν…φάγητε…πίητε…ὑμῶν…ἐνδύσησθε1

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

335MAT625wcz4λέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

336MAT625nt96figs-rquestionοὐχὶ ἡ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστι τῆς τροφῆς, καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος?1Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

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

337MAT626p11zἀποθήκας1barns

places to store crops

338MAT626a9w6guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1Father

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

339MAT626nbm5figs-rquestionοὐχ ὑμεῖς μᾶλλον διαφέρετε αὐτῶν?1Are you not more valuable than them?

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

340MAT627cm6afigs-youὑμῶν1

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. Here, youis plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

341MAT627fr8gfigs-metaphorτίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα?1But which one from you, being anxious, are able to add one cubit to his lifespan?

Here to add one cubit to his lifespan is a metaphor for adding time to how long a person will live. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

342MAT627ivmgfigs-rquestionτίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα?1But which one from you, being anxious, are able to add one cubit to his lifespan?

Jesus uses this question to emphasize that they cannot lengthen their lives. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “None of you can, just by worrying, add years to your life. You cannot add even one minute to your life! So you should not worry about things you need.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

343MAT627kub4translate-bdistanceπῆχυν ἕνα1one cubit

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

344MAT628erj8figs-rquestionπερὶ ἐνδύματος τί μεριμνᾶτε?1why are you anxious about clothing?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “you should not be worried about what you will wear.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

345MAT628him2figs-personificationτὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ πῶς αὐξάνουσιν; οὐ κοπιῶσιν οὐδὲ νήθουσιν1the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil, nor do they spin cloth

Jesus speaks about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

346MAT628xnvgfigs-metaphorτὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ πῶς αὐξάνουσιν; οὐ κοπιῶσιν οὐδὲ νήθουσιν1the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil, nor do they spin cloth

The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

347MAT628t16ltranslate-unknownκρίνα1lilies

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

348MAT629n75lfigs-personificationοὐδὲ Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων1not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these

Jesus speaks about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

349MAT629u7fdfigs-metaphorοὐδὲ Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων1not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these

The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

350MAT629np9eλέγω…ὑμῖν1I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

351MAT629sqg8figs-activepassiveπεριεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων1was clothed like one of these

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “did not wear clothes that are as beautiful as these lilies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

352MAT630z5lhfigs-personificationτὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ…οὕτως ἀμφιέννυσιν1thus clothes the grass of the fields

Jesus continues to speak about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

353MAT630xyklfigs-metaphorτὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ…οὕτως ἀμφιέννυσιν1thus clothes the grass of the field

The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

354MAT630uf36χόρτον1grass

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

355MAT630m23lfigs-activepassiveεἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον1is thrown into the oven

The Jews at that time used grass in their fires to cook their food. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone throws it into a fire” or “someone burns it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

356MAT630ym2cfigs-ellipsisοὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον1will he not much more

The verb clothe is implied from earlier in the sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

357MAT630cd8wfigs-rquestionοὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι?1will he not much more, you of little faith?

Jesus uses this question to teach the people that God will provide what they need.If your readers would misunderstand this question, you could express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “he will certainly clothe you even better, you of little faith.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

358MAT630ic18ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι1you of little faith

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

359MAT631jps3οὖν1Therefore

Alternate translation: “Because of all of this”

360MAT631pd6xfigs-synecdocheτί περιβαλώμεθα1What will we wear

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

361MAT632j77yπάντα γὰρ ταῦτα τὰ ἔθνη ἐπιζητοῦσιν1For the Gentiles seek all these things

Alternate translation: “For the Gentiles are concerned about what they will eat, drink, and wear”

362MAT632ecb9οἶδεν…ὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος ὅτι χρῄζετε τούτων ἁπάντων1your heavenly Father knows that you need all of these things

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

363MAT632unz1guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1Father

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

364MAT633ep2cfigs-metonymyζητεῖτε…πρῶτον τὴν βασιλείαν καὶ τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ1seek first his kingdom and his righteousness

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

365MAT633ak39figs-activepassiveταῦτα πάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν1all these things will be added to you

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will provide all these things for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

366MAT634qm2aοὖν1Therefore

Alternate translation: “Because of all this”

367MAT634xdg7figs-personificationἡ…αὔριον μεριμνήσει ἑαυτῆς1tomorrow will be anxious for itself

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

368MAT7introbz7e0

Matthew 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Matthew 5-7

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

“By their fruits you will know them”

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

369MAT71f4fe0Connecting Statement:

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

370MAT71jav3figs-you0General Information:

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

371MAT71xk6wfigs-explicitμὴ κρίνετε1Do not judge

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

372MAT71bk8yfigs-activepassiveμὴ κριθῆτε1you may not be judged

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not condemn you harshly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

373MAT72f9nbγὰρ1For

For indicates that the statement in 7:2 is based on what Jesus said in 7:1.

374MAT72kj24figs-activepassiveἐν ᾧ…κρίματι κρίνετε, κριθήσεσθε1with the judgment you judge, you will be judged

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will condemn you in the same way you condemn others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

375MAT72mt3dᾧ μέτρῳ1the measure

This could refer to: (1) the amount of punishment given. (2) the standard used for judgment.

376MAT72wgh2figs-activepassiveμετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν1it will be measured out to you

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will measure it out to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

377MAT73hzb4figs-yousingularβλέπεις…σου…τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ…οὐ κατανοεῖς1

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

378MAT73em5rfigs-rquestionτί δὲ βλέπεις τὸ κάρφος τὸ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου, τὴν δὲ ἐν τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν οὐ κατανοεῖς?1Why do you look at the speck … but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

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

379MAT73ctb3figs-metaphorτὸ κάρφος τὸ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου1the speck that is in the eye of your brother

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

380MAT73r9jfκάρφος1speck

To translate speck, use a word for the smallest thing that commonly falls into a persons eyes. Alternate translation: “splinter” or “bit of dust”

381MAT73d2qcτοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου1of your brother

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

382MAT73q1z4figs-metaphorτὴν…ἐν τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν1the log that is in your own eye

This is a metaphor for a persons most important faults. A log could not literally go into a persons eye. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

383MAT73xdcgfigs-hyperboleτὴν…ἐν τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν1the log that is in your own eye

Jesus is exaggerating to emphasize that a person should pay attention to his own more important faults before he deals with another persons less important faults. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

384MAT73cgc6δοκὸν1the log

A log is the largest part of a tree that someone has cut down.

385MAT74k58hfigs-rquestionἢ πῶς ἐρεῖς τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου, ἄφες ἐκβάλω τὸ κάρφος ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ σου, καὶ ἰδοὺ, ἡ δοκὸς ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ σοῦ?1Or how will you say to your brother, Let me take out the speck from your eye, while behold, the log is in your own eye?

Jesus asks this question to challenge the people to pay attention to their own sins before they pay attention to another persons sins. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not say to your brother, Let me take out the speck from your eye, while behold, the log is in your own eye.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

386MAT76av85figs-youμὴ δῶτε…ὑμῶν…ὑμᾶς1

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

387MAT76arm9figs-metaphorτοῖς κυσίν…τῶν χοίρων1to the dogs … the pigs

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

388MAT76xy2efigs-metaphorτοὺς μαργαρίτας1pearls

A pearl is similar to a round, valuable stone or bead. Here, pearls are a metaphor for the knowledge of God or precious things in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

389MAT76vt72καταπατήσουσιν1they will trample

Alternate translation: “the pigs will trample”

390MAT76y5mmστραφέντες ῥήξωσιν ὑμᾶς1having turned, they may tear you to pieces

Alternate translation: “the dogs may then turn and tear you apart”

391MAT77j1qafigs-youὑμῖν…εὑρήσετε…ὑμῖν1

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

392MAT77ut6ifigs-metaphorαἰτεῖτε…ζητεῖτε…κρούετε1Ask … Seek … Knock

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

393MAT77fh57αἰτεῖτε1Ask

Here, “Ask” means to request things from someone, in this case God.

394MAT77tv49figs-activepassiveδοθήσεται ὑμῖν1it will be given to you

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will give you what you need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

395MAT77cs5bζητεῖτε1Seek

Here, “seek” means to look for someone, in this case God.

396MAT77rt8gκρούετε1Knock

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

397MAT77zxs3figs-activepassiveἀνοιγήσεται ὑμῖν1it will be opened to you

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will open it for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

398MAT79mq14figs-rquestionἢ τίς ἐστιν ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃν αἰτήσει ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἄρτον, μὴ λίθον ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ?1Or what man is there from among you, of whom his son will ask for bread—he will not give him a stone, will he?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is not one person among you, of whom his son will ask for bread, and he will give him a stone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

399MAT79n5s1figs-synecdocheἄρτον1for bread

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

400MAT79cq8hλίθον1a stone

Here, stone should be translated literally.

401MAT710ht1mἰχθὺν…ὄφιν1a fish … a snake

Here, fish and snake should be translated literally.

402MAT710y9q5figs-ellipsisἢ καὶ ἰχθὺν αἰτήσει, μὴ ὄφιν ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ?1Or he will also ask for a fish—he will not give him a snake, will he?

It is understood that Jesus is still referring to a man and his son. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

403MAT710t19ofigs-rquestionἢ καὶ ἰχθὺν αἰτήσει, μὴ ὄφιν ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ?1Or he will also ask for a fish—he will not give him a snake, will he?

Jesus asks another question to teach the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “And there is not one person among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

404MAT711h3k6figs-youὑμεῖς…ὑμῶν…ὑμῶν1

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

405MAT711pk31figs-rquestionπόσῳ μᾶλλον ὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς δώσει ἀγαθὰ τοῖς αἰτοῦσιν αὐτόν?1how much more will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those who ask him?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “then your Father in heaven will most certainly give good things to those who ask him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

406MAT711z8zrguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1Father

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

407MAT712wr93ὅσα ἐὰν θέλητε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι1whatever you might want that men would do to you

Alternate translation: “whatever way you want others to act toward you”

408MAT712b1x2figs-metonymyοὗτος γάρ ἐστιν ὁ νόμος καὶ οἱ προφῆται1for this is the law and the prophets

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

409MAT713uhb30General Information:

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

410MAT713dgr2figs-metaphorεἰσέλθατε διὰ τῆς στενῆς πύλης…πολλοί εἰσιν οἱ εἰσερχόμενοι δι’ αὐτῆς1Enter through the narrow gate … there are many who are entering through it

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

411MAT713j8xnεἰσέλθατε διὰ τῆς στενῆς πύλης1Enter through the narrow gate

It may be helpful to your readers to move this statement to the end of verse 14: “Therefore, enter through the narrow gate.”

412MAT713y9ruτῆς στενῆς πύλης…ἡ ὁδὸς1the narrow gate … the way

This could mean: (1) the way refers to the road that leads to the gate of a kingdom. (2) the gate and way both refer to the entrance to the kingdom.

413MAT713zv24figs-abstractnounsεἰς τὴν ἀπώλειαν1to destruction

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun destruction, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “to the place where people die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

414MAT714wlr9figs-abstractnounsεἰς τὴν ζωήν1to life

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun life, you can express it with the verb “live.” Alternate translation: “to the place where people live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

415MAT715s91cπροσέχετε ἀπὸ1Beware of

Alternate translation: “Be on guard against”

416MAT715lj5vfigs-metaphorοἵτινες ἔρχονται πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐν ἐνδύμασι προβάτων, ἔσωθεν δέ εἰσιν λύκοι ἅρπαγες1who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves

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

417MAT716pul5figs-metaphorἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς1By their fruits you will know them

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

418MAT716nve4figs-rquestionμήτι συλλέγουσιν ἀπὸ ἀκανθῶν σταφυλὰς, ἢ ἀπὸ τριβόλων σῦκα?1they do not gather grapes from a thornbush or figs from thistles, do they?

Jesus uses a question to teach the people. The people would have known that the answer is no. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “People do not gather grapes from a thornbush or figs from thistles.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

419MAT717a9tnfigs-metaphorπᾶν δένδρον ἀγαθὸν καρποὺς καλοὺς ποιεῖ1every good tree produces good fruit

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

420MAT717f5l3figs-metaphorτὸ…σαπρὸν δένδρον καρποὺς πονηροὺς ποιεῖ1the rotten tree produces bad fruit

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

421MAT719aeg4figs-metaphorπᾶν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire

Jesus continues to use fruit trees as a metaphor to refer to false prophets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

422MAT719xwrmfigs-explicitπᾶν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire

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

423MAT719g7fsfigs-activepassiveἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται1is cut down and thrown into the fire

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people cut down and burn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

424MAT720x87mfigs-metaphorἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς1you will recognize them from their fruits

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

425MAT721rj2vfigs-metonymyεἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1will enter into the kingdom of the heavens

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

426MAT721rq5hὁ ποιῶν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1the one who does the will of my Father who is in the heavens

Alternate translation: “whoever does what my Father in the heavens desires”

427MAT721c6yzguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1of my Father

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

428MAT722mp6efigs-explicitἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ1in that day

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

429MAT722m9pyfigs-rquestionοὐ τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι ἐπροφητεύσαμεν, καὶ τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι δαιμόνια ἐξεβάλομεν, καὶ τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι δυνάμεις πολλὰς ἐποιήσαμεν?1did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty deeds?

The people use a question to emphasize that they did these things. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “we prophesied in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name did many mighty deeds.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

430MAT722t5j7figs-exclusiveοὐ…ἐπροφητεύσαμεν1did we not prophesy

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

431MAT722hg17figs-metonymyτῷ σῷ ὀνόματι1in your name

This could mean: (1) this refers to his authority or power. (2) they were doing what he wanted them to do. (3) they were asking him for the power to do it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

432MAT722p67fδυνάμεις1mighty deeds

Alternate translation: “miracles”

433MAT723d4y5figs-idiomοὐδέποτε ἔγνων ὑμᾶς1I never knew you

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

434MAT724hbd7figs-metonymyμου τοὺς λόγους τούτους1these words of mine

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

435MAT724qjh9figs-simileὁμοιωθήσεται ἀνδρὶ φρονίμῳ, ὅστις ᾠκοδόμησεν αὐτοῦ τὴν οἰκίαν ἐπὶ τὴν πέτραν1will be compared to a wise man who built his house upon the rock

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

436MAT724dy1fπέτραν1rock

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

437MAT725bv81figs-activepassiveτεθεμελίωτο1it had been founded

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he had built it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

438MAT726asf40Connecting Statement:

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

439MAT726nw97figs-simileὁμοιωθήσεται ἀνδρὶ μωρῷ, ὅστις ᾠκοδόμησεν αὐτοῦ τὴν οἰκίαν ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον1will be compared to a foolish man who built his house upon the sand

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

440MAT727a7mjἔπεσεν1it fell

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

441MAT727k4hiἦν ἡ πτῶσις αὐτῆς μεγάλη1its destruction was great

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

442MAT728jrh7writing-endofstory0General Information:

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

443MAT728hu6zκαὶ ἐγένετο, ὅτε1And it came about that when

This phrase shifts the story from Jesus teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “And when” or “Now after”

444MAT728b321ἐξεπλήσσοντο…ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ1were astonished by his teaching

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

445MAT8introf33a0

Matthew 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a new section.

Special concepts in this chapter

Miracles

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

446MAT81qb1dwriting-newevent0General Information:

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

447MAT81clf8καταβάντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄρους, ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ ὄχλοι πολλοί1Now when he had come down from the hill, large crowds followed him

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

448MAT82vas8ἰδοὺ1behold

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

449MAT82q4x2λεπρὸς1a leper

Alternate translation: “a man who had leprosy” or “a man who had a skin disease”

450MAT82n77qtranslate-symactionπροσεκύνει αὐτῷ1bowed before him

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

451MAT82yc3fἐὰν θέλῃς1if you would be willing

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

452MAT82yjn2figs-idiomδύνασαί με καθαρίσαι1you are able to make me clean

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

453MAT83kg7efigs-imperativeκαθαρίσθητι1Be clean

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

454MAT83eht7εὐθέως ἐκαθαρίσθη1immediately he was cleansed

Alternate translation: “at that moment he was cleansed”

455MAT83lj1xfigs-activepassiveἐκαθαρίσθη αὐτοῦ ἡ λέπρα1he was cleansed of his leprosy

The result of Jesus saying “Be clean” was that the man was healed. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he was well” or “the leprosy left him” or “the leprosy ended” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

456MAT84gzy6αὐτῷ1to him

Here, him refers to the man that Jesus just healed.

457MAT84gt5sὅρα μηδενὶ εἴπῃς1See that you may tell no one

Alternate translation: “Do not say anything to anyone” or “Do not tell anyone I healed you”

458MAT84zi3afigs-explicitσεαυτὸν, δεῖξον τῷ ἱερεῖ1show yourself to the priest

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

459MAT84tq9lfigs-explicitπροσένεγκον τὸ δῶρον ὃ προσέταξεν Μωϋσῆς, εἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς1offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them

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

460MAT84rj8ufigs-pronounsαὐτοῖς1to them

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

461MAT85sxz80Connecting Statement:

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

462MAT85vzb9αὐτῷ…αὐτὸν1came to him, begging him

Here both instances of him refer to Jesus.

463MAT86cr8hπαραλυτικός1paralyzed

unable to move because of disease or stroke

464MAT87b9brλέγει αὐτῷ1Jesus says to him

Alternate translation: “Jesus said to the centurion”

465MAT87r3sxἐγὼ ἐλθὼν, θεραπεύσω αὐτόν1I, when I have come, will heal him

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

466MAT88p7p4figs-idiomμου ὑπὸ τὴν στέγην1under my roof

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

467MAT88hig7figs-metonymyεἰπὲ λόγῳ1speak a word

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

468MAT88rk1zfigs-activepassiveἰαθήσεται1will be healed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “will become well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

469MAT89ds2mfigs-activepassiveἐγὼ ἄνθρωπός εἰμι ὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν, τασσόμενος ἔχων ὑπ’ ἐμαυτὸν στρατιώτας1I … am a man under authority, having soldiers placed under me

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I … am a man who is under the authority of someone else, and I have been given authority over a group of soldiers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

470MAT89da25figs-idiomὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν…ὑπ’ ἐμαυτὸν1under authority … under me

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

471MAT810rc1hἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

472MAT810c7y6figs-explicitπαρ’ οὐδενὶ τοσαύτην πίστιν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ εὗρον1I have found such great faith from no one in Israel

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

473MAT811xee4figs-youὑμῖν1you

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

474MAT811mt2ifigs-merismἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ δυσμῶν1from east and west

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

475MAT811u4sjfigs-metonymyἀνακλιθήσονται1they will recline at table

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

476MAT811qmc7figs-metonymyἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1in the kingdom of the heavens

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

477MAT812ks3bfigs-activepassiveοἱ…υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας ἐκβληθήσονται1the sons of the kingdom will be thrown out

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will throw out the sons of the kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

478MAT812aug7figs-metonymyοἱ δὲ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας1But the sons of the kingdom

The phrase sons of is a metonym, referring to the unbelieving Jews of the kingdom of Judea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

479MAT812pf26figs-ironyοἱ δὲ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας1But the sons of the kingdom

There is irony here because the sons will be thrown out while the strangers will be welcomed. Alternate translation: “those who should have allowed God to rule over them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

480MAT812liu4figs-metonymyτὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1the outer darkness

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

481MAT812gww4translate-symactionὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1weeping and grinding of teeth

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

482MAT813ki92figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω σοι1let it be done for you

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so I will do it for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

483MAT813sdn6figs-activepassiveἰάθη ὁ παῖς1the servant was healed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed the servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

484MAT813ln7pἐν τῇ ὥρᾳ ἐκείνῃ1at that very hour

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

485MAT814s6g40Connecting Statement:

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

486MAT814ja31ἐλθὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς1when Jesus had come

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

487MAT814ynh8τὴν πενθερὰν αὐτοῦ1his mother-in-law

Alternate translation: “the mother of Peters wife”

488MAT815w7nhfigs-personificationἀφῆκεν αὐτὴν ὁ πυρετός1the fever left her

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

489MAT815r9ltἠγέρθη1she got up

Alternate translation: “she got out of bed”

490MAT816b7cx0Connecting Statement:

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

491MAT816yv9yfigs-explicitὀψίας δὲ γενομένης1Now evening having come

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

492MAT816pwr4figs-activepassiveδαιμονιζομένους πολλούς1many being possessed by demons

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “many people whom demons possessed” or “many people whom demons controlled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

493MAT816f1cvfigs-metonymyἐξέβαλεν τὰ πνεύματα λόγῳ1he cast out the spirits with a word

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

494MAT817bpx70General Information:

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

495MAT817r3dcfigs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου1might be fulfilled that which had been spoken by Isaiah the prophet

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus fulfilled the prophecy that the prophet Isaiah had spoken to the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

496MAT817eyu9figs-parallelismαὐτὸς τὰς ἀσθενείας ἡμῶν ἔλαβεν καὶ τὰς νόσους ἐβάστασεν1He himself took our weaknesses and bore our diseases

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

497MAT818h8bx0Connecting Statement:

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

498MAT818dqh1δὲ1Now

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

499MAT818a2pnἐκέλευσεν1commanded

Alternate translation: “told his disciples”

500MAT820pqp6writing-proverbsαἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν καὶ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις1Foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky, nests

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

501MAT820ub5ofigs-explicitαἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν καὶ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις1Foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky, nests

Jesus assumes that his hearers know what foxes are and what they use the holes for. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make this information explicit. Alternate translation: “Foxes have their holes in the ground to sleep in, and flying birds have their nests to sleep in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

502MAT820tp9stranslate-unknownαἱ ἀλώπεκες1Foxes

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

503MAT820rrb5φωλεοὺς1holes

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

504MAT820qqvqfigs-ellipsisτὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις1the birds of the sky, nests

Jesus leaves out the verb “have” in this sentence. You can supply it. Alternate translation: “the birds of the sky have nests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

505MAT820qvm5figs-123personὁ…Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου2the Son of Man

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

506MAT820yl4sfigs-idiomοὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ1does not have where he might lay his head

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

507MAT821hlx9ἐπίτρεψόν μοι πρῶτον ἀπελθεῖν καὶ θάψαι τὸν πατέρα μου1permit me first to go away and to bury my father

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

508MAT822h7fbfigs-metaphorἄφες τοὺς νεκροὺς θάψαι τοὺς ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς1allow the dead to bury their own dead

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

509MAT823us1s0Connecting Statement:

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

510MAT823e8k1καὶ ἐμβάντι αὐτῷ εἰς πλοῖον1And when he had entered into a boat

Alternate translation: “And when he got into a boat”

511MAT823sl7vἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1his disciples followed him

Try to use the same words for disciples and followed that you used in (8:21-22).

512MAT824j55jἰδοὺ1behold

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

513MAT824x7k1figs-activepassiveσεισμὸς μέγας ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ1a great storm happened on the sea

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a powerful storm arose on the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

514MAT824m6w8figs-activepassiveὥστε τὸ πλοῖον καλύπτεσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων1so that the boat was covered by the waves

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that the waves covered the boat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

515MAT825k2hdἤγειραν αὐτὸν λέγοντες, Κύριε, σῶσον, ἀπολλύμεθα!1they woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!”

This could mean: (1) they first woke Jesus and then they said, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” (2) as they were waking Jesus up, they were saying “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!”

516MAT825b2whfigs-exclusiveΚύριε, σῶσον, ἀπολλύμεθα!1Save us, Lord; we are perishing!

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

517MAT825xf5dἀπολλύμεθα1we are perishing

Alternate translation: “we are about to die”

518MAT826jmt8αὐτοῖς1to them

Alternate translation: “to the disciples”

519MAT826g8p7figs-rquestionτί δειλοί ἐστε, ὀλιγόπιστοι1Why are you cowardly, you of little faith?

Jesus was rebuking the disciples with this rhetorical question. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be cowardly, you of little faith!” or “There is nothing for you to be afraid of, you who have little faith!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

520MAT826r5veὀλιγόπιστοι1you of little faith

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

521MAT827u2qhfigs-rquestionποταπός ἐστιν οὗτος, ὅτι καὶ οἱ ἄνεμοι καὶ ἡ θάλασσα αὐτῷ ὑπακούουσιν?1What sort of is he, that even the winds and the sea obey him?

This rhetorical question shows that the disciples were surprised. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “This man is unlike any man we have ever seen! Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

522MAT827k5mkfigs-personificationκαὶ οἱ ἄνεμοι καὶ ἡ θάλασσα αὐτῷ ὑπακούουσιν1even the winds and the sea obey him

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

523MAT828g6mr0Connecting Statement:

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

524MAT828iy7aεἰς τὸ πέραν1to the other side

Alternate translation: “to the other side of the Sea of Galilee”

525MAT828yzi6translate-namesτὴν χώραν τῶν Γαδαρηνῶν1the country of the Gadarenes

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

526MAT828hz5nfigs-activepassiveδύο δαιμονιζόμενοι1two men … being possessed by demons

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “two men … whom demons possessed” or “two men … whom demons were controlling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

527MAT828ylu6χαλεποὶ λείαν ὥστε μὴ ἰσχύειν τινὰ παρελθεῖν διὰ τῆς ὁδοῦ ἐκείνης1very violent, so that no one was strong enough to pass through that road

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

528MAT829v9mpἰδοὺ1behold

Here, behold the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of showing this.

529MAT829gr2pfigs-rquestionτί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί, Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ?1What to us and to you, Son of God?

The demons use a question but they are being hostile toward Jesus. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not bother us, Son of God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

530MAT829jcq6guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of God

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

531MAT829u4jrfigs-rquestionἦλθες ὧδε πρὸ καιροῦ βασανίσαι ἡμᾶς1Have you come here to torment us before the set time?

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

532MAT830v91cwriting-backgroundδὲ1Now

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

533MAT831tf32figs-explicitεἰ ἐκβάλλεις ἡμᾶς1If you cast us out

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

534MAT831cgf7figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1us

Here, us is exclusive, referring only to the demons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

535MAT832h86eαὐτοῖς1to them

Here, them refers to the demons inside the men.

536MAT832gtx2οἱ…ἐξελθόντες ἀπῆλθον εἰς τοὺς χοίρους1the demons, having come out, went away to the pigs

Alternate translation: “the demons left the man and entered the pigs”

537MAT832qa1iἰδοὺ1behold

Here, behold alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

538MAT832lhn7ὥρμησεν…κατὰ τοῦ κρημνοῦ1rushed down the steep hill

Alternate translation: “ran quickly down the steep slope”

539MAT832zk2pἀπέθανον ἐν τοῖς ὕδασιν1they died in the water

Alternate translation: “they fell into the water and drowned”

540MAT833qmc50Connecting Statement:

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

541MAT833v39wοἱ…βόσκοντες1those who had been feeding the pigs

Alternate translation: “those who had been taking care of the pigs”

542MAT833ev2wfigs-activepassiveτὰ τῶν δαιμονιζομένων1the things concerning the men who were possessed by demons

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what Jesus did to help the men whom demons had controlled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

543MAT834b2hpἰδοὺ1behold

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

544MAT834j6spfigs-metonymyπᾶσα ἡ πόλις1the whole city

The word city is a metonym for the people of the city. Alternate translation: “all the people of the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

545MAT834xb5xfigs-hyperboleπᾶσα ἡ πόλις1the whole city

The word whole is probably an exaggeration to emphasize how very many people came out. Not necessarily every person came out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

546MAT834bsf4τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν1their region

Alternate translation: “their region”

547MAT9introtg410

Matthew 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“Sinners”

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Passive voice

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

Rhetorical questions

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

Proverbs

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

548MAT91nl8w0Connecting Statement:

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

549MAT91cs8lπλοῖον1a boat

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

550MAT91lje9εἰς τὴν ἰδίαν πόλιν1into his own city

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

551MAT92i6xpἰδοὺ1behold

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

552MAT92szd4προσέφερον1they were bringing

Alternate translation: “some men from the city were bringing”

553MAT92k5ehτὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν1their faith

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

554MAT92k9qqτέκνον1Child

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

555MAT92iys2figs-activepassiveἀφίενταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1Your sins are forgiven

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I have forgiven your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

556MAT93a35dἰδού1behold

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

557MAT93f88rἐν ἑαυτοῖς1among themselves

This could mean: (1) each one was thinking to himself. (2) they were speaking among themselves.

558MAT93mq8vβλασφημεῖ1blasphemes

Jesus was claiming to be able to do things the scribes thought only God can do.

559MAT94u643ἰδὼν…τὰς ἐνθυμήσεις αὐτῶν1having known their thoughts

Jesus knew what they were thinking either supernaturally or because he could see them talking to each other.

560MAT94n4ylfigs-rquestionἵνα τί ἐνθυμεῖσθε πονηρὰ ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν?1For what reason do you think evil in your hearts?

Jesus used this question to rebuke the scribes. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be thinking this evil in your hearts!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

561MAT94qg52πονηρὰ1evil

This is moral evil or wickedness, not simply error in fact.

562MAT94d499figs-metonymyἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν1in your hearts

Here, hearts refers to their minds or their thoughts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

563MAT95j716figs-rquestionτί γάρ ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει?1For which is easier, to say, Your sins have been forgiven, or to say, Get up and walk?

Jesus uses this question to make the scribes think about what might prove whether or not he could really forgive sins. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I just said Your sins are forgiven. You may think that it is harder to say Get up and walk, because the proof of whether or not I can heal the man will be shown by whether or not he gets up and walks.” or “You may think that it is easier to say Your sins are forgiven than it is to say Get up and walk.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

564MAT95mk14figs-quotationsτί…ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει?1which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up and walk?

The quotes can be translated as indirect quotes. Alternate translation: “which is easier, to tell someone that his sins are forgiven, or to tell him to get up and walk?” or “you may think that it is easier to tell someone that his sins are forgiven than to tell him to get up and walk.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

565MAT95g88pfigs-youἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1Your sins have been forgiven

Here, Your is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

566MAT95x05vfigs-activepassiveἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1Your sins have been forgiven

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I have forgiven your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

567MAT96gk68figs-youἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε1But in order that you may know

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

568MAT96n5sffigs-youεἰδῆτε…σου…σου1your mat … your house

Here, the you is plural and is addressed to the scribes, but both instances of your are singular and addressed to the paralytic. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

569MAT96td1zὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου1go to your house

Jesus is not forbidding the man to go elsewhere. He is giving the man the opportunity to go home.

570MAT97uwq40Connecting Statement:

This concludes the account of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. Jesus then calls a tax collector to be one of his disciples.

571MAT98u8quτὸν δόντα1who had given

Alternate translation: “because he had given”

572MAT98x71sἐξουσίαν τοιαύτην1such authority

This refers to the authority to declare sins forgiven.

573MAT99fkr2καὶ παράγων ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐκεῖθεν1And as Jesus passes on from there

This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

574MAT99g4r4παράγων ὁ Ἰησοῦς1as … passes on

Alternate translation: “as Jesus was leaving” or “as Jesus was going”

575MAT99jc18Μαθθαῖον…αὐτῷ…ἠκολούθησεν1Matthew … to him … he followed

Church tradition says that this Matthew is the author of this Gospel, but the text gives no reason to change the pronouns from him and he to “me” and “I.”

576MAT99t5ipλέγει αὐτῷ1he says to him

Alternate translation: “Jesus says to Matthew”

577MAT99q438ἀναστὰς, ἠκολούθησεν αὐτῷ1having gotten up, he followed him

This means Matthew became Jesus disciple. Alternate translation: “Matthew got up and followed Jesus”

578MAT910h7u90General Information:

These events occur at the house of Matthew the tax collector.

579MAT910ksr5τῇ οἰκίᾳ1the house

This is probably Matthews house, but it could also be Jesus house. Specify only if needed to avoid confusion.

580MAT910c751ἰδοὺ1behold

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

581MAT910f9lhἁμαρτωλοὶ1sinners

Here, sinners refers to people who did not obey the law of Moses but committed what others thought were very bad sins.

582MAT911ge2uκαὶ ἰδόντες, οἱ Φαρισαῖοι1And the Pharisees, having seen this

Alternate translation: “And the Pharisees, when they saw that Jesus was eating with the tax collectors and sinful people”

583MAT911z4h5figs-rquestionδιὰ τί μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίει ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν?1For what reason does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?

The Pharisees use this question to criticize what Jesus is doing. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your teacher should not eat with tax collectors and sinners!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

584MAT912xz130General Information:

These events occur at the house of Matthew the tax collector.

585MAT912m7fmὁ δὲ ἀκούσας1But he, having heard this

Here, this refers to the question the Pharisees asked about Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners.

586MAT912tl42writing-proverbsοὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν οἱ ἰσχύοντες ἰατροῦ, ἀλλὰ οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες1Those who are strong in body do not have need of a physician, but those who have sickness

Jesus answers the Pharisees with a proverb. He means that he eats with these kinds of people because he has come to help sinners. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

587MAT912uhc5οἱ ἰσχύοντες1Those who are strong in body

Alternate translation: “People who are healthy”

588MAT912h5pgἰατροῦ1of a physician

Alternate translation: “of a doctor”

589MAT912n33cfigs-ellipsisοἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες1those who have sickness

The phrase “need a physician” is understood. Alternate translation: “people who are sick need a physician” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

590MAT913fu2rπορευθέντες δὲ, μάθετε τί ἐστιν1But having gone, learn what is

Jesus is about to quote the scriptures. Alternate translation: “You should go and learn the meaning of what God said in the scriptures”

591MAT913tqr3ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν1I desire mercy and not sacrifice

Jesus is quoting what the prophet Hosea wrote in the scriptures. Here, I refers to God.

592MAT913djt7οὐ γὰρ ἦλθον1For I did not come

Here, I refers to Jesus.

593MAT913a886figs-ironyδικαίους1the righteous

Jesus is using irony. He does not think there are any people who are righteous and do not need to repent. Alternate translation: “those who think they are righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

594MAT914aa3c0Connecting Statement:

The disciples of John the Baptist question the fact that Jesus disciples do not fast.

595MAT914k8vcοὐ νηστεύουσιν1do not fast

Alternate translation: “continue to eat regularly”

596MAT915r8iffigs-rquestionμὴ δύνανται οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος πενθεῖν, ἐφ’ ὅσον μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐστιν ὁ νυμφίος?1The sons of the bridal chamber are not able to mourn while the bridegroom is still with them, are they?

Jesus uses a question to answer Johns disciples. They all knew that people do not mourn and fast at a wedding celebration. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The sons of the bridal chamber are not able to mourn while the bridegroom is still with them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

597MAT915xnp8writing-proverbsμὴ δύνανται οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος πενθεῖν, ἐφ’ ὅσον μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐστιν ὁ νυμφίος?1The sons of the bridal chamber are not able to mourn while the bridegroom is still with them, are they?

Jesus uses this proverb to show that his disciples do not mourn because he is still there with them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

598MAT915iz9sἐλεύσονται δὲ ἡμέραι ὅταν1But the days will come when

This is a way of referring to some time in the future. Alternate translation: “But the time will come when” or “But someday”

599MAT915p6hzfigs-activepassiveἀπαρθῇ ἀπ’ αὐτῶν ὁ νυμφίος1the bridegroom may be taken away from them

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the bridegroom will not be able to be with them any longer” or “someone will take the bridegroom away from them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

600MAT915u8erἀπαρθῇ1may be taken away

Jesus is probably referring to his own death, but this should not be made explicit here in the translation. To maintain the imagery of a wedding, it is best to just state that the bridegroom will not be there any longer.

601MAT916v4a10Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to answer the question that the disciples of John had asked. He did this by giving two examples of old things and new things that people do not put together.

602MAT916yf98οὐδεὶς δὲ ἐπιβάλλει ἐπίβλημα ῥάκους ἀγνάφου ἐπὶ ἱματίῳ παλαιῷ1But no one puts a patch of new cloth on an old garment

Alternate translation: “But no one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment” or “But people do not sew a piece of new cloth as a patch on an old garment”

603MAT916bk47ἱματίῳ παλαιῷ…τοῦ ἱματίου1an old garment … the garment

Alternate translation: “old clothing … the clothing”

604MAT916x752αἴρει…τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱματίου1his patch tears away from the garment

If someone were to wash the garment, the patch of new cloth would shrink, but the old garment would not shrink. This would tear the patch off the garment and leave a bigger hole.

605MAT916rem6τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτοῦ1his patch

This is the piece of cloth used to cover a hole in the old garment. Alternate translation: “the piece of new cloth”

606MAT916t71tfigs-activepassiveχεῖρον σχίσμα γίνεται1a worse tear happens

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this will make the tear worse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

607MAT917s13yοὐδὲ βάλλουσιν οἶνον νέον εἰς ἀσκοὺς παλαιούς1Neither do they put new wine into old wineskins

Jesus uses another proverb to answer Johns disciples. This means the same as the proverb in 9:16.

608MAT917fbl3οὐδὲ βάλλουσιν1Neither do they put

Alternate translation: “Neither does anyone pour” or “People never put”

609MAT917h26etranslate-unknownοἶνον νέον1new wine

This refers to wine that has not fermented yet. If grapes are unknown in your area, use the general term for fruit. Alternate translation: “grape juice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

610MAT917dpv4ἀσκοὺς παλαιούς1old wineskins

This refers to wineskins that have stretched and dried out because they were already used for fermenting wine.

611MAT917v4x2ἀσκοὺς1wineskins

These were bags made out of animal skins. Alternate translation: “wine bags” or “skin bags”

612MAT917hv8ffigs-activepassiveὁ οἶνος ἐκχεῖται καὶ οἱ ἀσκοὶ ἀπόλλυνται1the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are destroyed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this will ruin the wineskins and spill the wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

613MAT917tg2kῥήγνυνται οἱ ἀσκοί1the wineskins are burst

When the new wine ferments and expands, the skins tear open because they can no longer stretch out.

614MAT917cid7ἀσκοὺς καινούς1fresh wineskins

This refers to wineskins that no one has used. Alternate translation: “new wineskins” or “new wine bags”

615MAT917i8v4figs-activepassiveἀμφότεροι συντηροῦνται1both are preserved

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this will keep safe both the wineskins and the wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

616MAT918a7ax0Connecting Statement:

This begins an account of Jesus bringing to life the daughter of a Jewish official after she had died.

617MAT918mj4xταῦτα1these things

Here, these things refers back to the answer Jesus gave Johns disciples about fasting.

618MAT918eqp1ἰδοὺ1behold

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

619MAT918n1i6translate-symactionπροσεκύνει αὐτῷ1bowed down to him

This is a way someone would show respect in Jewish culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

620MAT918in6tἐλθὼν ἐπίθες τὴν χεῖρά σου ἐπ’ αὐτήν καὶ ζήσεται1having come, lay your hand on her, and she will live

This shows that the Jewish official believed Jesus had the power to bring his daughter back to life.

621MAT919z99mοἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1his disciples

Alternate translation: “Jesus disciples”

622MAT920ai7a0Connecting Statement:

This describes how Jesus healed another woman while he was on the way to the Jewish officials house.

623MAT920etd3ἰδοὺ1behold

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

624MAT920gv15figs-euphemismαἱμορροοῦσα1suffering from a discharge of blood

She was probably bleeding from her womb even when it was not the normal time for it. Some cultures may have a polite way of referring to this condition. Alternate translation: “who had been bleeding” or “who frequently had a flow of blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

625MAT920m9zqτοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ1of his garment

Alternate translation: “of his robe” or “of what he was wearing”

626MAT921eb6tfigs-eventsἔλεγεν γὰρ ἐν ἑαυτῇ, ἐὰν μόνον ἅψωμαι τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ, σωθήσομαι.1for she was saying to herself, “If only I might touch his garments, I will be made well.”

She said this to herself before she touched Jesus garments. This tells why she touched Jesus garment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

627MAT921ukb8figs-explicitἐὰν μόνον ἅψωμαι τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ1If only I might touch his garments

According to Jewish law, because she was bleeding she was not supposed to touch anyone. She touches his clothes so that Jesus power would heal her and yet (she thought) he would not know that she touched him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

628MAT922vi84ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς1But Jesus

Alternate translation: “The woman was hoping she could touch him secretly, but Jesus”

629MAT922x398θύγατερ1Daughter

The woman was not Jesus real daughter. Jesus was speaking to her politely. If this is confusing, it can also be translated “Young woman” or even omitted.

630MAT922q6caἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε1your faith has saved you

Alternate translation: “because you believed in me, I will heal you”

631MAT922zv2nfigs-activepassiveἐσώθη ἡ γυνὴ ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης1the woman was healed from that very hour

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed her at that moment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

632MAT923tu2c0Connecting Statement:

This returns to the account of Jesus bringing the daughter of the Jewish official back to life.

633MAT923jae1τοὺς αὐλητὰς καὶ τὸν ὄχλον θορυβούμενον1the flute players and the crowd being stirred up

This was a common way to mourn for someone who has died.

634MAT923gy7gτοὺς αὐλητὰς1the flute players

Alternate translation: “people playing flutes”

635MAT924v1stἀναχωρεῖτε1Go away

Jesus was speaking to many people, so use the plural command form if your language has one.

636MAT924pc1mfigs-euphemismοὐ…ἀπέθανεν τὸ κοράσιον, ἀλλὰ καθεύδει1the girl has not died, but sleeps

Jesus is using a play on words. It was common in Jesus day to refer to a dead person as one who sleeps. But here the dead girl will get up, as though she had only been sleeping. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

637MAT925utu30Connecting Statement:

This completes the account of Jesus bringing the daughter of the Jewish official back to life.

638MAT925nqs6figs-activepassiveὅτε δὲ ἐξεβλήθη ὁ ὄχλος1But when the crowd had been put outside

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But after Jesus had sent the crowd outside” or “But after the family had sent the people outside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

639MAT925mm3qἠγέρθη1was raised up

This is the same meaning as in 8:15.

640MAT926iy6x0General Information:

Verse 26 is a summary statement that describes the result of Jesus raising this girl from the dead.

641MAT926rxs4καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἡ φήμη αὕτη εἰς ὅλην τὴν γῆν ἐκείνην1And this report went out into all that region

Alternate translation: “And the people of that whole region heard about it” or “And the people who saw that the girl was alive started telling everyone in the whole area about it”

642MAT927b1h60Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus healing two blind men.

643MAT927a8nmκαὶ παράγοντι ἐκεῖθεν τῷ Ἰησοῦ1And when Jesus was departing from there

Alternate translation: “And as Jesus was leaving the region”

644MAT927suc1ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ1followed him

This means they were walking behind Jesus, not necessarily that they had become his disciples.

645MAT927d8bufigs-explicitἐλέησον ἡμᾶς1Have mercy on us

It is implied that they wanted Jesus to heal them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

646MAT927dh5dΥἱὲ Δαυείδ1Son of David

Jesus was not Davids literal son, so this may be translated as “Descendant of David.” However, Son of David is also a title for the Messiah, and the men were probably calling Jesus by this title.

647MAT928yr4hἐλθόντι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν1But when he had come into the house

This could be either Jesus own house or the house in 9:10.

648MAT928e81ffigs-ellipsisναί, Κύριε1Yes, Lord

The full content of their answer is not stated, but it is understood. Alternate translation: “Yes, Lord, we believe you can heal us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

649MAT929b3rlἥψατο τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν λέγων1he touched their eyes, saying

It is not clear whether he touched both mens eyes at the same time or used only his right hand to touch one then the other. As the left hand was customarily used for unclean purposes, it is most likely that he used only his right hand. It is also not clear whether he spoke as he was touching them or touched them first and then spoke to them.

650MAT929w92efigs-activepassiveκατὰ τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν γενηθήτω ὑμῖν1Let it happen to you according to your faith

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I will do as you have believed” or “Because you believe, I will heal you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

651MAT930uk2afigs-idiomἠνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί1their eyes were opened

This is an idiom that means they were able to see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

652MAT930qa39figs-activepassiveἠνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί1their eyes were opened

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God healed their eyes” or “the two blind men were able to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

653MAT930t6p8figs-idiomὁρᾶτε μηδεὶς γινωσκέτω1See that no one knows about this

Here, See means “Be sure.” Alternate translation: “Be sure no one finds out about this” or “Do not tell anyone that I healed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

654MAT931y574οἱ δὲ1But they

Alternate translation: “But the two men did not do what Jesus told them to do. They”

655MAT931y4b2διεφήμισαν αὐτὸν1reported it

Alternate translation: “told many people what had happened to them”

656MAT932tya10Connecting Statement:

This is the account of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man who could not speak and how people responded.

657MAT932v9trἰδοὺ1behold

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

658MAT932sh32κωφὸν1mute

not able to talk

659MAT932n6fsfigs-activepassiveἄνθρωπον κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον1a mute, demon-possessed man

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a man who was mute and whom a demon had possessed” or “a man whom a demon was controlling and making him mute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

660MAT933d6zsfigs-activepassiveἐκβληθέντος τοῦ δαιμονίου1when the demon had been cast out

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “after Jesus had forced the demon out” or “after Jesus had commanded the demon to leave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

661MAT933r8ceἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός1the mute man spoke

Alternate translation: “the mute man began to speak” or “the man who had been mute spoke” or “the man, who was no longer mute, spoke”

662MAT933d1lfἐθαύμασαν οἱ ὄχλοι1the crowds were astonished

Alternate translation: “the people were amazed”

663MAT933y4l5figs-activepassiveοὐδέποτε ἐφάνη οὕτως1Such as this has never been seen

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This has never happened before” or “No one has ever done anything like this before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

664MAT934z2r7ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια1he casts out the demons

Alternate translation: “he forces demons to leave”

665MAT934q623ἐκβάλλει1he casts out

The pronoun he refers to Jesus.

666MAT935xpp4writing-endofstory0Connecting Statement:

Verse 35 is the end of the part of the story that began in 8:1 about Jesus healing ministry in Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

667MAT935x9ckfigs-hyperboleτὰς πόλεις πάσας1all the cities

The word all is an exaggeration to emphasize how very many cities Jesus went to. He did not necessarily go to every one of them. Alternate translation: “many of the cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

668MAT935ehx5πόλεις…κώμας1cities … villages

Alternate translation: “large villages … small villages” or “large towns … small towns”

669MAT935uz5efigs-abstractnounsτὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1the gospel of the kingdom

Here the abstract noun kingdom refers to Gods rule as king. See how you translated this in 4:23. Alternate translation: “preaching the good news that God will show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

670MAT935e7atπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1every disease and every sickness

The words disease and sickness are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. Disease is what causes a person to be sick. Sickness is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease.

671MAT936z6ya0General Information:

Verse 36 begins a new part of the story where Jesus teaches his disciples and sends them to preach and heal as he has done.

672MAT936t47ifigs-simileὡσεὶ πρόβατα μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα1like sheep not having a shepherd

This simile means they did not have a leader to take care of them. Alternate translation: “as people without a leader” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

673MAT937mur4writing-proverbsὁ μὲν θερισμὸς πολύς, οἱ δὲ ἐργάται ὀλίγοι1The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few

Jesus uses a proverb to respond to what he is seeing. Jesus means there are a lot of people who are ready to believe God but only few people to teach them Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

674MAT937m6keὁ μὲν θερισμὸς πολύς1The harvest is plentiful

Alternate translation: “There is plenty of ripe food for someone to collect”

675MAT937h3a2ἐργάται1laborers

Alternate translation: “workers”

676MAT938vz8yδεήθητε…τοῦ Κυρίου τοῦ θερισμοῦ1beg the Lord of the harvest

Alternate translation: “pray to God, because he is in charge of the harvest”

677MAT10introm5iu0

Matthew 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The sending of the twelve disciples

Many verses in this chapter describe how Jesus sent the twelve disciples out. He sent them to tell his message about the kingdom of heaven. They were to tell his message only in Israel and not to share it with the Gentiles.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The twelve disciples

The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:

In Matthew:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.

In Mark:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.

In Luke:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.

Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.

“The kingdom of heaven has come near”

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

678MAT101nhp20Connecting Statement:

This begins an account of Jesus sending out his twelve disciples to do his work.

679MAT101x1erἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν1he gave them authority

Be sure that the text clearly communicates meaning of this authority: (1) Jesus gave it to them to drive out unclean spirits. (2) Jesus gave it to them to heal disease and sickness.

680MAT101pq8kὥστε ἐκβάλλειν αὐτὰ1so as to cast them out

Alternate translation: “in order to make the unclean spirits leave”

681MAT101x29jπᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν1every disease and every sickness.

The words disease and sickness are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. Disease is what causes a person to be sick. Sickness is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease.

682MAT102t59vwriting-backgroundδὲ1Now

Now is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Matthew begins to give background information about the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

683MAT102f1vuτῶν…δώδεκα ἀποστόλων1of the 12 apostles

This is the same group as the “12 disciples” in 10:1.

684MAT102sc7btranslate-ordinalπρῶτος1first

This is first in order, not in rank. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

685MAT103g6egΜαθθαῖος ὁ τελώνης1Matthew the tax collector

Alternate translation: “Matthew, who was a tax collector”

686MAT104n4stὁ Καναναῖος1the Zealot

The word Zealot could be: (1) a title that shows that he was part of the group of people who wanted to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. Alternate translation: “the patriot” or “the nationalist” (2) a description that shows that he was zealous for God to be honored. Alternate translation: “the zealous one” or “the passionate one”

687MAT104kmp2ὁ καὶ παραδοὺς αὐτόν1who also betrayed him

Alternate translation: “who would betray Jesus”

688MAT105sn9vfigs-events0General Information:

Although this verse begins by saying that Jesus sent out the twelve, he gives these instructions before sending them out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

689MAT105c46dτούτους τοὺς δώδεκα ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς1These Twelve Jesus sent out

Alternate translation: “Jesus sent out these twelve men” or “It was these twelve men whom Jesus sent out”

690MAT105yix4ἀπέστειλεν1sent out

Jesus sent them out for a particular purpose.

691MAT105ryl4παραγγείλας αὐτοῖς1having instructed them

Alternate translation: “having told them what they needed to do” or “having commanded them”

692MAT106q1pbfigs-metaphorτὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ1the lost sheep of the house of Israel

This is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of Israel to lost sheep who have strayed from their shepherd. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

693MAT106b6i2figs-metonymyοἴκου Ἰσραήλ1of the house of Israel

This refers to the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “of the people of Israel” or “of the descendants of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

694MAT107uff2figs-youπορευόμενοι1as you are going

Here, you is plural and refers to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

695MAT107w59ifigs-metonymyἤγγικεν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of the heavens has come near

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

696MAT108v5spfigs-youθεραπεύετε…ἐγείρετε…καθαρίζετε…ἐκβάλλετε…ἐλάβετε…δότε1Heal … raise … cleanse … and cast out … you have received … give

These verbs and pronouns are plural and addressed to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

697MAT108bb4dfigs-idiomνεκροὺς ἐγείρετε1raise the dead

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cause the dead to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

698MAT108ilj9figs-ellipsisδωρεὰν ἐλάβετε, δωρεὰν δότε1Freely you have received, freely give

Jesus did not state what the disciples had received or were to give. Some languages may require this information in the sentence. Here, Freely means that there was no payment. Alternate translation: “Freely you have received these things, freely give them to others” or “You received these things without paying, so give them to others without making them pay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

699MAT108ls6jfigs-metaphorδωρεὰν ἐλάβετε, δωρεὰν δότε1Freely you have received, freely give

Here, received is a metaphor that represents being made able to do things, and give is a metaphor that represents doing things for others. Alternate translation: “Freely you have received the ability to do these things, freely do them for others” or “Freely I have made you able to do these things, freely do them for others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

700MAT109dw4ifigs-youὑμῶν1your

Here, your refers to the twelve apostles and so is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

701MAT109a4xxfigs-metonymyχρυσὸν, μηδὲ ἄργυρον, μηδὲ χαλκὸν1gold, or silver, or copper

These are metals out of which coins were made. This list is a metonym for money, so if the metals are unknown in your area, translate the list as “money.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

702MAT109b4m7τὰς ζώνας1purses

People at that time carried money in their belts. A belt is a long strip of cloth or leather worn around the waist. It was often wide enough that it could be folded and used to carry money. lf your readers would not use a belt for this purpose, you can express this with the word for whatever they use to carry money.

703MAT1010kia9πήραν1a bag

This could either be any bag used to carry things on a journey, or a bag used by someone to collect food or money.

704MAT1010i2exδύο χιτῶνας1two tunics

Use the same word you used for tunic in 5:40.

705MAT1010m97hfigs-synecdocheτῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ1of his food

Here, food refers to anything a person needs. Alternate translation: “of what he needs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

706MAT1011b7igεἰς ἣν δ’ ἂν πόλιν ἢ κώμην εἰσέλθητε1But whatever city or village you might enter into

Alternate translation: “But whenever you enter a city or village” or “But when you go into any city or village”

707MAT1011p4lnπόλιν…κώμην1city … village

See how you translated city and village in 9:35.

708MAT1011r7kjfigs-youεἰσέλθητε1you might enter

Here, you is plural and refers to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

709MAT1011c3ufἄξιός1worthy

A worthy person is a person who is willing to welcome the disciples.

710MAT1011a41dfigs-explicitκἀκεῖ μείνατε ἕως ἂν ἐξέλθητε1and stay there until you might leave

The full meaning of the statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and stay in that persons house until you leave the town or village” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

711MAT1012n6cmfigs-metonymyεἰσερχόμενοι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν, ἀσπάσασθε αὐτήν1But entering into the house, greet it

The phrase greet it means greet the house. A common greeting in those days was “Peace be to this house!” Here, house represents the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “As you enter the house, greet the people who live in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

712MAT1013qip2figs-youὑμῶν…ὑμῶν1your … your

Both instances of your are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

713MAT1013kc9mfigs-metonymyμὲν ᾖ ἡ οἰκία ἀξία…μὴ ᾖ ἀξία1the house might be worthy … it might not be worthy

Here, the house represents those who live in the house. A worthy person is a person who is willing to welcome the disciples. Jesus compares this person to one who is not worthy, a person who does not welcome the disciples. Alternate translation: “the people who live in that house receive you well” or “the people who live in that house treat you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

714MAT1013q75afigs-metonymyἐλθάτω ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν ἐπ’ αὐτήν1let your peace come upon it

The word it refers to the house, which represents the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “let them receive your peace” or “let them receive the peace that you greeted them with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

715MAT1013ha8ffigs-metonymyἐὰν…μὴ ᾖ ἀξία2if it might not be worthy

The word it means the house, and “house” refers to the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “if they do not receive you well” or “if they do not treat you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

716MAT1013my3yἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐπιστραφήτω1let your peace return to you

This could mean: (1) if the household was not worthy, then God would hold back peace or blessings from that household. (2) if the household was not worthy, then the apostles were supposed to do something, such as asking God not to honor their greeting of peace. If your language has a similar meaning of taking back a greeting or its effects, that should be used here.

717MAT1014m8e9καὶ ὃς ἂν μὴ δέξηται ὑμᾶς, μηδὲ ἀκούσῃ1And whoever might not receive you nor listen to

Alternate translation: “And if no people in that house or city will receive you or listen to”

718MAT1014w5pyfigs-youὑμᾶς…ὑμῶν1you … your

Here, you and your are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

719MAT1014z826figs-metonymyἀκούσῃ τοὺς λόγους ὑμῶν1listen to your words

Here, words refers to what the disciples say. Alternate translation: “listen to your message” or “listen to what you have to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

720MAT1014hi3iπόλεως1city

You should translate city the same way you did in 10:11.

721MAT1014i5mctranslate-symactionἐκτινάξατε τὸν κονιορτὸν τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν1shake off the dust from your feet

This action is a sign that God has rejected the people of that house or city. Alternate translation: “shake the dust off your feet as you leave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

722MAT1015pk4fἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

723MAT1015d6ibἀνεκτότερον ἔσται1it will be more tolerable

Alternate translation: “the suffering will be less”

724MAT1015sg3cfigs-metonymyγῇ Σοδόμων καὶ Γομόρρων1for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah

This refers to the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

725MAT1015zmm2figs-metonymyτῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ1for that city

This refers to the people in the city that does not receive the apostles or listen to their message. Alternate translation: “for the people of the city that does not receive you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

726MAT1016ggp6ἰδοὺ1Behold

The word Behold here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

727MAT1016c9biἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω ὑμᾶς1I send you out

Jesus is sending them out for a particular purpose.

728MAT1016b262figs-simileὡς πρόβατα ἐν μέσῳ λύκων1as sheep in the midst of wolves

Sheep are defenseless animals that wolves often attack. Jesus is stating that people may harm the disciples. Alternate translation: “as sheep among people who are like dangerous wolves” or “as sheep among people who act the way dangerous animals act” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

729MAT1016s21afigs-simileγίνεσθε…φρόνιμοι ὡς οἱ ὄφεις καὶ ἀκέραιοι ὡς αἱ περιστεραί1be wise as the serpents and harmless as the doves

Jesus is telling the disciples they must be cautious and harmless among the people. If comparing the disciples to serpents or doves is confusing, it might be better not to state the similes. Alternate translation: “act with understanding and caution, as well as with innocence and virtue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

730MAT1017a55qgrammar-connect-words-phrasesπροσέχετε δὲ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων; παραδώσουσιν γὰρ ὑμᾶς1But watch out for men, for they will deliver you up

You can translate for with “because” to show how these two statements relate. Alternate translation: “But watch out for people because they will deliver you up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

731MAT1017csc4παραδώσουσιν…ὑμᾶς εἰς1they will deliver you up to

Alternate translation: “they will put you under the control of”

732MAT1017fct4συνέδρια1councils

The councils were the groups of local religious leaders or elders who together kept peace in their communities.

733MAT1018pe3dfigs-activepassiveκαὶ…ἀχθήσεσθε1you will even be brought

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they will even bring you” or “they will even drag you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

734MAT1018p74kἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1for my sake

Alternate translation: “because you belong to me” or “because you follow me”

735MAT1018u5wcαὐτοῖς καὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1to them and to the Gentiles

The pronoun them refers either to the “governors and kings” or to the Jewish accusers.

736MAT1019e5t6ὅταν δὲ παραδῶσιν ὑμᾶς1But when they may deliver you up

Here, they are the same people as in 10:17. Alternate translation: “But when people take you to the councils”

737MAT1019qcs3figs-youὑμᾶς…μὴ μεριμνήσητε…λαλήσητε…δοθήσεται…ὑμῖν…λαλήσητε1you … you should not be anxious about … you should speak … you should say will be given to you

All instances of you are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

738MAT1019qzd2μὴ μεριμνήσητε1you should not be anxious about

Alternate translation: “you should not worry about”

739MAT1019ien3figs-hendiadysπῶς ἢ τί λαλήσητε1how or what you should speak

The two ideas how and what may be combined: “what you are to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

740MAT1019l7rbfigs-activepassiveδοθήσεται γὰρ ὑμῖν ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ τί λαλήσητε1for what you should say will be given to you in that hour

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for at that time, the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

741MAT1019cm7hfigs-metonymyἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ1in that hour

Here, in that hour means “right then.” Alternate translation: “right then” or “at that time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

742MAT1020yuk1figs-youὑμεῖς…ὑμῶν…ὑμῖν1you … your … you

All instances of you and your are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

743MAT1020v9tmτὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1the Spirit of your Father

If necessary, you can translate this as “the Spirit of God your heavenly Father” or a footnote can be added to make it clear that this refers to God the Holy Spirit and not to the spirit of an earthly father.

744MAT1020k3xrguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1of your Father

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

745MAT1020zxd8ἐν ὑμῖν1in you

Alternate translation: “through you”

746MAT1021p9msπαραδώσει δὲ ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον1Brother will deliver up brother to death

Jesus speaks of something that will happen many times. Alternate translation: “But a brother will deliver up his own brother to death” or “But brothers will deliver up their brothers to death”

747MAT1021lh6zfigs-abstractnounsπαραδώσει…ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον1will deliver up brother to death

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun death, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “will hand brother over to the authorities who will execute him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

748MAT1021p8w9figs-ellipsisπατὴρ τέκνον1a father his child

These words can be translated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “a father will deliver up his child to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

749MAT1021xja9ἐπαναστήσονται…ἐπὶ1will rise up against

Alternate translation: “will rebel against” or “will turn against”

750MAT1021xf2dθανατώσουσιν αὐτούς1put them to death

Alternate translation: “have them put to death” or “have the authorities execute them”

751MAT1022sp6pfigs-activepassiveἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων1you will be hated by everyone

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: “everyone will hate you” or “all people will hate you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

752MAT1022va6ifigs-youἔσεσθε1you will be

Here, you is plural and refers to the twelve disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

753MAT1022n3xnfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου1because of my name

Here, name refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you trust in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

754MAT1022k5w9ὁ…ὑπομείνας1the one who endures

Alternate translation: “whoever stays faithful”

755MAT1022j71iεἰς τέλος1to the end

It is not clear whether the end means when a person dies, when the persecution ends, or the end of the age when God shows himself to be king. The main point is that they endure as long as necessary.

756MAT1022qn7jfigs-activepassiveοὗτος σωθήσεται1he will be saved

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will deliver that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

757MAT1023m42zἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ1in this city

Here, this does not refer to a specific city. Alternate translation: “in one city”

758MAT1023jjd4φεύγετε εἰς τὴν ἑτέραν1flee to the next

Alternate translation: “flee to the next city”

759MAT1023gk1sἀμὴν…λέγω ὑμῖν1truly I say to you

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

760MAT1023dk4ufigs-123personΥἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1Son of Man

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

761MAT1023tm8zἔλθῃ1may come

Alternate translation: “arrives”

762MAT1024p8mrwriting-proverbsοὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον, οὐδὲ δοῦλος ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον αὐτοῦ1A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master

Jesus is using a proverb to teach his disciples a general truth. Jesus is emphasizing that the disciples should not expect people to treat them any better than the people treat Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

763MAT1024syb2οὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον1A disciple is not above his teacher

Alternate translation: “A disciple is always less important than his teacher” or “A teacher is always more important than his disciple”

764MAT1024nc3eοὐδὲ δοῦλος ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον αὐτοῦ1nor a slave above his master

Alternate translation: “and a slave is always less important than his master” or “and a master is always more important than his slave”

765MAT1025e2aeἀρκετὸν τῷ μαθητῇ ἵνα γένηται ὡς ὁ διδάσκαλος αὐτοῦ1It is enough for the disciple that he might be like his teacher

Alternate translation: “The disciple should be satisfied to become like his teacher”

766MAT1025t7jpfigs-explicitγένηται ὡς ὁ διδάσκαλος αὐτοῦ1he might be like his teacher

If necessary, you can make explicit how the disciple becomes like the teacher. Alternate translation: “he might know as much as his teacher knows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

767MAT1025e6z3figs-explicitὁ δοῦλος ὡς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ1the slave like his master

If necessary, you can make explicit how the slave becomes like his master. Alternate translation: “the slave should be satisfied to become only as important as his master” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

768MAT1025u355εἰ τὸν οἰκοδεσπότην Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐπεκάλεσαν, πόσῳ μᾶλλον τοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ1If they called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much worse the members of his household

Again Jesus is emphasizing that since people have mistreated him, his disciples should expect people to treat them the same or worse.

769MAT1025bg2lπόσῳ μᾶλλον τοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ1how much worse the members of his household

Alternate translation: “the names that they call the members of his household will certainly be much worse” or “they will certainly call the members of his household much worse names”

770MAT1025cp96εἰ…ἐπεκάλεσαν1If they called

Alternate translation: “Since people have called”

771MAT1025pu5yfigs-metaphorτὸν οἰκοδεσπότην1the master of the house

Jesus is using this as a metaphor for himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

772MAT1025y5mdΒεελζεβοὺλ1Beelzebul

The name Beelzebul could be translated: (1) as “Beelzebul.” (2) with its original, intended meaning of “Satan.”

773MAT1025r5llfigs-metaphorτοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ1the members of his household

This is a metaphor for Jesus disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

774MAT1026twv2μὴ…φοβηθῆτε αὐτούς1do not fear them

Here, them refers to the people who mistreat followers of Jesus.

775MAT1026x4o8figs-parallelismοὐδὲν…ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται1there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and hidden, that will not be made known

Both of these statements mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

776MAT1026xqs4figs-metaphorοὐδὲν…ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται1there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and hidden, that will not be made known

Being concealed or hidden represents being kept secret, and being revealed represents being made known. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

777MAT1026j86efigs-activepassiveοὐδὲν…ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται1there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and hidden, that will not be made known

Jesus is emphasizing that God will make all things known. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will reveal the things that people hide” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

778MAT1027fa1sfigs-parallelismὃ λέγω ὑμῖν ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτί; καὶ ὃ εἰς τὸ οὖς ἀκούετε, κηρύξατε ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων1What I tell you in the darkness, say in the daylight, and what you hear in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that the disciples should tell everyone what he tells the disciples in private. Alternate translation: “Tell people in the daylight what I tell you in the darkness, and proclaim upon the housetops what you hear softly in your ear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

779MAT1027kw75figs-metonymyὃ λέγω ὑμῖν ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτί1What I tell you in the darkness, say in the daylight

Here, darkness is a metonym for “night” which is a metonym for “private.” Here, daylight is a metonym for “public.” Alternate translation: “What I tell you privately at night, say in public in the day light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

780MAT1027fc49figs-idiomὃ εἰς τὸ οὖς ἀκούετε1what you hear in your ear

This is a way of referring to whispering. Alternate translation: “what I whisper to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

781MAT1027t9u9figs-metonymyκηρύξατε ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων1proclaim upon the housetops

The housetops where Jesus lived were flat, and people far away could hear anyone speaking with a loud voice. Here, housetops refers to any place where all people can hear. Alternate translation: “speak loudly in a public place for all to hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

782MAT1028s6wq0General Information:

Here Jesus also begins to give reasons why his disciples should not be afraid of the persecution they might experience.

783MAT1028fb29figs-distinguishμὴ φοβεῖσθε ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποκτεννόντων τὸ σῶμα, τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν μὴ δυναμένων ἀποκτεῖναι1do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul

This is not distinguishing between people who cannot kill the soul and people who can kill the soul. No person can kill the soul. Alternate translation: “do not be afraid of people. They can kill the body, but they cannot kill the soul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

784MAT1028lc56τῶν ἀποκτεννόντων τὸ σῶμα1those who kill the body

This means to cause physical death. If these words are awkward, they can be translated as “those who kill you” or “those who kill people.”

785MAT1028ei7yτὸ σῶμα1the body

The body is the part of a person that can be touched, as opposed to the soul or spirit.

786MAT1028e4deτὴν…ψυχὴν…ἀποκτεῖναι1to kill the soul

This means to harm people after they have physically died.

787MAT1028pk7kgrammar-connect-words-phrasesφοβεῖσθε δὲ μᾶλλον τὸν δυνάμενον1But instead, fear the one who is able

You can add “because” to clarify why people should fear God. Alternate translation: “But instead, fear God because he is able” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

788MAT1029tm3swriting-proverbsοὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται? καὶ ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ πεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, ἄνευ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion?

Jesus states this proverb to express that even though sparrows are worth very little money, God watched over them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

789MAT1029glblfigs-rquestionοὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται?1Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion?

Jesus uses this question to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Think about the sparrows. They have so little value that you can buy two of them for only one small coin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

790MAT1029q22ltranslate-unknownστρουθία1sparrows

These sparrows are very small, seed-eating birds. Alternate translation: “small birds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

791MAT1029i399ἀσσαρίου1for an assarion

An assarion refers to a copper coin worth about one-sixteenth of a days wage for a laborer. This is often translated as the least valuable coin available in your country. Alternate translation: “very little money”

792MAT1029wxt4figs-doublenegativesἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ πεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, ἄνευ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1not one of them will fall to the ground without the knowledge of your Father

You can state this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “your Father knows when even one sparrow dies and falls to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

793MAT1029fe8zguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν1of your Father

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

794MAT1030cih3figs-activepassiveὑμῶν…καὶ αἱ τρίχες τῆς κεφαλῆς πᾶσαι ἠριθμημέναι εἰσίν1even the hairs of your head are all numbered

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God knows even how many hairs are on your head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

795MAT1030nb7bἠριθμημέναι1numbered

Alternate translation: “counted”

796MAT1031n2tzπολλῶν στρουθίων διαφέρετε ὑμεῖς1you are more valuable than many sparrows

Alternate translation: “God values you more than many sparrows”

797MAT1032ntt9πᾶς…ὅστις ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοὶ…ὁμολογήσω κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ1everyone who confesses in me … I will also confess in him

Alternate translation: “whoever confesses me … I will also confess” or “if anyone confesses me … I will also confess him”

798MAT1032yj44ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοὶ ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων1will confess in me before men

Alternate translation: “tells others that he is my disciple” or “acknowledges before other people that he is loyal to me”

799MAT1032j4dhfigs-ellipsisὁμολογήσω κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1I will also confess in him before my Father who is in the heavens

You can make explicit the information that is understood. Alternate translation: “I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in the heavens that that person belongs to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

800MAT1032kdd2τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1my Father who is in the heavens

Alternate translation: “my heavenly Father”

801MAT1032n1nbguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

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

802MAT1033d15sἂν ἀρνήσηταί με ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων1would deny me before men

Alternate translation: “denies to other people that he is loyal to me” or “refuses to acknowledge to others that he is my disciple”

803MAT1033cnu3figs-ellipsisἀρνήσομαι κἀγὼ αὐτὸν ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1I will also deny him before my Father who is in the heavens

You can make explicit the information that is understood. Alternate translation: “I will deny before my Father who is in the heavens that this person belongs to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

804MAT1034l5adfigs-metonymyἐπὶ τὴν γῆν1upon the earth

This refers to the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: “to the people of the earth” or “to people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

805MAT1034jq6dfigs-metonymyμάχαιραν1a sword

The sword refers to division, fighting, and killing among people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

806MAT1035xx5mδιχάσαι ἄνθρωπον κατὰ1to set a man against

Alternate translation: “to cause a man to fight against”

807MAT1035k18yἄνθρωπον κατὰ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ1a man against his father

Alternate translation: “a son against his father”

808MAT1036lhc2ἐχθροὶ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου1the enemies of a man

Alternate translation: “a persons enemies” or “a persons worst enemies”

809MAT1036g166οἱ οἰκιακοὶ αὐτοῦ1will be those of his own household

Alternate translation: “will be the members of his own family”

810MAT1037az6tὁ φιλῶν1The one loving

The word loving here refers to “brotherly love” or “love from a friend.” Alternate translation: “The one caring for” or “The one who is devoted to” or “The one who is fond of”

811MAT1037fb3pοὐκ ἔστιν μου ἄξιος1worthy of me

Alternate translation: “does not deserve to belong to me” or “is not worthy to be my disciple”

812MAT1038ye95figs-metonymyοὐ λαμβάνει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀκολουθεῖ ὀπίσω μου1does not take up his cross and follow after me

The cross represents suffering and death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

813MAT1038xespfigs-metaphorοὐ λαμβάνει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀκολουθεῖ ὀπίσω μου1does not take up his cross and follow after me

To take up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: “obey me even to the point of suffering and dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

814MAT1038ai2rοὐ λαμβάνει1does not take up

Alternate translation: “does not pick up and carry”

815MAT1039u4jhwriting-proverbsὁ εὑρὼν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἀπολέσει αὐτήν; καὶ ὁ ἀπολέσας τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ εὑρήσει αὐτήν1The one who found his life will lose it, and the one who lost his life for my sake will find it

Jesus uses a proverb to teach his disciples. This should be translated with as few words as possible. Alternate translation: “Those who find their lives will lose them. But those who lose their lives for my sake will find them” or “If you find your life you will lose it. But if you lose your life because of me, you will find it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

816MAT1039jwf2figs-metaphorὁ εὑρὼν1The one who found

Here, found is a metaphor for “keeps” or “saves.” Alternate translation: “The one who tried to keep” or “The one who tried to save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

817MAT1039pbf3figs-metaphorἀπολέσει αὐτήν1will lose it

This does not mean the person will die. It is a metaphor that means the person will not experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: “will not have true life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

818MAT1039i3x4figs-metaphorὁ ἀπολέσας τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ1the one who lost his life

This does not mean to die. It is a metaphor that means a person considers obeying Jesus more important than his own life. Alternate translation: “the one who denied himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

819MAT1039hz7rἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1for my sake

This is the same idea as “for my sake” in 10:18. Alternate translation: “because he trusts me” or “on my account” or “because of me”

820MAT1039g2c8figs-metaphorεὑρήσει αὐτήν1will find it

This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: “will find true life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

821MAT1040asg3ὁ δεχόμενος1The one receiving

Alternate translation: “Whoever receives” or “Anyone who receives” or “The one who welcomes”

822MAT1040c77eὁ δεχόμενος1The one receiving

This revers to receiving someone as a guest.

823MAT1040ir49figs-youὑμᾶς1you

Here, you is plural and refers to the twelve apostles to whom Jesus is speaking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

824MAT1040pf1jὁ δεχόμενος ὑμᾶς ἐμὲ δέχεται1The one receiving you receives me

Jesus means that when someone receives you, it is like receiving him. Alternate translation: “When someone receives you, it is like he is receiving me” or “If someone welcomes you, it is as if he were welcoming me”

825MAT1040y9ckὁ ἐμὲ δεχόμενος δέχεται τὸν ἀποστείλαντά με1the one receiving me receives the one who sent me

This means that when someone receives Jesus, it is like receiving God. Alternate translation: “when someone receives me, it is like he is receiving God the Father who sent me” or “if someone welcomes me, it is as if he were welcoming God the Father who sent me”

826MAT1041f9pvεἰς ὄνομα προφήτου1in the name of a prophet

Alternate translation: “because he is a prophet”

827MAT1041yj1qμισθὸν προφήτου1a reward of a prophet

This refers to the reward that God gives the prophet, not to the reward that a prophet gives to another person.

828MAT1041x483εἰς ὄνομα δικαίου1in the name of a righteous man

Alternate translation: “because he is a righteous man”

829MAT1041qfv7μισθὸν δικαίου1a reward of a righteous man

This refers to the reward God gives to a righteous person, not a reward that a righteous person gives to another person.

830MAT1042v6jgὃς ἐὰν ποτίσῃ1whoever might give … to drink

Alternate translation: “anyone who gives … to drink”

831MAT1042z8tkἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων1to one of these little ones

The phrase one of these here refers to one of Jesus disciples. Alternate translation: “to one of these lowly ones” or “to the least important of these”

832MAT1042lza6εἰς ὄνομα μαθητοῦ1in the name of a disciple

Alternate translation: “because he is my disciple”

833MAT1042wx29ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1truly I say to you

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

834MAT1042y1ieοὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ τὸν μισθὸν αὐτοῦ1he may certainly not lose his reward

Here, he and his refer to the one who is giving.

835MAT1042d61lοὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ1he may certainly not lose

This has nothing to do with having a possession taken away. You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “God will certainly give him”

836MAT11intropuf40

Matthew 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted material in 11:10.

Some scholars believe that Matthew 11:20 begins a new stage in the ministry of Christ because of Israels rejection of him.

Special concepts in this chapter

Hidden revelation

After Matthew 11:20, Jesus begins to reveal information about himself and about the plans of God the Father, while hiding this information from those who reject him (Matthew 11:25).

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The kingdom of heaven is near”

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

837MAT111z2y7writing-newevent0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of how Jesus responded to disciples of John the Baptist. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

838MAT111dr3uκαὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε1It came about that when

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

839MAT111ju1qἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν αὐτῶν1in their cities

Here, their refers to all the Jews in general.

840MAT112n2dcδὲ1Now

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

841MAT112f3j7ὁ…Ἰωάννης, ἀκούσας ἐν τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ1John, having heard in the prison about

Even though Matthew has not yet told the readers that King Herod put John the Baptist in jail, the original audience would have been familiar with the story and understood the implicit information here. Matthew will give more information later about John the Baptist, so it is probably best not to make it explicit here. Alternate translation: “John, who was in prison, heard about” or “someone told John, who was in prison, about”

842MAT112xre1πέμψας διὰ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ1having sent through his disciples

John the Baptist sent his own disciples with a message to Jesus.

843MAT113w2imεἶπεν αὐτῷ1said to him

The pronoun him refers to Jesus.

844MAT113q89tὁ ἐρχόμενος1Are you the one coming

This is another way to refer to the Messiah or Christ.

845MAT113hrk5ἕτερον προσδοκῶμεν?1are we expecting another?

The pronoun we refers to all Jews, not only Johns disciples.

846MAT114a66rἀπαγγείλατε Ἰωάννῃ1report to John

Alternate translation: “tell John”

847MAT115sd6cfigs-activepassiveλεπροὶ καθαρίζονται1lepers are cleansed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I am healing lepers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

848MAT115v274figs-idiomνεκροὶ ἐγείρονται1the dead are raised

Here to raise is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “people who have died are being caused to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

849MAT115k796figs-activepassiveνεκροὶ ἐγείρονται1the dead are raised

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I am causing those who have died to become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

850MAT115g3k4figs-activepassiveπτωχοὶ εὐαγγελίζονται1the poor are being told the gospel

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I am preaching good news to the poor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

851MAT115l443figs-nominaladjπτωχοὶ1the poor

This nominalized adjective poor can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

852MAT117g2q80Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.

853MAT117ysq6figs-rquestionτί ἐξήλθατε εἰς τὴν ἔρημον θεάσασθαι? κάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον?1What did you go out in the wilderness to see—a reed being shaken by the wind?

Jesus uses a question to cause the people to think about what kind of person John the Baptist is. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you did not go out to the wilderness to see a reed being shaken by the wind!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

854MAT117pc6cfigs-metaphorκάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον1a reed being shaken by the wind

This could mean: (1) Jesus be referring the literal plants by the Jordan River. (2) Jesus is using a metaphor to mean a kind of person. Alternate translation: “a man who easily changes his mind and is like a reed blowing back and forth in the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

855MAT117w269figs-activepassiveὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον1being shaken by the wind

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “swaying in the wind” or “blowing in the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

856MAT118n5hxfigs-rquestionἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε ἰδεῖν? ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον?1But what did you go out to see—a man dressed in soft clothing?

Jesus uses a question to cause the people to think about what kind of person John the Baptist is. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “And, surely you did not go out to the desert to see a man dressed in soft clothing!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

857MAT118y24rἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον1dressed in soft clothing

Rich people wore this kind of clothing. Alternate translation: “wearing expensive clothing”

858MAT118tmb9ἰδοὺ1Behold

Here, behold adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed”

859MAT118v9k2τοῖς οἴκοις τῶν βασιλέων1the houses of kings

Alternate translation: “kings palaces”

860MAT119gm97figs-rquestionἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε? προφήτην ἰδεῖν1But what did you go out to see—a prophet?

Jesus uses a question to make the people think about what kind of man John the Baptist is. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “But surely you went out to the desert to see a prophet!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

861MAT119fb75figs-ellipsisπερισσότερον προφήτου1much more than a prophet

You can translate this as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “he is not an ordinary prophet” or “he is more important than a normal prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

862MAT1110cgm4ἰδοὺ, ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου πρὸ προσώπου σου, ὃς κατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου1

Here, Jesus quotes the prophet Malachi to show that the life and ministry of John the Baptist fulfilled prophecy.

863MAT1110de17figs-activepassiveοὗτός ἐστιν περὶ οὗ γέγραπται1This is he concerning whom it has been written

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This is what the prophet Malachi wrote long ago about John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

864MAT1110ql5hἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου1I am sending my messenger

The pronouns I and my refer to God. Malachi is quoting what God said.

865MAT1110fi5efigs-youπρὸ προσώπου σου1before your face

Here, your is singular, because God was speaking to the Messiah in the quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

866MAT1110hay7figs-synecdocheπρὸ προσώπου σου1before your face

Here, face refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in front of you” or “to go ahead of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

867MAT1110kva7figs-metaphorκατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου1will prepare your way before you

This is a metaphor that means the messenger will prepare the people to receive the Messiahs message. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

868MAT1111j7gwἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

869MAT1111z5yqfigs-idiomἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν1among those born of women

Even though Adam was not born of a woman, this is a way of referring to all humans. Alternate translation: “out of all people who have ever lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

870MAT1111q2kpοὐκ ἐγήγερται…μείζων Ἰωάννου τοῦ Βαπτιστοῦ1there has not arisen one greater than John the Baptist

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist is the greatest” or “John the Baptist is the most important”

871MAT1111cag4figs-metonymyὁ…μικρότερος ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the least important in the kingdom of the heavens

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase kingdom of the heavens is used only in Matthew. If possible, try to keep “heavens” in your translation. Alternate translation: “the least important person under the rule of our God in the heavens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

872MAT1111p5irμείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστιν1is greater than he

Alternate translation: “is more important than John is”

873MAT1112mb4vἀπὸ δὲ τῶν ἡμερῶν Ἰωάννου τοῦ Βαπτιστοῦ1But from the days of John the Baptist

The word days probably refers here to a period of months or even years. Alternate translation: “But from the time John began preaching his message”

874MAT1112inr2ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν βιάζεται, καὶ βιασταὶ ἁρπάζουσιν αὐτήν1the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force

Possible interpretations of this verse are: (1) some people want to use Gods kingdom for their own selfish purposes, and that they are willing to use force against other people to accomplish this. (2) the call to enter the kingdom of God has become so urgent, that people must act in an extreme manner in order to answer that call and to resist the temptation to sin further. (3) violent people are harming Gods people and trying to stop God from ruling.

875MAT1113g1i6figs-metonymyπάντες…οἱ προφῆται καὶ ὁ νόμος ἕως Ἰωάννου ἐπροφήτευσαν1all the prophets and the law have prophesied until John

Here, the prophets and the law refer to the things that the prophets and Moses wrote in scripture. Alternate translation: “these are the things that the prophets and Moses have prophesied through the scriptures until the time of John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

876MAT1114yg2ffigs-youεἰ θέλετε1if you are willing

Here, you is plural and refers to the crowd. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

877MAT1114e68uαὐτός ἐστιν Ἠλείας, ὁ μέλλων ἔρχεσθαι1he is Elijah who is about to come

The word he refers to John the Baptist. This does not mean John the Baptist is literally Elijah. Jesus means John the Baptist fulfills the prophecy about Elijah, “who is about to come” or the next Elijah. Alternate translation: “when the prophet Malachi said that Elijah would return, he was speaking about John the Baptist”

878MAT1115z97xfigs-metonymyὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω1The one having ears to hear, let him hear

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase ears to hear here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

879MAT1115w4ccfigs-123personὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω1The one having ears to hear, let him hear

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here in place of The one and him. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

880MAT1116mp8gfigs-rquestionτίνι δὲ ὁμοιώσω τὴν γενεὰν ταύτην?1But to what will I compare this generation?

Jesus uses a question to introduce a comparison between the people of that day and what children might say in the marketplace. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “But I will tell you what this generation is like.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

881MAT1116yat1τὴν γενεὰν ταύτην1this generation

Alternate translation: “the people living now” or “these people” or “you people of this generation”

882MAT1116l7kmταῖς ἀγοραῖς1the marketplace

A marketplace is a large, open-air area where people buy and sell items.

883MAT1117ai4efigs-parablesλέγουσιν, ηὐλήσαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ οὐκ ὠρχήσασθε; ἐθρηνήσαμεν καὶ οὐκ ἐκόψασθε1saying … you did not weep

Jesus continues the parable from the previous verse, describing the people who were alive at that time. He compares them to a group of children who are trying to get the other children to play with them. However, no matter way they do, the other children will not join them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

884MAT1117rbzffigs-simileλέγουσιν, ηὐλήσαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ οὐκ ὠρχήσασθε; ἐθρηνήσαμεν καὶ οὐκ ἐκόψασθε1saying … you did not weep

Jesus means that it does not matter if God sends someone like John the Baptist, who lives in the desert and fasts, or someone like Jesus, who celebrates with sinners and does not fast. The people, most specifically the Pharisees and religious leaders, still remain stubborn and refuse to accept Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

885MAT1117d916figs-youηὐλήσαμεν ὑμῖν1We played a flute for you

We refers to the children sitting in the marketplace. Here, you is plural and refers to the other group of children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

886MAT1117j5jdκαὶ οὐκ ὠρχήσασθε1and you did not dance

Alternate translation: “but you did not dance to the happy music”

887MAT1117t723figs-explicitἐθρηνήσαμεν1We mourned

This means they sang sad songs like women did at funerals. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

888MAT1117f87lκαὶ οὐκ ἐκόψασθε1and you did not weep

Alternate translation: “but you did not cry with us”

889MAT1118qe7yfigs-explicitμήτε ἐσθίων μήτε πίνων1neither eating nor drinking

This does not mean that John never ate food. It means he fasted often, and when he ate, he did not eat good, expensive food or drink. Alternate translation: “frequently fasting and not drinking alcohol” or “not eating fancy food and not drinking wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

890MAT1118p4qlfigs-quotationsλέγουσιν, δαιμόνιον ἔχει.1they say, He has a demon.

You can translate this as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “they say that he has a demon” or “they accuse him of having a demon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

891MAT1118kd4qλέγουσιν1they say

All occurrences of they refer to the people of that generation, and most specifically to the Pharisees and religious leaders.

892MAT1119iwk8figs-123personἦλθεν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1The Son of Man came

Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, came” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

893MAT1119gs6zἦλθεν…ἐσθίων καὶ πίνων1came eating and drinking

This is the opposite of Johns behavior. This means more than just consuming the normal amount of food and drink. It means Jesus celebrated and enjoyed good food and drink like other people did.

894MAT1119x4ecfigs-quotationsλέγουσιν, ἰδοὺ, ἄνθρωπος, φάγος καὶ οἰνοπότης, τελωνῶν φίλος καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν!1they say, Behold a man, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!

You can translate this as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “they say that he is a gluttonous man and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” or “they accuse him of eating and drinking too much and of being a friends of tax collectors and sinners.” Alternate translation: “they say that I am a gluttonous man and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

895MAT1119cqv7figs-123personλέγουσιν, ἰδοὺ, ἄνθρωπος, φάγος καὶ οἰνοπότης, τελωνῶν φίλος καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν!1they say, Behold a man, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!

If you translated “The Son of Man” as “I, the Son of man” earlier in this verse, you can state this portion of the text as an indirect statement and use the first person. Alternate translation: “they say that I am a gluttonous man and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

896MAT1119d6guἄνθρωπος, φάγος1a man, a glutton

Alternate translation: “he is a greedy eater” or “he continually eats too much food”

897MAT1119pv4nοἰνοπότης1a drunkard

Alternate translation: “a drunk” or “someone who continually drinks too much alcohol”

898MAT1119vwk4writing-proverbsκαὶ ἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1But wisdom has been justified by her children

This is a proverb that Jesus applies to this situation, because the people who rejected both him and John were not being wise. Jesus and John the Baptist are the wise ones, and the results of their deeds prove it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

899MAT1119dz3cfigs-personificationἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1wisdom has been justified by her children

Here, wisdom is described as a woman who is proven to be right by what she does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

900MAT1119o3zhfigs-activepassiveἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς1wisdom has been justified by her children

Jesus means that the results of a wise persons actions prove that he is truly wise. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the results of a wise persons deeds prove that he is wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

901MAT1120w4g8figs-metonymyὀνειδίζειν τὰς πόλεις1to rebuke the cities

Here, the cities refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “rebuke the people of the cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

902MAT1120fxs4πόλεις1cities

Alternate translation: “towns”

903MAT1120t51afigs-activepassiveἐν αἷς ἐγένοντο αἱ πλεῖσται δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ1in which most of his miracles were done

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “in which he did most of his miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

904MAT1120wh1gαἱ…δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ1his miracles

Alternate translation: “his mighty works” or “his works of power”

905MAT1121xxb3figs-apostropheοὐαί σοι, Χοραζείν! οὐαί σοι, Βηθσαϊδάν!1Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!

Jesus speaks as if the people of the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida were there listening to him, but they were not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

906MAT1121tv81figs-youοὐαί σοι1Woe to you

Here, you is singular and refers to the city. If it is more natural to refer to the people instead of a city, you could translate with a plural you. Alternate translation: “How terrible it will be for you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

907MAT1121y9d3figs-metonymyΧοραζείν…Βηθσαϊδάν…Τύρῳ…Σιδῶνι1Chorazin … Bethsaida … Tyre … Sidon

The names of these cities are used as metonyms for the people living in these cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

908MAT1121lh46figs-hypoεἰ ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἐγένοντο αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν, πάλαι ἂν ἐν σάκκῳ καὶ σποδῷ μετενόησαν1if the miracles … they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes

Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation that could have happened in the past, but it did not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

909MAT1121tm59figs-activepassiveεἰ ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἐγένοντο αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν1if the miracles had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if I had done the mighty deeds among the people of Tyre and Sidon that I have done among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

910MAT1121k3infigs-youαἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν1which were done in you

Here the you is plural and refers to Chorazin and Bethsaida. If it is more natural for your language, you could use a dual you to refer to the two cities, or a plural you to refer to the people of the cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

911MAT1121bqi8πάλαι…μετενόησαν1they would have repented long ago

The pronoun they refers to the people of Tyre and Sidon.

912MAT1121qx9mμετενόησαν1they would have repented

Alternate translation: “they would have shown they were sorry for their sins”

913MAT1122mr18figs-metonymyΤύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως ἢ ὑμῖν1it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you

Here, Tyre and Sidon refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “God will show more mercy to the people of Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than to you” or “God will punish you more severely at the day of judgment than the people of Tyre and Sidon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

914MAT1122ab14figs-youἢ ὑμῖν1than for you

Here the you is plural and refers to Chorazin and Bethsaida. If it is more natural for your language, you could use a dual you to refer to the two cities, or a plural you to refer to the people of the cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

915MAT1122ibpofigs-explicitἢ ὑμῖν1than for you

The implied information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “than for you, because you did not repent and believe in me, even though you saw me do miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

916MAT1123vpz6figs-youκαὶ σύ, Καφαρναούμ, μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ? ἕως ᾍδου καταβήσῃ; ὅτι εἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί, ἔμεινεν ἂν μέχρι τῆς σήμερον1And you, Capernaum, you will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until today

The pronoun you is singular and refers to Capernaum throughout this verse and the next. If it is more natural to refer to the people of the city, you could translate with a plural you. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

917MAT1123l8h3figs-apostropheσύ, Καφαρναούμ1you, Capernaum

Jesus now speaks to the people in the city of Capernaum as if they were listening to him, but they were not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

918MAT1123fj7dfigs-metonymyΚαφαρναούμ…Σοδόμοις1Capernaum … Sodom

The names of these cities refer to the people living in Capernaum and in Sodom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

919MAT1123aa7tfigs-activepassiveμὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ?1you will not be exalted to heaven, will you?

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not raise you up to heaven, will he?” or “the praise of other people will not raise you up to heaven, will it?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

920MAT1123nddzfigs-rquestionμὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ?1you will not be exalted to heaven, will you?

Jesus uses a rhetorical question to rebuke the people of Capernaum for their pride. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “God will not bring you up to heaven like you think he will!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

921MAT1123d54dfigs-activepassiveἕως ᾍδου καταβήσῃ1You will be brought down to Hades

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will send you down to Hades” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

922MAT1123vk57figs-hypoεἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί, ἔμεινεν ἂν μέχρι τῆς σήμερον1For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until today

Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation that could have happened in the past, but it did not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

923MAT1123z279figs-activepassiveεἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί1if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Sodom

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if I had done the miracles among the people of Sodom that I have done among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

924MAT1123e2t7δυνάμεις1miracles

Alternate translation: “mighty works” or “works of power”

925MAT1123yih1ἔμεινεν1it would have remained

The pronoun it refers to the city of Sodom.

926MAT1124y1e3λέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

927MAT1124e3pafigs-metonymyγῇ Σοδόμων ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως ἢ σοί1it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you

Here, land of Sodom refer to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “God will show more mercy to the people of Sodom in the day of judgment than to you” or “God will punish you more severely in the day of judgment than the people of Sodom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

928MAT1124yk3zfigs-explicitἢ σοί1than for you

The implicit information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “than for you, because you did not repent and believe in me, even though you saw me do miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

929MAT1125f57a0General Information:

In verses 25 and 26, Jesus prays to his heavenly Father while still in the presence of the crowd.

930MAT1125h5x4guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠάτερ1Father

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

931MAT1125u9cyfigs-merismΚύριε τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς1Lord of heaven and earth

The phrase heaven and earth is a merism that refers to all people and things in the universe. Alternate translation: “Lord who rules over the whole universe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

932MAT1125p1glἔκρυψας ταῦτα…καὶ ἀπεκάλυψας αὐτὰ1you concealed these things … and revealed them

It is not clear what is meant by these things. If your language needs to specify what is meant, an alternative translation might be best. Alternate translation: “you concealed these truths … and revealed them”

933MAT1125lk8fἔκρυψας ταῦτα ἀπὸ1you concealed these things from

Alternate translation: “you hid these things from” or “you have not made these things known to.” The verb concealed is the opposite of “revealed.”

934MAT1125qw5cfigs-nominaladjἀπὸ σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν1from the wise and discerning

The nominal adjectives wise and discerning can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “from people who are wise and who discern” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

935MAT1125las9figs-ironyσοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν1the wise and discerning

Jesus is using irony. He does not think these people are really wise and discerning. Alternate translation: “people who think they are wise and discerning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

936MAT1125uwu5ἀπεκάλυψας αὐτὰ1revealed them

The pronoun them refers to “these things” earlier in this verse.

937MAT1125b6w5figs-metaphorνηπίοις1to little children

Jesus compares ignorant people to little children. Jesus is emphasizing that many of those who believe him either are not well educated or do not think of themselves as wise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

938MAT1126qp7tfigs-metonymyὅτι οὕτως εὐδοκία ἐγένετο ἔμπροσθέν σου1for thus it was well-pleasing in your sight

The phrase in your sight is a metonym that stands for how a person considers something. Alternate translation: “for you considered it good to do this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

939MAT1127yk5wfigs-activepassiveπάντα μοι παρεδόθη ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου1All things have been entrusted to me from my Father

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “My Father has entrusted all things to me” or “My Father has given everything over to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

940MAT1127gd67πάντα1All things

This could mean: (1) God the Father has revealed everything about himself and his kingdom to Jesus. (2) God has given all authority to Jesus.

941MAT1127j3vkguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

942MAT1127s1asοὐδεὶς ἐπιγινώσκει τὸν Υἱὸν, εἰ μὴ ὁ Πατήρ1no one knows the Son except the Father

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “only the Father knows the Son”

943MAT1127rt5bοὐδεὶς ἐπιγινώσκει1no one knows

The word knows here means more than just being acquainted with someone. It means knowing somoene intimately because of having a special relationship with him.

944MAT1127esp4figs-123personτὸν Υἱὸν1the Son

Jesus was referring to himself as he Son in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

945MAT1127l8xeguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Υἱὸν1the Son

Son is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

946MAT1127w6yqοὐδὲ τὸν Πατέρα τις ἐπιγινώσκει, εἰ μὴ ὁ Υἱὸς1no one knows the Father except the Son

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “only the Son knows the Father”

947MAT1128x978figs-youπάντες οἱ κοπιῶντες καὶ πεφορτισμένοι, κἀγὼ ἀναπαύσω ὑμᾶς1all you who are laboring and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest

Here, you is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

948MAT1128t2jjfigs-metaphorοἱ κοπιῶντες καὶ πεφορτισμένοι1who are laboring and are heavy burdened

Jesus speaks of people being discouraged in their attempts to obey all the laws as if those laws were heavy burdens and the people were laboring to carry them. Alternate translation: “who are discouraged from trying so hard” or “who are discouraged from trying so hard to obey the laws perfectly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

949MAT1128f1w4κἀγὼ ἀναπαύσω ὑμᾶς1and I will give you rest

Alternate translation: “and I will allow you to rest from your labor and burden”

950MAT1129q1yafigs-metaphorἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς1Take my yoke on you

Jesus continues the metaphor. Jesus is inviting the people to become his disciples and follow him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

951MAT1129t1rhfigs-doubletπραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ1I am gentle and humble in heart

Here, gentle and humble in heart mean basically the same thing. Jesus combines them to emphasize that he will be much kinder than the religious leaders. Alternate translation: “I am gentle and humble” or “I am very gentle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

952MAT1129i3qsfigs-metonymyταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ1humble in heart

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

953MAT1129s0trfigs-idiomταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ1humble in heart

The phrase humble in heart is an idiom that means “humble.” Alternate translation: “humble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

954MAT1129i3lsfigs-synecdocheεὑρήσετε ἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν1you will find rest for your souls

Here, souls refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “you will find rest for yourselves” or “you will be able to rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

955MAT1130ynf1figs-parallelismὁ γὰρ ζυγός μου χρηστὸς καὶ τὸ φορτίον μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν1For my yoke is easy and my burden is light

Both of these phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that it is easier to obey him than it is the Jewish law. Alternate translation: “For what I place on you, you will be able to carry because it is light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

956MAT1130tc2gτὸ φορτίον μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν1my burden is light

The word light here is the opposite of heavy, not the opposite of dark.

957MAT12introy7z60

Matthew 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 12:18-21, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Sabbath

This chapter has much to say about how Gods people are to obey the Sabbath. Jesus said that the rules that the Pharisees made up did not help people obey the Sabbath the way God wanted them to. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]])

“Blasphemy against the Spirit”

No one knows for sure what actions people perform or what words they say when they commit this sin. However, they probably insult the Holy Spirit and his work. Part of the Holy Spirits work is to make people understand that they are sinners and that they need to have God forgive them. Therefore, anyone who does not try to stop sinning is probably committing blasphemy against the Spirit. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/blasphemy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Brothers and sisters

Most people call those who have the same parents “brother” and “sister” and think of them as the most important people in their lives. Many people also call those with the same grandparents “brother” and “sister.” In this chapter Jesus says that the most important people to him are those who obey his Father in heaven. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/brother]])

958MAT121m2n1ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ1At that time

This phrase marks a new part of the story where Matthew tells of growing opposition to Jesus ministry. Here, the Pharisees criticize his disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “A little later”

959MAT121tvt9translate-unknownτῶν σπορίμων1the grainfields

A grainfield is a place to plant grain. If wheat is unknown and “grain” is too general, then you can use “fields of the plant they made bread from.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

960MAT121yrf8τίλλειν στάχυας καὶ ἐσθίειν1to pluck heads of grain and to eat them

Picking grain in others fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether one could do this otherwise lawful activity on the Sabbath.

961MAT121zz4rτίλλειν στάχυας καὶ ἐσθίειν1to pluck heads of grain and to eat them

Alternate translation: “to pick some of the wheat and to eat it” or “to pick some of the grain and to eat it”

962MAT121y5vrστάχυας1heads of grain

The heads are the topmost part of the wheat plant. They holds the mature grain or seeds of the plant.

963MAT122swl7ποιοῦσιν ὃ οὐκ ἔξεστιν ποιεῖν ἐν Σαββάτῳ1do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath

Picking grain in others fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether one could do this otherwise lawful activity on the Sabbath.

964MAT122mch7οἱ…Φαρισαῖοι1the Pharisees

This does not mean all of the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “some Pharisees”

965MAT122nh12ἰδοὺ, οἱ μαθηταί σου1Behold, your disciples

The Pharisees use the word Behold to draw attention to what the disciples are doing. Alternate translation: “Look, your disciples”

966MAT123et11αὐτοῖς1to them

Alternate translation: “to the Pharisees”

967MAT123d712figs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε τί ἐποίησεν Δαυεὶδ, ὅτε ἐπείνασεν καὶ οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ1Have you never read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him—

This begins a question that continues into the next verse. Jesus uses the question to respond to the criticism of the Pharisees. Jesus is challenging them to think about the meaning of the scriptures they have read. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I know you have read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him—” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

968MAT124blm5τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ1the house of God

During the time of David there was no temple yet. Alternate translation: “the tabernacle” or “the place for worshiping God”

969MAT124ue7lfigs-explicitτοὺς ἄρτους τῆς Προθέσεως1the loaves of the presence

This refers to the sacred bread that priests placed before God in the tabernacle. Alternate translation: “the bread that the priest placed before God” or “the sacred bread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

970MAT124c6a8τοῖς μετ’ αὐτοῦ1for those with him

Alternate translation: “for the men who were with David”

971MAT124lkx9εἰ μὴ τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν μόνοις1except only for the priests

Alternate translation: “but, according to the law, only the priests could eat it”

972MAT125f79qfigs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε ἐν τῷ νόμῳ, ὅτι τοῖς Σάββασιν οἱ ἱερεῖς ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ τὸ Σάββατον βεβηλοῦσιν, καὶ ἀναίτιοί εἰσιν?1have you not read in the law that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, but are innocent?

Jesus uses a question to respond to the criticism of the Pharisees. Jesus is challenging them to think about the meaning of what they have read in the scriptures. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you have read in the law of Moses that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, but are innocent.” or “You should know that the law teaches that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, but are innocent.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

973MAT125dqe9τὸ Σάββατον βεβηλοῦσιν1profane the Sabbath

Alternate translation: “do on the Sabbath what they would do on any other day”

974MAT125i6y9ἀναίτιοί εἰσιν1are innocent

Alternate translation: “God will not punish them” or “God does not consider them guilty”

975MAT126ji7aλέγω…ὑμῖν1I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

976MAT126k4mnfigs-123personτοῦ ἱεροῦ μεῖζόν1greater than the temple

Jesus was referring to himself as the one who is greater. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) Alternate translation: “I am someone who is more important than the temple”

977MAT127ypj7figs-explicitεἰ δὲ ἐγνώκειτε τί ἐστιν, ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν, οὐκ ἂν κατεδικάσατε τοὺς ἀναιτίους1But if you had known what this is, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent

In this verse, Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea to rebuke the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “The prophet Hosea wrote this long ago: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. If you had understood what this meant, you would not have condemned the innocent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

978MAT127e1juἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν1I desire mercy and not sacrifice

In the law of Moses, God did command the Israelites to offer sacrifices. This means God considers mercy more important than the sacrifice.

979MAT127jw57θέλω1I desire

The pronoun I refers to God.

980MAT127s23lfigs-nominaladjτοὺς ἀναιτίους1the innocent

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word innocent, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “those who are not guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

981MAT128l7g3figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

982MAT128jx98Κύριος…ἐστιν τοῦ Σαββάτου1is Lord of the Sabbath

Alternate translation: “rules over the Sabbath” or “makes the laws about what people can do on the Sabbath”

983MAT129i4890General Information:

Here the scene shifts to a later time when the Pharisees criticize Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath.

984MAT129hns8καὶ μεταβὰς ἐκεῖθεν1And having departed from there

Alternate translation: “After Jesus left the grain fields” or “When Jesus left from there”

985MAT129y4meτὴν συναγωγὴν αὐτῶν1their synagogue

The word their could refer to: (1) the Jews of that town. Alternate translation: “the synogogue” (2) the Pharisees that Jesus had just spoken to, and this was the synagogue that they and other Jews in that town attended. The word their does not mean that the Pharisees owned the synagogue. Alternate translation: “the synagogue that they attended”

986MAT1210kjf6ἰδοὺ1behold

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

987MAT1210xb13ἄνθρωπος χεῖρα ἔχων ξηράν1there was a man having a withered hand

Alternate translation: “there was a man who had a paralyzed hand” or “there was a man with a crippled hand”

988MAT1210t948ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν λέγοντες, εἰ ἔξεστι τοῖς Σάββασιν θεραπεύειν? ἵνα κατηγορήσωσιν αὐτοῦ1they questioned him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbaths?” so that they might accuse him

Alternate translation: “the Pharisees wanted to accuse Jesus of sinning, so they asked him, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?’”

989MAT1210gdj6εἰ ἔξεστι τοῖς Σάββασιν θεραπεύειν?1Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbaths?

Alternate translation: “According to the law of Moses, may a person heal another person on the Sabbaths?”

990MAT1210c1ccfigs-explicitἵνα κατηγορήσωσιν αὐτοῦ1so that they might accuse him

They did not just want to accuse Jesus in front of the people. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to give an answer that contradicted the law of Moses so they could take him before a judge and legally charge him with breaking the law. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

991MAT1211ng4jfigs-rquestionτίς ἔσται ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἕξει πρόβατον ἕν, καὶ ἐὰν ἐμπέσῃ τοῦτο τοῖς Σάββασιν εἰς βόθυνον, οὐχὶ κρατήσει αὐτὸ καὶ ἐγερεῖ?1What man will there be among you, who, will have one sheep, and if it might fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, would not grasp hold of it and lift it out?

Jesus uses a question to respond to the Pharisees. He is challenging them to think about what kind of work they do on the Sabbath. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Every one of you, if you only had one sheep, and if it might fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, would grab the sheep and lift it out.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

992MAT1212s2tuπόσῳ οὖν διαφέρει ἄνθρωπος προβάτου?1How much more valuable, then, is a man than a sheep?

The phrase How much more adds emphasis to the statement. The implied answer is “very much more!” If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Obviously, a man is much more valuable than a sheep!” or “Just think about how much more important a man is than a sheep.”

993MAT1212a9ldἔξεστιν τοῖς Σάββασιν καλῶς ποιεῖν1it is lawful to do good on the Sabbaths

Alternate translation: “those who do good on the Sabbaths are obeying the law”

994MAT1213be8ufigs-quotationsτότε λέγει τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ, ἔκτεινόν σου τὴν χεῖρα.1Then he says to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”

You can translate this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus commanded the man to stretch out his hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

995MAT1213ljl6τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ1to the man

Alternate translation: “to the man with the paralyzed hand” or “to the man with the crippled hand”

996MAT1213s5epἐξέτεινεν1he stretched it out

Alternate translation: “the man stretched it out”

997MAT1213jry3figs-activepassiveἀπεκατεστάθη, ὑγιὴς1it was restored to health

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “it was healthy again” or “it became well again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

998MAT1214w4zlσυμβούλιον ἔλαβον κατ’ αὐτοῦ1took counsel against him

Alternate translation: “planned to harm Jesus”

999MAT1214jdn2ὅπως αὐτὸν ἀπολέσωσιν1so that they might put him to death

Alternate translation: “in order to find a way to kill Jesus”

1000MAT1215d5l9ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς γνοὺς, ἀνεχώρησεν1But Jesus, having perceived this, withdrew

Alternate translation: “But Jesus was aware of what the Pharisees were planning, so he withdrew”

1001MAT1215hw22ἀνεχώρησεν ἐκεῖθεν1withdrew from there

Alternate translation: “departed from there” or “left that place”

1002MAT1216bk1nμὴ φανερὸν αὐτὸν ποιήσωσιν1they might not make him known

Alternate translation: “they would not to tell anyone else about him”

1003MAT1217dc7zἵνα…τὸ ῥηθὲν1so that what had been said

You could start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “This was so that what had been said”

1004MAT1217mcd7τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου1what had been said through Isaiah the prophet

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what God had said long ago through the prophet Isaiah”

1005MAT1218zkt70Connecting Statement:

In verses 18-21, Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus ministry fulfilled scripture.

1006MAT1218f5kzἰδοὺ1Behold

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

1007MAT1218fjw6μου…ᾑρέτισα…μου…μου…θήσω…μου1my … I have chosen … my … my … I will put … my

All occurrences of I and my refer to God. Isaiah is quoting what God said to him.

1008MAT1218yv4fὁ ἀγαπητός μου εἰς ὃν εὐδόκησεν ἡ ψυχή μου1my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased

Alternate translation: “he is my beloved one, and I am very pleased with him”

1009MAT1218s6a4figs-synecdocheεἰς ὃν εὐδόκησεν ἡ ψυχή μου1in whom my soul is well pleased

Here, soul refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “with whom I am very pleased” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1010MAT1218jh8pfigs-explicitκρίσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπαγγελεῖ1he will announce justice to the Gentiles

The means that Gods servant will tell the Gentiles that there will be justice. You can state clearly that God is the one who will bring about justice. Alternate translation: “he will announce to the nations that God give them justice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1011MAT1218tum1figs-abstractnounsκρίσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπαγγελεῖ1he will announce justice to the Gentiles

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun justice, you can express it as “what is right.” Alternate translation: “he will announce to the nations that God will do for them what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1012MAT1219hb2mfigs-metonymyοὐδὲ ἀκούσει τις…τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ1neither will anyone hear his voice

Here people not hearing his voice represents him not speaking loudly. Alternate translation: “he will not speak loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1013MAT1219gj1pοὐκ ἐρίσει…αὐτοῦ1He will not strive … his

Both He and his refer to Gods chosen servant.

1014MAT1219jr87figs-idiomἐν ταῖς πλατείαις1in the streets

This is an idiom that means “publicly.” Alternate translation: “in the cities and towns” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1015MAT1220ii4cοὐ κατεάξει…οὐ σβέσει…ἂν ἐκβάλῃ1He will not break … and he will not quench a smoking flax, until he may lead justice to victory

All occurrences of He and he refer to Gods chosen servant.

1016MAT1220kbu9figs-parallelismκάλαμον συντετριμμένον οὐ κατεάξει, καὶ λίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει1He will not break a bruised reed; and he will not quench a smoking flax

Both of these statements mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1017MAT1220cdk2figs-metaphorκάλαμον συντετριμμένον οὐ κατεάξει, καὶ λίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει1He will not break a bruised reed; and he will not quench a smoking flax

Both of these statements are metaphors emphasizing that Gods servant will be gentle and kind. Both bruised reed and smoking flax represent weak and hurting people. If the metaphor is confusing, you could translate the literal meaning. Alternate translation: “He will be kind to weak people, and he will be gentle to those who are hurting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1018MAT1220m4uzκάλαμον συντετριμμένον1a bruised reed

Alternate translation: “a damaged plant”

1019MAT1220y8mnλίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει1he will not quench a smoking flax

Alternate translation: “he will not put out any smoking flax” or “he will not stop any smoking flax from burning”

1020MAT1220bjg2λίνον τυφόμενον1a smoking flax

This refers to a lamp wick after the flame has gone out and when it is only smoking.

1021MAT1220b6twfigs-abstractnounsἂν ἐκβάλῃ εἰς νῖκος τὴν κρίσιν1he may lead justice to victory

Leading someone to victory represents causing him to be victorious. Causing justice to be victorious represents making things right that had been wrong. Alternate translation: “he makes everything right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1022MAT1221w3rqfigs-synecdocheτῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ1in his name

Here, name refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1023MAT1222nba20General Information:

Here the scene shifts to a later time when the Pharisees accuse Jesus of healing a man by the power of Satan.

1024MAT1222e1g4figs-activepassiveτότε προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ δαιμονιζόμενος, τυφλὸς καὶ κωφός1Then someone was brought to him, blind and mute, demon-possessed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then someone brought to Jesus a man who was blind and mute because a demon was controlling him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1025MAT1222k2vtπροσηνέχθη αὐτῷ…τυφλὸς καὶ κωφός1someone was brought to him, blind and mute

Alternate translation: “a person was brought to him who could not see and could not talk”

1026MAT1223gy5zἐξίσταντο πάντες οἱ ὄχλοι1all the crowds were amazed

Alternate translation: “all the people who had seen Jesus heal the man were greatly surprised”

1027MAT1223ink7ὁ υἱὸς Δαυείδ1the Son of David

Son of David is a title for the Christ or Messiah.

1028MAT1223h8kfυἱὸς1Son

Here, Son means “descendant.”

1029MAT1224wmi1ἀκούσαντες1having heard this

The word this refers to the miracle of the healing of a blind, deaf, and demon-possessed man.

1030MAT1224p1mifigs-doublenegativesοὗτος οὐκ ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια, εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ Βεελζεβοὺλ1He does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul

If your readers would misunderstand double negative not … except, you could express it in a positive form. “He is only able to cast out the demon because he is a servant of Beelzebul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1031MAT1224wj1yοὗτος1He

The Pharisees avoid calling Jesus by name to show they reject him.

1032MAT1224cii4ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων1the prince of the demons

Alternate translation: “the chief of the demons”

1033MAT1225i1sdwriting-proverbsπᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται, καὶ πᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται1Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand

Jesus uses a proverb to respond to the Pharisees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

1034MAT1225ll42figs-parallelismπᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται, καὶ πᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται1Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand

Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that it would not make sense for Beelzebul to use his power to fight other demons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1035MAT1225g9ecfigs-metonymyπᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται1Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate

Here, kingdom refers to those who live in the kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1036MAT1225rvzhfigs-activepassiveπᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται1Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “A kingdom will not last when its people fight among themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1037MAT1225kn8cfigs-metonymyπᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται1every city or house divided against itself will not stand

Here, city refers to the people who live there, and house refers to a family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1038MAT1225xwobfigs-metaphorπᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται1every city or house divided against itself will not stand

Being divided against itself represents its people fighting each other. Alternate translation: “it ruins a city or a family when the people fight each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1039MAT1226i42rfigs-metonymyεἰ ὁ Σατανᾶς τὸν Σατανᾶν ἐκβάλλει1if Satan casts out Satan

The second use of Satan refers to the demons that serve Satan. Alternate translation: “If Satan works against his own demons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1040MAT1226ah7tfigs-rquestionπῶς οὖν σταθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ?1How then will his kingdom stand?

Jesus uses this question to show the Pharisees that what they were saying was illogical. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If Satan were divided against himself, his kingdom would not be able to stand!” or “If Satan were to fight against his own demons, his kingdom would not last!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1041MAT1227nvv9Βεελζεβοὺλ1Beelzebul

Beelzebul refers to the same person as “Satan” (verse 26).

1042MAT1227gee9figs-rquestionοἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν ἐν τίνι ἐκβάλλουσιν?1by whom do your sons cast them out?

Jesus uses another question to challenge the Pharisees. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “then you must say your followers also cast out demons by the power of Beelzebul. But, you know this is not true.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1043MAT1227x9jefigs-metaphorοἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν1your sons

Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees. The phrase your sons refers to their followers. This was a common way of referring to those who follow teachers or leaders. Alternate translation: “your followers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1044MAT1227jja2διὰ τοῦτο, αὐτοὶ κριταὶ ἔσονται ὑμῶν1For this reason they will be your judges

Alternate translation: “Because your followers cast out demons by the power of God, they prove that you are wrong about me.”

1045MAT1228zb4dεἰ δὲ…ἐγὼ1But if I

Here, if does not mean Jesus is questioning how he casts out demons. Here Jesus uses the word to introduce a true statement. Alternate translation: “But because I”

1046MAT1228r5dgfigs-metonymyἄρα ἔφθασεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ1then the kingdom of God has come upon you

Here, kingdom refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “this means God is establishing his rule among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1047MAT1228f1wjfigs-youἔφθασεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς1has come upon you

Here, you is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1048MAT1229t4vufigs-parablesπῶς δύναταί τις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ καὶ τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ἁρπάσαι, ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ τὸν ἰσχυρόν? καὶ τότε τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ διαρπάσει1how is anyone able to enter into the house of the strong man and steal his belongings unless first he might have tied up the strong man? And then he will plunder his house

Jesus uses a parable to continue his response to the Pharisees. Jesus means he can drive out demons because he is more powerful than Satan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1049MAT1229w54cfigs-rquestionπῶς δύναταί τις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ καὶ τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ἁρπάσαι, ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ τὸν ἰσχυρόν?1how is anyone able to enter into the house of the strong man and steal his belongings unless first he might have tied up the strong man?

Jesus uses a question to teach the Pharisees and the crowd. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can enter into the house of the strong man and steal his belongings without tying up the strong man first.” or “If a person wants to enter into the house of the strong man and steal his belongings, he must first tie up the strong man.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1050MAT1229jb6xἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ τὸν ἰσχυρόν?1unless first he might have tied up the strong man

Alternate translation: “without taking control of the strong man first”

1051MAT1229u6vuτότε τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ διαρπάσει1then he will plunder his house

Alternate translation: “then he can steal his possessions”

1052MAT1230ivp9ὁ μὴ ὢν μετ’ ἐμοῦ1The one not being with me

Alternate translation: “The one who does not support me” or “The one who does not work with me”

1053MAT1230gyk8κατ’ ἐμοῦ ἐστιν1is against me

Alternate translation: “opposes me” or “works against me”

1054MAT1230ek1hfigs-metaphorὁ μὴ συνάγων μετ’ ἐμοῦ σκορπίζει1the one not gathering with me scatters

Jesus is using a metaphor that refers to a person either gathering the flock of sheep to a shepherd or making them scatter away from the shepherd. Jesus means that a person is either helping to make people become disciples of Jesus or he is making people reject Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1055MAT1231iy8lλέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1056MAT1231q5hkfigs-youλέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

Here, you is plural. Jesus is speaking directly to the Pharisees, but he is also teaching the crowd. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1057MAT1231hy38figs-activepassiveπᾶσα ἁμαρτία καὶ βλασφημία ἀφεθήσεται τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will forgive every sin that people commit and every evil thing they say” or “God will forgive every person who sins or says evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1058MAT1231ezx8figs-activepassiveἡ…τοῦ Πνεύματος, βλασφημία οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται1the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not forgive the person who speaks evil things about the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1059MAT1232gwx2figs-metonymyὃς ἐὰν εἴπῃ λόγον κατὰ τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1whoever might speak a word against the Son of Man

Here, word refers to what someone says. Alternate translation: “If a person says anything bad about the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1060MAT1232h79zfigs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

1061MAT1232z3mafigs-activepassiveἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ1it will be forgiven him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will forgive a person for that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1062MAT1232hfs4οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ1it will not be forgiven him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not forgive that person”

1063MAT1232lw5jfigs-metonymyοὔτε ἐν τούτῳ τῷ αἰῶνι οὔτε ἐν τῷ μέλλοντι1neither in this age, nor in the one coming

Here, this age and the one coming refer to the present life and the next life. Alternate translation: “in this life or in the next life” or “now or ever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1064MAT1233bi8zwriting-proverbsἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον καλὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ καλόν, ἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον σαπρὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ σαπρόν1Either make a tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad

This could mean: (1) if you make a tree good, its fruit will be good, and if you make the tree bad, its fruit will be bad. (2) this is a proverb that means if you consider a tree to be good, it will be because its fruit is good, and if you consider it tree to be bad, it will be because its fruit is bad. People were to apply its truth to how they can know whether a person is good or bad. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

1065MAT1233kl16καλὸν…σαπρὸν1good … bad

Alternate translation: “healthy … diseased”

1066MAT1233kz12figs-metaphorἐκ γὰρ τοῦ καρποῦ, τὸ δένδρον γινώσκεται1for the tree is recognized by its fruit

Here, fruit is a metaphor for what a person does. Alternate translation: “people know whether a person is good or bad by looking at the results of that persons activities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1067MAT1233nx9nfigs-activepassiveἐκ γὰρ τοῦ καρποῦ, τὸ δένδρον γινώσκεται1for the tree is recognized by its fruit

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people know whether a tree is good or bad by looking at its fruit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1068MAT1234r1uvfigs-metaphorγεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1You offspring of vipers

Here, offspring means “having the characteristic of.” The vipers are poisonous snakes that are dangerous and represent evil. See how you translated a similar phrase in 3:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1069MAT1234pl4gfigs-youγεννήματα…δύνασθε1You offspring … are you able

Both You and you are plural and refer to the Pharisees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1070MAT1234e7x3figs-rquestionπῶς δύνασθε ἀγαθὰ λαλεῖν, πονηροὶ ὄντες?1being evil, how are you able to say good things?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the Pharisees. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “you cannot say good things because you are evil” or “you can only say evil things because you are evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1071MAT1234i7c6figs-synecdocheἐκ…τοῦ περισσεύματος τῆς καρδίας, τὸ στόμα λαλεῖ1out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks

Here, mouth is a synecdoche that represents a person as a whole. Alternate translation: “what a person says comes from his heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1072MAT1234e9bgfigs-metonymyἐκ…τοῦ περισσεύματος τῆς καρδίας, τὸ στόμα λαλεῖ1out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks

Here, heart is a metonym for the thoughts in a persons mind. Alternate translation: “what a person says with his mouth reveals what is in his mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1073MAT1235r3uwfigs-metaphorὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ θησαυροῦ ἐκβάλλει ἀγαθά; καὶ ὁ πονηρὸς ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ θησαυροῦ ἐκβάλλει πονηρά1The good man from his good treasure brings forth good things, and the evil man from his evil treasure brings forth evil things

Jesus speaks about the heart as if it were a container that a person fills with good or evil things. This is a metaphor that means what a person says reveals what the person is truly like. If you want to keep this imagery, see the UST. You can also translate the literal meaning. Alternate translation: “A man who is truly good will speak good things, and the man who is truly evil will speak evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1074MAT1236era6λέγω…ὑμῖν1I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1075MAT1236f1whfigs-metonymyπᾶν ῥῆμα ἀργὸν ὃ λαλήσουσιν1every idle word that they will speak

Here, word refers to something that someone says. Alternate translation: “every harmful thing they will have said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1076MAT1236t2pjοἱ ἄνθρωποι, ἀποδώσουσιν περὶ αὐτοῦ λόγον1men will give an account concerning it

Alternate translation: “God will ask those people about it” or “those people will have to explain it to God”

1077MAT1237qw5efigs-activepassiveδικαιωθήσῃ…καταδικασθήσῃ1you will be justified … you will be condemned

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will justify you … God will condemn you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1078MAT1238mec30Connecting Statement:

The dialogue in verses 38-45 happens immediately after Jesus responded to the Pharisees accusation that he healed a man by the power of Satan.

1079MAT1238aiu6θέλομεν1we wish

Alternate translation: “we want”

1080MAT1238ikg2figs-explicitἀπὸ σοῦ σημεῖον ἰδεῖν1to see a sign from you

You can make explicit why they want to see a sign. Alternate translation: “to see a sign from you that proves what you say is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1081MAT1239d8b9figs-123personγενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς σημεῖον ἐπιζητεῖ, καὶ σημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ1An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given to it

Jesus is speaking to his present generation. Alternate translation: “You are an evil and adulterous generation who demands signs from me, but no sign will be given to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1082MAT1239a5difigs-metaphorγενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς1An … adulterous generation

Here, adulterous is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. Alternate translation: “An evil and unfaithful generation” or “An evil and godless generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1083MAT1239c6hyfigs-activepassiveσημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ1no sign will be given to it

Jesus would not give them a sign because, though he had already performed many miracles, they refused to believe him. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I will not give it a sign” or “God will not give you a sign” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1084MAT1239j21pεἰ μὴ τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ τοῦ προφήτου1except the sign of Jonah the prophet

Alternate translation: “except the same sign God gave to Jonah the prophet”

1085MAT1240vh9ifigs-merismτρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ τρεῖς νύκτας1three days and three nights

Here, days and nights mean complete 24-hour periods. Alternate translation: “three complete days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1086MAT1240iuv8figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

1087MAT1240gg65figs-idiomἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ τῆς γῆς1in the heart of the earth

This phrase refers to the inside a physical grave. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1088MAT1241gnh1ἄνδρες Νινευεῖται1The men of Nineveh

Alternate translation: “The citizens of Nineveh”

1089MAT1241b94iἐν τῇ κρίσει1at the judgment

Alternate translation: “on the judgment day” or “when God judges people”

1090MAT1241x8gmτῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης1this generation

Here, this generation refers to the people living during the time Jesus was preaching.

1091MAT1241duz2figs-metonymyκατακρινοῦσιν αὐτήν1will condemn it

The word condemn could: (1) here represent accusing. Alternate translation: “will accuse this generation of people” (2) mean God will condemn this generation of people because they did not repent as the people of Nineveh had. Alternate translation: “God will condemn this generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1092MAT1241qg29καὶ ἰδοὺ1and behold

The word behold emphasizes what Jesus says next.

1093MAT1241dbs3πλεῖον1something greater

Alternate translation: “someone more important”

1094MAT1241zb6afigs-123personπλεῖον1something greater

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

1095MAT1241a5p8figs-explicitἸωνᾶ ὧδε1than Jonah is here

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Jesus statement. Alternate translation: “than Jonah is here, yet you still have not repented, which is why God will condemn you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1096MAT1242zwv7translate-namesβασίλισσα νότου1The Queen of the South

This refers to the Queen of Sheba. Sheba is a land south of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1097MAT1242kku7ἐγερθήσεται ἐν τῇ κρίσει1will rise up at the judgment

Alternate translation: “will stand up at the judgment”

1098MAT1242z46eἐν τῇ κρίσει1at the judgment

See how you translated this phrase in 12:41.

1099MAT1242zc72τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης1this generation

Here, this generation refers to the people living during the time Jesus was preaching.

1100MAT1242k4lsfigs-metonymyκατακρινεῖ αὐτήν1condemn them

See how you translated a similar statement in 12:41. The word condemn could: (1) here represent accusing. Alternate translation: “will accuse this generation of people” (2) mean God will condemn this generation of people because they did not listen to wisdom as the Queen of the South had. Alternate translation: “God will condemn this generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1101MAT1242q8q8figs-idiomἦλθεν ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς1she came from the ends of the earth

Here, the ends of the earth is an idiom that means “very far away.” Alternate translation: “she came from very far away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1102MAT1242t521grammar-connect-words-phrasesὅτι ἦλθεν ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς ἀκοῦσαι τὴν σοφίαν Σολομῶνος1for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon

This statement explains why the Queen of the South will condemn the people of Jesus generation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1103MAT1242n99zκαὶ ἰδοὺ1and behold

The word behold adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1104MAT1242aj1xπλεῖον1something greater

Alternate translation: “someone more important”

1105MAT1242uf5kfigs-123personπλεῖον1something greater

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

1106MAT1242yra5figs-explicitΣολομῶνος ὧδε1than Solomon is here

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Jesus statement. Alternate translation: “than Solomon is here, yet you do not listen. That is why God will condemn you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1107MAT1243f5jrἀνύδρων τόπων1waterless places

Alternate translation: “dry places” or “places where no people live”

1108MAT1243x2urοὐχ εὑρίσκει1not finding it

Here, it refers to rest.

1109MAT1244gey7τότε λέγει, εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου ἐπιστρέψω ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον.1Then it says, I will return to my house from which I departed.

You can translate this as a statement rather than a quotation. Alternate translation: “So, the unclean spirit decides to return to the house from which it departed”

1110MAT1244ty9bfigs-metaphorεἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου…ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον1to my house from which I departed

Here, my house is a metaphor for the person in whom the unclean spirit was living. Alternate translation: “to the person I left” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1111MAT1244cd4ffigs-activepassiveεὑρίσκει σχολάζοντα σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον1it finds it empty, having been swept out and put in order

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the unclean spirit finds that someone has swept the house clean and has put everything in the house where it belongs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1112MAT1244s6jffigs-metaphorσχολάζοντα σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον1empty and swept out and put in order

Here, swept out and put in order suggests that no one is living in the house. Jesus means when an unclean spirit leaves a person, the person must invite the Holy Spirit to live in him or else the demon will come back. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1113MAT1245bhb4figs-parablesτότε πορεύεται καὶ παραλαμβάνει μεθ’ ἑαυτοῦ ἑπτὰ ἕτερα πνεύματα πονηρότερα ἑαυτοῦ, καὶ εἰσελθόντα κατοικεῖ ἐκεῖ; καὶ γίνεται τὰ ἔσχατα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου χείρονα τῶν πρώτων. οὕτως ἔσται καὶ τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ πονηρᾷ1Then it goes and takes along with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and having entered, they live there. And the end of that man becomes worse than the first. It will be the same way also with this evil generation

Jesus tells a parable to warn the people of the danger of not believing him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1114MAT1245jw1hοὕτως ἔσται καὶ τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ πονηρᾷ1It will be the same way also with this evil generation

This means that if the people of Jesus generation do not believe him and become his disciples, they will be in a worse situation than they were before he came.

1115MAT1246qj8w0General Information:

The arrival of Jesus mother and brothers becomes an opportunity for him to describe his spiritual family.

1116MAT1246ahx7ἰδοὺ1behold

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

1117MAT1246mh5fἡ μήτηρ1his mother

This is Mary, Jesus human mother.

1118MAT1246dq8mοἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ1his brothers

Most people understand his brothers to refer to other sons born to Mary after Jesus—his younger brothers. Some people believe the word brothers here refers to Jesus cousins.

1119MAT1246z97jζητοῦντες…λαλῆσαι1seeking to speak

Alternate translation: “wanting to speak”

1120MAT1247qd32figs-quotationsεἶπεν δέ τις αὐτῷ, ἰδοὺ, ἡ μήτηρ σου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί σου ἔξω ἑστήκασιν ζητοῦντές σοι λαλῆσαι.1Someone said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.”

You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Someone told Jesus that his mother and brothers were outside and wanted to speak to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1121MAT1248jm1yfigs-ellipsisτῷ λέγοντι αὐτῷ1to the one speaking to him

The details of the message the person told Jesus are understood and not repeated here. Alternate translation: “to the one who told Jesus that his mother and brothers wanted to speak to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1122MAT1248e535figs-rquestionτίς ἐστιν ἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ τίνες εἰσὶν οἱ ἀδελφοί μου?1Who is my mother and who are my brothers?

Jesus uses this question to teach the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will tell you who are really my mother and brothers.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1123MAT1249gk62ἰδοὺ1Behold

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

1124MAT1249rxe8figs-metaphorἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου1my mother and my brothers

This is a metaphor that means Jesus disciples belong to Jesus spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1125MAT1250e25cὅστις…ἂν ποιήσῃ1whoever may do

Alternate translation: “anyone who does”

1126MAT1250mq9rguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1of my Father

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

1127MAT1250gn31figs-metaphorαὐτός μου ἀδελφὸς, καὶ ἀδελφὴ, καὶ μήτηρ ἐστίν1he is my brother, and sister, and mother

This is a metaphor meaning that those who obey God belong to Jesus spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1128MAT13intros3lu0

Matthew 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 13:14-15, which are words from the Old Testament.

This chapter begins a new section. It contains some of Jesus parables about the kingdom of heaven.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metonymy

Jesus often says The word heaven when he wants his hearers to think of God, who lives in heaven (13:11).

Implicit information

Speakers usually do not say things that they think their hearers already understand. When Matthew wrote that Jesus “sat beside the sea” (Matthew 13:1), he probably expected his hearers to know that Jesus was about to teach the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Metaphor

Speakers often use words for things that can be touched to speak of things that cannot be touched. Jesus spoke of a bird eating a seed to describe how Satan kept people from understanding Jesus message (13:19).

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Passive voice

Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. For example, “they were scorched” (13:6). You may have to translate the sentence so that it tells the reader who performed the action. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

Parables

The parables were short stories that Jesus told so that people would easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. He also told the stories so that those who did not want to believe in him would not understand the truth (13:11-13).

1129MAT131r4xv0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Jesus begins to teach the crowds, using parables, about the kingdom of heaven.

1130MAT131vx5yἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ1On that day

These events happened on the same day as those in the previous chapter.

1131MAT131cy1tἐξελθὼν…τῆς οἰκίας1having gone out of the house

It is not mentioned at whose house Jesus was staying.

1132MAT131zjb3figs-explicitἐκάθητο παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν1was sitting beside the sea

It is implied that the reason he sat down was to teach the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1133MAT132d16zfigs-explicitὥστε αὐτὸν εἰς πλοῖον ἐμβάντα καθῆσθαι1so that, having stepped into a boat, he sat down

It is implied that Jesus got into a boat because it would make it easier to teach the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1134MAT132jge7translate-unknownπλοῖον1a boat

This boat was probably an open, wooden fishing boat with a sail. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1135MAT133e99p0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who sows seeds.

1136MAT133f5mvκαὶ ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς πολλὰ ἐν παραβολαῖς1And he spoke many things to them in parables

Alternate translation: “And Jesus told them many things in parables”

1137MAT133w5p3αὐτοῖς1to them

Alternate translation: “to the people in the crowd”

1138MAT133m97rἰδοὺ1Behold

The word Behold calls attention to what is to be said next. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you” or “Look” or “Listen”

1139MAT133ur64ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρων τοῦ σπείρειν1a sower went out to sow

Alternate translation: “a farmer went out to scatter seeds in a field”

1140MAT134c6g6καὶ ἐν τῷ σπείρειν αὐτὸν1And as he sowed

Alternate translation: “And as the farmer scattered the seed”

1141MAT134v7r8παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν1beside the road

Here, road may refer to a path next to the field. The ground there would have been hard from people walking on it.

1142MAT134qr2dκατέφαγεν αὐτά1devoured them

Alternate translation: “ate all the seeds”

1143MAT135l2g6τὰ πετρώδη1the rocky ground

This is ground full of rocks with just a thin layer of soil on top of the rocks.

1144MAT135ql87καὶ εὐθέως ἐξανέτειλεν1And immediately they sprang up

Alternate translation: “And the seeds quickly sprouted and grew”

1145MAT136qq5xfigs-activepassiveἐκαυματίσθη1they were scorched

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the sun scorched the plants, and they became too hot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1146MAT136az8lἐξηράνθη1they were dried up

Alternate translation: “the plants became dry and died”

1147MAT137ugc9ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ τὰς ἀκάνθας1fell among the thorn plants

Alternate translation: “fell where plants with thorns grew”

1148MAT137vt8zἀπέπνιξαν αὐτά1choked them

Translate choked with a word your language uses for the way weeds prevent other plants from growing well. Alternate translation: “choked the new sprouts” or “crowded around the new plants and prevented them from growing”

1149MAT138iwv2ἐδίδου καρπόν1produced fruit

Alternate translation: “grew more seeds” or “gave more grain”

1150MAT138e91efigs-ellipsisὃ μὲν ἑκατὸν, ὃ δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ὃ δὲ τριάκοντα1some one 100 times as much, and some 60, and some 30

The words “seeds,” “produced,” and “crop” are understood from the previous phrase. These can be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: “some seeds produced 100 times as much crop, some seeds produced 60 times as much crop, and some seeds produced 30 times as much crop” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1151MAT139q2e2figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω1The one having ears, let him hear

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase having ears here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in 11:15. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1152MAT139gkv1figs-123personὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω1The one having ears, let him hear

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated a similar phrase in 11:15. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1153MAT1310p8yc0General Information:

Jesus explains to his disciples why he teaches with parables.

1154MAT1311fc5nfigs-activepassiveὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι τὰ μυστήρια τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν, ἐκείνοις δὲ οὐ δέδοται1To you has been given to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those it has not been given

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has given to you to understand mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but God has not given it to these people” or “God has made you able to understand mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but he has not enabled these people to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1155MAT1311xq2vfigs-explicitὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι τὰ μυστήρια τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν, ἐκείνοις δὲ οὐ δέδοται1To you has been given to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those it has not been given

You can state the implied information clearly. Alternate translation: “God has given you the privilege of understanding mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but God has not given it to these people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1156MAT1311rcd3figs-youὑμῖν1To you has been given to understand

The word you is plural here and refers to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1157MAT1311ah6ufigs-metonymyτὰ μυστήρια τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule. The phrase kingdom of the heavens occurs only in the book of Matthew. If possible, try to keep it in your translation. Alternate translation: “the secrets about our God in heaven and his rule” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1158MAT1312j3rlὅστις…ἔχει1whoever has

Alternate translation: “whoever has understanding” or “whoever receives what I teach”

1159MAT1312v61yfigs-activepassiveδοθήσεται1it will be given

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will give him more understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1160MAT1312xsr5ὅστις…οὐκ ἔχει2whoever does not have

Alternate translation: “whoever does not have understanding” or “whoever does not receive what I teach”

1161MAT1312bl5sfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1even what he has will be taken away from him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will take away even what he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1162MAT1313v6pbαὐτοῖς…οὐ βλέπουσιν…οὐκ ἀκούουσιν1to them … they do not see … they do not hear

All occurrences of them and they refer to the people in the crowd.

1163MAT1313uk7jfigs-parallelismὅτι βλέποντες οὐ βλέπουσιν, καὶ ἀκούοντες οὐκ ἀκούουσιν, οὐδὲ συνίουσιν1because seeing, they do not see; and hearing, they do not hear nor understand

Jesus uses this parallelism to tell and emphasize to the disciples that the crowd refuses to understand Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1164MAT1313ae8kβλέποντες1seeing

This could refer to: (1) them seeing what Jesus does. Alternate translation: “though they see what I do” (2) their ability to see. Alternate translation: “though they are able to see”

1165MAT1313nbi3figs-metaphorοὐ βλέπουσιν1they do not see

Here, see represents understanding. Alternate translation: “they do not understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1166MAT1313j4bgἀκούοντες1hearing

This could refer to: (1) them hearing what Jesus teaches. Alternate translation: “though they hear what I say” (2) their ability to hear. Alternate translation: “though they are able to hear”

1167MAT1313gq65figs-metaphorοὐκ ἀκούουσιν1they do not hear

Here, hear represents listening well. Alternate translation: “they do not listen well” or “they do not pay attention” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1168MAT1314jz9nκαὶ ἀναπληροῦται αὐτοῖς ἡ προφητεία Ἠσαΐου ἡ λέγουσα1And to them the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “And they are fulfilling what God said long ago through the prophet Isaiah”

1169MAT1314z2esfigs-parallelismἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε; καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε1In hearing you will hear, but you may certainly not understand; and seeing, you will see, but you may certainly not perceive

This begins a quote from the prophet Isaiah about the unbelieving people of Isaiahs day. Jesus uses this quote to describe the very crowd that was listening to him. These statements are again parallel and emphasize that the people refused to understand Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1170MAT1314a1imfigs-explicitἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε1In hearing you will hear, but you may certainly not understand

You can make explicit what the people will hear. Alternate translation: “You will hear what God says through the prophets, but you will not understand its true meaning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1171MAT1314emu1figs-explicitβλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε1seeing, you will see, but you may certainly not perceive

You can make explicit what the people will see. Alternate translation: “you will see what God does through the prophets, but you will not understand it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1172MAT1315lu8ufigs-metaphorἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν, καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν; μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν, καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν, καὶ ἐπιστρέψωσιν καὶ ἰάσομαι αὐτούς1For the heart of this people has become dull, and their ears heard with difficulty, and they closed their eyes, lest they might see with their eyes, and might hear with their ears, and might understand with their hearts, and they might turn back, and I will heal them

In 13:15 God describes the people of Israel as if they have physical diseases that cause them to be unable to learn, to see, and to hear. God wants them to come to him so he will heal them. This is all a metaphor describing the peoples spiritual condition. It means the people are stubborn and refuse to receive and understand Gods truth. If they would, then they would repent and God would forgive them and welcome them back as his people. If the meaning is clear, keep the metaphor in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1173MAT1315fy7mfigs-metonymyἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου1For the heart of this people has become dull

Here, heart refers to the mind. Alternate translation: “For these peoples minds are slow to learn” or “For these people can no longer learn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1174MAT1315q87mfigs-metonymyτοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν1their ears heard with difficulty

They are not physically deaf. Here, heard with difficulty means they refuse to listen and learn Gods truth. Alternate translation: “they refuse to use their ears to listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1175MAT1315y7t7figs-metonymyτοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν1they closed their eyes

They have not literally closed their eyes. This means they refuse to understand. Alternate translation: “they refuse to use their eyes to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1176MAT1315fl93μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν, καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν, καὶ ἐπιστρέψωσιν1lest they might see with their eyes, and might hear with their ears, and might understand with their hearts, and they might turn back

Alternate translation: “so that they are not able to see with their eyes, hear with their ears, or understand with their heart, and as a result turn again”

1177MAT1315sr25figs-metonymyτῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν1might understand with their hearts

The word hearts here is a metonym for peoples innermost being. You may need to use the word in your language for the source of peoples thinking and feelings. Alternate translation: “understand with their minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1178MAT1315ps56ἐπιστρέψωσιν1they might turn back

Alternate translation: “they might turn back to me” or “they might repent”

1179MAT1315q1h9figs-metaphorἰάσομαι αὐτούς1I will heal them

Here, to heal them means God would restore them spiritually by forgiving their sins and receiving them again as his people. Alternate translation: “have me receive them again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1180MAT1316yhe4figs-parallelismὑμῶν δὲ μακάριοι οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ὅτι βλέπουσιν, καὶ τὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν ὅτι ἀκούουσιν1But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that they have pleased God because they have believed what Jesus has said and done. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1181MAT1316glp8figs-synecdocheὑμῶν δὲ μακάριοι οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ὅτι βλέπουσιν1But blessed are your eyes, for they see

Here, eyes refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “You are blessed because your eyes are able to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1182MAT1316rlt3figs-youὑμῶν…ὑμῶν1your … your

Both occurrences of your are plural and refer to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1183MAT1316jp32figs-synecdocheτὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν ὅτι ἀκούουσιν1your ears, for they hear

Here, ears refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you, for you hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1184MAT1316xczhfigs-ellipsisτὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν ὅτι ἀκούουσιν1your ears, for they hear

You can clearly explicitly the implied information. Alternate translation: “you are blessed because your ears are able to hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1185MAT1317mg58ἀμὴν, γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν1For truly I say to you

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

1186MAT1317bsj7figs-youὑμῖν…βλέπετε…ἀκούετε1to you … you see … you hear

All occurrences of you are plural and refer to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1187MAT1317e6cifigs-explicitἃ βλέπετε1the things you see

You can state explicitly what they have seen. Alternate translation: “the things you have seen me do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1188MAT1317q14wfigs-explicitἃ ἀκούετε1the things you hear

You can state explicitly what they have heard. Alternate translation: “the things you have heard me say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1189MAT1318w35t0Connecting Statement:

Here Jesus begins to explain to his disciples the parable about a person who sows seeds, which he began in 13:3.

1190MAT1319v2d7τὸν λόγον τῆς βασιλείας1the word of the kingdom

Alternate translation: “the message about Gods rule as king”

1191MAT1319a8nufigs-metaphorἔρχεται ὁ πονηρὸς καὶ ἁρπάζει τὸ ἐσπαρμένον ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart

Jesus speaks of Satan causing the person to forget what he has heard as if Satan were a bird snatching the seed from the ground. Alternate translation: “The evil one causes him to forget the message that he has heard just as a bird snatches away seed from the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1192MAT1319sb7ufigs-explicitὁ πονηρὸς1the evil one

Here, the evil one refers to Satan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1193MAT1319pt4dἁρπάζει1snatches away

Translate snatches with a word in your language that means to grab something away from someone who is the rightful owner.

1194MAT1319r9u6figs-activepassiveτὸ ἐσπαρμένον ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1what has been sown in his heart

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the message that God sowed in his heart” or “the message that he heard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1195MAT1319xi8ffigs-metonymyἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1in his heart

Here, heart refers to the mind of the hearer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1196MAT1319wfd3οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν σπαρείς1This is what was sown beside the road

Alternate translation: “This is the meaning of the seed that was sown beside the road” or “The road where seed was sown represents this person”

1197MAT1319xgz5παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν1beside the road

See how you translated this in 13:4.

1198MAT1320l5ivfigs-explicitὁ δὲ ἐπὶ τὰ πετρώδη σπαρείς1Now that sown on the rocky ground

The phrase that sown refers to seed that fell. Alternate translation: “Now the seed that fell on rocky ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1199MAT1320w4f9ὁ δὲ ἐπὶ τὰ πετρώδη σπαρείς, οὗτός ἐστιν1Now that sown on rocky ground, this is

Alternate translation: “Now the rocky ground where seed was sown represents” or “Now the rocky ground where seed fell represents”

1200MAT1320e3hmὁ τὸν λόγον ἀκούων1the one hearing the word

In the parable, the seed represents the word.

1201MAT1320cl6gfigs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1the word

Here, the word represents Gods message. Alternate translation: “the message” or “Gods teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1202MAT1320z76ffigs-metaphorμετὰ χαρᾶς λαμβάνων αὐτόν1receiving it with joy

Believing the word is spoken of as receiving it. Alternate translation: “joyfully believing it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1203MAT1321zg9qfigs-metaphorοὐκ ἔχει δὲ ῥίζαν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, ἀλλὰ πρόσκαιρός ἐστιν1But he has no root in himself, but is temporary

The root represents what makes a person continue to believe Gods message. Alternate translation: “But like a plant that does not grow deep roots, he only endures for a little while” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1204MAT1321lim9figs-metaphorεὐθὺς σκανδαλίζεται1immediately he is caused to stumble

Here, is caused to stumble means stops believing. Alternate translation: “he quickly stops believing the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1205MAT1322d4h5figs-explicitὁ…σπαρείς1that which has been sown

This refers to seed that was sown or that fell. Alternate translation: “the seed that was sown” or “the seed that fell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1206MAT1322rcj8ὁ δὲ εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας σπαρείς1Now that which has been sown among the thorn plants

Alternate translation: “Now the ground with the thorn plants where seed was sown”

1207MAT1322anm5οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ1this is the one

Alternate translation: “this represents the person”

1208MAT1322a3u1τὸν λόγον1the word

Alternate translation: “the message” or “Gods teaching”

1209MAT1322q2nhfigs-metaphorἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου καὶ ἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου συνπνίγει τὸν λόγον1the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word

Jesus speaks about the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches distracting a person from obeying Gods word as if they were weeds that could wind around a plant and keep it from growing. Alternate translation: “as weeds prevent good plants from growing, the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches keep this person from listening to Gods word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1210MAT1322xa8rἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου1the cares of this age

Alternate translation: “the things in this world that people worry about”

1211MAT1322wwf5figs-personificationἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου1the deceitfulness of riches

Jesus describes riches as if it were a person who could deceive someone. This means people think having more money will make them happy, but it will not. Alternate translation: “the love of money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1212MAT1322gn6zfigs-metaphorἄκαρπος γίνεται1it becomes unfruitful

The person is spoken of as if he were a plant. Being unfruitful represents being unproductive. Alternate translation: “he becomes unproductive” or “he does not do what God wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1213MAT1323xw4bὁ…ἐπὶ τὴν καλὴν γῆν σπαρείς1that which has been sown on the good soil

Alternate translation: “the good soil where seeds were sown”

1214MAT1323ptb8figs-metaphorὃς δὴ καρποφορεῖ καὶ ποιεῖ, ὃ1who indeed bears fruit, and some yield

The person is spoken of as if he were a plant. Alternate translation: “like a healthy plant that is productive, some bear a crop that yields” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1215MAT1323wm3pfigs-ellipsisποιεῖ, ὃ μὲν ἑκατὸν, ὃ δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ὃ δὲ τριάκοντα1some yield 100 times, and some 60, and some 30

The phrase “as much as was planted” is understood following each of these numbers. See how you translated this in 13:8. Alternate translation: “some people produce 100 times as much as was planted, some produce 60 times as much, and some produce 30 times as much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1216MAT1324l5yxfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Here Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1217MAT1324k8pufigs-simileὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν, ἀνθρώπῳ1The kingdom of the heavens is like a man

The translation should not equate the kingdom of the heavens to a man, but rather the kingdom of the heavens is like the situation described in the parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1218MAT1324f8j5figs-metonymyὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of the heavens is like

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase kingdom of the heavens is used only in Matthew. if possible, use heavens in your translation. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1219MAT1324u21kfigs-explicitκαλὸν σπέρμα1good seed

The audience probably thought that Jesus was talking about wheat. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) Alternate translation: “good food seeds” or “good grain seeds”

1220MAT1325zn8vἦλθεν αὐτοῦ ὁ ἐχθρὸς1his enemy came

Alternate translation: “his enemy came to the field”

1221MAT1325q4tvζιζάνια1darnel

The darnel that was sown looks like food plants when it is young, but its grain is poison. Alternate translation: “bad seed” or “weed seeds”

1222MAT1326lea1ὅτε δὲ ἐβλάστησεν ὁ χόρτος1But when the blades sprouted

Alternate translation: “But when the wheat seeds sprouted” or “But after the plants came up”

1223MAT1326jgv9καρπὸν ἐποίησεν1produced fruit

Alternate translation: “produced grain” or “produced the wheat crop”

1224MAT1326tu4qτότε ἐφάνη καὶ τὰ ζιζάνια1then the darnel became visible also

Alternate translation: “then people could see there were weeds in the field also”

1225MAT1327h51xτοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου1of the landowner

The landowner is the same person who sowed good seed in his field.

1226MAT1327gr7dfigs-rquestionοὐχὶ καλὸν σπέρμα ἔσπειρας ἐν τῷ σῷ ἀγρῷ?1did you not sow good seed in your field?

The servants used a question to emphasize their surprise. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “you sowed good seed in your field!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1227MAT1327fb86figs-metonymyοὐχὶ…ἔσπειρας1did you not sow

The landowner probably had his servants plant the seeds. Alternate translation: “did we not sow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1228MAT1328r83zὁ δὲ ἔφη αὐτοῖς1But he was saying to them

Alternate translation: “But the landowner said to the servants”

1229MAT1328num8θέλεις οὖν1Therefore, do you want us

The word us refers to the servants.

1230MAT1329c9jcὁ δέ φησιν1But he says

Alternate translation: “But the landowner said to his servants”

1231MAT1330z36afigs-quotationsἐρῶ τοῖς θερισταῖς, συλλέξατε πρῶτον τὰ ζιζάνια καὶ δήσατε αὐτὰ εἰς δέσμας πρὸς τὸ κατακαῦσαι αὐτά; τὸν δὲ σῖτον συναγάγετε εἰς τὴν ἀποθήκην μου.1I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the darnel and tie them in bundles to burn them up, but gather the wheat into my barn.”

You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “I will tell the reapers to first gather up the darnel and tie them in bundles to burn them, and then gather the wheat into my barn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1232MAT1330ll14τὴν ἀποθήκην1barn

A barn is a farm building that can be used for storing grain, animals, and other farm items.

1233MAT1331tdf4figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a very small seed that grows into a very big plant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1234MAT1331jw7ufigs-metonymyὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of the heavens is like

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase kingdom of the heavens is used only in Matthew. if possible, use heavens in your translation. See how you translated this in 13:24. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1235MAT1331qby8translate-unknownκόκκῳ σινάπεως1a mustard seed

A mustard seed is a very small seed that grows into a large plant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1236MAT1332gyi1figs-explicitὃ μικρότερον μέν ἐστιν πάντων τῶν σπερμάτων1which is indeed the smallest of all the seeds

Mustard seeds were the smallest seeds known to the original hearers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1237MAT1332x65dὅταν δὲ αὐξηθῇ1But when it may grow

Alternate translation: “But when the plant has grown”

1238MAT1332um9kμεῖζον…ἐστὶν1it is greater than

Alternate translation: “it is larger than”

1239MAT1332g6v8γίνεται δένδρον1becomes a tree

A mustard plant can grow about 2 to 4 meters tall—the height of a small tree.

1240MAT1332c9teτὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1the birds of the sky

Alternate translation: “the birds”

1241MAT1333a1thfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about the effect that yeast has on flour. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1242MAT1333z94kfigs-simileὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν ζύμῃ1The kingdom of heaven is like yeast

The kingdom is not like the yeast, but the spread of the kingdom is like the spreading of the yeast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1243MAT1333w8sbfigs-metonymyὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of the heavens is like

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase kingdom of the heavens is used only in Matthew. if possible, use heavens in your translation. See how you translated this in 13:24. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1244MAT1333r88gtranslate-bvolumeἀλεύρου σάτα τρία1three measures of flour

You can translate this phrase as “a large amount of flour” or use a term that your culture uses for measuring large amounts of flour. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])

1245MAT1333c35rfigs-explicitγυνὴ ἐνέκρυψεν εἰς ἀλεύρου σάτα τρία, ἕως οὗ ἐζυμώθη ὅλον1a woman mixed with three measures of flour until it all was leavened

The implied information is that the yeast and the three measures of flour were made into dough for baking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1246MAT1334nt7ufigs-parallelismταῦτα πάντα ἐλάλησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐν παραβολαῖς τοῖς ὄχλοις, καὶ χωρὶς παραβολῆς οὐδὲν ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς1All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables; and he was speaking nothing to them without a parable

Both sentences mean the same thing. They are combined to emphasize that Jesus taught the crowds only with parables. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1247MAT1334n54eταῦτα πάντα1All these things

Here, All these things refers to what Jesus taught beginning at 13:1.

1248MAT1334a5c7figs-doublenegativesχωρὶς παραβολῆς οὐδὲν ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς1he was speaking nothing to them without a parable

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative nothing … without, you can express it in a positive way. Alternate translation: “everything he taught them he said in parables” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1249MAT1335ybq5figs-activepassiveπληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος1what had been said through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what God told one of the prophets to write long ago might come true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1250MAT1335p3tbλέγοντος1saying

Alternate translation: “when the prophet said”

1251MAT1335f9glἀνοίξω ἐν παραβολαῖς τὸ στόμα μου; ἐρεύξομαι κεκρυμμένα ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1

Here the author quotes from the Psalms to show that Jesus teaching in parables fulfilled prophecy.

1252MAT1335n1pafigs-idiomἀνοίξω…τὸ στόμα μου1I will open my mouth

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

1253MAT1335yx6yfigs-activepassiveκεκρυμμένα1what has been hidden

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “things that God has kept hidden” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1254MAT1335th8tἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1from the foundation of the world

Alternate translation: “since the beginning of the world” or “since God created the world”

1255MAT1336pq2h0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to the house where Jesus and his disciples were staying. Jesus begins to explain to them the parable of the field that had both wheat and weeds, which he told beginning in 13:24.

1256MAT1336x5w7ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν1he went into the house

Alternate translation: “he went indoors” or “he went into the house where he was staying”

1257MAT1337aj8fὁ σπείρων τὸ καλὸν σπέρμα1The one sowing the good seed

Alternate translation: “The one who sows the good seed” or “The sower of the good seed”

1258MAT1337xj4sfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is referring to himself as the Son of Man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1259MAT1338h9izfigs-idiomοἱ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας1the sons of the kingdom

The idiom sons of refers to those who belong to or to have the same character as someone or something. Alternate translation: “the people who belong to the kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1260MAT1338eni3figs-metonymyτῆς βασιλείας1of the kingdom

Here, kingdom refers to God the king. Alternate translation: “of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1261MAT1338edu7figs-idiomοἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ πονηροῦ1the sons of the evil one

The idiom sons of refers those who belong to or to have the same character as someone or something. Alternate translation: “the people who belong to the evil one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1262MAT1339sgx2ὁ…ἐχθρὸς, ὁ σπείρας αὐτά1the enemy who sowed them

Alternate translation: “the enemy who sowed the weeds”

1263MAT1340rn64figs-activepassiveὥσπερ οὖν συλλέγεται τὰ ζιζάνια καὶ πυρὶ κατακαίεται1Therefore, just as the darnel are gathered up and burned with fire

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “Therefore, as people gather up weeds and burn them in the fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1264MAT1341fiy4figs-123personἀποστελεῖ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ1The Son of Man will send out his angels

Here Jesus is speaking of himself as the Son of Man. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, will send out my angels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1265MAT1341ptw9τοὺς ποιοῦντας τὴν ἀνομίαν1those doing lawlessness

Alternate translation: “those who are lawless” or “evil people”

1266MAT1342d9mdfigs-metaphorτὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός1the furnace of fire

This is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term furnace is not known, “oven” can be used. Alternate translation: “fiery furnace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1267MAT1342zu3jtranslate-symactionὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1weeping and grinding of teeth

Here, grinding of teeth is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in 8:12. Alternate translation: “weeping and showing that they are suffering very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1268MAT1343u6smfigs-simileἐκλάμψουσιν ὡς ὁ ἥλιος1will shine as the sun

If this simile is not understandable in your language, you can use: “will be as easy to see as the sun.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1269MAT1343sea2guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτῶν1of their Father

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

1270MAT1343zxh2figs-metonymyὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω1The one having ears, let him hear

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase having ears here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in 11:15. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1271MAT1343sak5figs-123personὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω1The one having ears, let him hear

Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this in 11:15. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1272MAT1344fjm1figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

In verses 44-46, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling two parables about people who sold their possessions to purchase something of great value. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1273MAT1344e9cvfigs-metonymyὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of the heavens is like

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase kingdom of the heavens is used only in Matthew. if possible, use heavens in your translation. See how you translated this in 13:24. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1274MAT1344u9jqfigs-activepassiveὁμοία ἐστὶν…θησαυρῷ κεκρυμμένῳ ἐν τῷ ἀγρῷ1is like a treasure hidden in a field

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “is like a treasure that someone had hidden in a field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1275MAT1344k9rhθησαυρῷ1a treasure

A treasure is a very valuable and precious thing or collection of things.

1276MAT1344hu7fἔκρυψεν1hid

Alternate translation: “covered it up”

1277MAT1344jtv2figs-explicitπωλεῖ πάντα ὅσα ἔχει, καὶ ἀγοράζει τὸν ἀγρὸν ἐκεῖνον1sells everything, as much as he has, and buys that field

The implied information is that the person buys the field to take possession of the hidden treasure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1278MAT1345c633figs-explicitὁμοία…ἀνθρώπῳ ἐμπόρῳ ζητοῦντι καλοὺς μαργαρίτας1like a man, a merchant, seeking fine pearls

The implied information is that the man was looking for valuable pearls that he could buy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1279MAT1345khy6ἀνθρώπῳ ἐμπόρῳ1a man, a merchant

A merchant is a trader or wholesale dealer who often obtains merchandise from distant places.

1280MAT1345b88qtranslate-unknownκαλοὺς μαργαρίτας1fine pearls

A pearl is a smooth, hard, shiny, white or light-colored bead formed inside mollusks in the sea and highly prized as a gem or to make into valuable jewelry. Alternate translation: “fine valuable” or “beautiful pearls” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1281MAT1347vw24figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about fishermen who use a large net to catch fish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1282MAT1347g79nfigs-simileὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν σαγήνῃ1the kingdom of the heavens is like a net

The kingdom is not like the net, but the kingdom draws all kinds of people like a net catches all kinds of fish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1283MAT1347rjm4figs-metonymyὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of the heavens is like

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase kingdom of the heavens is used only in Matthew. if possible, use heavens in your translation. See how you translated this in 13:24. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1284MAT1347vrp4figs-activepassiveὁμοία…σαγήνῃ βληθείσῃ εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν1like a net having been cast into the sea

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “like a net that some fishermen cast into the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1285MAT1347kbz2βληθείσῃ εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν1having been cast into the sea

Alternate translation: “that was thrown into the sea”

1286MAT1347t9v6ἐκ παντὸς γένους συναγαγούσῃ1having gathered from every kind

Alternate translation: “having caught all kinds of fish”

1287MAT1348kf47ἀναβιβάσαντες ἐπὶ τὸν αἰγιαλὸν1they drew up on the beach

Alternate translation: “they pulled the net up onto the beach” or “they pulled the net ashore”

1288MAT1348cnp7τὰ καλὰ1the good things

Alternate translation: “the good fish”

1289MAT1348qi2zτὰ…σαπρὰ2the worthless things

Alternate translation: “the bad fish” or “the inedible fish”

1290MAT1348aqu2ἔξω ἔβαλον1they threw away

Alternate translation: “they did not keep”

1291MAT1349q1msἐξελεύσονται1will come

Alternate translation: “will come out” or “will go out” or “will come from heaven”

1292MAT1349ah2kfigs-nominaladjτοὺς πονηροὺς ἐκ μέσου τῶν δικαίων1the wicked from among the righteous

If your language does not use the nominal adjectives wicked and righteous, you can express them as adjectives. Alternate translation: “the wicked people from the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1293MAT1350hwv1βαλοῦσιν αὐτοὺς1they will throw them

Alternate translation: “the angels will throw the wicked people”

1294MAT1350j8nffigs-metaphorτὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός1the furnace of fire

This is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term furnace is not known, you can translate it as “oven.” See how you translated this in 13:42. Alternate translation: “the fiery furnace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1295MAT1350mc8ttranslate-symactionὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1weeping and grinding of teeth

Here, grinding of teeth is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in 8:12. Alternate translation: “weeping and expressing their extreme suffering.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1296MAT1351d3wg0Connecting Statement:

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who manages a household. This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus teaching the crowds about the kingdom of heaven through using parables.

1297MAT1351p5ejfigs-quotationsσυνήκατε ταῦτα πάντα? λέγουσιν αὐτῷ, ναί.1Have you understood all these things?” They say to him, “Yes.”

If necessary, both direct quotations can be translated as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: “Jesus asked them if they had understood all this, and they said that they did understand.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1298MAT1352g4ddfigs-metonymyμαθητευθεὶς τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1who has been discipled for the kingdom of the heavens

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase kingdom of the heavens is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “has learned the truth about our God in heaven, who is king” or “has submitted himself to Gods rule” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1299MAT1352gr36figs-parablesὅμοιός ἐστιν ἀνθρώπῳ οἰκοδεσπότῃ, ὅστις ἐκβάλλει ἐκ τοῦ θησαυροῦ αὐτοῦ καινὰ καὶ παλαιά1is like a man, an owner of a house, who draws out new things and old things from his treasure

Jesus speaks another parable. He compares scribes, who know very well the scriptures that Moses and the prophets wrote, and who also now accept Jesus teachings, to a house owner who uses both old and new treasures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1300MAT1352g59cτοῦ θησαυροῦ αὐτοῦ1his treasure

A treasure is a very valuable and precious thing or a collection of things. Here it may refer to the place where these things are stored, the “treasury” or “storeroom.”

1301MAT1353jwv2καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε1And it happened that when

This phrase shifts the story from Jesus teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “And then” or “And after”

1302MAT1354qnh90General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through 17:27, where Matthew tells of continued opposition to Jesus ministry and teaching about the kingdom of heaven. Here, the people of Jesus home town reject him.

1303MAT1354q3mlfigs-explicitτὴν πατρίδα αὐτοῦ1his hometown

Here, his hometown refers to the town of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1304MAT1354j6vbἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ αὐτῶν1in their synagogue

The pronoun their is referring to the people of the region.

1305MAT1354it1fἐκπλήσσεσθαι αὐτοὺς1they were astonished

Alternate translation: “they were amazed”

1306MAT1354b3d2figs-explicitπόθεν τούτῳ ἡ σοφία αὕτη καὶ αἱ δυνάμεις?1From where to this one is this wisdom and these miracles?

The people believed that Jesus was just an ordinary man. Alternate translation: “How can an ordinary man like this be so wise and do such great miracles?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1307MAT1354etwpfigs-rquestionπόθεν τούτῳ ἡ σοφία αὕτη καὶ αἱ δυνάμεις?1From where to this one is this wisdom and these miracles?

The people use this question to express their amazement that he was so wise and was able to do miracles. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is strange that he is able to speak with such wisdom and do these miracles!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1308MAT1355rk5efigs-rquestionοὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ τοῦ τέκτονος υἱός? οὐχ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ λέγεται Μαριὰμ, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ, Ἰάκωβος, καὶ Ἰωσὴφ, καὶ Σίμων, καὶ Ἰούδας?1Is not this the son of the carpenter? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Judas?

The crowd uses these questions to express their belief that they know who Jesus is and that he is just an ordinary man. If your readers would misunderstand these questions, you can express them as statements. Alternate translation: “He is just the son of a carpenter. We know his mother Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1309MAT1355rpj9ὁ τοῦ τέκτονος υἱός1the son of the carpenter

A carpenter is someone who makes things with wood or stone. If carpenter is not known, “builder” can be used.

1310MAT1356m9pnfigs-rquestionαἱ ἀδελφαὶ αὐτοῦ οὐχὶ πᾶσαι πρὸς ἡμᾶς εἰσιν?1are not all his sisters with us?

The crowd uses this question to express their belief that they know who Jesus is and that he is just an ordinary man. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “all his sisters are with us, too.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1311MAT1356bnv1figs-rquestionπόθεν οὖν τούτῳ ταῦτα πάντα?1From where therefore to this one are all these things?

The crowd uses this question to show their understanding that Jesus must have gotten his abilities from somewhere. They were probably expressing their doubt that he got his abilities from God. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “He must have gotten his ability to do these things from somewhere!” or “We do not know where he got these abilities!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1312MAT1356pqf1ταῦτα πάντα1all these things

Here, all these things refers to Jesus wisdom and ability to do miracles.

1313MAT1357f5mdfigs-activepassiveἐσκανδαλίζοντο ἐν αὐτῷ1they were offended by him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the people of Jesus hometown took offense at him” or “the people rejected Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1314MAT1357azn4figs-doublenegativesοὐκ ἔστιν προφήτης ἄτιμος1A prophet is not without honor

You can state this double-negative not … without in positive form. Alternate translation: “A prophet receives honor everywhere” or “People everywhere honor a prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1315MAT1357sq8jτῇ πατρίδι1his hometown

Alternate translation: “his own region”

1316MAT1357w4x8ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτοῦ1in his own family

Alternate translation: “in his own home”

1317MAT1358e2cpοὐκ ἐποίησεν ἐκεῖ δυνάμεις πολλὰς1he did not do many miracles there

Alternate translation: “Jesus did not do many miracles in his own hometown”

1318MAT14introg5mc0

Matthew 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Verses 1 and 2 continue the account from chapter 13. Verses 3-12 stop the account and speak of things that happened earlier, possibly soon after Satan tempted Jesus (see 4:12). Verse 13 continues the account from verse 2. Be sure to have words in verses 3-12 that tell the reader that Matthew has stopped his account to give new information before he continues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Passive voice

Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. For example, the writer does not tell who brought Johns head to Herodiass daughter (14:11). You may have to translate the sentence so that it tells the reader who performed the action. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1319MAT141zl7xfigs-events0General Information:

These verses explain Herods reaction when he heard about Jesus. This event happens some time after the events that follow in the narrative. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

1320MAT141q8h5ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ1At that time

Alternate translation: “In those days” or “While Jesus was ministering in Galilee”

1321MAT142pd1bεἶπεν1he said

Alternate translation: “Herod said”

1322MAT142nx7xἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν1has been raised from the dead

The words from the dead speak of all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from the dead speaks of coming alive again.

1323MAT142vve7διὰ τοῦτο αἱ δυνάμεις ἐνεργοῦσιν ἐν αὐτῷ1because of this, miraculous powers are at work in him

Some Jews at that time believed if a person came back from the dead he would have powers to do mighty things.

1324MAT143zgp9figs-events0Connecting Statement:

Here the author begins to tell about how Herod had executed John the Baptist. These events occur some time before the event in the previous verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

1325MAT143d3gpfigs-events0For John was saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

If needed, you can present the events of 14:3-4 in the order that they happened, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

1326MAT143h466figs-metonymyὁ γὰρ Ἡρῴδης κρατήσας τὸν Ἰωάννην, ἔδησεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ ἀπέθετο1For Herod, having arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison

It says that Herod did these things because he ordered others to do them for him. Alternate translation: “Herod ordered his soldiers to arrest and bind John the Baptist and put him in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1327MAT143lr92translate-namesτὴν γυναῖκα Φιλίππου1the wife of Philip

Philip was Herods brother. Herod had taken Philips wife to be his own wife. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1328MAT144n1t6figs-quotationsἔλεγεν γὰρ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης, οὐκ ἔξεστίν σοι ἔχειν αὐτήν.1For John was saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

This direct quotation can be expressed as an indirect quote, if needed. Alternate translation: “For John had said to Herod that it was not lawful for Herod to have Herodias as his wife.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1329MAT144r8lhἔλεγεν γὰρ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης1For John was saying to him

Alternate translation: “For John had kept saying to Herod”

1330MAT144nb2jfigs-explicitοὐκ ἔξεστίν1It is not lawful

Philip was still alive when Herod married Herodias. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1331MAT145hg9fἐφοβήθη1he feared

Alternate translation: “Herod feared”

1332MAT145w7uvαὐτὸν εἶχον1they regarded him

Alternate translation: “they regarded John”

1333MAT146fvs5figs-explicitἐν τῷ μέσῳ1in the midst

You can make explicit the implicit information. Alternate translation: “in the midst of the guests attending the birthday celebration” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1334MAT148rhk5figs-activepassiveἡ δὲ προβιβασθεῖσα ὑπὸ τῆς μητρὸς αὐτῆς1But having being urged beforehand by her mother

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But after her mother instructed her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1335MAT148wi8sἡ δὲ προβιβασθεῖσα1But having being urged beforehand

Alternate translation: “But having been coached beforehand”

1336MAT148ya5zφησίν1she said

Alternate translation: “the daughter of Herodias said to Herod”

1337MAT148ruy4πίνακι1a platter

A platter is a very large plate used for serving food.

1338MAT149s8zpfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐλυπήθη ὁ βασιλεὺς1And the king, having been grieved

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “And although her request made the king very upset” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1339MAT149a1erὁ βασιλεὺς1The king

Alternate translation: “King Herod”

1340MAT149j6nufigs-activepassiveἐκέλευσεν δοθῆναι1commanded it to be granted to her

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “ordered his men to do what she said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1341MAT1411nd5rfigs-activepassiveἠνέχθη ἡ κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ πίνακι, καὶ ἐδόθη τῷ κορασίῳ1his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1342MAT1411pba6πίνακι1a platter

A platter is a very large plate used for serving food. See how you translated this in verse 8.

1343MAT1411lqb6τῷ κορασίῳ1to the girl

Translate girl with the word for a young, unmarried girl.

1344MAT1412fl47οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1his disciples

Alternate translation: “the disciples of John”

1345MAT1412ni1qτὸ πτῶμα1the corpse

Alternate translation: “the dead body”

1346MAT1412mq89figs-explicitἐλθόντες, ἀπήγγειλαν τῷ Ἰησοῦ1having come, they reported it to Jesus

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the disciples of John went and told Jesus what had happened to John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1347MAT1413id97writing-background0General Information:

Verses 13-14 give background information about the miracle that Jesus is about to perform by feeding five thousand people in verses 15-21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1348MAT1413ds5wδὲ1Now

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

1349MAT1413dvq4ἀκούσας1having heard this

Alternate translation: “having heard what happened to John” or “having heard the news about John”

1350MAT1413ia39figs-explicitὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνεχώρησεν1Jesus withdrew

It is implied that Jesus disciples went with him. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples left” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1351MAT1413zlh8ἐκεῖθεν1from there

Alternate translation: “from that place”

1352MAT1413i7uuκαὶ ἀκούσαντες, οἱ ὄχλοι1And having heard of it, the crowds

Alternate translation: “And when the crowds heard where Jesus had gone, they” or “And when the crowds heard that he had left, they”

1353MAT1413u6nrοἱ ὄχλοι1the crowds

Alternate translation: “the crowds of people” or “the huge group of people” or “the people”

1354MAT1413ipm9figs-idiomπεζῇ1on foot

Here, on foot means that the people in the crowd were walking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1355MAT1414d8n3καὶ ἐξελθὼν1And having come out

Alternate translation: “And when Jesus came ashore”

1356MAT1415gcu90Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus feeding five thousand people with only five small loaves of bread and two small fish.

1357MAT1415xa7nπροσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ1the disciples came to him

Alternate translation: “Jesus disciples came to him”

1358MAT1416qwk1οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν1They have no need

Alternate translation: “It is not necessary for the people in the crowd”

1359MAT1416r5gdfigs-youδότε αὐτοῖς ὑμεῖς1You give them

The word You is plural, referring to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1360MAT1417tm5tοἱ δὲ λέγουσιν αὐτῷ1But they say to him

Alternate translation: “But the disciples said to Jesus”

1361MAT1417ih48πέντε ἄρτους1five loaves

A loaf of bread is a lump of dough that is shaped and baked.

1362MAT1418szx6φέρετέ μοι ὧδε αὐτούς1Bring them here to me

Alternate translation: “Bring the loaves and fish to me”

1363MAT1419vp7rἀνακλιθῆναι1to recline

Use the verb for the position people in your culture usually are in when they eat. Alternate translation: “lie down” or “sit down”

1364MAT1419u613figs-idiomλαβὼν1he took

This does not mean that he stole them. Alternate translation: “he held in his hands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1365MAT1419i34uκλάσας, ἔδωκεν…τοὺς ἄρτους1having broken it, he gave the loaves

Alternate translation: “after tearing the loaves into pieces, he gave them”

1366MAT1419bf1aτοὺς ἄρτους1the loaves

Alternate translation: “the pieces of the loaves of bread”

1367MAT1419t7eiἀναβλέψας1Having looked up

This could refer to: (1) while they were looking up. (2) after they looked up.

1368MAT1420l2h8figs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν1and were filled

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until they were full” or “until they were no longer hungry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1369MAT1420p73gἦραν1they took up

Alternate translation: “the disciples gathered up” or “some people gathered up”

1370MAT1421wv59οἱ δὲ ἐσθίοντες1Now those eating

Alternate translation: “Now those who ate the bread and the fish”

1371MAT1421als7translate-numbersἄνδρες…πεντακισχίλιοι15,000 men

Alternate translation: “five thousand men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1372MAT1422yp8l0General Information:

Verses 22-24 give background information about the miracle that Jesus is about to perform of walking on water.

1373MAT1422wt1tκαὶ εὐθέως ἠνάγκασεν1And immediately he made

Alternate translation: “And as soon as Jesus had finished feeding all the people, he made”

1374MAT1423d27uὀψίας δὲ γενομένης1Now evening having come about

Alternate translation: “Now late in the evening” or “Now when it became dark”

1375MAT1424vzd1ἦν βασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων1was being tossed about by the waves

Alternate translation: “and the disciples could not control the boat because of the large waves”

1376MAT1425pmw8τετάρτῃ δὲ φυλακῇ τῆς νυκτὸς1Now in the fourth watch of the night

The fourth watch is between 3 AM and sunrise. Alternate translation: “Now just before dawn”

1377MAT1425t1vpπεριπατῶν ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν1walking on the sea

Alternate translation: “walking on top of the water”

1378MAT1426q9qsἐταράχθησαν1were greatly troubled

Alternate translation: “were very afraid”

1379MAT1426h7dfφάντασμά1a ghost

The people of that time believes that a ghost was a spirit that has left the body of a person who had died.

1380MAT1428w2plἀποκριθεὶς δὲ αὐτῷ, ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν1but answering him, Peter said

Alternate translation: “but Peter answered Jesus and said”

1381MAT1430sk3jfigs-idiomβλέπων…τὸν ἄνεμον ἰσχυρὸν1seeing the strong wind

Here, seeing the wind means he became aware of the wind. Alternate translation: “when Peter saw that the wind was tossing the waves back and forth” or “when he realized how strong the wind was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1382MAT1431bd2vὀλιγόπιστε, εἰς τί1You of little faith, why

Jesus addressed Peter this way because Peter became afraid. It can also be translated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have so little faith! Why”

1383MAT1431ia1dfigs-explicitεἰς τί ἐδίστασας?1why did you doubt?

You can make explicit what Peter doubted. Alternate translation: “why did you doubt that I could keep you from sinking?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1384MAT1431cr9ifigs-rquestionεἰς τί ἐδίστασας1why did you doubt?

Jesus uses a question to tell Peter that he should not have doubted. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “you should not have doubted!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1385MAT1433u8puguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ Υἱὸς1the Son of God

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

1386MAT1434cv3fκαὶ διαπεράσαντες1And having crossed over

Alternate translation: “And when Jesus and his disciples had crossed over the lake”

1387MAT1434x9nutranslate-namesΓεννησαρέτ1Gennesaret

Gennesaret is a small town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1388MAT1435xd7cἀπέστειλαν1sent

Alternate translation: “sent messages”

1389MAT1436ql3yκαὶ παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν1And they were begging him

Alternate translation: “And the sick people were begging him”

1390MAT1436x8jvτοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ1of his garment

Alternate translation: “of his robe” or “of what he was wearing”

1391MAT1436mw8nfigs-activepassiveδιεσώθησαν1were healed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “became well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1392MAT15introi9a50

Matthew 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 15:8-9, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The “traditions of the elders”

The “traditions of the elders” were oral laws that the Jewish religious leaders developed because they wanted to make sure that everyone obeyed the law of Moses. However, they often worked harder to obey these rules than to obey the law of Moses itself. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for this, and they became angry as a result. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Jews and Gentiles

The Jews of Jesus time thought that only Jews could please God by the way they lived. Jesus healed a Canaanite Gentile womans daughter to show his followers that he would accept both Jews and Gentiles as his people.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Sheep

The Bible often speaks of people as if they were sheep because sheep need someone to take care of them. This is because they do not see well and they often go to where other animals can kill them easily. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1393MAT151q6afwriting-newevent0General Information:

The scene shifts to events that occurred some time after events of the previous chapter. Here Jesus responds to the criticisms of the Pharisees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1394MAT152j1b8figs-rquestionδιὰ τί οἱ μαθηταί σου παραβαίνουσιν τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων?1Why do your disciples violate the traditions of the elders?

The Pharisees and scribes use this question to criticize Jesus and his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your disciples do not respect the rules that our ancestors have given us.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1395MAT152yn6lτὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων1the traditions of the elders

These traditions of the elders are not the same as the law of Moses. This refers to later teachings and interpretations of the law given by religious leaders after Moses.

1396MAT152gfn6figs-explicitοὐ…νίπτονται τὰς χεῖρας1they do not wash their hands

This washing is not only to clean hands. This refers to a ceremonial washing according to the tradition of the elders. Alternate translation: “they do not wash their hands properly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1397MAT153ia1efigs-rquestionδιὰ τί καὶ ὑμεῖς παραβαίνετε τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ διὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν?1Why do you also violate the commandment of God because of your traditions?

Jesus answers with a question to criticize what the religious leaders do. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “And I see that you refuse to obey Gods commands just so that you can follow what your ancestors taught you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1398MAT154srz60General Information:

In verse 4, Jesus quotes twice from Exodus to show how God expects people to treat their parents.

1399MAT154qmm7θανάτῳ τελευτάτω1let him die the death

Alternate translation: “the people must surely execute him”

1400MAT155ql75figs-youὑμεῖς1But you say

Here, you is plural and refers to the Pharisees and scribes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1401MAT156vr6yfigs-quotesinquotesοὐ μὴ τιμήσει τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ1he will certainly not honor his father

The words beginning with “But you say” (verse 5) have a quotation within a quotation. If necessary you can translate them as indirect quotations. “But you teach that a person does not need to honor his parents by giving them something that may help them if the person tells his parents that he has already given it as a gift to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

1402MAT156q3ktfigs-explicitοὐ μὴ τιμήσει τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ1he will certainly not honor his father

It is implied that his father means “his parents.” This means the religious leaders taught that a person does not need to show respect to his parents by taking care of them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1403MAT156znt9ἠκυρώσατε τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1you have made void the word of God

Here, word of God refers specifically to his commands. Alternate translation: “you have treated the word of God as if it were invalid” or “you have ignored Gods commands”

1404MAT156yq5aδιὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν1because of your traditions

Alternate translation: “because you want to follow your traditions”

1405MAT157t4fq0General Information:

In verses 8 and 9, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to rebuke the Pharisees and scribes.

1406MAT157wv77καλῶς ἐπροφήτευσεν περὶ ὑμῶν Ἠσαΐας1Well did Isaiah prophesy about you

Alternate translation: “Isaiah told the truth in this prophecy about you”

1407MAT157n4tifigs-explicitλέγων1saying

It is implied that Isaiah is speaking what God told him. Alternate translation: “when he told what God said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1408MAT158qw69figs-metonymyὁ λαὸς οὗτος τοῖς χείλεσίν με τιμᾷ1This people honors me with their lips

Here, lips refers to speaking. Alternate translation: “These people say all the right things to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1409MAT158bz91με…ἐμοῦ1me … me

Both occurrences of me refer to God.

1410MAT158wuw3figs-metonymyἡ δὲ καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ1but their heart is far from me

Here, heart refers to a persons thoughts or emotions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1411MAT158q7vmfigs-idiomἡ δὲ καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ1but their heart is far away from me

This phrase is a way of saying the people are not truly devoted to God. Alternate translation: “but they do not really love me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1412MAT159jf93μάτην δὲ σέβονταί με1But they worship me in vain

Alternate translation: “But their worship means nothing to me” or “But they only pretend to worship me”

1413MAT159vvb9ἐντάλματα ἀνθρώπων1the commandments of men

Alternate translation: “the rules that people make up”

1414MAT1511s28yfigs-metonymyεἰσερχόμενον εἰς τὸ στόμα…ἐκπορευόμενον ἐκ τοῦ στόματος1enters into the mouth … what comes out of the mouth

Jesus is contrasting what a person eats to what a person says. Jesus means that God is concerned with what a person says rather than what a person eats. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1415MAT1512l2ujfigs-activepassiveοἱ Φαρισαῖοι ἀκούσαντες τὸν λόγον ἐσκανδαλίσθησαν1the Pharisees, having heard this word, were offended

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this statement made the Pharisees angry” or “this statement offended the Pharisees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1416MAT1513n5ijfigs-metaphorπᾶσα φυτεία ἣν οὐκ ἐφύτευσεν ὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος ἐκριζωθήσεται1Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted

Jesus speaks of the Pharisees as if they were worthless plants that his Father would uproot. This means the Pharisees do not actually belong to God, so God will remove them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1417MAT1513j49eguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος1my heavenly Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1418MAT1513hs4tfigs-activepassiveἐκριζωθήσεται1will be uprooted

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “my Father will uproot” or “he will take out of the ground” or “he will remove” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1419MAT1514r167ἄφετε αὐτούς1Let them go!

The word them refers to the Pharisees.

1420MAT1514ai9xfigs-metaphorὁδηγοί εἰσιν τυφλοί τυφλὸς, δὲ τυφλὸν ἐὰν ὁδηγῇ, ἀμφότεροι εἰς βόθυνον πεσοῦνται1They are blind guides. But if the blind might guide the blind, both will fall into a pit

Jesus speaks of the Pharisees as if they were blind people trying to guide other blind people. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not understand Gods commands or how to please him. Therefore, they cannot teach others how to please God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1421MAT1515cje40Connecting Statement:

Peter asks Jesus to explain the parable that Jesus told in verses13-14.

1422MAT1515shg6ἡμῖν1to us

Alternate translation: “to us disciples”

1423MAT1516al9zfigs-rquestionἀκμὴν καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀσύνετοί ἐστε?1Are you also still without understanding?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples for not understanding the parable. Also, the word you is emphasized. Jesus cannot believe his own disciples do not understand. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you, my disciples, still do not understand what I teach!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1424MAT1517l5ntfigs-rquestionοὔπω νοεῖτε ὅτι πᾶν τὸ εἰσπορευόμενον εἰς τὸ στόμα, εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν χωρεῖ, καὶ εἰς ἀφεδρῶνα ἐκβάλλεται?1Do you not yet understand that everything that enters into the mouth passes into the stomach and is passed out into the latrine?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples for not understanding the parable. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you that everything that enters into the mouth passes into the stomach and is passed out into the latrine.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1425MAT1517s833εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν χωρεῖ1passes into the stomach

Alternate translation: “goes into the stomach”

1426MAT1517s9z6ἀφεδρῶνα1the latrine

A latrine a polite term for the place where people bury body waste.

1427MAT1518ca1wfigs-metonymyτὰ…ἐκπορευόμενα ἐκ τοῦ στόματος1the things that proceed out from the mouth

This phrase refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “the words that a person says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1428MAT1518x14kfigs-metonymyἐκ τῆς καρδίας1from the heart

Here, heart refers to a persons mind or innermost being. Alternate translation: “from inside the person” or “from a persons mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1429MAT1519rg59φόνοι1murder

Murder is the act of killing innocent people.

1430MAT1520bme7ἀνίπτοις χερσὶν φαγεῖν1to eat with unwashed hands

This refers to eating without first ceremonially washing ones hands according to the traditions of the elders. Alternate translation: “eating without first washing ones hands”

1431MAT1521e5gv0General Information:

This begins an account of Jesus healing the daughter of a Canaanite woman.

1432MAT1521t81ufigs-explicitὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνεχώρησεν1Jesus withdrew

It is implied that the disciples went with Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples went away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1433MAT1522x1wmἰδοὺ, γυνὴ Χαναναία…ἐξελθοῦσα1behold, a Canaanite woman having come out

The word behold alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: “Now there was a Canaanite woman who came”

1434MAT1522jt94γυνὴ Χαναναία ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων ἐκείνων ἐξελθοῦσα, ἔκραζεν1a Canaanite woman having come out from that region, was crying out

The country of Canaan no longer existed by this time. This woman was a part of a people group that lived near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. Alternate translation: “a woman who was from that region and who belonged to the group of people called Canaanites came and cried out”

1435MAT1522f4k2figs-explicitἐλέησόν με1Have mercy on me

This phrase implies that the woman is asking Jesus to heal her daughter. Alternate translation: “Have mercy and heal my daughter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1436MAT1522xs64Υἱὸς Δαυείδ1Son of David

Jesus was not Davids literal son, so this may be translated as “Descendant of David.” However, Son of David is also a title for the Messiah, and the woman may have been calling Jesus by this title.

1437MAT1522j6rtfigs-activepassiveἡ θυγάτηρ μου κακῶς δαιμονίζεται1My daughter is severely demon-possessed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “A demon is controlling my daughter terribly” or “A demon is tormenting my daughter severely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1438MAT1523hd2ifigs-metonymyοὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῇ λόγον1did not answer her a word

Here, word refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “said nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1439MAT1524t9gafigs-activepassiveοὐκ ἀπεστάλην1I was not sent

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God did not send me to anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1440MAT1524u9t4figs-metaphorεἰς τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ1to the lost sheep of the house of Israel

This is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of Israel to sheep who have gone away from their shepherd. See how you translated this in 10:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1441MAT1525ch7c1she

Alternate translation: “the Canaanite woman”

1442MAT1525u3jjtranslate-symactionπροσεκύνει αὐτῷ1bowed down to him

This action shows that the woman humbled herself before Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1443MAT1526ihz4writing-proverbsοὐκ ἔστιν καλὸν λαβεῖν τὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων καὶ βαλεῖν τοῖς κυναρίοις1It is not good to take the bread of the children and to throw it to the little dogs

Jesus responds to the woman with a proverb. The basic meaning is that it is not right to take what is supposed to belong to Jews and give it to non-Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

1444MAT1526a5bcfigs-synecdocheτὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων1the bread of the children

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

1445MAT1526fe7nτοῖς κυναρίοις1to the little dogs

The Jews considered dogs to be unclean animals. Here they are used as an image for non-Jews.

1446MAT1527yvw1figs-metaphorκαὶ…τὰ κυνάρια ἐσθίει ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τῶν κυρίων αὐτῶν1even the little dogs eat from the crumbs that fall from the tables of their masters

The woman responds by using the same imagery as Jesus used in the proverb he just spoke. She means non-Jews should be able to have a small amount of the good things Jews are throwing away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1447MAT1527i5ttτὰ κυνάρια1the little dogs

Use words here for dogs of any size that people keep as pets. See how you translated this in 15:26.

1448MAT1528tea2figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω1let it be done

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I will do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1449MAT1528n229figs-activepassiveἰάθη ἡ θυγάτηρ αὐτῆς1her daughter was healed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed her daughter” or “her daughter became well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1450MAT1528wwq3figs-idiomἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης1from that hour

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “at exactly the same time” or “immediately” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1451MAT1529np6ewriting-background0General Information:

Verses 29-31 give background information about the miracle that Jesus is about to perform by feeding four thousand people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1452MAT1530c8tdχωλούς, τυφλούς, κυλλούς, κωφούς1the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute

Alternate translation: “those who could not walk, those who could not see, those whose arms or legs did not function, those who could not talk”

1453MAT1530yf7iἔρριψαν αὐτοὺς παρὰ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ1they laid them at his feet

Apparently some of these sick or crippled people were unable to stand up, so when their friends brought them to Jesus, they placed them on the ground in front of him. Alternate translation: “the crowds placed the sick people on the ground in front of Jesus”

1454MAT1531pi52figs-activepassiveκυλλοὺς ὑγιεῖς1the crippled made well

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the crippled become well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1455MAT1531be52figs-nominaladjκυλλοὺς…χωλοὺς…τυφλοὺς1the crippled … the lame … the blind

If your readers would misunderstand these nominal adjectives, you could express them as adjectives. Alternate translation: “people who were crippled … people who were lame … people who were blind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1456MAT1532z28i0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus feeding 4,000 people with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.

1457MAT1532efc2νήστεις…μήποτε ἐκλυθῶσιν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ1hungry, lest they may faint on the way

Alternate translation: “without eating because they might faint on the way”

1458MAT1533uhi3figs-rquestionπόθεν ἡμῖν ἐν ἐρημίᾳ, ἄρτοι τοσοῦτοι ὥστε χορτάσαι ὄχλον τοσοῦτον?1From where would be to us in a wilderness enough bread to satisfy so large a crowd?

The disciples use a question to state that there is nowhere to get food for the crowd. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nowhere in this wilderness where we can get enough bread for such a large crowd.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1459MAT1534k86lfigs-ellipsisἑπτά, καὶ ὀλίγα ἰχθύδια1Seven, and a few small fish

The understood information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Seven loaves of bread, and a few small fish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1460MAT1535x13qἀναπεσεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν1to recline on the ground

Use your languages word for how people customarily eat when there is no table, whether sitting or lying down.

1461MAT1536x7kcἔλαβεν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἄρτους καὶ τοὺς ἰχθύας1he took the seven loaves and the fish

Alternate translation: “Jesus held the seven loaves and the fish in his hands”

1462MAT1536dcr4ἔκλασεν1he broke them

Alternate translation: “he broke the loaves”

1463MAT1536a9s4ἐδίδου1was giving them

Alternate translation: “continued giving the bread and the fish”

1464MAT1537fc8gἦραν1they took away

Alternate translation: “the disciples gathered up” or “some people gathered up”

1465MAT1538udk7οἱ…ἐσθίοντες1those eating

Alternate translation: “the people who ate”

1466MAT1538z66mtranslate-numbersτετρακισχίλιοι ἄνδρες14,000 men

Alternate translation: “four thousand men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1467MAT1539be43τὰ ὅρια1the region

Alternate translation: “the area”

1468MAT1539m8dptranslate-namesΜαγαδάν1of Magadan

This region is sometimes called “Magdala.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1469MAT16introza2k0

Matthew 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yeast

Jesus spoke of the way people thought about God as if it were bread, and he spoke of what people taught about God as if it were the yeast that makes bread dough become larger and the baked bread taste good. He did not want his followers to listen to what the Pharisees and Sadducees taught. This was because if they did listen, they would not understand who God is and how he wants his people to live. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Jesus told his people to obey his commands. He did this by telling them to “follow” him. It is as if he were walking on a path and they were walking after him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Background information

Matthew continues his account from chapter 15 in verses 1-20. The account stops in verse 21 so Matthew can tell the reader that Jesus told his disciples again and again that people would kill him after he arrived in Jerusalem. Then the account continues in verses 22-27 with what happened the first time Jesus told the disciples that he would die.

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

1470MAT161t7p5πειράζοντες1testing him

Here, testing is used in a negative sense. Alternate translation: “challenging him” or “wanting to trap him”

1471MAT164jl3efigs-123personγενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς1An evil and adulterous generation

Jesus is speaking to his present generation. Alternate translation: “You are an evil and adulterous generation” See how you translated this in 12:39. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1472MAT164fhx6figs-metaphorγενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς1An evil and adulterous generation

Here, adulterous is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. See how you translated this in 12:39. Alternate translation: “An unfaithful generation” or “A godless generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1473MAT164d9eqfigs-activepassiveσημεῖον…οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ2a sign will not be given to it

Jesus would not give them a sign because, though he had already performed many miracles, they refused to believe him. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. See how you translated this in 12:39. Alternate translation: “I will not give it a sign” or “God will not give you a sign” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1474MAT164dep2εἰ μὴ τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ1except the sign of Jonah

See how you translated this in 12:39. Alternate translation: “except the same sign God gave to Jonah the prophet”

1475MAT165ii6j0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to a later time. Jesus uses an opportunity to warn his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees.

1476MAT165si9kfigs-ellipsisτὸ πέραν1the other side

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the other side of the lake” or “the other side of the Sea of Galilee” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1477MAT166hfz2figs-metaphorτῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων1the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

Here, yeast is a metaphor that refers to evil ideas and wrong teaching. Translate as yeast here and do not explain its meaning in your translation. This meaning will be made clear in 16:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1478MAT167huw7διελογίζοντο ἐν ἑαυτοῖς1were reasoning among themselves

Alternate translation: “were discussing this with each other” or “were thinking about this”

1479MAT168mg8sὀλιγόπιστοι1You of little faith

Jesus addresses his disciples this way because their concern about not bringing bread shows they have little faith in Jesus to provide for them. See how you translated this in 6:30. Alternate translation: “You who have such little faith”

1480MAT168zz4ifigs-rquestionτί διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ὀλιγόπιστοι, ὅτι ἄρτους οὐκ ἔχετε?1why do you reason among yourselves that it is because you do not have bread?

Jesus uses this question to rebuke his disciples for not understanding what he just said. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you think it was because you forgot to bring bread that I talked about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1481MAT169h5bgfigs-rquestionοὔπω νοεῖτε, οὐδὲ μνημονεύετε τοὺς πέντε ἄρτους τῶν πεντακισχιλίων, καὶ πόσους κοφίνους ἐλάβετε?1Do you not yet perceive nor remember the five loaves of the 5,000, and how many baskets you gathered up?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you remember the five loaves of the 5,000, and how many baskets you gathered up!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1482MAT169ux51translate-numbersτῶν πεντακισχιλίων1of the 5,000

Alternate translation: “of the five thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1483MAT1610ejm5figs-rquestionοὐδὲ τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἄρτους τῶν τετρακισχιλίων, καὶ πόσας σπυρίδας ἐλάβετε?1Or the seven loaves of the 4,000, and how many baskets you took up?

Jesus uses a question to rebuke his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you also remember the seven loaves of the 4,000, and how many baskets you took up!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1484MAT1610b11xtranslate-numbersτῶν τετρακισχιλίων1of the 4,000

Alternate translation: “of the four thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1485MAT1611mb2zfigs-rquestionπῶς οὐ νοεῖτε, ὅτι οὐ περὶ ἄρτων εἶπον ὑμῖν?1How do you not understand that I did not speak to you about bread?

Jesus uses this question to rebuke the disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have understood that I was not really speaking about bread.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1486MAT1611i7x6figs-metaphorτῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων1the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

Here, yeast represents evil ideas and wrong teaching. Translate as “yeast” and do not explain the meaning in your translation. In 16:12 the disciples will understand the meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1487MAT1612f73lσυνῆκαν1they understood

Here, they refer to the disciples.

1488MAT1613e5cm0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to a later time. Jesus asks his disciples if they understand who he is.

1489MAT1613pye3δὲ1Now

Now is used here to mark a break in the main story line or to introduce a new person. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story.

1490MAT1613e1jhfigs-123personτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

Jesus is referring to himself as the Son of Man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1491MAT1616n5wiguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος1the Son of the living God

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

1492MAT1616r1h7τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος1of the living God

Here, living contrasts the God of Israel to all the false gods and idols that people worshiped. Only the God of Israel is alive and has power to act.

1493MAT1617le6atranslate-namesΣίμων Βαριωνᾶ1Simon Bar Jonah

Alternate translation: “Simon son of Jonah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1494MAT1617dfw5figs-synecdocheσὰρξ καὶ αἷμα οὐκ ἀπεκάλυψέν1flesh and blood did not reveal this

Here, flesh and blood refers to a human being. Alternate translation: “a human did not reveal this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1495MAT1617wix3οὐκ ἀπεκάλυψέν1did not reveal this

Here, this refers to Peters statement that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the Living God.

1496MAT1617v5lwfigs-ellipsisἀλλ’ ὁ Πατήρ μου, ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1but my Father who is in the heavens

You can make the understood information explicit. Alternate translation: “but it was my Father in the heavens who revealed this to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1497MAT1617gi3lguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ μου1my Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1498MAT1618z897κἀγὼ δέ σοι λέγω1And I also say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1499MAT1618th3dfigs-explicitσὺ εἶ Πέτρος1you are Peter

The name Peter means “rock.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1500MAT1618x43dfigs-metaphorἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέτρᾳ οἰκοδομήσω μου τὴν ἐκκλησίαν1upon this rock I will build my church

Here, build my church is a metaphor for uniting the people who believe in Jesus into a community. The phrase this rock could represent: (1) Peter. (2) the truth that Peter had just said in 16:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1501MAT1618vu9ufigs-metonymyπύλαι ᾍδου οὐ κατισχύσουσιν αὐτῆς1the gates of Hades will not prevail against it

Here, Hades represents death, and its gates represent its power. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1502MAT1618l6o0figs-metaphorπύλαι ᾍδου οὐ κατισχύσουσιν αὐτῆς1the gates of Hades will not prevail against it

Here, Hades is spoken of as if it were a city surrounded by walls with gates that keep dead people in and other people out. This could mean: (1) Jesus is saying the powers of death will not overcome his church. (2) Jesus is saying his church will break down the power of death the way an army breaks into a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1503MAT1619ysk8figs-youδώσω σοι1I will give to you

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

1504MAT1619pp5dfigs-metaphorτὰς κλεῖδας τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the keys of the kingdom of the heavens

Keys are objects that are used to lock or unlock doors. Here they represent authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1505MAT1619kc3kfigs-metonymyτῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of the heavens

This refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase kingdom of the heavens is used only in the book of Matthew. if possible, use heavens in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1506MAT1619ef9cfigs-metaphorὃ ἐὰν δήσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς; καὶ ὃ ἐὰν λύσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1whatever you may have bound on the earth will be bound in the heavens, and whatever you may have loosed on the earth will be loosed in the heavens

Here, bound is a metaphor meaning to forbid something, and loosed is a metaphor meaning to allow something. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1507MAT1619dy4pfigs-metonymyὃ ἐὰν δήσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς; καὶ ὃ ἐὰν λύσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς1whatever you may have bound on the earth will be bound in the heavens, and whatever you may have loosed on the earth will be loosed in the heavens

Here, in the heavens is a metonym that represents God himself. Alternate translation: “God in heaven will approve whatever you forbid or allow on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1508MAT1621wl330Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells his disciples for the first time that he will die soon.

1509MAT1621es1lfigs-idiomγραμματέων, καὶ ἀποκτανθῆναι καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι1scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised on the third day

Here, to be raised is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1510MAT1621r5hjfigs-activepassiveγραμματέων, καὶ ἀποκτανθῆναι καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι1scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised on the third day

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. The elders and chief priests would accuse Jesus so that others would kill him. Alternate translation: “scribes. People will then kill him, and on the third day God will make him become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1511MAT1621jjx5translate-ordinalτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1on the third day

The word third is the ordinal form of “three.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1512MAT1622jie2writing-backgroundκαὶ προσλαβόμενος αὐτὸν, ὁ Πέτρος1And having taken him aside, Peter

Jesus tells them for the first time that he will die soon in verse 21. He will tell them the same thing many times after this first time. It is after this first time that Peter takes Jesus aside. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1513MAT1622q31hπροσλαβόμενος αὐτὸν, ὁ Πέτρος1having taken him aside, Peter

Alternate translation: “Peter spoke to Jesus when no one else could hear them and”

1514MAT1622guz8figs-idiomἵλεώς σοι1Merciful to you

This is an idiom that means “May God be merciful to you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1515MAT1623f28ifigs-metaphorὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου, Σατανᾶ! σκάνδαλον εἶ ἐμοῦ1Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me

Jesus means that Peter is acting like Satan because Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing what God sent him to do. Alternate translation: “Get behind me, because you are acting like Satan! You are a stumbling block to me” or “Get behind me, Satan! I call you Satan because you are a stumbling block to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1516MAT1623ax7xὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου1Get behind me

Alternate translation: “Get away from me”

1517MAT1624ck1afigs-metaphorὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν1to come after me

To come after Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: “be my disciple” or “be one of my disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1518MAT1624pg9hἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν1let him deny himself

Alternate translation: “he must not give in to his own desires” or “he must forsake his own desires”

1519MAT1624h7ugfigs-metaphorἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι1take up his cross, and follow me

To take up a cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: “obey me even to the point of suffering and dying” or “he must obey me even to the point of suffering and dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1520MAT1624v6n7figs-metonymyἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι1take up his cross, and follow me

The cross represents suffering and death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1521MAT1624x13vfigs-metaphorκαὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι1and follow me

To follow Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate translation: “and obey me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1522MAT1625y9kcfigs-metaphorἀπολέσει αὐτήν1will lose it

This does not mean the person must necessarily die. It is a metaphor that means the person who considers his own life as being more important than obeying Jesus will not attain spiritual life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1523MAT1625ie7tἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ1for my sake

Alternate translation: “because he trusts me” or “on my account” or “because of me”

1524MAT1625xz98figs-metaphorεὑρήσει αὐτήν1will find it

This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: “will find true life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1525MAT1626eqe8figs-rquestionτί γὰρ ὠφεληθήσεται ἄνθρωπος, ἐὰν τὸν κόσμον ὅλον κερδήσῃ, τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ζημιωθῇ?1For what will it profit a man if he would have gained the whole world but would have forfeited his life?

Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It does not profit a man to gain the whole world if he forfeits his life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1526MAT1626q7x1figs-hyperboleἐὰν τὸν κόσμον ὅλον κερδήσῃ1if he would have gained the whole world

The words the whole world are an exaggeration for great riches. Alternate translation: “if he would gain everything he desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1527MAT1626b34qτὴν δὲ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ζημιωθῇ1but would have forfeited his life

Alternate translation: “but he would lose his life”

1528MAT1626eck5figs-rquestionἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ?1Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?

Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing that a person can give to regain his life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1529MAT1627iyu1figs-123personμέλλει…ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…αὐτοῦ…ἀποδώσει1the Son of Man is about … his … he will repay

Here Jesus refers to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of man, am about … my … I will repay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1530MAT1627ie16μέλλει…ἔρχεσθαι ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ1is about to come in the glory of his Father

Alternate translation: “will come, having the same glory as his Father,”

1531MAT1627k4q4figs-123personμετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ1with his angels

If you translate the first part of the sentence with Jesus speaking in the first person, you can translate this as “and my Fathers angels will be with me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1532MAT1627vk5yguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ1of his Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and the Son of Man, Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1533MAT1627i7rsκατὰ τὴν πρᾶξιν αὐτοῦ1according to his actions

Alternate translation: “according to what each person has done”

1534MAT1628ytr3ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

1535MAT1628k2d1figs-youὑμῖν1to you

Here, you is plural and refers to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1536MAT1628wq13figs-idiomοὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου1may certainly not have tasted death

Here, tasted means to experience. Alternate translation: “will not have experienced death” or “will still be alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1537MAT1628b2pbfigs-metonymyἕως ἂν ἴδωσιν τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενον ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ αὐτοῦ1until they may see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom

Here, his kingdom represents him being King. Alternate translation: “until they see the Son of Man coming as King” or “until they see the evidence that the Son of Man is King” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1538MAT17introyb4k0

Matthew 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Elijah

The Old Testament prophet Malachi lived many years before Jesus was born. Malachi had said that before the Messiah came a prophet named Elijah would return. Jesus explained that Malachi had been talking about John the Baptist. Jesus said this because John the Baptist had done what Malachi had said that Elijah would do. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])

“transfigured”

Scripture often speaks of Gods glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. Matthew says in this chapter that Jesus body shone with this glorious light so that his followers could see that Jesus truly was Gods Son. At the same time, God told them that Jesus was his Son. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fear]])

1539MAT171u6dw0General Information:

This begins the account of Jesus transfiguration.

1540MAT171nva7τὸν Πέτρον, καὶ Ἰάκωβον, καὶ Ἰωάννην, τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ1Peter, James, and John his brother

Alternate translation: “Peter, James, and Jamess brother John”

1541MAT172xx8eμετεμορφώθη ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν1he was transfigured before them

When they looked at him, his appearance was different from what it had been.

1542MAT172kq4lfigs-activepassiveμετεμορφώθη1he was transfigured

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “his appearance had changed” or “he appeared very different” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1543MAT172uxg3ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν1before them

Alternate translation: “in front of them” or “so they could clearly him”

1544MAT172i1mpfigs-simileἔλαμψεν τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος, τὰ δὲ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο λευκὰ ὡς τὸ φῶς1his face shone like the sun, and his garments became brilliant as the light

These are similes that emphasize how bright Jesus appearance became. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1545MAT172te1sτὰ…ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ1his garments

Alternate translation: “what he was wearing”

1546MAT173axr5ἰδοὺ1behold

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

1547MAT173n63yαὐτοῖς1to them

Here, them refers to Peter, James, and John.

1548MAT173sde3μετ’ αὐτοῦ1with him

Alternate translation: “with Jesus”

1549MAT174r41cἀποκριθεὶς…ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν1answering, Peter said

Peter is not responding to a question. Alternate translation: “Peter said”

1550MAT174d231figs-exclusiveκαλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι1it is good for us to be here

It is not clear whether us refers only to Peter, James, and John, or if it refers to everyone there, including Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. If you can translate so that both options are possible, do so. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1551MAT175cek4ἰδοὺ1behold

The word behold alerts the reader to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

1552MAT175an8jἐπεσκίασεν αὐτούς1overshadowed them

Alternate translation: “came over them”

1553MAT175kc8tfigs-metonymyφωνὴ ἐκ τῆς νεφέλης1there was a voice from the cloud

Here, voice refers to God speaking. Alternate translation: “God spoke to them from the cloud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1554MAT176wd76καὶ ἀκούσαντες, οἱ μαθηταὶ1And having heard that, the disciples

Alternate translation: “And when the disciples heard God speak, they”

1555MAT176a87efigs-idiomἔπεσαν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτῶν1fell on their face

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “fell forward, with their faces to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1556MAT179jz51καὶ καταβαινόντων αὐτῶν1As they were coming down

Alternate translation: “And as Jesus and the disciples were coming down”

1557MAT179y9rqfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

1558MAT1710nwt5figs-explicitτί οὖν οἱ γραμματεῖς λέγουσιν ὅτι Ἠλείαν δεῖ ἐλθεῖν πρῶτον?1The disciples are referring to the belief that **Elijah** will come back to life and return to the people of Israel before the Messiah comes. Alternate translation: “Why then do the scribes say that it is necessary for Elijah to come first?”

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

1559MAT1711xbs2ἀποκαταστήσει πάντα1will restore all things

Alternate translation: “will put things in order” or “will get the people ready to receive the Messiah”

1560MAT1712whp9λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν1But I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1561MAT1712a4h7ἐποίησαν…αὐτῶν1they did … them

Here, they and them could refer to: (1) the Jewish leaders. (2) all the Jewish people.

1562MAT1712i74ifigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

1563MAT1714t6870Connecting Statement:

This begins an account of Jesus healing a boy who had an evil spirit. These events happen immediately after Jesus and his disciples descend from the mountain.

1564MAT1715ufb4figs-explicitἐλέησόν μου τὸν υἱόν1have mercy on my son

It is implied that the man wants Jesus to heal his son. You can state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “have mercy on my son and heal him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1565MAT1715hs55σεληνιάζεται1he is epileptic

The phrase he is epileptic means that he sometimes had seizures. He would become unconscious and move uncontrollably. Alternate translation: “he has seizures”

1566MAT1717lyu5ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη, ἕως πότε1O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long

Alternate translation: “O you generation that does not believe in God and does not know what is right or wrong. How long”

1567MAT1717su3rfigs-rquestionἕως πότε μεθ’ ὑμῶν ἔσομαι? ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν?1how long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you?

These questions show Jesus is unhappy with the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am tired of being with you! I am tired of your unbelief and corruption!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1568MAT1718i8kdfigs-activepassiveἐθεραπεύθη ὁ παῖς1the boy was healed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the boy became well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1569MAT1718h2gcfigs-idiomἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης1from that hour

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “immediately” or “at that moment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1570MAT1719pz9ffigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς1we

Here, we refers to the speakers but not the hearers and so is exclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1571MAT1719r9j7διὰ τί ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό?1For what reason were we not able to cast it out?

Alternate translation: “Why could we not make the demon come out of the boy?”

1572MAT1720u5llἀμὴν, γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν1For I truly say to you

This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. Alternate translation: “For I tell you the truth”

1573MAT1720uy78figs-simileἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως1if you would have faith as a mustard seed

Jesus compares the size of a mustard seed to the amount of faith needed to do a miracle. A mustard seed is very small, but it grows into a large plant. Jesus means it only takes a small amount of faith to do a great miracle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1574MAT1720x48ifigs-doublenegativesοὐδὲν ἀδυνατήσει ὑμῖν1nothing will be impossible for you

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative nothing … impossible, you could state this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “you will be able to do anything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1575MAT1722r2cu0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts momentarily, and Jesus foretells his death and resurrection a second time.

1576MAT1722n2xsσυστρεφομένων…αὐτῶν1as they are gathered together

Alternate translation: “as Jesus and his disciples were gathered together”

1577MAT1722ff8xfigs-activepassiveμέλλει ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοσθαι1The Son of Man is about to be delivered

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone will deliver the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1578MAT1722mmk2figs-metonymyπαραδίδοσθαι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων1to be delivered into the hands of men

The word hands here is a metonym for the power that people use hands to exercise. Alternate translation: “to be taken and put under the power of people” or “to be taken and given to people who will control him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1579MAT1722i5rbfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1The Son of Man

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1580MAT1723hl6jfigs-123personαὐτόν…ἐγερθήσεται1him … he will be raised up

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1581MAT1723b6g3translate-ordinalτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1on the third day

The word third is the ordinal form of “three.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1582MAT1723fni4figs-idiomἐγερθήσεται1he will be raised up

Here to be raised up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1583MAT1723fjacfigs-activepassiveἐγερθήσεται1he will be raised up

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will raise him up” or “God will cause him to become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1584MAT1724jli60Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts again to a later time when Jesus teaches Peter about paying the temple tax.

1585MAT1724t8qtἐλθόντων…αὐτῶν1when they had come

Alternate translation: “when Jesus and his disciples had come”

1586MAT1724b953figs-explicitτὰ δίδραχμα1the two-drachma tax

This was a tax that Jewish men paid to support the temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the temple tax” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1587MAT1724cthstranslate-bmoneyτὰ δίδραχμα1the two-drachma tax

The drachma was equivalent to the “denarius,” which was worth about one days wage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1588MAT1725y26nτὴν οἰκίαν1the house

Alternate translation: “the place where Jesus was staying”

1589MAT1725yp5hfigs-rquestionτί σοι δοκεῖ, Σίμων? οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, ἀπὸ τίνων λαμβάνουσιν τέλη ἢ κῆνσον? ἀπὸ τῶν υἱῶν αὐτῶν ἢ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων?1What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive taxes or tolls? From their sons or from strangers?

Jesus asks these questions to teach Simon, not to gain information for himself. If your readers would misunderstand these questions, you can express them as a statement. Alternate translation: “Listen, Simon. We know that when kings collect taxes, they collect it from people who are not members of their own family.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1590MAT1726w75wfigs-quotationsεἰπόντος δέ, ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων, ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς1But when he said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him

If you translated Jesus questions as statements in 17:25, you may need to give an alternate response here. You could also state it as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “But when Peter said, Yes, that is true. Kings collect taxes from people who are not their family, Jesus said” or “But after Peter agreed with Jesus, Jesus said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1591MAT1726u6xxοἱ υἱοί1the sons

Here, the sons refers to people who are not part of the rulers family.

1592MAT1727mwa6ἵνα δὲ μὴ σκανδαλίσωμεν αὐτούς, πορευθεὶς1But in order that we might not cause them to sin, having gone

Alternate translation: “But we do not want to make the tax collectors angry. So, go”

1593MAT1727uhk5figs-explicitβάλε ἄγκιστρον1throw in a hook

Fishermen tied a fishhook to the end of a line, then threw it in the water to catch fish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1594MAT1727ebj4τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ1its mouth

Alternate translation: “the fishs mouth”

1595MAT1727t9t8translate-bmoneyστατῆρα1a shekel

A shekel was a silver coin worth four days wages. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1596MAT1727ej3lἐκεῖνον λαβὼν, δὸς1Having taken that, give it

Alternate translation: “Take the shekel and give it”

1597MAT1727km3vfigs-youἀντὶ ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ1on behalf of me and you

Here, you is singular and refers to Peter. Each man had to pay a half shekel tax. So one shekel would be enough for Jesus and Peter to pay their taxes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1598MAT18introm4y60

Matthew 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

What should Jesus followers do when other followers sin against them?

Jesus taught that his followers must treat each other well and not be angry with each other. They should forgive anyone who is sorry for his sin, even if he has committed the same sin before. If he is not sorry for his sin, Jesus followers should speak with him alone or in a small group. If he is still not sorry after that, then Jesus followers can treat him as guilty. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

1599MAT181f7zv0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through 18:35, where Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom of heaven. Here, Jesus uses a little child to teach the disciples.

1600MAT181iri5τίς ἄρα μείζων ἐστὶν1Who therefore is greatest

Alternate translation: “Who therefore is the most important” or “Who then among us will be the most important”

1601MAT181pp31figs-metonymyἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1in the kingdom of the heavens

The phrase kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. if possible, use heavens in your translation. Alternate translation: “in Gods kingdom” or “when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1602MAT183qb44ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

1603MAT183fs1efigs-doublenegativesἐὰν μὴ στραφῆτε καὶ γένησθε ὡς τὰ παιδία, οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε1unless you would turn and would become like little children, you may certainly not enter

You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “you must change and become like little children in order to enter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1604MAT183ewj5figs-simileγένησθε ὡς τὰ παιδία1would become like little children

Jesus uses a simile to teach the disciples that they should not be concerned with who is most important. They should be concerned with becoming humble like a child. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1605MAT183ch9pfigs-metonymyοὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1you may certainly not enter into the kingdom of the heavens

The phrase kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. if possible, use heavens in your translation. Alternate translation: “you will certainly not enter Gods kingdom” or “you will never belong to our God in heaven when he establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1606MAT184ta7zfigs-simile0Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues teaching the disciples that they need to be humble like a child if they want to be important in Gods kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1607MAT184f9t5ἐστιν ὁ μείζων1is the greatest

Alternate translation: “is the most important” or “will be the most important”

1608MAT184gf8lfigs-metonymyἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1in the kingdom of the heavens

The phrase kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. if possible, use heavens in your translation. Alternate translation: “in Gods kingdom” or “when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1609MAT185dz1ifigs-metonymyἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου1in my name

Here, my name refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because he is my disciple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1610MAT185ik3rἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, ἐμὲ δέχεται1in my name receives me

Jesus means that receiving the child is the same as welcoming Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “in my name, it is like he is welcoming me” or “in my name, it is as if he were welcoming me”

1611MAT186ghp3figs-activepassiveἵνα κρεμασθῇ μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ, καὶ καταποντισθῇ ἐν τῷ πελάγει τῆς θαλάσσης1that a millstone of a donkey would have been hung about his neck and he would have been sunk into the depth of the sea

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if someone put a great millstone around his neck and threw him into the deep sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1612MAT186w3uzμύλος1a millstone

A millstone is a large, heavy, circular stone used for grinding wheat grain into flour. Alternate translation: “a very heavy stone”

1613MAT187ees6figs-metonymyτῷ κόσμῳ1to the world

Here, world refers to people. Alternate translation: “to the people of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1614MAT187y7vhfigs-metaphorτῶν σκανδάλων…ἐλθεῖν τὰ σκάνδαλα…τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ δι’ οὗ τὸ σκάνδαλον ἔρχεται1the stumbling blocks … that those stumbling blocks come … to the man through whom those stumbling blocks come

Here, stumbling is a metaphor for sin. Alternate translation: “things that cause people to sin … that things come that cause people to sin … to any person who causes others to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1615MAT188vad7figs-hyperboleεἰ δὲ ἡ χείρ σου ἢ ὁ πούς σου σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔκκοψον αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ1But if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you

Jesus exaggerates here to emphasize that people must do anything necessary to remove from their lives what causes them to sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1616MAT188gqi3figs-youσου…σε…σοῦ…σοί1your … you … you … for you

All occurrences of your and you are singular. Jesus is speaking to all people in general. It may be more natural for your language to translate with a plural “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1617MAT188pc4dεἰς τὴν ζωὴν1into life

Alternate translation: “into eternal life”

1618MAT188lhk9figs-activepassiveἢ δύο χεῖρας ἢ δύο πόδας ἔχοντα, βληθῆναι εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον1than to be thrown into the everlasting fire having two hands or two feet

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “than to have both hands and feet when God throws you into the eternal fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1619MAT189xad4figs-hyperboleκαὶ εἰ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔξελε αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ1And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you

The command to destroy the eye, perhaps the most important part of the body, is probably an exaggeration for his hearers to do anything necessary to remove from their lives anything that causes them to sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1620MAT189q7twfigs-metaphorσκανδαλίζει σε1causes you to stumble

Here, stumble is a metaphor for sin. Alternate translation: “causes you to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1621MAT189eii2figs-youσου…σε…σοῦ…σοί1your … you … you … for you

All occurrences of your and you are singular. Jesus is speaking to all people in general. It may be more natural for your language to translate with a plural “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1622MAT189m8asεἰς τὴν ζωὴν1into life

Alternate translation: “into eternal life”

1623MAT189r1iefigs-activepassiveἢ δύο ὀφθαλμοὺς ἔχοντα βληθῆναι εἰς τὴν Γέενναν τοῦ πυρός1than to be thrown into fiery hell having two eyes

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “than to have both eyes when God throws you into the eternal fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1624MAT1810qnc6ὁρᾶτε1See that

Alternate translation: “Be careful that” or “Be sure that”

1625MAT1810e9ufμὴ καταφρονήσητε ἑνὸς τῶν μικρῶν τούτων1you would not despise one of these little ones

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not despise, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “you show respect to these little ones” or “you do not think of these little ones as being unimportant”

1626MAT1810j4l5λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν1For I say to you

This phrase add emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1627MAT1810xdl9figs-explicitοἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτῶν ἐν οὐρανοῖς, διὰ παντὸς βλέπουσι τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ Πατρός μου, τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς1in heaven their angels always look on the face of my Father who is in the heavens

Jewish teachers taught that only the most important angels could be in Gods presence. Jesus means that the most important angels speak to God about these little ones. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1628MAT1810y6n9figs-idiomδιὰ παντὸς βλέπουσι τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ Πατρός μου1always look on the face of my Father

This is an idiom that means they are in Gods presence. Alternate translation: “are always close to my Father” or “are always in the presence of my Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1629MAT1810iq8jguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1of my Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1630MAT1812idl5figs-rquestionτί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ?1What do you think?

Jesus uses this question to get peoples attention. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Think about how people act.” or “Think about this.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1631MAT1812dm8ufigs-youὑμῖν1you

Here, you is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1632MAT1812t5h4figs-rquestionοὐχὶ ἀφείς τὰ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα ἐπὶ τὰ ὄρη, καὶ πορευθεὶς ζητεῖ τὸ πλανώμενον?1having left the 99 on the hillside and having gone out, does he not seek the one wandering?

Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “he will always leave the 99 where they are and go out so seek the one that has gone astray.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1633MAT1813hk59figs-youἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. The word you is plural. Alternate translation: “I tell you the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1634MAT1814kcy2οὐκ ἔστιν θέλημα ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν, τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς, ἵνα ἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μικρῶν τούτων1it is not the will before your Father who is in the heavens that one of these little ones would perish

Alternate translation: “your Father in heaven does not want any of these little ones to die” or “your Father in heaven does not want even one of these little ones to die”

1635MAT1814usa4figs-youὑμῶν1your

Here, your is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1636MAT1814fmm2guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς1Father

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

1637MAT1815k6t70Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach his disciples about forgiveness and reconciliation.

1638MAT1815kpe2ὁ ἀδελφός σου1your brother

Here, your brother refers to a fellow believer in God, not a physical brother. Alternate translation: “your fellow believer”

1639MAT1815yh3tἐκέρδησας τὸν ἀδελφόν σου1you will have gained your brother

Alternate translation: “you will have made your relationship with your brother good again”

1640MAT1816i25xfigs-metonymyἵνα ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων ἢ τριῶν, σταθῇ πᾶν ῥῆμα1so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be verified

Here, mouth and word refer to what a person says. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1641MAT1816xv1wfigs-activepassiveἵνα ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων ἢ τριῶν, σταθῇ πᾶν ῥῆμα1so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be verified

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that two or three witnesses may verify that what you say about your brother is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1642MAT1817g3ajἐὰν…παρακούσῃ αὐτῶν1if he might refuse to listen to them

Alternate translation: “if your fellow believer refuses to listen to the witnesses who came with you”

1643MAT1817kx28τῆς ἐκκλησίας1the church

Alternate translation: “the whole community of believers”

1644MAT1817xf1afigs-explicitἔστω σοι ὥσπερ ὁ ἐθνικὸς καὶ ὁ τελώνης1let him be to you even as the Gentile and the tax collector

This implies that they should remove him from the community of believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1645MAT1818u2klἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

1646MAT1818qzq7figs-youὑμῖν…δήσητε…λύσητε1to you … you may bind … you may release

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

1647MAT1818bu6ifigs-metonymyὅσα ἐὰν δήσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ ὅσα ἐὰν λύσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ1whatever you may bind on the earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you may release on the earth will be released in heaven

Here, in heaven is a metonym that represents God himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1648MAT1818qrfhfigs-metaphorὅσα ἐὰν δήσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ ὅσα ἐὰν λύσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ1whatever you may bind on the earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you may release on the earth will be released in heaven

Here, bind is a metaphor meaning to forbid something, and release is a metaphor meaning to allow something. See how you translated similar phrases in 16:19. Alternate translation: “God in heaven will approve whatever you forbid or allow on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1649MAT1818l7naλέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1650MAT1819cal4figs-explicitἐὰν δύο…ἐξ ὑμῶν1if two of you

It is implied that Jesus means “if at least two of you” or “if two or more of you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1651MAT1819c3lfἐὰν αἰτήσωνται…αὐτοῖς1they might ask … for them

These refer to the “two of you.” Alternate translation: “you might ask … for you”

1652MAT1819gs8wguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1653MAT1820kv9zfigs-explicitδύο ἢ τρεῖς1two or three

It is implied that Jesus means “two or more” or “at least two.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1654MAT1820s5rxσυνηγμένοι1gathered together

Alternate translation: “meeting together”

1655MAT1820l7vufigs-metonymyεἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα1in my name

Here, name refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because they are my disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1656MAT1822b19xtranslate-numbersἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά1seventy times seven

This could mean: (1) 70 times 7. (2) 77 times. If using a number would be confusing, you can translate it as “more times than you can count” or “you must always forgive him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1657MAT1823rqp1figs-parablesὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of the heavens may be compared to

This introduces a parable. See how you translated a similar parable introduction in 13:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1658MAT1823bp72συνᾶραι λόγον μετὰ τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ1to settle accounts with his slaves

Alternate translation: “his slaves to pay him what they owed”

1659MAT1824d6nefigs-activepassiveπροσηνέχθη εἷς αὐτῷ1one was brought to him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone brought one of the kings servants to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1660MAT1824w3nrtranslate-numbersμυρίων ταλάντων1of 10,000 talents

Alternate translation: “of ten thousand talents” or “more money than the servant could ever repay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1661MAT1824bihetranslate-bmoneyμυρίων ταλάντων1of 10,000 talents

A “talent” was equal to one days wage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1662MAT1825nmz8figs-activepassiveἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος πραθῆναι, καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα, καὶ τὰ τέκνα, καὶ πάντα ὅσα εἶχεν, καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι1the master commanded him to be sold, together with his wife and children and everything that he had, and repayment to be made

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the king commanded his servants to sell the man along with his wife and children and everything that he had, and to pay the debt with the money from the sale” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1663MAT1826thl3translate-symactionπεσὼν οὖν ὁ δοῦλος προσεκύνει1So the slave, having fallen down, was bowing down before

This shows that the slave approached the king in the most humble way possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1664MAT1826cx5zπροσεκύνει αὐτῷ1was bowing down before him

Alternate translation: “was bowing down before the king”

1665MAT1827j5vpσπλαγχνισθεὶς1having felt compassion

Alternate translation: “feeling compassion for the slave”

1666MAT1827vn7lἀπέλυσεν αὐτόν1released him

Alternate translation: “let him go”

1667MAT1828zyietranslate-bmoneyἑκατὸν δηνάρια1one hundred denarii

Alternate translation: “one hundred days wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1668MAT1828uy32κρατήσας αὐτὸν1having grasped him

Alternate translation: “when first slave had grasped his fellow slave”

1669MAT1828b7u9κρατήσας1having grasped

Alternate translation: “having taken hold of” or “having seized”

1670MAT1829i21ctranslate-symactionπεσὼν1having fallen down

This shows that the fellow slave approached the first slave in the most humble way possible. See how you translated this in 18:26. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1671MAT1830t8wbἀπελθὼν, ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακὴν1having gone out, he threw him into prison

Alternate translation: “the first slave went and threw his fellow slave into prison”

1672MAT1831w9n2οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ1his fellow slaves

Alternate translation: “the other slaves”

1673MAT1831nx9kδιεσάφησαν τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν1they fully explained to their master

Alternate translation: “they told the king”

1674MAT1832txr7τότε προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ1Then, having called him, his master

Alternate translation: “Then the king called the first slave and”

1675MAT1833jw37figs-rquestionοὐκ ἔδει καὶ σὲ ἐλεῆσαι τὸν σύνδουλόν σου, ὡς κἀγὼ σὲ ἠλέησα?1Was it not necessary for you to also have had mercy on your fellow slave, just as I also had mercy on you?

The king uses a question to scold the first servant. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have had mercy on your fellow slave, just as I also had mercy on you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1676MAT1834big9ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ1his master

Alternate translation: “the king”

1677MAT1834e95ufigs-explicitπαρέδωκεν αὐτὸν1handed him over

Most likely the king himself did not take the first slave to the torturers. Alternate translation: “he ordered his slaves to give him over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1678MAT1834j7s3τοῖς βασανισταῖς1to the torturers

Alternate translation: “to those who would torture him”

1679MAT1834e14mfigs-activepassiveτὸ ὀφειλόμενον1that is owed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that the first slave owed the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1680MAT1835pm1dguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος1my heavenly Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1681MAT1835q8p9figs-youὑμῖν…ἕκαστος…ὑμῶν1to you … each of you … your

All occurrences of you and your are plural. Jesus is speaking to his disciples, but this parable teaches a general truth that applies to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1682MAT1835c4fwfigs-metonymyἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν1from your heart

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

1683MAT1835mzn6figs-idiomἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν1from your heart

The phrase from your heart is an idiom that means “sincerely.” Alternate translation: “sincerely” or “completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1684MAT19introewl50

Matthew 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Divorce

Jesus taught about divorce because the Pharisees wanted people to think Jesus teachings about divorce were wrong (19:3-12). Jesus talked about what God had first said about marriage when he created it.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metonymy

Jesus often says the word “heaven” when he wants his hearers to think of God, who lives in heaven (1:12).

1685MAT191nj6twriting-background0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through 22:46, which tells of Jesus ministering in Judea. These verses provide background information of how Jesus came to be in Judea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1686MAT191c5j9figs-metonymyἐτέλεσεν…τοὺς λόγους τούτους1had finished these words

Here, these words refers to what Jesus taught starting in 18:1. Alternate translation: “had finished teaching these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1687MAT193kg120Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach about marriage and divorce.

1688MAT193gl85προσῆλθον αὐτῷ1approached him

Alternate translation: “came to Jesus”

1689MAT193s8jqπειράζοντες αὐτὸν καὶ λέγοντες1testing him and saying

Here, testing is used in a negative sense. Alternate translation: “and challenged him by asking him” or “and wanted to trap him by asking him”

1690MAT194ncb6figs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε, ὅτι ὁ ποιήσας ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς, ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ, ἐποίησεν αὐτοὺς1Have you not read that the one who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

This rhetorical question continues to the end of the next verse. Jesus uses this question to remind the Pharisees of what the scripture says about men, women, and marriage. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you have read that in the beginning when God created people he made them male and female,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1691MAT195n8znἕνεκα τούτου καταλείψει ἄνθρωπος τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ κολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν?1

In this verse, Jesus quotes from Genesis to show that a husband and wife should not divorce.

1692MAT195xc7afigs-rquestionκαὶ εἶπεν, ἕνεκα τούτου καταλείψει ἄνθρωπος τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ κολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν?1and said, For the sake of this, a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh?

This verse is the second part of the rhetorical question that Jesus began in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1693MAT195q71wfigs-quotationsκαὶ εἶπεν, ἕνεκα τούτου καταλείψει ἄνθρωπος τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ κολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν?1and said, For the sake of this, a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh?

The direct quotation can be expressed as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “and said that this is the reason that a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1694MAT195phz3ἕνεκα τούτου1For the sake of this

This phrase is a part of the quotation from Genesis story about Adam and Eve. In that context the reason a man will leave his father and mother is because God created a woman to be the mans companion.

1695MAT195af1rκολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ1will be joined to his wife

Alternate translation: “will stay close to his wife” or “will live with his wife”

1696MAT195m83jfigs-metaphorἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν1the two will be one flesh

This is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate translation: “they will become like one person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1697MAT196m4b7figs-metaphorὥστε οὐκέτι εἰσὶν δύο, ἀλλὰ σὰρξ μία1So then, they are no longer two, but one flesh

This is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate translation: “So a husband and wife are no longer like two persons, but they are like one person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1698MAT197jxs2λέγουσιν αὐτῷ1They say to him

Alternate translation: “The Pharisees said to Jesus”

1699MAT197ugf4Μωϋσῆς ἐνετείλατο1has Moses commanded us

Alternate translation: “has Moses command us Jews”

1700MAT197xml9βιβλίον ἀποστασίου1a certificate of divorce

A certificate of divorce is a document that legally ends a marriage.

1701MAT198zu87figs-metaphorπρὸς τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν1For your hardness of heart

The phrase hardness of heart is a metaphor that means “stubbornness.” Alternate translation: “Because of your stubbornness” or “Because you are stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1702MAT198ve9efigs-youτὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν…ἐπέτρεψεν ὑμῖν…τὰς γυναῖκας ὑμῶν1your hardness of heart … allowed you … your wives

Here, you and your are plural. Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, but Moses gave this command many years earlier to their ancestors. Moses command applied to all Jewish men in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1703MAT198mgx9figs-metonymyἀπ’ ἀρχῆς δὲ1but from the beginning

Here, the beginning refers to when God first created man and woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1704MAT199eq8zλέγω…ὑμῖν1I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1705MAT199yl3xfigs-ellipsisγαμήσῃ ἄλλην1may marry another

You can state the understood information explicitly. Alternate translation: “may marry another woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1706MAT199ps45translate-textvariantsκαὶ ὁ ἀπολελυμένην γαμήσας μοιχᾶται1and the one having been divorced, having married, commits adultery

Many early texts do not include these words. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

1707MAT1911h3a3figs-activepassiveοἷς δέδοται1to whom it has been given

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God allows” or “those whom God enables” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1708MAT1912yvb8figs-explicitεἰσὶν γὰρ εὐνοῦχοι, οἵτινες ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς ἐγεννήθησαν οὕτως1For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mothers womb

You can make explicit the implicit information. Alternate translation: “For there are different reasons that men do not marry. For instance, there are men who were born eunuchs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1709MAT1912m1r9figs-activepassiveεἰσὶν εὐνοῦχοι οἵτινες εὐνουχίσθησαν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “there are men whom other men have made eunuchs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1710MAT1912g4bwfigs-metaphorεὐνοῦχοι οἵτινες εὐνούχισαν ἑαυτοὺς1eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs

This could mean: (1) Jesus is referring to men who have made themselves eunuchs by removing their private parts. (2) Jesus is referring to men who choose to remain unmarried and sexually pure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1711MAT1912r78nfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1for the sake of the kingdom of the heavens

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use heavens in your translation. Alternate translation: “so they can better serve our God in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1712MAT1912hqu1χωρεῖν, χωρείτω1to accept this, let him accept it

Alternate translation: “to accept this teaching, let him accept it”

1713MAT1913wjb50Connecting Statement:

Jesus receives and blesses little children.

1714MAT1913wu52figs-activepassiveπροσηνέχθησαν αὐτῷ παιδία1little children were brought to him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “some people brought little children to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1715MAT1914m219μὴ κωλύετε αὐτὰ ἐλθεῖν πρός με1do not forbid them to come to me

Alternate translation: “do not stop them from coming to me”

1716MAT1914l1bqfigs-metonymyτῶν γὰρ τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1for the kingdom of the heavens is of such as these

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use heavens in your translation. Alternate translation: “for when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth, he will be king over such as these” or “for God will allow such as these into his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1717MAT1914za2gfigs-simileτῶν…τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of the heavens is of such as these

This is a simile that means those who are humble like children will enter Gods kingdom. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of the heavens belongs to those who are like children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1718MAT1916g9us0Connecting Statement:

Here the scene shifts to a different time when Jesus explains to a rich man what it will cost to follow him.

1719MAT1916vj7tἰδοὺ, εἷς1behold

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

1720MAT1916bw9nἀγαθὸν1good thing

Here, good thing means a thing that pleases God.

1721MAT1917sce3figs-rquestionτί με ἐρωτᾷς περὶ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ?1Why do you ask me about what is good?

Jesus uses this rhetorical question to encourage the man to think about his reason for asking Jesus about what is good. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You ask me about what is good” or “Think about why you ask me about what is good.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1722MAT1917d4shεἷς ἐστιν ὁ ἀγαθός1One is good

Alternate translation: “God alone is completely good”

1723MAT1917d7fdεἰς τὴν ζωὴν εἰσελθεῖν1to enter into life

Alternate translation: “to receive eternal life”

1724MAT1919zv5nἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου1love your neighbor

The Jewish people believed that their neighbors were only other Jews. Jesus is extending that definition to include all people.

1725MAT1921zic9figs-nominaladjπτωχοῖς1to the poor

If your readers would misunderstand the nominal adjective poor, you can express it as an adjective. Alternate translation: “to those who are poor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1726MAT1921e4vsfigs-metaphorἕξεις θησαυρὸν ἐν οὐρανοῖς1you will have treasure in the heavens

The phrase treasure in the heavens is a metaphor that refers to a reward from God. Alternate translation: “God will reward you in the heavens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1727MAT1923ass20Connecting Statement:

Jesus explains to his disciples the rewards of giving up material possessions and relationships to follow him.

1728MAT1923r93jἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

1729MAT1923ean2figs-metonymyδυσκόλως εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν1will enter … into the kingdom of the heavens

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use heavens in your translation. Alternate translation: “to accept with difficulty our God in heaven as their king” or “to enter with difficulty into Gods kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1730MAT1924c8l5figs-hyperboleεὐκοπώτερόν ἐστιν κάμηλον διὰ τρήματος ῥαφίδος διελθεῖν ἢ πλούσιον εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ1it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God

Jesus uses an exaggeration to illustrate how very difficult it is for rich people to enter the kingdom of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1731MAT1924dip3τρήματος ῥαφίδος1the eye of a needle

The eye is the hole near one end of a needle, through which thread is passed.

1732MAT1925sl38figs-explicitἐξεπλήσσοντο σφόδρα1they were very astonished

It is implied that they were astonished because they believed having riches was proof that God approved of someone. Alternate translation: “the disciples were amazed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1733MAT1925d389figs-rquestionτίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι?1Who then is able to be saved?

The disciples use a question to emphasize their surprise. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1734MAT1925x1atfigs-activepassiveτίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι?1Who then is able to be saved?

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then there is no one whom God will save!” or “Then there is no one who will receive eternal life!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1735MAT1927yp3hἡμεῖς ἀφήκαμεν πάντα1we have left everything

Alternate translation: “we have left all our wealth” or “we have given up all our possessions”

1736MAT1927sp61τί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμῖν?1What then will there be for us?

Alternate translation: “What good thing will God give us?”

1737MAT1928pm6vἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

1738MAT1928j89cfigs-metonymyἐν τῇ παλιγγενεσίᾳ1in the renewal

This refers to when God restores all things. Alternate translation: “at the time when God makes all things new” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1739MAT1928gey2figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

1740MAT1928sx2jfigs-metonymyκαθίσῃ…ἐπὶ θρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ1may sit on his glorious throne

Sitting on his throne represents ruling as a king. His throne being glorious represents his rule being glorious. Alternate translation: “may sit as king on his glorious throne” or “will rule gloriously as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1741MAT1928rx2ufigs-metonymyκαθήσεσθε καὶ…ἐπὶ δώδεκα θρόνους1will also sit upon 12 thrones

Here sitting on thrones refers to ruling as kings. The disciples will not be equal to Jesus who is also on a throne. They will receive authority from him. Alternate translation: “will also sit as kings on 12 thrones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1742MAT1928ci3tfigs-metonymyτὰς δώδεκα φυλὰς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ1the 12 tribes of Israel

Here, tribes refers to people from those tribes. Alternate translation: “the people of the 12 tribes of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1743MAT1929gq8pfigs-metonymyἕνεκεν τοῦ ἐμοῦ ὀνόματός1for the sake of my name

Here, name refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because he believes in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1744MAT1929bzt3ἑκατονταπλασίονα λήμψεται1will receive 100 times as much

Alternate translation: “will receive from God one hundred times as many good things as they gave up”

1745MAT1929z8wbfigs-idiomζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσει1will inherit eternal life

This is an idiom that means “God will bless them with eternal life” or “God will cause them to live forever.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1746MAT1930u8p3πολλοὶ δὲ ἔσονται πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι, καὶ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι1But many who will be first will be last, and the last, first

Here, first and last refer to peoples status or importance. Jesus is contrasting peoples status now with their status in the kingdom of heaven. Alternate translation: “But many who seem to be important now will be the least important, and many who seem to be unimportant now will be very important”

1747MAT20introz39h0

Matthew 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The parable of the landowner and his vineyard

Jesus tells this parable (20:1-16) to teach his disciples that what God says is right is different from what people say is right.

1748MAT201k7sw0Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who hires workers, to illustrate how God will reward those who belong to the kingdom of heaven.

1749MAT201q9qcfigs-parablesὁμοία γάρ ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1For the kingdom of heaven is like

This is the beginning of a parable. See how you translated the introduction to the parable in 13:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1750MAT202wd43συμφωνήσας1After he had agreed

Alternate translation: “after the landowner had agreed”

1751MAT202iwk5translate-bmoneyδηναρίου1a denarius

A denarius was a coin equal to the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: “one days wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1752MAT202w9hqἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα αὐτοῦ1he sent them into his vineyard

Alternate translation: “he sent them to work in his vineyard”

1753MAT203s8haκαὶ ἐξελθὼν1He went out again

Alternate translation: “The landowner went out again”

1754MAT203bki1translate-ordinalτρίτην ὥραν1the third hour

The third hour is around 9 AM. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1755MAT203xk4iἑστῶτας ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ ἀργούς1standing idle in the marketplace

Alternate translation: “standing in the marketplace not doing anything” or “standing in the marketplace with no work to do”

1756MAT203q3b7τῇ ἀγορᾷ1the marketplace

A marketplace a large, open-air area where people buy and sell food and other items.

1757MAT205j3zhπάλιν ἐξελθὼν1Again he went out

Alternate translation: “Again the landowner went out”

1758MAT205pip4translate-ordinalπερὶ ἕκτην καὶ ἐνάτην ὥραν1about the sixth hour and again the ninth hour

The sixth hour is around noon. The ninth hour is around 3 PM. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1759MAT205y513ἐποίησεν ὡσαύτως1did the same

This means the landowner went to the marketplace and hired workers.

1760MAT206t8uutranslate-ordinalτὴν ἑνδεκάτην1the eleventh hour

The eleventh hour is about 5 PM. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1761MAT206up1wἑστῶτας1having stood

Alternate translation: “not doing anything” or “not having any work”

1762MAT208x6ivἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ τῶν ἐσχάτων ἕως τῶν πρώτων1having begun from the last to the first

You can make explicit the understood information. Alternate translation: “beginning with the workers who started working last, then the workers who started working earlier, and finally the workers who started working first” or “first paying the workers I hired last, then paying the workers I hired earlier in the day, and finally paying the workers I hired first”

1763MAT2010d2bntranslate-bmoneyδηνάριον1a denarius

A denarius was a coin equal to the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: “one days wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1764MAT2011z9szλαβόντες1having received it

Alternate translation: “when the workers who had worked the longest had received a denarius”

1765MAT2011d6syτοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου1the landowner

Alternate translation: “the vineyard owner”

1766MAT2012qpz4ἴσους ἡμῖν αὐτοὺς ἐποίησας1you have made them equal to us

Alternate translation: “you have paid them the same amount of money as you paid us”

1767MAT2012vy87figs-idiomτοῖς βαστάσασι τὸ βάρος τῆς ἡμέρας καὶ τὸν καύσωνα1who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat

The phrase borne the burden of the day is an idiom that means “worked the entire day.” Alternate translation: “who have worked the entire day, even during the hottest part” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1768MAT2013r9f3ἑνὶ αὐτῶν1to one of them

Alternate translation: “to one of the workers who had worked the longest”

1769MAT2013f5mbἑταῖρε1Friend

Translate Friend a word that one man would use to address another man whom he is politely rebuking.

1770MAT2013qbu1figs-rquestionοὐχὶ δηναρίου συνεφώνησάς μοι1Did you not agree with me for a denarius?

The landowner uses a question to rebuke the workers who were complaining. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We already agreed that I would give you one denarius.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1771MAT2013qxn3translate-bmoneyδηναρίου1for a denarius

A denarius was a coin equal to the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: “for one days wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1772MAT2015h3uhfigs-rquestionἢ οὐκ ἔξεστίν μοι, ὃ θέλω ποιῆσαι ἐν τοῖς ἐμοῖς?1Or is it not lawful for me to do what I desire with what is mine?

The landowner uses a question to correct the workers who were complaining. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I can do what I want with my own possessions.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1773MAT2015dus3figs-rquestionἢ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρός ἐστιν, ὅτι ἐγὼ ἀγαθός εἰμι?1Or is your eye evil because I am good?

The landowner uses a question to rebuke the workers who were complaining. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not be jealous when I am generous to other people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1774MAT2016k5feοὕτως ἔσονται οἱ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι, καὶ οἱ πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι1In the same way, the last will be first, and the first last

Here, first and last refer to peoples status or importance. Jesus is contrasting peoples status now with their status in the kingdom of heaven. See how you translated a similar statement in 19:30. Alternate translation: “So those who seem to be unimportant now will be the most important, and those who seem to be the most important now will be the least important”

1775MAT2016bhr5οὕτως ἔσονται οἱ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι1In the same way, the last will be first

Here the parable has ended and Jesus is speaking. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said, In the same way, the last will be first

1776MAT2017iu9d0Connecting Statement:

Jesus foretells his death and resurrection a third time as he and his disciples travel to Jerusalem.

1777MAT2017b6iaἀναβαίνων ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα1Jesus, going up to Jerusalem

Jerusalem was on top of a hill, so people had to travel up to get there.

1778MAT2018d3igἰδοὺ, ἀναβαίνομεν1Behold, we are going up

Jesus uses the word Behold to tell the disciples the must pay attention to what he is about to tell them.

1779MAT2018nf34figs-exclusiveἀναβαίνομεν1we are going up

Here, we refers to Jesus and the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1780MAT2018b2f2figs-activepassiveὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδοθήσεται1the Son of Man will be delivered

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone will deliver the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1781MAT2018rbl4figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…αὐτὸν1the Son of Man … him

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate these in the first person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1782MAT2018s8uhκατακρινοῦσιν1they will condemn

The chief priests and scribes will condemn Jesus.

1783MAT2019rjq7καὶ παραδώσουσιν αὐτὸν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, εἰς τὸ ἐμπαῖξαι1and will deliver him to the Gentiles for them to mock

The chief priests and scribes will deliver Jesus to the Gentiles, and the Gentiles will mock him.

1784MAT2019a9k5μαστιγῶσαι1to flog

Alternate translation: “to whip him” or “to beat him with whips”

1785MAT2019pn84translate-ordinalτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1on the third day

The word third is the ordinal form of “three.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1786MAT2019c6q1figs-123personαὐτὸν…σταυρῶσαι…ἀναστήσεται1him … to crucify him … he will be raised up

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate these in the first person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1787MAT2019kr7afigs-activepassiveἀναστήσεται1he will be raised up

The words be raised up are an idiom for “be made alive again.” If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will raise him up” or “God will make him alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1788MAT2020sx75τῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου1of the sons of Zebedee

The sons of Zebedee were James and John.

1789MAT2021b8xsfigs-metonymyἐκ δεξιῶν…ἐξ εὐωνύμων σου1at your right hand … at your left hand

These phrases refer to having positions of power, authority, and honor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1790MAT2021i9n6figs-metonymyἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου1in your kingdom

Here, kingdom refers to Jesus ruling as king. Alternate translation: “when you are king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1791MAT2022gx17figs-youοὐκ οἴδατε1You do not know

You is plural and refers to the mother and the sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1792MAT2022i8nxfigs-youδύνασθε1Are you able

Here, you is plural, but Jesus is only talking to the two sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1793MAT2022f9cyfigs-idiomπιεῖν τὸ ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ μέλλω πίνειν1to drink the cup that I am about to drink

To drink the cup or “drink from the cup” is an idiom that means to experience suffering. Alternate translation: “to suffer what I am about to suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1794MAT2022d4rfλέγουσιν1They say

Alternate translation: “The sons of Zebedee said” or “James and John said”

1795MAT2023m4d2figs-idiomτὸ μὲν ποτήριόν μου πίεσθε1My cup you will drink

To drink a cup or “drink from a cup” is an idiom that means to experience suffering. Alternate translation: “You will indeed suffer as I will suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1796MAT2023aq1vfigs-metonymyδεξιῶν…εὐωνύμων1right hand … my left hand

These phrases refer to having positions of power, authority, and honor. See how you translated this in 20:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1797MAT2023sj51figs-activepassiveοἷς ἡτοίμασται ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου1to those who have been prepared by my Father

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “my Father has prepared those places, and he will give them to whom he chooses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1798MAT2023x5f4guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1799MAT2024qxl4ἀκούσαντες1having heard this

Alternate translation: “having heard what James and John had asked Jesus”

1800MAT2024la38figs-explicitἠγανάκτησαν περὶ τῶν δύο ἀδελφῶν1were very angry with the two brothers

If necessary, you can make explicit why the ten disciples were angry. Alternate translation: “were very angry with the two brothers because each of them also wanted to sit in a place of honor next to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1801MAT2025v2xqπροσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς1having called them to himself

Alternate translation: “having called the 12 disciples”

1802MAT2025x2ulοἱ ἄρχοντες τῶν ἐθνῶν κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν1the rulers of the Gentiles subjugate them

Alternate translation: “the Gentile kings forcefully rule over their people”

1803MAT2025gu83οἱ μεγάλοι1the great ones

Alternate translation: “the important men among the Gentiles”

1804MAT2025nb3rκατεξουσιάζουσιν αὐτῶν1exercise authority over them

Alternate translation: “have control over the people”

1805MAT2026y4qwὃς ἐὰν θέλῃ1whoever desires

Alternate translation: “whoever wants”

1806MAT2027j3msεἶναι πρῶτος1to be first

Alternate translation: “to be most important”

1807MAT2028m27dfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ1the Son of Man … his life

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate this in the first person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1808MAT2028iz71figs-activepassiveοὐκ ἦλθεν διακονηθῆναι1did not come to be served

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “did not come so that other people would serve him” or “did not come so that other people would serve me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1809MAT2028c7r9figs-ellipsisἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι1but to serve

You can state the understood information explicitly. Alternate translation: “but to serve other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1810MAT2028zh3kfigs-metaphorκαὶ δοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ λύτρον ἀντὶ πολλῶν1and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many

Jesus life being a ransom is a metaphor for his being punished in order to set people free from being punished for their own sins. Alternate translation: “to give his life as a substitute for many” or “to give his life as a substitute to set many free” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1811MAT2028zv1pfigs-idiomκαὶ δοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ1and to give his life

To give ones life is an idiom meaning to die voluntarily, usually in order to help others. Alternate translation: “and to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1812MAT2028hgv7figs-ellipsisἀντὶ πολλῶν1in exchange for many

You can state the understood information explicitly. Alternate translation: “in exchange for many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1813MAT2029u6ad0Connecting Statement:

This begins an account of Jesus healing two blind men.

1814MAT2029ev2tἐκπορευομένων αὐτῶν1as they were proceeding

Here, they refers to the disciples and Jesus.

1815MAT2029b4trἠκολούθησεν αὐτῷ1followed him

Alternate translation: “followed Jesus”

1816MAT2030zz5fἀκούσαντες1Having heard

Alternate translation: “When the two blind men heard”

1817MAT2030stz8παράγει1is passing by

Alternate translation: “was walking by them”

1818MAT2030t577Υἱὸς Δαυείδ1Son of David

Jesus was not Davids literal son, so this may be translated as “Descendant of King David.” However, Son of David is also a title for the Messiah, and the men were probably calling Jesus by this title.

1819MAT2032f5mwἐφώνησεν αὐτοὺς1called to them

Alternate translation: “called to the blind men”

1820MAT2033yb39figs-metaphorἵνα ἀνοιγῶσιν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν1that our eyes may be opened

The men speak of becoming able to see as if their eyes were to be opened. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1821MAT2033xdglfigs-ellipsisἵνα ἀνοιγῶσιν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν1that our eyes may be opened

Because of Jesus previous question, we understand that they were expressing their desire. Alternate translation: “we want you to open our eyes” or “we want to be able to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1822MAT2034q9iqσπλαγχνισθεὶς1having been moved with compassion

Alternate translation: “having compassion on them” or “feeling compassion for them”

1823MAT21introni1x0

Matthew 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 21:5,16 and 42, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The donkey and the colt

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal. In this way he was like a king who came into a city after he had won an important battle. Also, the kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on a donkeys. Other kings rode on horses. So Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel and that he was not like other kings.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about this event. Matthew and Mark wrote that the disciples brought Jesus a donkey. John wrote that Jesus found a donkey. Luke wrote that they brought him a colt. Only Matthew wrote that there were both a donkey had a colt. No one knows for sure whether Jesus rode the donkey or the colt. It is best to translate each of these accounts as it appears in the ULT without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 21:1-7 and Mark 11:1-7 and Luke 19:29-36 and John 12:14-15)

Hosanna

This is what the people shouted to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. This word meant “Save us,” but people used it to praise God.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The kingdom of God will be taken away from you”

No one knows for sure what this phrase means. No one knows if Jesus meant that God would someday give the kingdom back or not.

1824MAT211f8fs0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus entry into Jerusalem. Here he gives his disciples instructions about what they are to do.

1825MAT211p3g6translate-namesΒηθφαγὴ1Bethphage

Bethphage was a village near Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1826MAT212wen2figs-activepassiveὄνον δεδεμένην1a donkey tied up

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a donkey that someone has tied up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1827MAT212pq2efigs-explicitδεδεμένην1tied up

You can make explicit how the donkey is tied up. Alternate translation: “tied up to a post” or “tied up to a tree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1828MAT212ure7πῶλον1a colt

This colt was a young male donkey.

1829MAT214lk670General Information:

Here the author quotes the prophet Zechariah to show that Jesus fulfilled prophecy by riding a donkey into Jerusalem.

1830MAT214irw1δὲ1Now

The word Now is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew explains how Jesus actions fulfill scripture.

1831MAT214n979figs-activepassiveτοῦτο…γέγονεν, ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου1this had come about so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this happened so that Jesus would fulfill what God spoke through the prophet long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1832MAT214x3upfigs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ προφήτου1through the prophet

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

1833MAT215whn7τῇ θυγατρὶ Σιών1the daughter of Zion

The daughter of a city means the people of the city. Alternate translation: “the people of Zion” or “the people who live in Zion”

1834MAT215jzz6Σιών1of Zion

Zion is another name for Jerusalem.

1835MAT215fx3vἐπὶ ὄνον καὶ ἐπὶ πῶλον, υἱὸν ὑποζυγίου1on a donkey—and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden

The phrase on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden is explaining that the donkey is a young animal. Alternate translation: “on a young, male donkey”

1836MAT217y6enτὰ ἱμάτια1cloaks

These cloaks were outer clothing or long coats.

1837MAT218t29stranslate-symactionὄχλος ἔστρωσαν ἑαυτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ; ἄλλοι δὲ ἔκοπτον κλάδους ἀπὸ τῶν δένδρων, καὶ ἐστρώννυον ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ1the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and were spreading them in the road

The crowd did these acts to show honor to Jesus as he was entering Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1838MAT218gbn8figs-explicitὄχλος ἔστρωσαν ἑαυτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ; ἄλλοι δὲ ἔκοπτον κλάδους ἀπὸ τῶν δένδρων, καὶ ἐστρώννυον ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ1the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and were spreading them in the road

You can state clearly that they did this to honor Jesus. Alternate translation: “the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and were spreading them in the road in order to show honor to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1839MAT219ky4cὡσαννὰ1Hosanna

Hosanna means “Save us,” but it can also mean “Praise God!”

1840MAT219ysb9τῷ Υἱῷ Δαυείδ1to the son of David

Jesus was not Davids literal son, so this may be translated as “descendant of king David.” However, Son of David is also a title for the Messiah, and the crowd was probably calling Jesus by this title.

1841MAT219q52tfigs-metonymyἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου1in the name of the Lord

Here, in the name means “in the power” or “as a representative.” Alternate translation: “in the power of the Lord” or “as the representative of the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1842MAT219g73zfigs-metonymyὡσαννὰ ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις1Hosanna in the highest

Here, highest refers to God who rules from the highest heaven. Alternate translation: “Praise God, who is in the highest heaven” or “Praise be to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1843MAT2110cb4hfigs-metonymyἐσείσθη πᾶσα ἡ πόλις1the whole the city was stirred

Here, city refers to the people living there. Alternate translation: “many people from all over the city were stirred” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1844MAT2110nqb2ἐσείσθη1was stirred

Alternate translation: “was excited”

1845MAT2112mc5v0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus entering into the temple.

1846MAT2112y9j4figs-explicitεἰσῆλθεν Ἰησοῦς εἰς τὸ ἱερόν1Jesus entered into the temple

Jesus did not enter the actual temple. He entered the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1847MAT2112w7acτοὺς πωλοῦντας καὶ ἀγοράζοντας1those who were buying and selling

Merchants were selling animals and other items that travelers bought to offer the proper sacrifices at the temple.

1848MAT2113q41cὁ οἶκός μου οἶκος προσευχῆς κληθήσεται; ὑμεῖς δὲ αὐτὸν ποιεῖτε σπήλαιον λῃστῶν1

In this verse, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to rebuke the vendors and money changers.

1849MAT2113guy7λέγει αὐτοῖς1he says to them

Alternate translation: “Jesus said to those who were changing money and buying and selling things”

1850MAT2113m1jlfigs-activepassiveγέγραπται1It is written

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The prophets wrote long ago” or “God said long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1851MAT2113z8grfigs-activepassiveὁ οἶκός μου…κληθήσεται1My house will be called

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “People should call my house” or “My house will be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1852MAT2113n9v8ὁ οἶκός μου1My house

Here, My refers to God and house refers to the temple.

1853MAT2113bd8xfigs-idiomοἶκος προσευχῆς1a house of prayer

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “a place where people pray” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1854MAT2113c7l3figs-metaphorσπήλαιον λῃστῶν1a den of robbers

Jesus uses a metaphor to scold the people for buying and selling items in the temple. Alternate translation: “like a place where robbers hide” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1855MAT2114rpp3figs-nominaladjτυφλοὶ καὶ χωλοὶ1the blind and the lame

If your language does not use the nominal adjectives blind and lame, you can express them as adjectives. Alternate translation: “those who were blind and those who were lame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1856MAT2114aku3χωλοὶ1the lame

To be lame is to have an injured foot or leg that makes walking difficult.

1857MAT2115hft8τὰ θαυμάσια1the marvelous things

This phrase refers to Jesus healing the blind and lame people in 21:14. Alternate translation: “the wonderful things” or “the miracles”

1858MAT2115fqr9ὡσαννὰ1Hosanna

Hosanna means “Save us” but can also mean “Praise God!” See how you translated this in 21:9.

1859MAT2115c6k8τῷ Υἱῷ Δαυείδ1the Son of David

Jesus was not Davids literal son, so this may be translated as “descendant of king David.” However, “Son of David” is also a title for the Messiah, and the children were probably calling Jesus by this title. See how you translated this in 21:9.

1860MAT2115r3bsfigs-explicitἠγανάκτησαν1they became very angry

It is implied that they were very angry because they did not believe Jesus was the Christ and they did not want other people praising him. Alternate translation: “they became very angry because people were praising him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1861MAT2116p7x2ἐκ στόματος νηπίων καὶ θηλαζόντων, κατηρτίσω αἶνον1

In verse 16, Jesus quotes from the Psalms to justify how the people had responded to him.

1862MAT2116zx4afigs-rquestionἀκούεις τί οὗτοι λέγουσιν?1Do you hear what they are saying?

The chief priests and scribes ask this question to rebuke Jesus because they are angry with him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not allow them to say these things about you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1863MAT2116luy1figs-rquestionοὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε, ὅτι ἐκ στόματος νηπίων καὶ θηλαζόντων, κατηρτίσω αἶνον?1Have you never read, From the mouths of little children and nursing infants you have prepared praise?

Jesus asks this question to remind the chief priests and scribes of what they had studied in the scriptures. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I hear them, but you should remember what you read in the scriptures, From the mouths of little children and nursing infants you have prepared praise?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1864MAT2116qa9ufigs-metonymyἐκ στόματος νηπίων καὶ θηλαζόντων, κατηρτίσω αἶνον1From the mouths of little children and nursing infants you have prepared praise

From the mouths refers to speaking. Alternate translation: “You caused little children and nursing infants to prepare to give praise to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1865MAT2117kag5καταλιπὼν αὐτοὺς1having left them

Alternate translation: “after Jesus left the chief priests and scribes”

1866MAT2118q488δὲ1Now

Th word when is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew explains that Jesus is hungry and that is why he stops at the fig tree.

1867MAT2119l3bi0Connecting Statement:

Jesus uses a fig tree to teach his disciples about faith and prayer.

1868MAT2119h2laἐξηράνθη1withered

Alternate translation: “died and dried up”

1869MAT2120q81gfigs-rquestionπῶς παραχρῆμα ἐξηράνθη ἡ συκῆ?1How did the fig tree immediately wither away?

The disciples use a question to emphasize how surprised they are. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We are astonished that the fig tree has dried up so quickly!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1870MAT2120sk1gἐξηράνθη1did … wither away

Alternate translation: “did … dry up and die”

1871MAT2121nd3yἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

1872MAT2121mwl5figs-doubletἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν καὶ μὴ διακριθῆτε1if you have faith and would not doubt

Jesus expresses the same idea both positively and negatively to emphasize that this faith must be genuine. Alternate translation: “if you truly believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1873MAT2121jf9hfigs-quotationsκἂν τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ εἴπητε, ἄρθητι καὶ βλήθητι εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν,1you may even say to this mountain, Be taken up and be thrown into the sea,

You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “you will even be able to tell this mountain to be taken up and be thrown into the sea,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1874MAT2121ermlfigs-activepassiveκἂν τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ εἴπητε, ἄρθητι καὶ βλήθητι εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν,1you may even say to this mountain, Be taken up and be thrown into the sea,

You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you will even be able to tell this mountain to get up and throw itself into the sea,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1875MAT2123yi7j0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of the religious leaders questioning Jesus authority.

1876MAT2123uge9figs-explicitἐλθόντος αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1when he had come into the temple

It is implied that Jesus did not enter the actual temple. He entered the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1877MAT2123s1w6ταῦτα1these things

Here, these things refers to Jesus teaching and healing in the temple. It probably also refers to Jesus driving out the buyers and sellers the previous day.

1878MAT2125k1a7πόθεν ἦν?1from where was it?

Alternate translation: “where did he get the authority to do that?”

1879MAT2125vvt5figs-quotesinquotesἐὰν εἴπωμεν, ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ἐρεῖ ἡμῖν, διὰ τί οὖν οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ?1If we would say, From heaven, he will say to us, Why then did you not believe him?

This has quotes within a quote. You could translate the direct quotations as an indirect quotations. Alternate translation: “If we say that we believe John received his authority from heaven, then Jesus will ask us why we did not believe John.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

1880MAT2125xx3bfigs-metonymyἐξ οὐρανοῦ1From heaven

Here, heaven refers to God. Alternate translation: “from God in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1881MAT2125jmg7figs-rquestionδιὰ τί οὖν οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ?1Why then did you not believe him?

The religious leaders know that Jesus could scold them with this rhetorical question. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Then you should have believed John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1882MAT2126zxn4figs-quotesinquotesἐὰν δὲ εἴπωμεν, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων,1But if we would say, From men,

This is a quote within a quote. You could translate the direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “But if we say that we believe John received his authority from men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

1883MAT2126vn6jφοβούμεθα τὸν ὄχλον1we fear the crowd

Alternate translation: “we fear what the crowd would think or even do to us”

1884MAT2126q1r1πάντες…ὡς προφήτην ἔχουσιν τὸν Ἰωάννην1they all regard John as a prophet

Alternate translation: “they believe John is a prophet”

1885MAT2128u56nfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells a parable about two sons to rebuke the religious leaders and to illustrate their unbelief. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1886MAT2128iem2figs-rquestionτί δὲ ὑμῖν δοκεῖ?1But what do you think?

Jesus uses a question to challenge the religious leaders to think deeply about the parable he will tell them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me what you think about what I am about to tell you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1887MAT2129b96zfigs-metaphorμεταμεληθεὶς1having changed his mind

This refers to the son reconsidering his thoughts and deciding to act differently from how he had said he would act. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1888MAT2131hl72λέγουσιν1They say

Alternate translation: “The chief priests and elders said”

1889MAT2131au13λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς1Jesus says to them

Alternate translation: “Jesus said to the chief priests and elders”

1890MAT2131er5sἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

1891MAT2131ec9ffigs-metonymyοἱ τελῶναι καὶ αἱ πόρναι προάγουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ1the tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter into the kingdom of God before you

Here, kingdom of God refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “when God establishes his rule on earth, he will agree to bless the tax collectors and prostitutes by ruling over them before he agrees to do that for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1892MAT2131pd34προάγουσιν ὑμᾶς1enter … before you

This could mean: (1) God will accept the tax collectors and prostitutes sooner than he will accept the Jewish religious leaders. (2) God will accept the tax collectors and prostitutes instead of the Jewish religious leaders.

1893MAT2132a8z8figs-youἦλθεν…Ἰωάννης πρὸς ὑμᾶς1John came to you

Here, you is plural and refers to all the people of Israel not just the religious leaders. Alternate translation: “John came to the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1894MAT2132n2vefigs-idiomἐν ὁδῷ δικαιοσύνης1in the way of righteousness

This is an idiom that means John showed the people the right way to live. Alternate translation: “and told you the way God wants you to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1895MAT2132c5t4figs-youοὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ1you did not believe him

Here, you is plural and refers to the religious leaders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1896MAT2133nn9yfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

To rebuke the religious leaders and illustrate their unbelief, Jesus tells a parable about rebellious servants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1897MAT2133sx2yοἰκοδεσπότης1a landowner

Alternate translation: “a person who owned a piece of property”

1898MAT2133v39uφραγμὸν1a hedge

Alternate translation: “a wall” or “a fence made of bushes”

1899MAT2133lg79ὤρυξεν ἐν αὐτῷ ληνὸν1dug a winepress in it

Alternate translation: “dug a hole in the vineyard in which to press the grapes”

1900MAT2133eu7xἐξέδετο αὐτὸν γεωργοῖς1rented it out to vine growers

The owner still owned the vineyard, but he allowed the vine growers to take care of it. When the grapes became ripe, they were to give some of them to the owner and keep the rest.

1901MAT2133vp8kγεωργοῖς1to vine growers

These vine growers were people who knew how to take care of vines and grapes.

1902MAT2135n1cqτοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ1his servants

Alternate translation: “the landowners servants”

1903MAT2140x1llgrammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1Therefore

The word Therefore indicates that what follows is the result of what has happened in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1904MAT2141ss2mλέγουσιν αὐτῷ1They say to him

Matthew does not make clear who answered Jesus. If you need to specify an audience you can translate as “The people said to Jesus.”

1905MAT2142z9tmλίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας; παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη, καὶ ἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν1

Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that God will honor the one whom the religious leaders reject.

1906MAT2142x8zh0Connecting Statement:

Here Jesus begins to explain the parable of the rebellious servants.

1907MAT2142kk7eλέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς1Jesus says to them

It is unclear to whom Jesus asks the following question. If you need to make them specific, use the same audience as you did in 21:41.

1908MAT2142me7gfigs-rquestionοὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε ἐν ταῖς Γραφαῖς, λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας; παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη, καὶ ἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν?1Did you never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, this has become the head of the corner. This was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes?

Jesus uses a question to make his audience think deeply about what this scripture means. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Think about what you have read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, this has become the head of the corner. This was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1909MAT2142mcm8figs-metaphorλίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας1The stone which the builders rejected, this has become the head of the corner

Jesus is quoting from the Psalms. This is a metaphor that means the religious leaders, like builders, will reject Jesus, but God will make him the most important in his kingdom, like the cornerstone in a building. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1910MAT2142uid2figs-activepassiveἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας1has become the head of the corner

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

1911MAT2142b1srπαρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη1This was from the Lord

Alternate translation: “The Lord has caused this great change”

1912MAT2142el83figs-metonymyἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν1it is marvelous in our eyes

Here, in our eyes refers to seeing. Alternate translation: “it is wonderful to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1913MAT2143s93aλέγω ὑμῖν1I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

1914MAT2143c7pbfigs-youὑμῖν1to you

Here, you is plural. Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders who had rejected him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1915MAT2143v89zfigs-metonymyἀρθήσεται ἀφ’ ὑμῶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ δοθήσεται ἔθνει1the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation

Here, kingdom of God refers to Gods rule as king. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will reject you and he will be king over people from other nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1916MAT2143x9nqfigs-activepassiveἀρθήσεται ἀφ’ ὑμῶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ δοθήσεται ἔθνει1the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will take his kingdom away from you and will give it to a nation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1917MAT2143cm2ifigs-metaphorποιοῦντι τοὺς καρποὺς αὐτῆς1producing its fruits

Here, fruits is a metaphor for “results” or “outcomes.” Alternate translation: “that produces good results” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1918MAT2144r7upfigs-metaphorὁ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὸν λίθον τοῦτον, συνθλασθήσεται1the one having fallen on this stone will be broken to pieces

Here, this stone is the same stone as in 21:42. This is a metaphor that means the Christ will destroy anyone who rebels against him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1919MAT2144e7qcfigs-activepassiveὁ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὸν λίθον τοῦτον, συνθλασθήσεται1the one having fallen on this stone will be broken to pieces

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the stone will break into pieces anyone who falls on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1920MAT2144ghz2figs-parallelismἐφ’ ὃν δ’ ἂν πέσῃ, λικμήσει αὐτόν1but on whomever it may fall, it will crush him

This means basically the same thing as the previous sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1921MAT2144fonhfigs-metaphorἐφ’ ὃν δ’ ἂν πέσῃ, λικμήσει αὐτόν1but on whomever it may fall, it will crush him

This is a metaphor that means the Christ will have the final judgment and will destroy everyone who rebels against him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1922MAT2145gh8w0Connecting Statement:

The religious leaders react to the parable that Jesus told.

1923MAT2145qpy9τὰς παραβολὰς αὐτοῦ1his parables

Alternate translation: “Jesus parables”

1924MAT22introk5ze0

Matthew 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in verse 44, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Wedding Feast

In the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14), Jesus taught that when God offers to save a person, that person needs to accept the offer. Jesus spoke of life with God as a feast that a king prepares for his son, who has just gotten married. In addition, Jesus emphasized that not everyone whom God invites will properly prepare themselves to come to the feast. God will throw these people out from the feast.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Implicit information

Speakers usually do not say things that they think their hearers already understand. When the king in the parable said, “My oxen and fattened calves have been killed” (Matthew 22:4), he assumed that the hearers would understand that those who had killed the animals had also cooked them.

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. To the Jews, the ancestors were the masters of the descendants, but in one psalm David calls one of his descendants “Lord.” Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that this is a paradox, saying, “If David then calls the Christ Lord, how is he Davids son?” (Matthew 22:45).

1925MAT221z8vzfigs-parables0Connecting Statement:

To rebuke the religious leaders and to illustrate their unbelief, Jesus tells a parable about a marriage feast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

1926MAT221bc6yαὐτοῖς1to them

Alternate translation: “to the people”

1927MAT222xps3ὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1The kingdom of the heavens is like

This is the beginning of a parable. See how you translated this in 13:24.

1928MAT223wur1figs-activepassiveτοὺς κεκλημένους1those who had been invited

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the people the king had invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1929MAT224c7x4figs-activepassiveδούλους λέγων, εἴπατε τοῖς κεκλημένοις1servants, saying, Tell those who have been invited

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “servants, saying, Tell those whom I have invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1930MAT224arqxfigs-quotationsδούλους λέγων, εἴπατε τοῖς κεκλημένοις1servants, saying, Tell those who have been invited

You can state this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “servants, ordering them to tell those whom he invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1931MAT224iq6yἰδοὺ1Behold

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

1932MAT224xu4tfigs-activepassiveοἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ τεθυμένα1My oxen and fattened calves have been killed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “My servants have killed my oxen and my fattened calves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1933MAT224ro9hfigs-explicitοἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ τεθυμένα1My oxen and fattened calves have been killed

It is implied that the animals are cooked and ready to eat. Alternate translation: “My servants have killed and cooked my oxen and my fattened calves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1934MAT224c48aοἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ1My oxen and fattened calves

Alternate translation: “My best oxen and calves for eating”

1935MAT225zu4cοἱ δὲ ἀμελήσαντες1But they, having paid no attention

Alternate translation: “But the guests the king invited, ignoring the invitation”

1936MAT227la7sfigs-explicitἀπώλεσεν τοὺς φονεῖς ἐκείνους1he killed those murderers

It is implied that it was the kings soldiers who killed the murderers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1937MAT228k98ufigs-activepassiveοἱ…κεκλημένοι1those who had been invited

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom I invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1938MAT229p48sτὰς διεξόδους τῶν ὁδῶν1the crossings of the roads

The king is sending the servants to the place where they are most likely to find people. Alternate translation: “the crossroads” or “where the main roads of the city cross”

1939MAT2210uva7πονηρούς τε καὶ ἀγαθούς1both evil and good

Alternate translation: “both the good people and the bad people”

1940MAT2210c6phfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐπλήσθη ὁ γάμος ἀνακειμένων1and the wedding hall was filled with those reclining at table

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “So the guests filled the wedding hall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1941MAT2210fy3aὁ γάμος1the wedding hall

A wedding hall was a large room where weddings were performed.

1942MAT2212c7iyfigs-rquestionπῶς εἰσῆλθες ὧδε μὴ ἔχων ἔνδυμα γάμου?1how did you come in here, not having wedding clothes?

The king uses a question to scold the guest. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “you are not wearing proper clothes for a wedding. You should not be here.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1943MAT2212w7vbὁ…ἐφιμώθη1he was speechless

Alternate translation: “the man was silent”

1944MAT2213jmp4δήσαντες αὐτοῦ πόδας καὶ χεῖρας1Having bound him foot and hand

Alternate translation: “After you have tied him up so that he cannot move his hands or feet”

1945MAT2213rpy8figs-metonymyτὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1the outer darkness

Here, outer darkness is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. See how you translated this in 8:12. Alternate translation: “the dark place away from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1946MAT2213s9getranslate-symactionὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1the weeping and the grinding of teeth

Here, the grinding of teeth is symbolic action, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in 8:12. Alternate translation: “weeping and expressing their extreme suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1947MAT2214hy3afigs-activepassiveπολλοὶ γάρ εἰσιν κλητοὶ, ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοί1For many are called, but few are chosen

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For God invites many people, but he only chooses a few” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1948MAT2214yz5fγάρ1For

Here, For marks a transition. Jesus has ended the parable and will now explain the point of the parable.

1949MAT2215y8260Connecting Statement:

This begins an account of the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus with several difficult questions. Here the Pharisees ask him about paying taxes to Caesar.

1950MAT2215u2mjὅπως αὐτὸν παγιδεύσωσιν ἐν λόγῳ1how they might entrap him in his words

Alternate translation: “how they could cause Jesus to say something wrong so they could arrest him”

1951MAT2216eae4figs-explicitτοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτῶν…τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν1their disciples … the Herodians

The disciples of the Pharisees supported paying taxes only to Jewish authorities. The Herodians supported paying taxes to the Roman authorities. It is implied that the Pharisees believed that no matter what Jesus said, he would offend one of these groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1952MAT2216rf66translate-namesἩρῳδιανῶν1Herodians

The Herodians were officials and followers of the Jewish king Herod. He was friends with Roman authorities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1953MAT2216t2qaοὐ…βλέπεις εἰς πρόσωπον ἀνθρώπων2for you do not look at the face of men

Alternate translation: “you do not show special honor to anyone” or “you do not consider anyone more important than anyone else”

1954MAT2217a9byfigs-explicitδοῦναι κῆνσον Καίσαρι1to give a poll tax to Caesar

People did not pay taxes directly to Caesar but to one of his tax collectors. Alternate translation: “to pay the taxes that Caesar requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1955MAT2218a2tifigs-rquestionτί με πειράζετε, ὑποκριταί?1Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?

Jesus uses a question to scold those who were trying to trap him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not test me, you hypocrites!” or “I know that you hypocrites are only trying to test me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1956MAT2219cie7translate-bmoneyδηνάριον1a denarius

The denarius was a Roman coin worth one days wages. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1957MAT2220ue7jαὐτοῖς1to them

Here, them refers to the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees.

1958MAT2220dr3dfigs-rquestionτίνος ἡ εἰκὼν αὕτη καὶ ἡ ἐπιγραφή?1Whose image and name inscription is this?

Jesus uses a question to get the people to think deeply about what he is saying. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me whose image and name you see on this coin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1959MAT2221yd84figs-ellipsisΚαίσαρος1Caesars

You can make clear the understood information in their response. Alternate translation: “The coin has Caesars image and name on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1960MAT2221i6g5τὰ Καίσαρος1the things of Caesar

Alternate translation: “the things that belong to Caesar”

1961MAT2221l3dhτὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ1the things of Gods

Alternate translation: “the things that belong to God”

1962MAT2223wqg20Connecting Statement:

The Sadducees try to trap Jesus by asking him a difficult question about marriage and the resurrection of the dead.

1963MAT2224xl5ffigs-quotesinquotesΔιδάσκαλε, Μωϋσῆς εἶπεν, ἐάν τις ἀποθάνῃ1Teacher, Moses said, If someone may have died

The religious leaders were asking Jesus about what Moses had written in the Scriptures. If your language does not allow quotes within quotes, you could state this as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

1964MAT2224u7dmὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ…τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ…τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ1his brother … his wife … for his brother

Here, his refers to the dead man.

1965MAT2225ag5ztranslate-ordinalὁ πρῶτος1the first

Alternate translation: “the oldest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1966MAT2226r6bqtranslate-ordinalὁ δεύτερος…ὁ τρίτος…τῶν ἑπτά1the second … the third … the seventh

Alternate translation: “the next oldest … the next oldest … the youngest” or “his oldest younger brother … that brothers oldest younger brother … the youngest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

1967MAT2227t7mdὕστερον…πάντων1last of all

Alternate translation: “after every brother had died”

1968MAT2228wbd1οὖν1Therefore

The Sadducees use the word Therefore to shift from the story about the seven brothers to their actual question.

1969MAT2228s743ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει1in the resurrection

Alternate translation: “when dead people come back to life”

1970MAT2229p1aefigs-explicitπλανᾶσθε1You have been led astray

It is implied that Jesus means that they are mistaken about what they think about the resurrection. Alternate translation: “You are mistaken about the resurrection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1971MAT2229xkvgfigs-activepassiveπλανᾶσθε1You have been led astray

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “You are mistaken” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1972MAT2229dax6τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ Θεοῦ1the power of God

Alternate translation: “what God is able to do”

1973MAT2230ygr1ἐν…τῇ ἀναστάσει1in the resurrection

Alternate translation: “when dead people rise back to life”

1974MAT2230uaj9οὔτε γαμοῦσιν1they neither marry

Alternate translation: “people do not marry”

1975MAT2230qkv1figs-activepassiveοὔτε γαμίζονται1nor are given in marriage

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “nor will people give their children in marriage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1976MAT2231nx660Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins asking a question to show that people who have died will live again.

1977MAT2231b9syfigs-rquestionοὐκ ἀνέγνωτε τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑμῖν ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ λέγοντος1have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying

This is the first part of a rhetorical question that continues into the next verse. Jesus scolds the Sadducees by asking a question. He is not looking for an answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I know you have read what was spoken to you by God. You know that he said,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1978MAT2231ljj7figs-activepassiveτὸ ῥηθὲν ὑμῖν ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1what was spoken to you by God

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what God spoke to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1979MAT2232qcq3figs-rquestionἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰακώβ?1I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

This is the end of the question that begins with the words have you not read in verse 31. Jesus asks this question to remind the religious leaders of what they know from scripture. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I know you have read it, but you do not seem to understand what God meant when he said he was the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1980MAT2232zwbpfigs-quotationsἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰακώβ?1I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. “God, who said to Moses that he is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1981MAT2232t7lvfigs-nominaladjνεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ ζώντων1of the dead, but of the living

If your language does not use the nominal adjectives dead and living, you can express them as adjectives. Alternate translation: “of dead people, but he is the God of living people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1982MAT2234jnd70Connecting Statement:

A Pharisee who was an expert in the law tries to trap Jesus by asking him a difficult question about the greatest commandment.

1983MAT2235ud5rνομικὸς1a lawyer

This is a Pharisee who had special skill in understanding the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “an expert in the law”

1984MAT2237vng8ἀγαπήσεις Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ διανοίᾳ σου1

Jesus quotes a verse from Deuteronomy as the greatest commandment.

1985MAT2237xl3efigs-doubletἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ διανοίᾳ σου1with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind

These three phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1986MAT2237g0mtfigs-metonymyἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ διανοίᾳ σου1with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind

Here, heart and soul are metonyms for a persons inner being. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1987MAT2238q8j3figs-doubletἡ μεγάλη καὶ πρώτη ἐντολή1the great and first commandment

Here, great and first mean the same thing. They emphasize that this is the most important commandment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1988MAT2239xk1kἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν1

Jesus quotes a verse from Leviticus as the second greatest commandment.

1989MAT2239yx7vτὸν πλησίον σου1your neighbor

Here, neighbor means more than just those who live nearby. Jesus means a person must love all people.

1990MAT2240wpr8figs-metonymyἐν ταύταις ταῖς δυσὶν ἐντολαῖς, ὅλος ὁ νόμος κρέμαται καὶ οἱ προφῆται1On these two commandments hang the whole law and the prophets

Here the phrase the whole law and the prophets refers to all of Scripture. Alternate translation: “Everything that Moses and the prophets wrote in the scriptures is based on these two commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1991MAT2241r9ca0Connecting Statement:

Jesus asks the Pharisees a difficult question in order to stop their attempts to trap him.

1992MAT2241pj4aδὲ1Now

The word Now is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story when Jesus asks the religious leaders a question.

1993MAT2242xlf8υἱός1son

Here, son means “descendant.”

1994MAT2242xhwjfigs-ellipsisτοῦ Δαυείδ1Of David

In this reply, it is understood that they are saying whose son the Christ will be. Alternate translation: “He is the son of David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1995MAT2243dpp50General Information:

In verses 43-44, Jesus quotes from the Psalms to show that the Christ is more than just “the son of David.”

1996MAT2243cu3hfigs-rquestionπῶς οὖν Δαυεὶδ ἐν Πνεύματι καλεῖ Κύριον αὐτὸν1How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying

Jesus begins to ask a question to make the religious leaders think deeply about the Psalm he is about to quote. The question continues into the next verse. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Then, tell me why David in the Spirit calls him Lord, saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1997MAT2243yu5mΔαυεὶδ ἐν Πνεύματι1David in the Spirit

This means the Holy Spirit is influencing what David says. Alternate translation: “David, whom the Holy Spirit is inspiring”

1998MAT2243dn9yκαλεῖ…αὐτὸν1does … call him

Here, him refers to the Christ, who is also the descendant of David.

1999MAT2244wy85εἶπεν Κύριος1The Lord said

Here, Lord refers to God the Father.

2000MAT2244k3f7τῷ Κυρίῳ μου1to my Lord

Here, Lord refers to the Christ. Also, my refers to David. This means the Christ is superior to David, because he is Davids “Lord.”

2001MAT2244dz2atranslate-symactionκάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου1Sit at my right hand

To sit at the right hand of God is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “Sit in the place of honor beside me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2002MAT2244e59nfigs-idiomἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν σου1until I put your enemies under your feet

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “until I conquer your enemies” or “until I make your enemies bow down before you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2003MAT2245d8glfigs-rquestionεἰ οὖν Δαυεὶδ καλεῖ αὐτὸν, Κύριον, πῶς υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἐστιν?1If David therefore calls him Lord, how is he his son?

Jesus uses a question to make the religious leaders think deeply about what he is saying. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “David calls him Lord, so the Christ has to be more than just a descendant of David.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2004MAT2245x9uhεἰ οὖν Δαυεὶδ καλεῖ αὐτὸν, Κύριον,1If David therefore calls him Lord,

David referred to Jesus as Lord because Jesus was not only a descendant of David, but he was also superior to him.

2005MAT2246n3hwfigs-metonymyἀποκριθῆναι αὐτῷ λόγον1to answer him a word

Here, word refers to what people say. Alternate translation: “to answer him anything” or “to answer him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2006MAT2246c1f2figs-explicitἐπερωτῆσαι αὐτὸν οὐκέτι1to question him any longer

It is implied that no one asked him the kind of questions that were intended to make him say something wrong so the religious leaders could arrest him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2007MAT23introm99i0

Matthew 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Hypocrites

Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites many times (Matthew 23:13) and carefully tells what he means by doing that. The Pharisees made rules that no one could actually obey, and then they persuaded the ordinary people that they were guilty because they could not obey the rules. Also, the Pharisees obeyed their own rules instead of obeying Gods original commands in the law of Moses.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Name calling

In most cultures, it is wrong to insult people. The Pharisees took many of the words in this chapter as insults. Jesus called them “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” “fools,” and “serpents” (Matthew 23:16-17). Jesus uses these words say that God would surely punish them because they were doing wrong.

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, “He who is greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11-12).

2008MAT231skq40General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that continues to 25:46, where Jesus teaches about salvation and the final judgment. Here he begins to warn the people about the scribes and Pharisees.

2009MAT232dnu3figs-metonymyἐπὶ τῆς Μωϋσέως καθέδρας ἐκάθισαν1sit in Moses seat

Here, seat represents the authority to rule and make judgments. Alternate translation: “have authority as Moses had” or “have authority to say what the law of Moses means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2010MAT233q336πάντα…ὅσα ἐὰν…ποιήσατε, καὶ τηρεῖτε1Therefore whatever … do and observe these things

Alternate translation: “all the things … do them and observe them” or “everything … do it and observe it”

2011MAT234xce6figs-metaphorδεσμεύουσιν δὲ φορτία βαρέα καὶ δυσβάστακτα, καὶ ἐπιτιθέασιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους τῶν ἀνθρώπων; αὐτοὶ δὲ τῷ δακτύλῳ αὐτῶν οὐ θέλουσιν κινῆσαι αὐτά1They tie up heavy burdens that are difficult to carry, and then they put them on peoples shoulders. But they themselves will not move a finger to carry themThey tie up loads that are heavy and difficult to carry, and they put them on peoples shoulders. But they themselves are not willing to lift their finger to move them

Here, bind heavy burdens … put them on peoples shoulders is a metaphor for the religious leaders making many difficult rules and making the people obey them. Alternate translation: “they make you obey many rules that are difficult to follow, but they do not lift a finger to help” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2012MAT234xtr1figs-idiomδεσμεύουσιν δὲ φορτία βαρέα καὶ δυσβάστακτα, καὶ ἐπιτιθέασιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους τῶν ἀνθρώπων; αὐτοὶ δὲ τῷ δακτύλῳ αὐτῶν οὐ θέλουσιν κινῆσαι αὐτά1And they tie up loads, heavy and difficult to carry, and they put them on the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing with their finger to move them

Here, will not move a finger is an idiom that means the religious leaders will not help the people. Alternate translation: “they make you obey many rules that are difficult to follow. But they do nothing at all to help the people follow the rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2013MAT235nw4yfigs-activepassiveπάντα δὲ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν, ποιοῦσιν πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1They do all their deeds to be seen by people

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “They do all their deeds so that people can see what they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2014MAT235ln6jfigs-explicitπλατύνουσι γὰρ τὰ φυλακτήρια αὐτῶν καὶ μεγαλύνουσι τὰ κράσπεδα1For they make their phylacteries wide, and they enlarge the edges of their garments

Both of these actions are things the Pharisees do to appear as if they honor God more than other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2015MAT235gcv7φυλακτήρια1phylacteries

The phylacteries were small leather boxes containing paper with scripture written on it.

2016MAT235h2qjμεγαλύνουσι τὰ κράσπεδα1they enlarge the edges of their garments

The Pharisees made the tassels on the bottom of their robes especially long to show their devotion to God.

2017MAT236arf1τὴν πρωτοκλισίαν…τὰς πρωτοκαθεδρίας1the chief places … the chief seats

Both of these places are the places where the most important people sit.

2018MAT237cp2mταῖς ἀγοραῖς1the marketplaces

The marketplace was a large, open-air area where people bought and sold items.

2019MAT237cbe8figs-activepassiveκαλεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, Ῥαββεί1to be called Rabbi by people.

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for people to call them Rabbi.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2020MAT238uk5vfigs-activepassiveὑμεῖς δὲ μὴ κληθῆτε1But you must not be called

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But you must not let anyone call you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2021MAT238ru2bfigs-youὑμεῖς…ὑμῶν…ὑμεῖς1you

All occurrences of you and your are plural and refer to all of Jesus followers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2022MAT238s5duὑμεῖς ἀδελφοί ἐστε1you are brothers

Here, brothers means “fellow believers.”

2023MAT239l33ffigs-hyperboleΠατέρα μὴ καλέσητε ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς;1you should not call any of you on the earth father,

Jesus is using hyperbole to tell his hearers that they must not allow even the most important people to be more important to them than God is. Alternate translation: “do not call any man on earth your father” or “do not say that any man on earth is your father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2024MAT239any8guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ ὁ οὐράνιος1heavenly Father

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

2025MAT2310b8uafigs-activepassiveμηδὲ κληθῆτε1And you should not be called

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Also, do not let anyone call you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2026MAT2310lp5ffigs-123personὅτι καθηγητὴς ὑμῶν ἐστιν εἷς, ὁ Χριστός1for your teacher is one—the Christ

When Jesus said the Christ, he was speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “for I, the Christ, am your only teacher” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2027MAT2311d62bὁ…μείζων ὑμῶν1the greatest among you

Alternate translation: “the person who is most important among you”

2028MAT2311d9xwfigs-youὑμῶν1among you

Here, you is plural and refers to Jesus followers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2029MAT2312x187ὑψώσει ἑαυτὸν1will exalt himself

Alternate translation: “makes himself important”

2030MAT2312e81rfigs-activepassiveταπεινωθήσεται1will be humbled

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will humble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2031MAT2312uz88figs-activepassiveὑψωθήσεται1will be exalted

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will make important” or “God will honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2032MAT2313ts6zfigs-metaphor0General Information:

Jesus speaks of the kingdom of the heavens as if it were a house, the door into which the Pharisees have shut from the outside so that neither they nor anyone else can enter the house. If you do not keep the metaphor of the house, be sure to change all instances of “shut” and “enter.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2033MAT2313qjt2figs-metonymy0General Information:

The words kingdom of the heavens, which refer to God, who lives in heaven, occur only in Matthew, try to use your languages word for “heaven” in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2034MAT2313aw490Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to rebuke the religious leaders because of their hypocrisy.

2035MAT2313i9dqοὐαὶ δὲ ὑμῖν1But woe to you

See how you translated this in 11:21. Alternate translation: “But how terrible it will be for you”

2036MAT2313j4sdfigs-metonymyκλείετε τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων; ὑμεῖς γὰρ οὐκ εἰσέρχεσθε, οὐδὲ τοὺς εἰσερχομένους ἀφίετε εἰσελθεῖν1you shut the kingdom of the heavens in front of men. For you do not enter in, nor do you permit those entering to enter

The phrase the kingdom of the heavens refers to God ruling over his people. The phrase kingdom of the heavens is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use heavens in your translation. Alternate translation: “You prevent people from accepting God, who lives in heaven, as king, but you do not accept him as king, and you make it impossible for those about to accept him as king to do so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2037MAT2313xtjffigs-metaphorκλείετε τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων; ὑμεῖς γὰρ οὐκ εἰσέρχεσθε, οὐδὲ τοὺς εἰσερχομένους ἀφίετε εἰσελθεῖν1you shut the kingdom of the heavens in front of men. For you do not enter in, nor do you permit those entering to enter

Jesus is speaking of the kingdom of the heavens as if it were a house, the door into which the Pharisees have shut from the outside so that neither they nor anyone else can enter the house. Alternate translation: “You make it impossible for people to enter the kingdom of heaven, but you do not enter it, and neither do you allow those about to enter to do so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2038MAT2315e4a8figs-idiomπεριάγετε τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ τὴν ξηρὰν1you go over the sea and the dry land

This is an idiom that means they go to distant places. Alternate translation: “you travel great distances” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2039MAT2315xo45figs-merismτὴν θάλασσαν καὶ τὴν ξηρὰν1the sea and the dry land

The sea and the dry land represent the two extremes where people can go on earth. Alternate translation: “everywhere” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

2040MAT2315iyl7ποιῆσαι ἕνα προσήλυτον1to make one proselyte

Alternate translation: “to make one person accept your religion”

2041MAT2315bq91figs-idiomυἱὸν Γεέννης1a son of hell

Here, son of is an idiom that means “one belonging to.” Alternate translation: “person who belongs in hell” or “person who should go to hell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2042MAT2316r5k3figs-metaphorὁδηγοὶ τυφλοὶ1you blind guides

The Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand Gods truth. See how you translated “blind guides” in 15:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2043MAT2316qgh8ἐν τῷ ναῷ, οὐδέν ἐστιν1by the temple, it is nothing

Alternate translation: “by the temple does not have to keep his oath”

2044MAT2316lni3ὀφείλει1he is obligated

Alternate translation: “he is obligated by his oath”

2045MAT2317s7a8figs-metaphorμωροὶ καὶ τυφλοί!1You fools and blind men!

The Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2046MAT2317f9zdfigs-rquestionτίς γὰρ μείζων ἐστίν, ὁ χρυσὸς ἢ ὁ ναὸς ὁ ἁγιάσας τὸν χρυσόν?1For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold holy?

Jesus uses this question to rebuke the Pharisees because they treated the gold as if it were more important than the temple. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The temple that has dedicated the gold to God is more important than the gold!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2047MAT2317j6d5ὁ ναὸς ὁ ἁγιάσας τὸν χρυσόν1the temple that has made the gold holy

Alternate translation: “the temple that makes the gold belong to God alone”

2048MAT2318lr61figs-ellipsisκαί1And

You can make the understood information explicit. Alternate translation: “And you also say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2049MAT2318d331οὐδέν ἐστιν1it is nothing

Alternate translation: “He does not have to do what he has sworn to do” or “He does not have to keep his oath”

2050MAT2318ngd2τῷ δώρῳ1the gift

This gift was an animal or grain that a person would bring to God by putting it on Gods altar.

2051MAT2318zg72ὀφείλει1he is obligated

Alternate translation: “he is obligated by his oath”

2052MAT2319y6hkfigs-metaphorτυφλοί1blind men

The Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2053MAT2319g7qrfigs-rquestionτί γὰρ μεῖζον, τὸ δῶρον, ἢ τὸ θυσιαστήριον τὸ ἁγιάζον τὸ δῶρον?1For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift holy?

Jesus uses this question to rebuke the Pharisees for treating the gift as if it were more important than the altar. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The altar that makes the gift holy is greater than the gift!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2054MAT2319gt4dτὸ θυσιαστήριον τὸ ἁγιάζον τὸ δῶρον1the altar that makes the gift holy

Alternate translation: “the altar that makes the gift special to God”

2055MAT2320x4q4ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ1by everything that is on it

Alternate translation: “by all the gifts that people have placed on it”

2056MAT2321m21bτῷ κατοικοῦντι αὐτόν1the one inhabiting it

This refers to God the Father.

2057MAT2322ejw9τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ1the one sitting on it

As in the previous verse, this refers to God the Father.

2058MAT2323lg3rοὐαὶ ὑμῖν…ὑποκριταί!1Woe to you … hypocrites!

See how you translated this in 11:21. Alternate translation: “How terrible it will be for you”

2059MAT2323n94ytranslate-unknownτὸ ἡδύοσμον, καὶ τὸ ἄνηθον, καὶ τὸ κύμινον1the mint and the dill and the cumin

These are various leaves and seeds people used to make food taste good. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

2060MAT2323hga6ἀφήκατε1you have neglected

Alternate translation: “you have not obeyed”

2061MAT2323c8bbτὰ βαρύτερα1the weightier matters

Alternate translation: “the more important matters”

2062MAT2323m32jταῦτα δὲ ἔδει ποιῆσαι1But it was necessary to do these

Alternate translation: “But you ought to have obeyed these more important laws”

2063MAT2323nn6qfigs-doublenegativesκἀκεῖνα μὴ ἀφιέναι1and not to neglect those

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not … neglect, you can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “while also obeying the less important laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

2064MAT2324y84yfigs-metaphorὁδηγοὶ τυφλοί!1You blind guides

Jesus uses this metaphor to describe the Pharisees. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not understand Gods commands or how to please him. Therefore, they cannot teach others how to please God. See how you translated this metaphor in 15:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2065MAT2324l7fhfigs-metaphorοἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα τὴν δὲ κάμηλον καταπίνοντες!1you who are straining out the gnat but swallowing the camel!

Being careful to follow the less important laws and ignoring the more important laws is as foolish as being careful not to swallow the smallest unclean animal but eating the meat of the largest unclean animal. Alternate translation: “you are as foolish as a person who strains out a gnat that falls into his drink but swallows a camel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2066MAT2324g87tfigs-hyperboleοἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα τὴν δὲ κάμηλον καταπίνοντες1you who are straining out the gnat but swallowing the camel

Jesus understands that it is impossible for a man to swallow a camel. He is exaggerating in order to emphasize how foolish the scribes and Pharisees are to ignore the most important laws. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2067MAT2324xgoafigs-hyperboleοἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα τὴν δὲ κάμηλον καταπίνοντες!1you who are straining out the gnat but swallowing the camel!

It is not possible for a person to swallow a camel. Jesus is exaggerating to emphasize how the Pharisees and scribes are ignoring thing that should be obvious to them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2068MAT2324sn3zοἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα1you who are straining out the gnat

This means to pour a liquid through a cloth to remove a gnat from a drink.

2069MAT2324whk2κώνωπα1gnat

A gnat is a small flying insect.

2070MAT2325ns27οὐαὶ ὑμῖν…ὑποκριταί!1Woe to you … hypocrites!

See how you translated this in 11:21. Alternate translation: “How terrible it will be for you”

2071MAT2325ru45figs-metaphorὅτι καθαρίζετε τὸ ἔξωθεν τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος, ἔσωθεν δὲ γέμουσιν ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας1For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence

This is a metaphor that means the scribes and Pharisees appear pure on the outside to others, but on the inside they are wicked. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2072MAT2325tz8hγέμουσιν ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας1they are full of greed and self-indulgence

Alternate translation: “they want what others have, and they act in the interest of the self”

2073MAT2326lb5jfigs-metaphorΦαρισαῖε τυφλέ!1You blind Pharisee!

The Pharisees were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand Gods truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2074MAT2326f9p8figs-metaphorκαθάρισον πρῶτον τὸ ἐντὸς τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος, ἵνα γένηται καὶ τὸ ἐκτὸς αὐτῶν καθαρόν1Clean first the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside of it may become clean also

This is a metaphor that means that if they would become pure in their inner being, then the result is that they would be pure on the outside as well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2075MAT2327kry1figs-simileπαρομοιάζετε τάφοις κεκονιαμένοις…ἀκαθαρσίας1you are like whitewashed tombs … uncleanness

This is a simile that means the scribes and Pharisees may appear to be pure on the outside, but they are wicked on the inside. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2076MAT2327ta1ffigs-explicitτάφοις κεκονιαμένοις1whitewashed tombs

The Jews would paint tombs white so that people would easily see them and avoid touching them. Touching a tomb would make a person ceremonially unclean. Alternate translation: “tombs that someone has painted white” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2077MAT2329tse6figs-nominaladjτῶν δικαίων1of the righteous

If your language does not use the nominal adjective righteous, you can express it as an adjective. Alternate translation: “of the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2078MAT2330kkf2ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν1in the days of our fathers

Alternate translation: “during the time of our forefathers”

2079MAT2330nq82οὐκ ἂν ἤμεθα κοινωνοὶ αὐτῶν1we would not have been partners with them

Alternate translation: “we would not have joined with them”

2080MAT2330x99mfigs-metonymyἐν τῷ αἵματι τῶν προφητῶν1in the blood of the prophets

Here, blood is associated with the killing of the prophets. Alternate translation: “in the killing of the prophets” or “in the murder of the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2081MAT2331l7rlυἱοί ἐστε1you are sons

Here, sons means “descendants.”

2082MAT2332bpz8figs-metaphorκαὶ ὑμεῖς πληρώσατε τὸ μέτρον τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν1And you fill up the measure of your fathers

Jesus uses this as a metaphor meaning the Pharisees will complete the wicked behavior that their forefathers started when they killed the prophets. Alternate translation: “And you finish the sins your ancestors began” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2083MAT2333va5cfigs-doubletὄφεις, γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1You serpents, you offspring of vipers

Here, serpents and vipers both refer to poisonous snakes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2084MAT2333cfj3figs-metaphorὄφεις, γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1You serpents, you offspring of vipers

Here, serpents and vipers are dangerous creatures and often symbols of evil. Alternate translation: “You are as evil as dangerous and poisonous snakes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2085MAT2333blv6γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν1you offspring of vipers

Here, offspring means “having the characteristic of.” See how you translated a similar phrase in 3:7.

2086MAT2333vi6cfigs-rquestionπῶς φύγητε ἀπὸ τῆς κρίσεως τῆς Γεέννης?1how might you escape from the judgment of hell?

Jesus uses this question as a rebuke. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “there is no way for you to escape the judgment of hell!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2087MAT2334rq8cἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω πρὸς ὑμᾶς προφήτας, καὶ σοφοὺς, καὶ γραμματεῖς1I am sending to you prophets and wise men and scribes

Sometimes the present tense is used to show that someone will do something very soon. Alternate translation: “I will send prophets, wise men, and scribes to you”

2088MAT2335l7yafigs-idiomἔλθῃ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς πᾶν αἷμα δίκαιον ἐκχυννόμενον ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1might come upon you all the righteous blood being shed on the earth

The phrase come upon you is an idiom that means to receive punishment. Alternate translation: “God will punish you for all the righteous blood being shed on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2089MAT2335h5n7figs-metonymyἔλθῃ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς πᾶν αἷμα δίκαιον ἐκχυννόμενον ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1might come upon you all the righteous blood being shed on the earth

To shed blood is a metonym meaning to kill people, so “righteous blood that being shed on the earth” represents righteous people who are being killed. Alternate translation: “God will punish you for the murders of all the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2090MAT2335b3a7figs-metonymyἀπὸ τοῦ αἵματος…ἕως τοῦ αἵματος1from the blood … as far as the blood

Here the word blood represents a person being killed. Alternate translation: “from the murder … to the murder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2091MAT2335z95gfigs-merismἊβελ…Ζαχαρίου1of … Abel … of Zechariah

Abel was the first righteous victim of murder, and Zechariah, who was murdered by Jews in the temple, was probably thought to be the last. These two men represent all the righteous people who have been murdered. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

2092MAT2335cbq9Ζαχαρίου1of Zechariah

This Zechariah was not the father of John the Baptist.

2093MAT2335s11lὃν ἐφονεύσατε1whom you killed

Jesus does not mean the people to whom he is speaking actually killed Zechariah. He means their ancestors did.

2094MAT2336ut4lἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

2095MAT2337w23t0Connecting Statement:

Jesus mourns over the people of Jerusalem because they reject every messenger that God sends to them.

2096MAT2337vne9figs-apostropheἸερουσαλὴμ, Ἰερουσαλήμ1Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Jesus speaks as if he were talking only to the city of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

2097MAT2337xuj1figs-metonymyἸερουσαλὴμ, Ἰερουσαλήμ1Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Jesus speaks to the people of Jerusalem as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2098MAT2337tz4rfigs-activepassiveτοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν1those who have been sent to you

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God sends to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2099MAT2337t9y7figs-metaphorτὰ τέκνα σου1your children

Jesus is speaking to Jerusalem as if it is a woman and the people are her children. Alternate translation: “your people” or “your inhabitants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2100MAT2337xv4tfigs-simileὃν τρόπον ὄρνις ἐπισυνάγει τὰ νοσσία αὐτῆς ὑπὸ τὰς πτέρυγας1just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings

This is a simile that emphasizes Jesus love for the people and how he wanted to take care of them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2101MAT2337as8ptranslate-unknownὄρνις1a hen

A hen is a female chicken. You can translate this with any bird that protects her children under her wing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

2102MAT2338r6ssἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν ἔρημος1your house is left to you desolate

Alternate translation: “God will leave your house, and it will be empty”

2103MAT2338ck2zfigs-metonymyὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν1your house

This could refer to: (1) the city of Jerusalem. (2) the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2104MAT2339i14nλέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν1For I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2105MAT2339ig61figs-metonymyεὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου!1Blessed is the one coming in the name of the Lord!

Here, in the name means “in the power” or “as a representative.” See how you translated this in 21:9. Alternate translation: “He who comes in the power of the Lord is blessed” or “He who comes as the representative of the Lord will be blessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2106MAT24introh2a20

Matthew 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Jesus begins to prophesy about the future from that time until he returns as king of everything. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Special concepts in this chapter

“The end of the age”

In this chapter, Jesus gives an answer to his disciples when they ask how they will know when he will come again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

The example of Noah

In the time of Noah, God sent a great flood to punish people for their sins. He warned them many times about this coming flood, but it actually began suddenly. In this chapter, Jesus draws a comparison between that flood and the last days. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Let”

The ULT uses this word to begin several commands of Jesus, such as “let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (24:16), “let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house” (24:17), and “let him who is in the field not return to take his cloak” (24:18). There are many different ways to form a command. Translators must select the most natural ways in their own languages.

2107MAT241dh7u0Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to describe events that will happen before he comes again during the end times.

2108MAT241ke79figs-explicitἀπὸ τοῦ ἱεροῦ1from the temple

It is implied that Jesus was not in the temple itself. He was in the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2109MAT242mh5yfigs-rquestionοὐ βλέπετε ταῦτα πάντα?1Do you not see all these things?

Jesus uses a question to make the disciples think deeply about what he will tell them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you something about all these buildings.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2110MAT242fnv8ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

2111MAT242l45qfigs-explicitοὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον, ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται1certainly stone upon stone may not be left here, that will not be torn down

It is implied that enemy soldiers will tear down the stones. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2112MAT242ecdzfigs-activepassiveοὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον, ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται1certainly stone upon stone may not be left here, that will not be torn down

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when the enemy soldiers come, they will tear down every stone in these buildings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2113MAT243e1isfigs-explicitτί τὸ σημεῖον τῆς σῆς παρουσίας, καὶ συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος?1what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?

Here, your coming refers to when Jesus will come in power, establishing Gods reign on earth and bringing this age to an end. Alternate translation: “what will be the sign that you are about to come and that the world is about to end” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2114MAT244s64sfigs-metaphorβλέπετε μή τις ὑμᾶς πλανήσῃ1Be careful that no one might lead you astray

Here, might lead you astray is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “Be careful that no one deceives you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2115MAT245lq71figs-metonymyπολλοὶ…ἐλεύσονται ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου1many will come in my name

Here, in my name refers to “in my authority” or “as my representative.” Alternate translation: “many will claim that they have come as my representative” or “many will say they speak for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2116MAT245twh8figs-metaphorπολλοὺς πλανήσουσιν1will lead many astray

Here, will lead many astray is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “will deceive many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2117MAT246hdz3figs-activepassiveὁρᾶτε, μὴ θροεῖσθε1See that you are not troubled

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Do not let these things trouble you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2118MAT247ygf2figs-parallelismἐγερθήσεται γὰρ ἔθνος ἐπὶ ἔθνος, καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν1For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom

Both of these mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that people everywhere will fight each other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

2119MAT247xuowfigs-metonymyἐγερθήσεται γὰρ ἔθνος ἐπὶ ἔθνος, καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν1For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,

Here, nation and kingdom represent the people within them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2120MAT248q4glfigs-metaphorἀρχὴ ὠδίνων1are the beginning of birth pains

Here, birth pains refers to the pains a woman feels before giving birth to a child. This metaphor means these wars, famines, and earthquakes are just the beginning of the events that will lead to the end of the age. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2121MAT249u5e6παραδώσουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς θλῖψιν, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν ὑμᾶς1they will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you

Alternate translation: “people will give you over to the authorities, who will make you suffer and will kill you.”

2122MAT249uw1ifigs-metonymyἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν1you will be hated by all the nations

Here, nations is a metonym, referring to the people of nations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2123MAT249nsh3figs-activepassiveἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν1you will be hated by all the nations

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “People from every nation will hate you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2124MAT249u2bdfigs-metonymyδιὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου1for the sake of my name

Here, name refers to the complete person. Alternate translation: “because you believe in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2125MAT2411mi2efigs-idiomἐγερθήσονται1will be raised up

Here, be raised up is an idiom for “become established.” Alternate translation: “will come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2126MAT2411tjb3figs-metaphorκαὶ πλανήσουσιν πολλούς1and will lead many astray

Here, will lead many astray is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “and will deceive many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2127MAT2412w4affigs-abstractnounsτὸ πληθυνθῆναι τὴν ἀνομίαν1lawlessness will be increased

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun lawlessness, you can express it with the phrase “disobeying the law.” Alternate translation: “disobeying the law will increase” or “people will disobey Gods law more and more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2128MAT2412bu9bfigs-idiomψυγήσεται ἡ ἀγάπη τῶν πολλῶν1the love of many will grow cold

This could mean: (1) many people will no longer love other people. (2) many people will no longer love God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2129MAT2413v3exfigs-activepassiveὁ…ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος, οὗτος σωθήσεται1the one who has endured to the end, he will be saved

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will save the person who endures to the end” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2130MAT2413l1ppὁ δὲ ὑπομείνας1But the one who has endured

Alternate translation: “But the person who stays faithful”

2131MAT2413ht34εἰς τέλος1to the end

It is not clear whether the end refers to when a person dies or when the persecution ends or the end of the age when God shows himself to be king. The main point is that they endure as long as necessary.

2132MAT2413lra5τέλος1the end

Alternate translation: “the end of the world” or “the end of the age”

2133MAT2414x3e6figs-activepassiveκηρυχθήσεται τοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1this good news of the kingdom will be preached

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people will tell the good news of the kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2134MAT2414opuofigs-metonymyκηρυχθήσεται τοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας1this good news of the kingdom will be preached

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

2135MAT2414y65sfigs-metonymyπᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1to all the nations

Here, nations stands for people. Alternate translation: “to all people in all places” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2136MAT2415mf1bfigs-activepassiveτὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως, τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Δανιὴλ τοῦ προφήτου1the abomination of desolation, which has been spoken of by Daniel the prophet

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the shameful one who defiles the things of God, about whom Daniel the prophet wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2137MAT2415lz9pὁ ἀναγινώσκων νοείτω1let the one reading understand

This is not Jesus speaking. Matthew added this to alert the reader that Jesus was using words that they would need to think about and interpret.

2138MAT2417iv2jὁ ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος1the one on the housetop

A typical housetop where Jesus lived was flat, and people could stand on it.

2139MAT2419kq12figs-euphemismταῖς ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσαις1to those having in the womb

This is a polite way to say “pregnant women.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2140MAT2419f533ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις1in those days

Alternate translation: “at that time”

2141MAT2420u4jbἵνα μὴ γένηται ἡ φυγὴ ὑμῶν1so that your flight may not occur

Alternate translation: “so that you will not have to flee” or “so that you will not have to run away”

2142MAT2420m6mxχειμῶνος1in winter

Alternate translation: “in the cold season”

2143MAT2422vd3zfigs-doublenegativesεἰ μὴ ἐκολοβώθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι, οὐκ ἂν ἐσώθη πᾶσα σάρξ1unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “If God does not shorten that time of suffering, everyone will die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

2144MAT2422r9qwfigs-synecdocheσάρξ1flesh

Here, “flesh” is poetic way of referring to human beings. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2145MAT2422p6m8figs-activepassiveκολοβωθήσονται αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι1those days will be shortened

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will shorten the time of suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2146MAT2423avm2μὴ πιστεύσητε1you may not believe it

Alternate translation: “do not believe the false things they have said to you”

2147MAT2424n744figs-metaphorὥστε πλανῆσαι εἰ δυνατὸν καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς1so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect

Here, lead astray is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. You can translate this as two sentences. Alternate translation: “so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect” or “so as to deceive people. If possible, they would even deceive the elect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2148MAT2426fmx1figs-quotationsἐὰν…εἴπωσιν ὑμῖν, ἰδοὺ, ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ἐστίν, μὴ ἐξέλθητε1if they might say to you, Behold, he is in the wilderness, you may not go out there

You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “if someone tells you that the Christ is in the wilderness, do not go out there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2149MAT2426zxg2figs-quotationsἰδοὺ, ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις1Or, Behold, he is in the inner rooms,

You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Or, if someone tells you that the Christ is in the inner rooms,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2150MAT2426n2ptἐν τοῖς ταμείοις1he is in the inner rooms

Alternate translation: “he is in a secret room” or “he is in secret places”

2151MAT2427j1w1figs-simileὥσπερ…ἡ ἀστραπὴ ἐξέρχεται ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ φαίνεται ἕως δυσμῶν, οὕτως ἔσται ἡ παρουσία1just as the lightning comes out from the east and shines as far as the west, in the same way will be the coming

This means that the Son of Man will come very quickly and will be easy to see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2152MAT2427za8bfigs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1of the Son of Man

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

2153MAT2428mu35writing-proverbsὅπου ἐὰν ᾖ τὸ πτῶμα, ἐκεῖ συναχθήσονται οἱ ἀετοί1Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will be gathered

This is probably a proverb that the people of Jesus time understood. This could mean: (1) when the Son of Man comes, everyone will see him and know that he has come. (2) wherever spiritually dead people are, false prophets will be there to tell them lies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]])

2154MAT2428ivl8οἱ ἀετοί1the vultures

A vulture is a large bird that eats the bodies of dead or dying creatures.

2155MAT2429zmm6εὐθέως…μετὰ τὴν θλῖψιν τῶν ἡμερῶν ἐκείνων, ὁ ἥλιος1immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun

Alternate translation: “as soon as the tribulation of those days has finished, the sun”

2156MAT2429l15mτὴν θλῖψιν τῶν ἡμερῶν ἐκείνων1the tribulation of those days

Alternate translation: “that time of suffering”

2157MAT2429zuk4figs-activepassiveὁ ἥλιος σκοτισθήσεται1the sun will be darkened

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will make the sun dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2158MAT2429w1bifigs-activepassiveαἱ δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν σαλευθήσονται1the powers of the heavens will be shaken

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will shake things in the sky and above the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2159MAT2430yc2xfigs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1of the Son of Man

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

2160MAT2430tld8figs-metonymyπᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ1all the tribes

Here, tribes refers to people of different ethic groups. Alternate translation: “every people group” or “all the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2161MAT2431fl54ἀποστελεῖ τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ μετὰ σάλπιγγος μεγάλης1he will send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet

Alternate translation: “he will have a trumpet sounded and send his angels” or “he will have an angel blow a trumpet, and he will send his angels”

2162MAT2431rlb4figs-123personἀποστελεῖ…αὐτοῦ1he will send his

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

2163MAT2431wi28ἐπισυνάξουσιν1they will gather together

Alternate translation: “his angels will gather up”

2164MAT2431iq8cτοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς αὐτοῦ1his elect

The elect are the people whom the Son of Man has chosen.

2165MAT2431ibw7figs-parallelismἐκ τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων, ἀπ’ ἄκρων οὐρανῶν ἕως ἄκρων αὐτῶν1from the four winds, from the ends of the sky as far as the ends of it

Both of these mean the same thing, and emphasize how far the angels will go to gather the elect. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

2166MAT2431wp9tfigs-idiomἐκ τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων, ἀπ’ ἄκρων οὐρανῶν ἕως ἄκρων αὐτῶν1from the four winds, from the ends of the sky as far as the ends of it

These phrases are idioms that mean “from everywhere.” Alternate translation: “from all over the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2167MAT2433cu5afigs-123personἐγγύς ἐστιν1he is near

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “the time for me to come is near” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2168MAT2433cfz8figs-metaphorἐπὶ θύραις1at the gates

Jesus uses the imagery of a king or important official getting close to the gates of a walled city. It is a metaphor meaning the time for Jesus to come is soon. Alternate translation: “close to the gates” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2169MAT2434j8npἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

2170MAT2434gld5figs-euphemismοὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη1this generation may certainly not pass away

Here, pass away is a polite way of saying “die.” Alternate translation: “this generation will not all die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2171MAT2434y73tἡ γενεὰ αὕτη1this generation

This could refer to: (1) the people alive when Jesus was speaking. (2) all people alive when these things Jesus has just described happen. Try to translate so that both interpretations are possible.

2172MAT2434fb4kἕως ἂν πάντα ταῦτα γένηται1until all these things may have happened

Alternate translation: “until God causes all these things to happen”

2173MAT2434r6skοὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ1may certainly not pass away

Alternate translation: “will certainly not disappear” or “will certainly remain alive”

2174MAT2435i8vvfigs-synecdocheὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ παρελεύσεται1The heaven and the earth will pass away

The phrase the heaven and the earth is a synecdoche that includes everything that God has created, especially those things that seem permanent. Jesus is saying that his word, unlike these things, is permanent. Alternate translation: “Even the heaven and the earth will pass away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2175MAT2435e6bffigs-metonymyοἱ…λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρέλθωσιν1my words may certainly not pass away

Here, words refers to what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: “what I say will always be true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2176MAT2436q4pjfigs-metonymyτῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης καὶ ὥρας1that day and hour

Here, day and hour refer to the exact time that the Son of Man will return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2177MAT2436wq5rοὐδὲ ὁ Υἱός1nor the Son

Alternate translation: “not even the Son”

2178MAT2436p5vuguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱός1Son

Son is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2179MAT2436f4s2guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠατὴρ1Father

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

2180MAT2437hf51ὥσπερ γὰρ αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ Νῶε, οὕτως ἔσται ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1For just as the days of Noah were, thus will be the coming of the Son of Man

Alternate translation: “For at the time when the Son of Man comes, it will be like the time of Noah.”

2181MAT2437cpn8figs-123personτοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1of the Son of Man

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

2182MAT2439ffa6καὶ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν1and they did not know

You can translate this as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “and the people did not realize anything was happening”

2183MAT2439ah5vἦρεν ἅπαντας; οὕτως ἔσται καὶ ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1took them all away—thus also will be the coming of the Son of Man

You can translate this as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “too them all away. This is how it will be when the Son of Man comes”

2184MAT2440ksk60Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to tell his disciples to be ready for his return.

2185MAT2440hth3τότε1Then

This refers to the time when the Son of Man comes.

2186MAT2440gt4lfigs-activepassiveεἷς παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ εἷς ἀφίεται1one is taken, and one is left

This could mean: (1) the Son of Man will take one away to heaven and will leave the other on earth for punishment. (2) the angels will take one away for punishment and leave the other for blessing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2187MAT2442j83iοὖν1Therefore

Alternate translation: “Because what I have just said is true,”

2188MAT2442s6irγρηγορεῖτε1be alert

Alternate translation: “pay attention”

2189MAT2443ak6afigs-parablesεἰ ᾔδει ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης, ποίᾳ φυλακῇ ὁ κλέπτης ἔρχεται, ἐγρηγόρησεν ἂν, καὶ οὐκ ἂν εἴασεν διορυχθῆναι τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ1if the master of the house had known in what watch of night the thief is coming, he would have been alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into

Jesus uses a parable of a master and a thief to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2190MAT2443ki5sfigs-metaphorὁ κλέπτης1the thief

Jesus is saying he will come when people are not expecting him, not that he will come to steal. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2191MAT2443zs23ἐγρηγόρησεν ἂν1he would have been alert

Alternate translation: “he would have guarded his house”

2192MAT2443lg7ifigs-activepassiveοὐκ ἂν εἴασεν διορυχθῆναι τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ1would not have allowed his house to be broken into

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “would not have allowed anyone to get into his house to steal things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2193MAT2444gd17figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

2194MAT2445f92dfigs-rquestionτίς ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ πιστὸς δοῦλος καὶ φρόνιμος, ὃν κατέστησεν ὁ κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς οἰκετείας αὐτοῦ, τοῦ δοῦναι αὐτοῖς τὴν τροφὴν ἐν καιρῷ?1Who then is the faithful and wise slave whom his master has appointed over his household to give them their food at the proper time?

Jesus uses this question to make his disciples think. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “So who is the faithful and wise servant? He is the one whom his has appointed over his household to give them their food at the proper time.” or “Be like the faithful and wise servant, whom his has appointed over his household to give them their food at the proper time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2195MAT2445lf8dτοῦ δοῦναι αὐτοῖς τὴν τροφὴν1to give them their food

Alternate translation: “to give the people in the masters home their food”

2196MAT2447lin7ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

2197MAT2448f9ftfigs-metonymyεἴπῃ…ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ1might say in his heart

Here, heart refers to the mind. Alternate translation: “might think in his mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2198MAT2448per6figs-activepassiveχρονίζει μου ὁ κύριος1My master is delaying

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “My master is slow to return” or “My master will not return for a long time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2199MAT2450bz5kfigs-parallelismἐν ἡμέρᾳ ᾗ οὐ προσδοκᾷ, καὶ ἐν ὥρᾳ ᾗ οὐ γινώσκει1on a day that he does not expect and at an hour that he does not know

Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that the master will come when the servant is not expecting him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

2200MAT2451jj2zfigs-idiomδιχοτομήσει αὐτὸν1he will cut him in pieces

This is an idiom that means to make the person suffer terribly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2201MAT2451pm18τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ὑποκριτῶν θήσει1will assign his place with the hypocrites

Alternate translation: “will put him with the hypocrites” or “will send him to the place where hypocrites are sent”

2202MAT2451rwd5translate-symactionἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1there will be the weeping and the grinding of the teeth

Here, the grinding of the teeth is a symbolic act, representing extreme suffering. See how you translated this in 8:12. Alternate translation: “people will weep and grind their teeth because of their suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2203MAT25introqe8a0

Matthew 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the teaching of the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

The parable of the ten virgins

Jesus told the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) to tell his followers to be ready for him to return. His hearers could understand the parable because they knew Jewish wedding customs.

When the Jews arranged marriages, they would plan for the wedding to take place weeks or months later. At the proper time, the young man would go to his brides house, where she would be waiting for him. The wedding ceremony would take place, and then the man and his bride would travel to his home, where there would be a feast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

2204MAT251em28figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells a parable about wise and foolish virgins to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2205MAT251pg5ifigs-metonymyὁμοιωθήσεται ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν1the kingdom of the heavens will be compared to

Here, kingdom of the heavens refers to Gods rule as king. The phrase kingdom of the heavens is used only in Matthew. if possible, use heavens in your translation. See how you translated this in 13:24. Alternate translation: “when our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2206MAT251uhj1λαμπάδας1lamps

This could refer to: (1) oil lamps. (2) torches made by putting cloth around the end of a stick and wetting the cloth with oil.

2207MAT252c8nfπέντε…ἐξ αὐτῶν1five of them

Alternate translation: “five of the virgins”

2208MAT253b37aοὐκ ἔλαβον μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν ἔλαιον1did not take oil with themselves

Alternate translation: “took with them only the oil in their lamps”

2209MAT255r458δὲ1Now

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

2210MAT255pvh4figs-activepassiveχρονίζοντος…τοῦ νυμφίου1while the bridegroom was delaying

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “while the bridegroom was taking a long time to arrive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2211MAT255qf4bἐνύσταξαν πᾶσαι1they all became sleepy

Alternate translation: “all ten virgins became sleepy”

2212MAT256ufp2κραυγὴ γέγονεν1there was a cry

Alternate translation: “someone shouted”

2213MAT257ni6uἐκόσμησαν τὰς λαμπάδας ἑαυτῶν1trimmed their lamps

Alternate translation: “adjusted their lamps so they would burn brightly”

2214MAT258tsh4figs-nominaladjαἱ…μωραὶ ταῖς φρονίμοις εἶπον1the foolish said to the wise

If your language does not use the nominal adjectives foolish and wise, you can express them as adjectives. Alternate translation: “the foolish virgins said to the wise virgins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2215MAT258i1r7figs-idiomαἱ λαμπάδες ἡμῶν σβέννυνται1our lamps are going out

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the fire in our lamps is about to burn out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2216MAT2510rfh6ἀπερχομένων δὲ αὐτῶν1But while they were going away

Alternate translation: “But while the five foolish virgins went away”

2217MAT2510jej8figs-ellipsisἀγοράσαι1to buy

You can state the understood information explicitly. Alternate translation: “to buy more oil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2218MAT2510t229αἱ ἕτοιμοι1the prepared

This phrase refers to the virgins who had extra oil.

2219MAT2510g29ifigs-activepassiveἐκλείσθη ἡ θύρα1the door was shut

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the servants shut the door” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2220MAT2511e5pzfigs-explicitἄνοιξον ἡμῖν1open for us

You can state this implicit information explicitly. Alternate translation: “open the door for us so we can come inside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2221MAT2512z5u1ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

This adds emphasis to what the master says next. Alternate translation: “I tell you the truth”

2222MAT2512h4a8οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς1I do not know you

Alternate translation: “I do not know who you are”

2223MAT2513hn7wfigs-metonymyοὐκ οἴδατε τὴν ἡμέραν, οὐδὲ τὴν ὥραν1you do not know the day nor the hour

Here, day and hour refer to an exact time. Alternate translation: “you do not know the exact time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2224MAT2513xfdjfigs-explicitοὐκ οἴδατε τὴν ἡμέραν, οὐδὲ τὴν ὥραν1you do not know the day nor the hour

You can state the implied information explicitly. Alternate translation: “you do not know the exact time when the Son of Man will return” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2225MAT2514cn21figs-parables0Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells a parable about faithful and unfaithful servants to illustrate that his disciples should remain faithful during his absence and be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

2226MAT2514zqi2ὥσπερ1it is like

The word it here refers to the kingdom of heaven (13:24).

2227MAT2514wv71ἀποδημῶν1going to another country

Alternate translation: “was ready to go to another country” or “was to go soon to another country”

2228MAT2514vhw1παρέδωκεν αὐτοῖς τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ1handed over to them his possessions

Alternate translation: “put them in charge of his wealth”

2229MAT2514fmb3τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ1his possessions

Alternate translation: “his property” or “his wealth”

2230MAT2515i81utranslate-bmoneyπέντε τάλαντα1five talents

Avoid translating this into modern money. A talent of gold was worth twenty years wages. The parable is contrasting the relative amounts of five, two, and one, as well as the large amount of wealth involved. Alternate translation: “five bags of gold” or “five bags of gold, each worth 20 years wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2231MAT2515vyj2figs-ellipsisᾧ δὲ δύο, ᾧ δὲ ἕν1and to one, two, and to one, one

The word talents is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and to another he gave two talents of gold, and to another he gave one talent of gold” or “and to another he gave two bags of gold, and to another he gave one bag of gold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2232MAT2515d87ufigs-explicitκατὰ τὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν1according to his own ability

You can state the implicit information explicitly. Alternate translation: “according to each servants skill in managing wealth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2233MAT2516qkr2ἐκέρδησεν ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα1gained another five talents

Alternate translation: “out of his investments, he earned another five talents”

2234MAT2517u4vsἐκέρδησεν ἄλλα δύο1gained another two

Alternate translation: “earned another two talents”

2235MAT2519vc9pδὲ1Now

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

2236MAT2520adz4πέντε τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα1I gained five talents

Alternate translation: “I have earned five more talents”

2237MAT2520ttf7translate-bmoneyτάλαντα1talents

A “talent” was worth twenty years wages. Avoid translating this into modern money. See how you translated this in 25:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2238MAT2521l5mgεὖ1Well done

Your culture might have an expression that a master (or someone in authority) would use to show that he approves of what his servant (or someone under him) has done. Alternate translation: “You have done well” or “You have done right”

2239MAT2521d2s9figs-idiomεἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1Enter into the joy of your master

The phrase Enter into the joy is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Come and be happy with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2240MAT2521u9odfigs-123personεἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1Enter into the joy of your master

The master is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2241MAT2522n2xcδύο τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα1I have gained two talents

Alternate translation: “I have earned two more talents”

2242MAT2523hsb6εὖ1Well done

Your culture might have an expression that a master (or someone in authority) would use to show that he approves of what his servant (or someone under him) has done. See how you translated this in 25:21. Alternate translation: “You have done well” or “You have done right”

2243MAT2523plv7figs-idiomεἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1Enter into the joy of your master

The phrase Enter into the joy is an idiom. See how you translated this in 25:21. Alternate translation: “Come and be happy with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2244MAT2523b5k7figs-123personεἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου1Enter into the joy of your master

The master is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2245MAT2524m8anfigs-parallelismθερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας, καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας1reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter

The words reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

2246MAT2524xj4efigs-metaphorθερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας, καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας1reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter

This refers to a farmer who gathers crops that other people have planted. The servant uses this metaphor to accuse the master of taking what rightfully belongs to others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2247MAT2524au9fοὐ διεσκόρπισας1you did not scatter

This refers to sowing seed by gently throwing handfuls of it onto the soil. Alternate translation: “you did not scatter seed”

2248MAT2525wl5cἴδε, ἔχεις τὸ σόν1Behold, you have what is yours

Alternate translation: “Look, here is what is yours”

2249MAT2526l3jzπονηρὲ δοῦλε καὶ ὀκνηρέ! ᾔδεις1You wicked and lazy slave, you have known

Alternate translation: “You are a wicked slave who does not want to work. You knew”

2250MAT2526he3hfigs-parallelismθερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα, καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα1I reap where I did not sow and harvest where I did not scatter

The words reap where I did not sow and harvest where I did not scatter mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

2251MAT2526xtajfigs-metaphorθερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα, καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα1I reap where I did not sow and harvest where I did not scatter

This refers to a farmer who gathers crops that people who work for him have planted. See how you translated this in 25:24, where the servant uses these words to accuse the farmer. The readers should understand that the farmer is acknowledging that he does indeed gather what others have planted but is saying that he is right to do so. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2252MAT2527rhg9figs-ellipsisἐκομισάμην ἂν τὸ ἐμὸν1I would have received back my money

You can state the understood information explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would have received back my own money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2253MAT2527n7jdτόκῳ1interest

This interest was a payment from the banker for the temporary use of the masters money.

2254MAT2528paw8ἄρατε…τὸ τάλαντον1take away the talent

The master is speaking to other servants.

2255MAT2528b1getranslate-bmoneyτὸ τάλαντον1the talent

A talent was worth twenty years wages. Avoid translating this into modern money. See how you translated this in 25:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

2256MAT2529e5pyfigs-explicitτῷ…ἔχοντι1to the one having

It is implied that the person who has something also uses it wisely. Alternate translation: “to the one who uses well what he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2257MAT2529r7lvκαὶ περισσευθήσεται1even more abundantly

Alternate translation: “even much more”

2258MAT2529pcr5figs-explicitτοῦ δὲ μὴ ἔχοντος1But from the one not having

It is implied that the person does have something but he does not use it wisely. Alternate translation: “But from the one does not use well what he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2259MAT2529mdc1figs-activepassiveἀρθήσεται1will be taken away

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will take away” or “I will take away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2260MAT2530c2vbfigs-metonymyτὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον1the outer darkness

Here, outer darkness is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. See how you translated this in 8:12. Alternate translation: “the dark place away from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2261MAT2530zy3ktranslate-symactionὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων1the weeping and grinding of teeth

Here, grinding of teeth is symbolic action, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in 8:12. Alternate translation: “weeping and expressing their extreme suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2262MAT2531qtg60Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to tell his disciples how he will judge people when he returns at the end time.

2263MAT2531e7umfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

2264MAT2532f2w9figs-activepassiveκαὶ συναχθήσονται ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη1And before him will be gathered all the nations

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “And he will gather all the nations before himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2265MAT2532kd14ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ1before him

Alternate translation: “in front of him”

2266MAT2532ndf5figs-metonymyπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1all the nations

Here, nations refers to people. Alternate translation: “all people from every country” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2267MAT2532nk18figs-simileὥσπερ ὁ ποιμὴν ἀφορίζει τὰ πρόβατα ἀπὸ τῶν ἐρίφων1just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats

Jesus uses a simile to describe how he will separate the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2268MAT2533pbq9figs-metaphorκαὶ στήσει τὰ μὲν πρόβατα ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ, τὰ δὲ ἐρίφια ἐξ εὐωνύμων1And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on his left

This is a metaphor that means the Son of Man will separate all people. He will put the righteous people at his right side, and he will put the sinners at his left side. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2269MAT2534t8ppfigs-123personὁ Βασιλεὺς…αὐτοῦ1the King … his

Here, “the King” is another title for the Son of Man. Jesus was referring to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “I, the King, … my right hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2270MAT2534ze81figs-activepassiveδεῦτε οἱ εὐλογημένοι τοῦ Πατρός μου1Come, you who have been blessed by my Father

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Come, you whom my Father has blessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2271MAT2534h2k9guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1my Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2272MAT2534b57rfigs-activepassiveκληρονομήσατε τὴν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν1inherit the kingdom prepared for you

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “inherit the kingdom that God has made ready for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2273MAT2534yj1pfigs-metonymyκληρονομήσατε τὴν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν1inherit the kingdom prepared for you

Here, kingdom refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “receive the blessings of Gods rule that he has planned to give you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2274MAT2534cdi8ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου1from the foundation of the world

Alternate translation: “since he first created the world”

2275MAT2537yh3pfigs-nominaladjοἱ δίκαιοι1the righteous

If your language does not use the nominal adjective righteous, you can express it as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2276MAT2537cs5dfigs-ellipsisἢ διψῶντα1Or thirsty

You can state the understood information explicitly. Alternate translation: “Or when did we see you thirsty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2277MAT2538h52xfigs-ellipsisἢ γυμνὸν καὶ περιεβάλομεν?1Or naked

This is the end of a series of questions that begins in verse 37. You can state the understood information clearly. Alternate translation: “Or when did we see you naked and give you clothing?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2278MAT2540m6mifigs-123personὁ Βασιλεὺς1the King

Here, the King is another title for the Son of Man. Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2279MAT2540i2aqἐρεῖ αὐτοῖς1will say to them

Alternate translation: “will say to those at his right hand”

2280MAT2540mhe2ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

This emphasizes what the King says next. Alternate translation: “I tell you the truth”

2281MAT2540acs3ἑνὶ…τῶν ἐλαχίστων1for one of the least

Alternate translation: “for one of the least important”

2282MAT2540nh4yfigs-gendernotationsτούτων τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου1of these brothers of mine

Here, brothers refers to anyone, male or female, who obeys the King. Alternate translation: “my brothers and sisters here” or “these who are like my brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2283MAT2540k4hbἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε1you did it for me

Alternate translation: “I consider that you did it for me”

2284MAT2541z1nhfigs-123personτότε ἐρεῖ καὶ1Then he also will say

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “Then the King also will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2285MAT2541pr8nκατηραμένοι1you cursed

Alternate translation: “you people whom God has cursed”

2286MAT2541hqf5figs-activepassiveτὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον, τὸ ἡτοιμασμένον1the everlasting fire that has been prepared

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the everlasting fire that God has prepared” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2287MAT2543g6ecfigs-ellipsisγυμνὸς καὶ οὐ περιεβάλετέ με1naked, and you did not clothe me

The words I was preceding naked are understood. Alternate translation: “I was naked, but you did not give me clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2288MAT2543tq4xfigs-ellipsisἀσθενὴς καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ1sick and in prison

The words “I was” preceding sick are understood. Alternate translation: “I was sick and in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2289MAT2544hiy6ἀποκριθήσονται καὶ αὐτοὶ1they will also answer

Alternate translation: “those on his left will also answer”

2290MAT2545nm2eἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων1for one of the least of these

Alternate translation: “for any of the least important ones of my people”

2291MAT2545whu5οὐδὲ ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε.1you did not do it for me

Alternate translation: “I consider that you did not do it for me” or “I was really the one whom you did not help”

2292MAT2546m6meκαὶ ἀπελεύσονται οὗτοι εἰς κόλασιν αἰώνιον1And these will go away into everlasting punishment

Alternate translation: “And the King will send these to a place where they will receive punishment that never ends”

2293MAT2546nj72figs-ellipsisοἱ δὲ δίκαιοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον1but the righteous into everlasting life

You can state the understood information explicitly. Alternate translation: “but the King will send the righteous to the place where they will live forever with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2294MAT2546kq5bfigs-nominaladjοἱ…δίκαιοι1the righteous

If your language does not use nominative adjective righteous, you can express it as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2295MAT26intromtq80

Matthew 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 26:31, which is words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sheep

Sheep are a common image used in Scripture to refer to the people of Israel. In Matthew 26:31, however, Jesus used the words “the sheep” to refer to his disciples and to say that they would run away when he was arrested.

Passover

The Passover festival was when the Jews would celebrate the day God killed the firstborn sons of the Egyptians but “passed over” the Israelites and let them live.

The eating of the body and blood

Matthew 26:26-28 describes Jesus last meal with his followers. At this time, Jesus told them that what they were eating and drinking were his body and his blood. Nearly all Christian churches celebrate “the Lords Supper,” the “Eucharist”, or “Holy Communion” to remember this meal.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Judas kiss for Jesus

Matthew 26:49 describes how Judas kissed Jesus so the soldiers would know whom to arrest. The Jews would kiss each other when they greeted each other.

“I am able to destroy the temple of God”

Two men accused Jesus of saying that he could destroy the temple in Jerusalem and then rebuild it “in three days” (Matthew 26:61). They were accusing him of insulting God by claiming that God had given him the authority to destroy the temple and the power to rebuild it. What Jesus actually said was that if the Jewish authorities were to destroy this temple, he would certainly raise it up in three days (John 2:19).

2296MAT261t5mz0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story that tells of Jesus crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Here he tells his disciples how he will suffer and die.

2297MAT261i35cκαὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε1And it happened that when

This phrase shifts the story from Jesus teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “And after” or “Then, after”

2298MAT261xiv4πάντας τοὺς λόγους τούτους1all these words

The phrase these words refers to all that Jesus taught starting in 24:3.

2299MAT262g4lhfigs-activepassiveὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς τὸ σταυρωθῆναι1the Son of Man is being delivered up to be crucified

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “some men will take the Son of Man to other people who will crucify him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2300MAT262r9pxfigs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

2301MAT263wew3writing-background0Connecting Statement:

Verses 3-5 give background information about the Jewish leaders plot to arrest and kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2302MAT263eps8figs-activepassiveσυνήχθησαν1were gathered together

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “came together” or “met together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2303MAT264hi4xδόλῳ1stealthily

Alternate translation: “secretly”

2304MAT265u4fhfigs-ellipsisμὴ ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ1Not during the festival

It may be helpful to your readers to state what the leaders did not want to do during the festival. Alternate translation: “We should not kill Jesus during the festival” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2305MAT265s9p7ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ1the festival

Here, festival refers to the yearly Passover festival.

2306MAT266v2up0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of a woman pouring expensive oil on Jesus before his death.

2307MAT266zq3jδὲ1Now

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

2308MAT266hg3sfigs-explicitΣίμωνος τοῦ λεπροῦ1of Simon the leper

It is implied that this Simon is a man whom Jesus had healed from leprosy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2309MAT267ukb9ἀνακειμένου1and he was reclining at table

You can use your languages word for the position people usually are in when they eat. Alternate translation: “and Jesus was lying on his side”

2310MAT267yxf8προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ γυνὴ1a woman came to him

Alternate translation: “a woman came to Jesus”

2311MAT267bhs8translate-unknownἀλάβαστρον1an alabaster jar

This alabaster jar was a costly container made of soft stone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

2312MAT267yu67μύρου βαρυτίμου1of very expensive ointment

This refers to oil that has a pleasing smell.

2313MAT267ea5eκατέχεεν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ1she poured it upon his head

The woman did this to honor Jesus.

2314MAT268vit4figs-rquestionεἰς τί ἡ ἀπώλεια αὕτη?1For what is this waste?

The disciples ask this question out of their anger over the womans actions. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “This woman has done a bad thing by wasting this ointment!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2315MAT269y83efigs-activepassiveἐδύνατο γὰρ τοῦτο πραθῆναι πολλοῦ καὶ δοθῆναι1For this was able to have been sold for a large amount and to be given

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For she could have sold this for a large amount of money and given the money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2316MAT269f76hfigs-nominaladjπτωχοῖς1to the poor

If your language does not use the nominal adjective the poor, you can express it as an adjective. Alternate translation: “to poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2317MAT2610pfv1figs-rquestionτί κόπους παρέχετε τῇ γυναικί?1Why are you causing trouble for this woman?

Jesus asks this question as a rebuke of his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be troubling this woman!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2318MAT2610fg3vfigs-youπαρέχετε1are you causing

Here, you is plural and refers to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2319MAT2611wsp9figs-nominaladjτοὺς πτωχοὺς1the poor

If your language does not use the nominal adjective poor, you can express it as an adjective. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2320MAT2612vk5wτὸ μύρον1ointment

This ointment was oil that had a pleasing smell. See how you translated this in 26:7.

2321MAT2613xs1wἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

2322MAT2613g45lfigs-activepassiveὅπου ἐὰν κηρυχθῇ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦτο1wherever this good news may be preached

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “wherever people preach this good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2323MAT2613s12mfigs-activepassiveλαληθήσεται καὶ ὃ ἐποίησεν αὕτη εἰς μνημόσυνον αὐτῆς1what she has done will also be spoken of in memory of her

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they will remember what this woman has done and will tell others about her” or “people will remember what this woman has done and will tell others about her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2324MAT2614i3dy0Connecting Statement:

Judas Iscariot agrees to help the Jewish leaders arrest and kill Jesus.

2325MAT2615es4bκἀγὼ ὑμῖν παραδώσω αὐτόν1and I will betray him to you

Alternate translation: “and I will bring Jesus to you”

2326MAT2615x7zxτριάκοντα ἀργύρια1thirty pieces of silver

Since these words are the same as those in an Old Testament prophecy, keep this form instead of changing it to modern money. Alternate translation: “thirty pieces of silver”

2327MAT2616w1e4ἵνα αὐτὸν παραδῷ1in order that he might betray him

Alternate translation: “so that he would give him over to them”

2328MAT2617e7wc0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus celebrating the Passover with his disciples.

2329MAT2617f3s2δὲ1Now

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

2330MAT2618hc78figs-quotesinquotesὁ δὲ εἶπεν, ὑπάγετε εἰς τὴν πόλιν πρὸς τὸν δεῖνα καὶ εἴπατε αὐτῷ, ὁ διδάσκαλος λέγει, ὁ καιρός μου ἐγγύς ἐστιν; πρὸς σὲ ποιῶ τὸ Πάσχα μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν μου.1But he said, “Go into the city to such a man and say to him, The Teacher says, “My time is near. I am doing the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’”

This has quotations within quotations. You can state some of the direct quotations as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: “But he told his disciples to go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says to him, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” or “But he told his disciples to go into the city to a certain man and say to him that the Teachers time is at hand and he will keep the Passover with his disciples at that mans house.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

2331MAT2618r4tgὁ καιρός μου1My time

This could refer to: (1) the time that Jesus told them about. (2) the time God has set for Jesus.

2332MAT2618a4i5figs-idiomἐγγύς ἐστιν1is near

This could mean: (1) it “is near.” (2) it “has come.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2333MAT2618j9pzποιῶ τὸ Πάσχα1I am doing the Passover

Alternate translation: “I am eat the Passover meal” or “I am celebrating the Passover by eating the special meal”

2334MAT2620bga4ἀνέκειτο1he reclined at table

Translate reclining with the word for the position people in your culture usually are in when they eat.

2335MAT2621ehx6ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν1Truly I say to you

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

2336MAT2622n12rfigs-rquestionμήτι ἐγώ εἰμι, Κύριε?1Surely not I, Lord?

This could be: (1) a rhetorical question since the apostles were sure they would not betray Jesus. Alternate translation: “Lord, I would never betray you!” (2) a sincere question since Jesus statement probably troubled and confused them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2337MAT2624n7dwfigs-123personὁ μὲν Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1The Son of Man

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

2338MAT2624x2n9figs-euphemismὑπάγει1will depart

Here, depart is a polite way to refer to dying. Alternate translation: “will go to his death” or “will die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2339MAT2624vix3figs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται περὶ αὐτοῦ1just as it is written about him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “just as the prophets wrote about him in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2340MAT2624hai5figs-activepassiveτῷ ἀνθρώπῳ ἐκείνῳ δι’ οὗ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται1to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “to the man who betrays the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2341MAT2625vpq1figs-rquestionμήτι ἐγώ εἰμι, Ῥαββεί?1Surely it is not I, Rabbi?

Judas may be using a rhetorical question to deny that he is the one who will betray Jesus. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Rabbi, surely I am not the one who will betray you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2342MAT2625y9lkfigs-idiomσὺ εἶπας1You have said it yourself

This is an idiom that Jesus uses to mean “yes” without being completely clear about what he means. Alternate translation: “You are saying it” or “You are admitting it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2343MAT2626qh160Connecting Statement:

Jesus institutes the Lords Supper as he celebrates the Passover with his disciples.

2344MAT2626mr5uλαβὼν…εὐλογήσας ἔκλασεν1having taken … having blessed it … he broke it

See how you translated these words in 14:19.

2345MAT2627tn39figs-metonymyποτήριον1a cup

Here, cup refers to both the cup and the wine in it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2346MAT2627zb1iἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς1he gave it to them

Alternate translation: “he gave it to the disciples”

2347MAT2627a9meπίετε ἐξ αὐτοῦ1Drink from it

Alternate translation: “Drink the wine from this cup”

2348MAT2628l55aτοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν τὸ αἷμά μου1For this is my blood

Alternate translation: “For this wine is my blood”

2349MAT2628ct81τὸ αἷμά…τῆς διαθήκης1blood of the covenant

Alternate translation: “blood that shows that the covenant is in effect” or “blood that makes the covenant possible”

2350MAT2628bms3figs-activepassiveἐκχυννόμενον1is being poured out

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “will soon flow out of my body” or “will flow out of my wounds when I die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2351MAT2629l556λέγω…ὑμῖν1I say to you

This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

2352MAT2629h85bfigs-idiomτοῦ γενήματος τῆς ἀμπέλου1fruit of the vine

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

2353MAT2629q8zsfigs-metonymyἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Πατρός μου1in the kingdom of my Father

Here, kingdom refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “when my Father establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2354MAT2629m9vqguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός μου1of my Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2355MAT2630ed5kκαὶ ὑμνήσαντες1And having sung a hymn

A hymn is a song of praise to God.

2356MAT2631v8ylσκανδαλισθήσεσθε ἐν ἐμοὶ1will be caused to stumble in me

Alternate translation: “will leave me”

2357MAT2631nzy2πατάξω τὸν ποιμένα, καὶ διασκορπισθήσονται τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης1

In this verse, Jesus quotes the prophet Zechariah to show that in order to fulfill prophecy, all of his disciples will leave him.

2358MAT2631iap6figs-activepassiveγέγραπται γάρ1for it is written

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for the prophet Zechariah wrote long ago in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2359MAT2631u1t5figs-explicitπατάξω1I will strike

Here, I refers to God. It is implied that God will cause or allow people to harm and kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2360MAT2631mc1efigs-metaphorτὸν ποιμένα…τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης1the shepherd … the sheep of the flock

These are metaphors that refer to Jesus and the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2361MAT2631rvk1figs-activepassiveδιασκορπισθήσονται τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης1the sheep of the flock will be scattered

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they will scatter all the sheep of the flock” or “the sheep of the flock will run off in all directions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2362MAT2632pj2ufigs-idiomμετὰ…τὸ ἐγερθῆναί με1after I am raised up

Here to be raised up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2363MAT2632xuyzfigs-activepassiveμετὰ…τὸ ἐγερθῆναί1after I am raised up

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “after God raises me up” or “after God brings me back to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2364MAT2633m2unσκανδαλισθήσονται1will be caused to stumble

See how you translated this phrase in 26:31.

2365MAT2634sf9xἀμὴν, λέγω σοι1Truly I say to you

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

2366MAT2634ui4yfigs-metonymyπρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι1before the rooster crows

A rooster often crows about the time the sun comes up, so the hearers might have understood these words as a metonym for the sun coming up. However, the actual crowing of a rooster is an important part of the story later on, so keep the word rooster in the translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2367MAT2634lx5iἀλέκτορα1the rooster

A rooster is a male chicken, a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up.

2368MAT2634h66wφωνῆσαι1crows

Here, crows is the common English word for what a rooster does when it calls out loudly.

2369MAT2634b2rhτρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με1you will deny me three times

Alternate translation: “you will say three times that you are not my follower”

2370MAT2636lm3n0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus praying in Gethsemane.

2371MAT2637ny4mἤρξατο λυπεῖσθαι1he began to be grieved

Alternate translation: “he became very sad”

2372MAT2638gf7kfigs-synecdocheπερίλυπός ἐστιν ἡ ψυχή μου1My soul is deeply sorrowful

Here, soul refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am very sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2373MAT2638c43tfigs-idiomἕως θανάτου1to the point of death

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “and I feel as if I could even die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2374MAT2639kcz4figs-idiomἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ1he fell on his face

He purposely lay face down on the ground to pray. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2375MAT2639nuv7guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠάτερ μου1My Father

Father is an important title for God that shows the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2376MAT2639f254figs-metaphorπαρελθέτω ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο1let this cup pass away from me

Jesus speaks of the work that he must do, including dying on the cross, as if it were a bitter liquid that God has commanded him to drink from a cup. The word cup is an important word in the New Testament, so try to use an equivalent for that in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2377MAT2639i7rrfigs-metonymyτὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο1this cup

Here, cup is a metonym that stands for the cup and the contents within it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2378MAT2639bcn2figs-metaphorτὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο1this cup

The contents in the cup are a metaphor for the suffering that Jesus will have to endure. Jesus is asking the Father if it is possible for him not to have to experience the death and suffering that Jesus knows will soon happen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2379MAT2639k5infigs-ellipsisπλὴν οὐχ ὡς ἐγὼ θέλω, ἀλλ’ ὡς σύ1Yet, not as I will, but as you

This can be expressed as a full sentence. Alternate translation: “But do not do what I want; instead, do what you want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2380MAT2640ev7sfigs-youλέγει τῷ Πέτρῳ, οὕτως οὐκ ἰσχύσατε…γρηγορῆσαι1he says to Peter, “So, were you not able to watch

Jesus is speaking to Peter, but the you is plural, referring to Peter, James, and John. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2381MAT2640c11afigs-rquestionοὕτως οὐκ ἰσχύσατε μίαν ὥραν γρηγορῆσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ?1So, were you not able to watch with me for one hour?

Jesus uses a question to scold Peter, James, and John. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you could not stay awake with me for one hour!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2382MAT2641buv4figs-abstractnounsμὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς πειρασμόν1you might not enter into temptation

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun temptation, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “no one tempts you to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2383MAT2641ny5wfigs-metonymyτὸ μὲν πνεῦμα πρόθυμον, ἡ δὲ σὰρξ ἀσθενής1The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak

Here, spirit is a metonym that stands for a persons desires to do good. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2384MAT2641xligfigs-synecdocheτὸ μὲν πνεῦμα πρόθυμον, ἡ δὲ σὰρξ ἀσθενής1The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak

Flesh stands for the needs and desires of a persons body. Jesus means that the disciples may have the desire to do what God wants, but as humans they are weak and often fail. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2385MAT2642pz9lἀπελθὼν1having gone away

Alternate translation: “after Jesus went away”

2386MAT2642tqp8translate-ordinalἐκ δευτέρου1a second time

The first time is described in 26:39. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

2387MAT2642ch7tguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΠάτερ μου1My Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2388MAT2642b6cnfigs-metaphorεἰ οὐ δύναται τοῦτο παρελθεῖν, ἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸ πίω1if this is not able to pass away unless I may drink it

Jesus speaks of the work that he must do as if it were a bitter liquid that God has commanded him to drink. Alternate translation: “if the only way this can pass away is if I drink it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2389MAT2642td6gfigs-metaphorεἰ…τοῦτο1if this

Here, this refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in 26:39. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2390MAT2642i135figs-metaphorἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸ πίω1unless I may drink it

Here, it refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in 26:39. Alternate translation: “unless I drink from it” or “unless I drink from this cup of suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2391MAT2642xsk1figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου1let your will be done

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “may what you want happen” or “do what you want to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2392MAT2643lts9figs-idiomἦσαν…αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ βεβαρημένοι1their eyes were weighed down

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they were very sleepy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2393MAT2644v3i9translate-ordinalἐκ τρίτου1a third time

The first time is described in 26:39. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

2394MAT2645vvp9figs-rquestionκαθεύδετε τὸ λοιπὸν καὶ ἀναπαύεσθε?1Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?

Jesus uses a question to scold the disciples for going to sleep. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you are still sleeping and resting!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2395MAT2645rw3rfigs-idiomἤγγικεν ἡ ὥρα1the hour has approached

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the time has come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2396MAT2645g9hifigs-activepassiveὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται1the Son of Man is being betrayed

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone is betraying the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2397MAT2645ell4figs-123personὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

2398MAT2645g9ebfigs-metonymyπαραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας ἁμαρτωλῶν1is being betrayed into the hands of sinners

Here, hands refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “betrayed into the power of sinners” or “betrayed so that sinners will have power over him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2399MAT2645yx8vἰδοὺ1Behold

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

2400MAT2647hsv70Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of when Judas betrayed Jesus and the religious leaders arrested him.

2401MAT2647rlp9καὶ ἔτι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος1And as he is still speaking

Alternate translation: “And while Jesus was still speaking”

2402MAT2647e26hξύλων1clubs

A club is a large piece of hard wood for hitting people.

2403MAT2648qb4ywriting-backgroundδὲ1Now

Here, Now is used to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew tells background information about Judas and the signal he planned to use to betray Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2404MAT2648gw8mfigs-quotationsλέγων, ὃν ἂν φιλήσω, αὐτός ἐστιν; κρατήσατε αὐτόν.1saying, “Whomever I may kiss is him. Seize him.”

You can state this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that whomever he kissed was the one they should seize.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2405MAT2648m23zὃν ἂν φιλήσω1Whomever I may kiss

Alternate translation: “The one I kiss” or “The man whom I kiss”

2406MAT2648nr34φιλήσω1I may kiss

This action was a respectful way to greet ones teacher.

2407MAT2649uig8προσελθὼν τῷ Ἰησοῦ1having come up to Jesus

Alternate translation: “when Judas came up to Jesus”

2408MAT2649cyb7κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν1he kissed him

Good friends would kiss each other on the cheek, but a disciple would probably kiss his master on the hand to show respect. No one knows for sure how Judas kissed Jesus. Alternate translation: “he met him with a kiss”

2409MAT2650w3d6ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας1they laid hands

Here, they refers to the people with clubs and swords that came with Judas and the religious leaders.

2410MAT2650vmd1ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ ἐκράτησαν αὐτόν1they laid hands on Jesus, and seized him

Alternate translation: “they grabbed Jesus, and arrested him”

2411MAT2651vm6sκαὶ ἰδοὺ1And behold

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

2412MAT2652tj6nfigs-metonymyοἱ λαβόντες μάχαιραν1those who have taken up a sword

The word sword is a metonym for the act of killing someone with a sword. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2413MAT2652gzbcfigs-explicitοἱ λαβόντες μάχαιραν1those who have taken up a sword

You can state the implied information explicitly. Alternate translation: “who pick up a sword to kill others” or “who want to kill other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2414MAT2652w357μάχαιραν, ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀπολοῦνται1a sword will perish by the sword

Alternate translation: “a sword will die by means of the sword” or “a sword—it is with the sword that someone will kill them”

2415MAT2653kgx8figs-rquestionἢ δοκεῖς ὅτι οὐ δύναμαι παρακαλέσαι τὸν Πατέρα μου, καὶ παραστήσει μοι ἄρτι πλείω δώδεκα λεγιῶνας ἀγγέλων?1Or do you think that I am not able to call upon my Father, and he would send me more than 12 legions of angels at once?

Jesus uses a question to remind the person with the sword that Jesus could stop those who are arresting him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you know that I could upon my Father, and he would send me more than 12 legions of angels at once.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2416MAT2653eb7ifigs-youδοκεῖς1do you think

Here, you is singular and refers to the person with the sword. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2417MAT2653g3zqguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτὸν Πατέρα μου1my Father

Father is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2418MAT2653tfw8translate-numbersπλείω δώδεκα λεγιῶνας ἀγγέλων1more than 12 legions of angels

The word legion is a military term that refers to a group of about 6,000 soldiers. Jesus means God would send enough angels to easily stop those who are arresting Jesus. The exact number of angels is not important. Alternate translation: “more than 12 really large groups of angels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2419MAT2654teq5figs-rquestionπῶς οὖν πληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ, ὅτι οὕτως δεῖ γενέσθαι?1How then would the scriptures be fulfilled, that this must happen?

Jesus uses a question to explain why he is letting these people arrest him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “This must happen so that the Scriptures will be fulfilled.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2420MAT2654xqprfigs-activepassiveπῶς οὖν πληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ, ὅτι οὕτως δεῖ γενέσθαι?1How then would the scriptures be fulfilled, that this must happen?

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But if I did that, I would not be able to fulfill what God said in the scriptures must happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2421MAT2655yf4pfigs-rquestionὡς ἐπὶ λῃστὴν ἐξήλθατε μετὰ μαχαιρῶν καὶ ξύλων συνλαβεῖν με?1Have you come out with swords and clubs to seize me, as against a robber?

Jesus is using this question to point out the wrong actions of those arresting him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that I am not a robber, so it is wrong for you to come out to me bringing swords and clubs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2422MAT2655q9vqξύλων1clubs

A club is a large piece of hard wood for hitting people.

2423MAT2655e8dqfigs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1in the temple

It is implied that Jesus was not in the actual temple. He was in the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2424MAT2656ygn7figs-activepassiveπληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ τῶν προφητῶν1the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I would fulfill all that the prophets wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2425MAT2656i2jpἀφέντες αὐτὸν1having left him

If your language has a word that means they left him when they should have stayed with him, use it here.

2426MAT2657f6nj0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus trial before the council of Jewish religious leaders.

2427MAT2658jui3ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ1But Peter was following him

Alternate translation: “But Peter followed Jesus”

2428MAT2658isd4τῆς αὐλῆς τοῦ ἀρχιερέως1the courtyard of the high priest

This courtyard was an open area near the high priests house.

2429MAT2658v8thκαὶ εἰσελθὼν ἔσω1And having entered inside

Alternate translation: “And after Peter went inside”

2430MAT2659i8jwδὲ1Now

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

2431MAT2659jwz5αὐτὸν θανατώσωσιν1they might put him to death

Here, they refers to the chief priests and the members of the council.

2432MAT2659u6v9αὐτὸν θανατώσωσιν1they might put him to death

Alternate translation: “they might have a reason to execute him”

2433MAT2660m6n5προσελθόντες δύο1two, having come forward

Alternate translation: “two men who had come forward” or “two witnesses who came forward”

2434MAT2661a8lfwriting-quotationsεἶπον, οὗτος ἔφη, δύναμαι καταλῦσαι τὸν ναὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν οἰκοδομῆσαι.1said, “This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’”

If your language does not allow quotes within quotes you can rewrite it as a single quote. Alternate translation: “This man said that he is able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

2435MAT2661i5n4οὗτος ἔφη1This man said

Alternate translation: “This man Jesus said”

2436MAT2661mbq1διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν1in three days

This phrase means “within three days,” before the sun goes down three times, not “after three days,” after the sun has gone down the third time.

2437MAT2662v6j9τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν?1What is it that they are testifying against you?

The chief priest is not asking Jesus for information about what the witnesses said. He is asking Jesus to prove what the witnesses said is wrong. Alternate translation: “What is your response to what the witnesses are testifying against you?”

2438MAT2663mm28guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1the Son of God

Son of God is an important title that describes the relationship between the Christ and God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2439MAT2663lry9τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος1the living God

Here, living contrasts the God of Israel to all the false gods and idols that people worshiped. Only the God of Israel is alive and has power to act. See how you translated this in 16:16.

2440MAT2664gi6vfigs-idiomσὺ εἶπας1You have said it yourself

This is an idiom that Jesus uses to mean “yes” without being completely clear about what he means. Alternate translation: “You are saying it” or “You are admitting it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2441MAT2664zu47figs-youπλὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπ’ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε1But I say to you, from now on you will see

Here, you is plural. Jesus is speaking to the high priest and to the other persons there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2442MAT2664ll8rἀπ’ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1from now on you will see the Son of Man

The phrase from now on could: (1) be an idiom that means they will see the Son of Man in his power at some time in the future. (2) means that from the time of Jesus trial and onward, Jesus is showing himself to be the Messiah who is powerful and victorious.

2443MAT2664b6cbfigs-123personτὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1the Son of Man

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

2444MAT2664p5pxfigs-metonymyκαθήμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως1sitting at the right hand of the Power

Here, Power is metonym that represents God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2445MAT2664lcxctranslate-symactionκαθήμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως1sitting at the right hand of the Power

To sit at the right hand of God is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “sitting in the place of honor beside the all-powerful God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2446MAT2664urp9ἐρχόμενον ἐπὶ τῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1coming on the clouds of heaven

Alternate translation: “riding to earth on the clouds of heaven”

2447MAT2665srg6translate-symactionὁ ἀρχιερεὺς διέρρηξεν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ1the high priest tore his robe

Tearing clothing was a sign of anger and sadness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2448MAT2665qq51figs-explicitἐβλασφήμησεν1He has spoken blasphemy

The reason the high priest called Jesus statement blasphemy is probably that he understood Jesus words in 26:64 as a claim to be equal with God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2449MAT2665t68tfigs-rquestionτί ἔτι χρείαν ἔχομεν μαρτύρων?1Why do we still have need of witnesses?

The high priest uses this question to emphasize that he and the members of the council do not need to hear from any more witnesses. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We do not need to hear from any more witnesses!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2450MAT2665wh4hfigs-youνῦν ἠκούσατε1now you have heard

Here, you is plural and refers to the members of the council. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2451MAT2667adc2τότε ἐνέπτυσαν1Then they spit

This could mean: (1) some of the men spit. (2) the soldiers spit.

2452MAT2667g1c2ἐνέπτυσαν εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ1they spit in his face

This action was done as an insult.

2453MAT2668f2bjπροφήτευσον ἡμῖν1Prophesy to us

Here, Prophesy to us means to tell by means of Gods power. It does not mean to tell what will happen in the future.

2454MAT2668b5xefigs-ironyΧριστέ1Christ

Those hitting Jesus do not really think he is the Christ. They call him this to mock him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

2455MAT2669bsb30General Information:

These events happen at the same time as Jesus trial before the religious leaders.

2456MAT2669h5ts0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of how Peter denies three times that he knows Jesus, as Jesus said he would do.

2457MAT2669y21lδὲ1Now

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

2458MAT2670sp1tοὐκ οἶδα τί λέγεις1I do not know what you are talking about

Peter was able to understand what the servant girl was saying. He used these words to deny that he had been with Jesus.

2459MAT2671ief5ἐξελθόντα δὲ1But when he had gone out

Alternate translation: “But when Peter went out”

2460MAT2671gyw8τὸν πυλῶνα1the gateway

This gateway was an opening in the wall around a courtyard.

2461MAT2671s7c4λέγει τοῖς ἐκεῖ1says to those there

Alternate translation: “said to the people who were sitting there”

2462MAT2672e5xlκαὶ πάλιν ἠρνήσατο μετὰ ὅρκου, ὅτι οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον.1And he again denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!”

Alternate translation: “And he denied it again by swearing, I do not know the man!’”

2463MAT2673hde3ἐξ αὐτῶν1one of them

Alternate translation: “one of those who were with Jesus”

2464MAT2673w8wwκαὶ γὰρ ἡ λαλιά σου δῆλόν σε ποιεῖ1for even your speech makes you evident

You can translate this as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “We can tell you are from Galilee because you speak like a Galilean”

2465MAT2674edd8καταθεματίζειν1to curse

Alternate translation: “to call down a curse on himself”

2466MAT2674w87bἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν1a rooster crowed

A rooster is a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up. The sound a rooster makes is called “crowing.” See how you translated this in 26:34.

2467MAT2675nx3jfigs-quotationsκαὶ ἐμνήσθη ὁ Πέτρος τοῦ ῥήματος Ἰησοῦ εἰρηκότος, ὅτι πρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι, τρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με1And Peter remembered the words of Jesus that he had said, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”

You can state this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Peter remembered that Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed, he would deny Jesus three times.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2468MAT27introdeu40

Matthew 27 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“Delivered him to Pilate the governor”

The Jewish leaders needed to get permission from Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, before they could kill Jesus. This was because Roman law did not allow them to kill Jesus themselves. Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, but they wanted him to free a very bad prisoner named Barabbas.

The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Matthew 27:60) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Sarcasm

The soldiers said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:29) to mock Jesus. They did not think that he was the king of the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

2469MAT271hvr40Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus trial before Pilate.

2470MAT271qe1sδὲ1Now

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

2471MAT271cm46figs-explicitσυμβούλιον ἔλαβον…κατὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, ὥστε θανατῶσαι αὐτόν1took counsel against Jesus so as to put him to death

The Jewish leaders were planning how they could convince the Roman leaders to kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2472MAT273vzf9figs-events0General Information:

This event happened after Jesus trial in front of the council of Jewish religious leaders, but we do not know if it happened before or during Jesus trial before Pilate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

2473MAT273qm12τότε ἰδὼν Ἰούδας ὁ παραδιδοὺς αὐτὸν1Then Judas, who had betrayed him, having seen

The author has stopped telling the story of Jesus trial so he can tell the story of how Judas killed himself. If your language has a way of showing that a new story is starting, you may want to use that here.

2474MAT273v9vjfigs-activepassiveὅτι κατεκρίθη1that he was condemned

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that the Jewish leaders had condemned Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2475MAT273pe4nτὰ τριάκοντα ἀργύρια1the 30 pieces of silver

This was the money that the chief priests had given Judas to betray Jesus. See how you translated it in 26:15.

2476MAT274f6u8figs-idiomαἷμα ἀθῷον1innocent blood

This is an idiom that refers to the death of an innocent person. Alternate translation: “a person who does not deserve to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2477MAT274mf6bfigs-rquestionτί πρὸς ἡμᾶς?1What is that to us?

The Jewish leaders use this question to emphasize that they do not care about what Judas said. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “That is not our problem!” or “That is your problem!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2478MAT275tuh4ῥίψας τὰ ἀργύρια εἰς τὸν ναὸν1having thrown down the pieces of silver in the temple

This could mean: (1) he threw the pieces of silver while in the temple courtyard. (2) he was standing in the temple courtyard, and he threw the pieces of silver into the temple.

2479MAT276r5r9οὐκ ἔξεστιν βαλεῖν αὐτὰ1It is not lawful to put this

Alternate translation: “Our laws do not allow us to put this”

2480MAT276ce2xβαλεῖν αὐτὰ1to put this

Alternate translation: “to put this silver”

2481MAT276gtp3figs-explicitτὸν κορβανᾶν1the treasury

The treasury was the place they kept the money they used to provide for things needed for the temple and the priests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2482MAT276j2l8figs-idiomτιμὴ αἵματός1the price of blood

This is an idiom that means money paid to a person who helped kill someone. Alternate translation: “money paid for a man to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2483MAT277mtg6τὸν Ἀγρὸν τοῦ Κεραμέως1the field of the potter

This was a field that was bought to bury strangers who died in Jerusalem.

2484MAT278nts8figs-activepassiveἐκλήθη ὁ ἀγρὸς ἐκεῖνος1that field has been called

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people call that field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2485MAT278ag2nἕως τῆς σήμερον1to this day

Here, this day refers to the time when Matthew is writing this book.

2486MAT279g1gcκαὶ ἔλαβον τὰ τριάκοντα ἀργύρια, τὴν τιμὴν τοῦ τετιμημένου, ὃν ἐτιμήσαντο ἀπὸ υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1

The author quotes Old Testament scripture to show that Judas suicide was a fulfillment of prophecy.

2487MAT279rj3ufigs-activepassiveτότε ἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἰερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου1Then what had been spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This fulfilled what the prophet Jeremiah spoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2488MAT279t1djfigs-activepassiveτὴν τιμὴν τοῦ τετιμημένου, ὃν ἐτιμήσαντο ἀπὸ υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1the price of the one whose price had been set by the sons of Israel

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the price the people of Israel set on him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2489MAT279d7l7figs-metonymyυἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1the sons of Israel

This refers to those among the people of Israel who paid to kill Jesus. Alternate translation: “some of the people of Israel” or “the leaders of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2490MAT2710c2chσυνέταξέν μοι1had directed me

Here, me refers to Jeremiah.

2491MAT2711pjc5δὲ1Connecting Statement:

This continues the story of Jesus trial before Pilate, which began in 27:2. If your language has a way of continuing a story after a break from the main story line, you may want to use it here.

2492MAT2711a2e7τοῦ ἡγεμόνος1the governor

Alternate translation: “Pilate”

2493MAT2711a6cmfigs-explicitαὐτῷ σὺ λέγεις1It is as you say

This could mean: (1) Jesus implied that he is the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: “Yes, as you said, I am” or “Yes. It is as you said” (2) Jesus was saying that Pilate, not Jesus, was the one calling him the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: “You yourself have said so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2494MAT2712vl3afigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐν τῷ κατηγορεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀρχιερέων καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων1And when he was accused by the chief priests and the elders

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “And when the chief priests and elders accused him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2495MAT2713wn2rfigs-rquestionοὐκ ἀκούεις πόσα σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν?1Do you not hear everything they are bringing against you?

Pilate asks this question because he is surprised that Jesus remains silent. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am surprised that you do not answer these people who accuse you of doing bad things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2496MAT2714hbm8οὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῷ πρὸς οὐδὲ ἓν ῥῆμα, ὥστε θαυμάζειν τὸν ἡγεμόνα λίαν1he did not answer him not even to one word, so as to amaze the governor greatly

This is an emphatic way of saying that Jesus was completely silent. Alternate translation: “he did not say even one word; this greatly amazed the governor”

2497MAT2715jjp8writing-backgroundδὲ1Now

The word Now is used here to mark a break in the main story line so Matthew can give information to help the reader understand what happens beginning in 27:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2498MAT2715p1haἑορτὴν1the festival

This is the festival of the Passover celebration.

2499MAT2715pfk6figs-activepassiveἕνα τῷ ὄχλῳ δέσμιον, ὃν ἤθελον1to the crowd one prisoner whom they chose

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “one prisoner whom the crowd would choose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2500MAT2716q2iuεἶχον…δέσμιον ἐπίσημον1they were holding a notorious prisoner

Alternate translation: “there was a notorious prisoner”

2501MAT2716svr2ἐπίσημον1notorious

A notorious person is someone who is well known for doing something bad.

2502MAT2717d8hvfigs-activepassiveσυνηγμένων…αὐτῶν1when they were gathered together

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when the crowd gathered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2503MAT2717wrl3figs-activepassiveτὸν λεγόμενον Χριστόν1who is called Christ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom some people call the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2504MAT2718jq3cπαρέδωκαν αὐτόν1they had handed him over to him

They had done this so that Pilate would judge Jesus. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders had brought Jesus to him”

2505MAT2719t3mxκαθημένου δὲ αὐτοῦ1But while he was sitting

Alternate translation: “But while Pilate was sitting”

2506MAT2719s5pcκαθημένου…αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος1while he was sitting on the judgment seat

The judgment seat was the place where a judge would sit while making a decision. Alternate translation: “while he was sitting on the judges seat”

2507MAT2719w4i8ἀπέστειλεν1sent word

Alternate translation: “sent a message”

2508MAT2719an95πολλὰ…ἔπαθον σήμερον1I have suffered much today

Alternate translation: “I have been very upset today”

2509MAT2720ax1iwriting-backgroundδὲ1Now

Here, now is used to mark a break in the main story line. Matthew tells background information about why the crowd chose Barabbas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2510MAT2720et2mfigs-activepassiveτὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν ἀπολέσωσιν1but would kill Jesus

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but have the Roman soldiers kill Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2511MAT2721x6vfεἶπεν αὐτοῖς1said to them

Alternate translation: “asked the crowd”

2512MAT2722zl85figs-activepassiveτὸν λεγόμενον Χριστόν1who is called Christ

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom some people call the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2513MAT2723m5jmἐποίησεν1did he do

Alternate translation: “has Jesus done”

2514MAT2723nb7pοἱ…ἔκραζον1they cried out

Alternate translation: “the crowd cried out”

2515MAT2724yj8ttranslate-symactionἀπενίψατο τὰς χεῖρας ἀπέναντι τοῦ ὄχλου1washed his hands in front of the crowd

Pilate does this action as a sign that he is not responsible for Jesus death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2516MAT2724u1fefigs-metonymyτοῦ αἵματος1the blood

Here, blood refers to a persons death. Alternate translation: “the death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2517MAT2724de8wὑμεῖς ὄψεσθε1See to it yourselves

Alternate translation: “This is your responsibility”

2518MAT2725n5k1figs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα αὐτοῦ ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ τέκνα ἡμῶν1His blood be on us and our children

Here, blood is a metonym that stands for a persons death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2519MAT2725k1cbfigs-idiomτὸ αἷμα αὐτοῦ ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ τέκνα ἡμῶν1His blood be on us and on our children

The phrase be on us and our children is an idiom that means they accept the responsibility of what is happening. Alternate translation: “Yes! We and our descendants will be responsible for executing him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2520MAT2726yb5yτότε ἀπέλυσεν αὐτοῖς τὸν Βαραββᾶν1Then he released Barabbas to them

Alternate translation: “Then Pilate released Barabbas to the crowd”

2521MAT2726m63dfigs-explicitτὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας, παρέδωκεν ἵνα σταυρωθῇ1but having scourged Jesus, he handed him over so that he would be crucified

It is implied that Pilate ordered his soldiers to scourge Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2522MAT2726n421figs-metaphorτὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας, παρέδωκεν ἵνα σταυρωθῇ1but having scourged Jesus, he handed him over so that he would be crucified

Handing Jesus over to be crucified is a metaphor for ordering his soldiers to crucify Jesus. Alternate translation: “he ordered his soldiers to scourge Jesus and to crucify him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2523MAT2726y3kfτὸν…Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας2having scourged Jesus

Alternate translation: “having beaten Jesus with a whip” or “having whipped Jesus”

2524MAT2727zz450Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus crucifixion and death.

2525MAT2727bn22ὅλην τὴν σπεῖραν1the whole company of soldiers

Alternate translation: “the entire group of soldiers”

2526MAT2728nx81καὶ ἐκδύσαντες αὐτὸν1And having stripped him

Alternate translation: “And having pulled off his clothes”

2527MAT2729yw94στέφανον ἐξ ἀκανθῶν1a crown of thorns

Alternate translation: “a crown made of thorny branches” or “a crown made of branches with thorns on them”

2528MAT2729dlz7κάλαμον ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ1a staff in his right hand

They gave Jesus a stick to hold to represent a scepter that a king holds. They did this to mock Jesus.

2529MAT2729qf8jfigs-ironyχαῖρε, ὁ Βασιλεῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων1Hail, King of the Jews

They were saying this to mock Jesus. They were calling Jesus King of the Jews, but they did not really believe he was a king. And yet what they were saying was true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

2530MAT2729gf6aχαῖρε1Hail

Alternate translation: “We honor you” or “May you live a long time”

2531MAT2730ib5qκαὶ ἐμπτύσαντες εἰς αὐτὸν1And having spat on him

Alternate translation: “And using their spit, the soldiers spat on Jesus”

2532MAT2732j5wqfigs-explicitἐξερχόμενοι1coming out

This means Jesus and the soldiers came out of the city. Alternate translation: “as they came out of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2533MAT2732ies4εὗρον ἄνθρωπον1they found a man

Alternate translation: “the soldiers saw a man”

2534MAT2732sfj2τοῦτον ἠγγάρευσαν ἵνα ἄρῃ τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ1whom they forced so that he would carry his cross

Alternate translation: “whom the soldiers forced to go with them so that he could carry Jesus cross”

2535MAT2733j6hbfigs-activepassiveτόπον λεγόμενον Γολγοθᾶ1a place called Golgotha

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a place that people called Golgotha” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2536MAT2734f11jfigs-activepassiveπιεῖν οἶνον μετὰ χολῆς μεμιγμένον1wine to drink mixed with gall

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “wine, which they had mixed with gall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2537MAT2734e2ukχολῆς1gall

This gall was a bitter, yellow liquid that bodies use in digestion.

2538MAT2737j4s4τὴν αἰτίαν αὐτοῦ1the charge against him

Alternate translation: “a written explanation of why he was being crucified”

2539MAT2738zq4bfigs-activepassiveτότε σταυροῦνται σὺν αὐτῷ δύο λῃσταί1Then two robbers are being crucified with him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then the soldiers crucified two robbers with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2540MAT2739d4fmtranslate-symactionκινοῦντες τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν1shaking their heads

They did this to make fun of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2541MAT2740t23ifigs-explicitεἰ υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ κατάβηθι ἀπὸ τοῦ σταυροῦ1If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross

They did not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, so they wanted him to prove it if it was true. Alternate translation: “If you are the Son of God, prove it by coming down from the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2542MAT2740b5lwguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesυἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ1the Son of God

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

2543MAT2742ff4dfigs-ironyἄλλους ἔσωσεν, ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται σῶσαι1He saved others; he is not able to save himself

This could mean: (1) the Jewish leaders do not believe that Jesus saved others or that he can save himself. (2) they believe he did save others but are laughing at him because now he cannot save himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

2544MAT2742j6l7figs-ironyΒασιλεὺς Ἰσραήλ ἐστιν,1He is the King of Israel!

The leaders are mocking Jesus. They call him King of Israel, but they do not really believe he is king. Alternate translation: “He says that he is the King of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

2545MAT2743cl97figs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν γὰρ, ὅτι Θεοῦ εἰμι Υἱός.1For he said, I am the Son of God.

This is a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “For Jesus even said that he is the Son of God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

2546MAT2743uw85guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ…Υἱός1the Son of God

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

2547MAT2744e26yfigs-activepassiveοἱ λῃσταὶ, οἱ συνσταυρωθέντες σὺν αὐτῷ1the robbers who were crucified with him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the robbers that the soldiers crucified with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2548MAT2745e7z4δὲ1Now

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

2549MAT2745s2l7ἀπὸ…ἕκτης ὥρας…ἕως ὥρας ἐνάτης1from the sixth hour … until the ninth hour

Alternate translation: “from about noon … for three hours” or “from about twelve oclock midday … until about three oclock in the afternoon”

2550MAT2745pi8efigs-abstractnounsσκότος ἐγένετο ἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν1darkness happened over all the land

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun darkness, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “it became dark over the whole land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2551MAT2746qyp7ἀνεβόησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς1Jesus cried out

Alternate translation: “Jesus called out” or “Jesus shouted”

2552MAT2746xub2translate-transliterateἘλωῒ, Ἐλωῒ, λεμὰ σαβαχθάνει1Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani

These words are what Jesus cried out in his own language. Translators usually leave these words as is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

2553MAT2748jm37εἷς ἐξ αὐτῶν1one of them

This could refer to: (1) one of the soldiers. (2) one of those who stood by and watched.

2554MAT2748bsy1σπόγγον1a sponge

A sponge is a sea animal that is harvested and used to take up and hold liquids. These liquids can later be pushed out.

2555MAT2748ny3eἐπότιζεν αὐτόν1gave it to him to drink

Alternate translation: “gave it to Jesus”

2556MAT2750fj1vfigs-euphemismἀφῆκεν τὸ πνεῦμα1released his spirit

Here, spirit refers to that which gives life to a person. This phrase is a way of saying that Jesus died. Alternate translation: “he died, giving his spirit over to God” or “he breathed his last breath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2557MAT2751w1wq0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of the events that happened when Jesus died.

2558MAT2751a92gἰδοὺ1behold

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

2559MAT2751m1icfigs-activepassiveτὸ καταπέτασμα τοῦ ναοῦ ἐσχίσθη εἰς δύο1the curtain of the temple was split in two

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the curtain of the temple tore in two” or “God caused the curtain of the temple to tear in two” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2560MAT2752a1cufigs-activepassiveκαὶ τὰ μνημεῖα ἀνεῴχθησαν, καὶ πολλὰ σώματα τῶν κεκοιμημένων ἁγίων ἠγέρθη1And the tombs were opened, and many of the bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “And God opened the tombs and raised the bodies of many godly people who had died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2561MAT2752kj3rfigs-idiomπολλὰ σώματα τῶν κεκοιμημένων ἁγίων ἠγέρθη1many of the bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised

Here to be raised is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “God put life back into the dead bodies of many godly people who had fallen asleep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2562MAT2752hgn1figs-euphemismκεκοιμημένων1who had fallen asleep

This is a polite way of referring to dying. Alternate translation: “who had died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2563MAT2753q2x5καὶ ἐξελθόντες ἐκ τῶν μνημείων μετὰ τὴν ἔγερσιν αὐτοῦ, εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὴν ἁγίαν πόλιν καὶ ἐνεφανίσθησαν πολλοῖς1And having come out from the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many

The order of the events that Matthew describes (beginning with the words “The tombs were opened” in verse 52) is unclear. After the earthquake when Jesus died and the tombs were opened (1) the saints came back to life, and then, after Jesus came back to life, the saints entered Jerusalem, where many people saw them. (2) Jesus came back to life, and then the saints came back to life and entered the city, where many people saw them.

2564MAT2754f6rzδὲ1Now

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

2565MAT2754vv2gfigs-explicitοἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ τηροῦντες τὸν Ἰησοῦν1those with him watching Jesus

This refers to the other soldiers who were guarding Jesus with the centurion. Alternate translation: “the other soldiers with him who were guarding Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2566MAT2754gw6nguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ Υἱὸς1the Son of God

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

2567MAT2756ud33ἡ μήτηρ τῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου1the mother of the sons of Zebedee

Alternate translation: “the mother of James and John” or “the wife of Zebedee”

2568MAT2757wm5z0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus burial.

2569MAT2757sy9ytranslate-namesἉριμαθαίας1Arimathea

Arimathea is the name of a city in Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2570MAT2758c69nfigs-activepassiveτότε ὁ Πειλᾶτος ἐκέλευσεν ἀποδοθῆναι1Then Pilate commanded it to be given to him

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then Pilate ordered the soldiers to give the body of Jesus to Joseph” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2571MAT2759kj7uσινδόνι καθαρᾷ1in a clean linen cloth

in a clean, fine, costly cloth

2572MAT2760hvs8figs-explicitὃ ἐλατόμησεν ἐν τῇ πέτρᾳ1that he had cut into the rock

It is implied that Joseph had workers who cut the tomb into the rock. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2573MAT2760lt4kfigs-explicitκαὶ προσκυλίσας λίθον μέγαν1And having rolled a large stone against

Most likely Joseph had other people there to help him roll the stone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2574MAT2761ihr8ἀπέναντι τοῦ τάφου1opposite the tomb

Alternate translation: “across from the tomb”

2575MAT2762qj59τὴν παρασκευήν1the Preparation

The Preparation is the day that people got everything ready for the Sabbath.

2576MAT2762j57nσυνήχθησαν…πρὸς Πειλᾶτον1were gathered together with Pilate

Alternate translation: “met with Pilate”

2577MAT2763sc6yἐκεῖνος ὁ πλάνος…ἔτι ζῶν1that deceiver, yet living

Alternate translation: “Jesus, the deceiver, when he was alive”

2578MAT2763ri5sfigs-quotesinquotesεἶπεν…μετὰ τρεῖς ἡμέρας ἐγείρομαι.1said, After three days I am being raised up.

This has a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “he said that after three days he will rise again.” or “he said that after three day he would rise again.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

2579MAT2764b8n2figs-activepassiveκέλευσον…ἀσφαλισθῆναι τὸν τάφον1command the tomb to be made secure

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “command your soldiers to guard the tomb” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2580MAT2764hbh8translate-ordinalτῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας1the third day

The word third is the ordinal form of three. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

2581MAT2764pwc8ἐλθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, κλέψωσιν αὐτὸν1his disciples, having come, might steal him

Alternate translation: “his disciples may come and steal his body”

2582MAT2764t78sfigs-quotesinquotesεἴπωσιν τῷ λαῷ, ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν; καὶ1might say to the people, He has been raised up from the dead, and

This has a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “might tell the people that he has been raised from the dead, and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

2583MAT2764c7bfἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν1from the dead

This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again. Alternate translation: “from among all those who have died”

2584MAT2764u5tgfigs-ellipsisκαὶ ἔσται ἡ ἐσχάτη πλάνη χείρων τῆς πρώτης1and the last deception will be worse than the first

You can state the understood information explicitly. Alternate translation: “and if they deceive people by saying that, it will be worse than the way he deceived people before when he said that he was the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2585MAT2765dkq9κουστωδίαν1a guard

This guard consisted of four to sixteen Roman soldiers.

2586MAT2766pk1qσφραγίσαντες τὸν λίθον1having sealed the stone

This could mean: (1) they put a cord around the stone and attached it to the rock wall on either side of the entrance to the tomb. (2) they put seals between the stone and the wall.

2587MAT2766e8ufμετὰ τῆς κουστωδίας1with the guard

Alternate translation: “and having told the soldiers to stand where they could keep people from tampering with the tomb”

2588MAT28intropsw90

Matthew 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Matthew 28:1) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

“Make disciples”

The last two verses (Matthew 28:19-20) are commonly known as “The Great Commission” because they contain a very important command given to all Christians. Christians are to “make disciples” by going to people, sharing the gospel with them and training them to live as Christians.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

An angel of the Lord

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels looked human. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULT without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)

2589MAT281anr10Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

2590MAT281qkn8ὀψὲ δὲ Σαββάτων, τῇ ἐπιφωσκούσῃ εἰς μίαν σαββάτων1Now late on the Sabbath, as it is dawning toward the first day of the week

Alternate translation: “Now after the Sabbath ended, as the sun came up on Sunday morning”

2591MAT281gs43δὲ1Now

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

2592MAT281zu2bἡ ἄλλη Μαρία1the other Mary

This is Mary the mother of James and Joseph (27:56). Alternate translation: “the other woman named Mary”

2593MAT282j25iἰδοὺ1behold

The word behold here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Your language may have a way of doing this.

2594MAT282l4s2σεισμὸς ἐγένετο μέγας; ἄγγελος γὰρ Κυρίου καταβὰς ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καὶ προσελθὼν, ἀπεκύλισε τὸν λίθον1a great earthquake happened, for an angel of the Lord, having descended from heaven and having come near, rolled away the stone

This could mean: (1) the earthquake happened because the angel came down and rolled away the stone. (2) all these events happened at the same time.

2595MAT282s43vσεισμὸς…μέγας1a great earthquake

An earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground.

2596MAT283vfh4ἡ εἰδέα αὐτοῦ1his appearance

Alternate translation: “the angels appearance”

2597MAT283p12yfigs-simileἦν…ὡς ἀστραπὴ1was like lightning

This is a simile that emphasizes how bright in appearance the angel was. Alternate translation: “was bright like lightning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2598MAT283i4hpfigs-ellipsisτὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ λευκὸν ὡς χιών1his clothing white like snow

The verb “was” from the previous phrase can be repeated. Alternate translation: “his clothing was white like snow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2599MAT283bzowfigs-simileτὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ λευκὸν ὡς χιών1his clothing white like snow

This is a simile that emphasizes how bright and white the angels clothes were. Alternate translation: “his clothing was very white, like snow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2600MAT284b1icfigs-simileἐγενήθησαν ὡς νεκροί1became like dead men

This is a simile that means the soldiers fell down and did not move. Alternate translation: “fell to the ground and lay there like dead men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2601MAT285q8ddταῖς γυναιξίν1to the women

Alternate translation: “to Mary Magdalene and the other woman named Mary”

2602MAT285tbd8figs-activepassiveτὸν ἐσταυρωμένον1who has been crucified

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the people and the soldiers crucified” or “whom they had crucified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2603MAT287sp2afigs-quotesinquotesεἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν; καὶ ἰδοὺ, προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν; ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε.1tell his disciples, He has been raised up from the dead. And behold, he is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him.

This is a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead and that Jesus has gone ahead of you to Galilee where you will see him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

2604MAT287r5cwἠγέρθη1He has been raised up

Alternate translation: “He has come back to life”

2605MAT287a1irἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν1from the dead

This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.

2606MAT287ljb2figs-youὑμᾶς…ὄψεσθε…ὑμῖν1he is going ahead of you … you will see him

Here, all occurrences of you are plural. It refers to the women and the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2607MAT288j2svκαὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι ταχὺ1And having quickly left

Alternate translation: “And after Mary Magdalene and the other woman named Mary quickly left”

2608MAT289s393ἰδοὺ1behold

The word behold here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Your language may have a way of doing this.

2609MAT289n5szχαίρετε1Greetings

This is an ordinary greeting, much like “Hello” in English.

2610MAT289nmg1ἐκράτησαν αὐτοῦ τοὺς πόδας1took hold of his feet

Alternate translation: “got down on their knees and held onto his feet”

2611MAT2810etk6τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου1my brothers

Here, my brothers refers to Jesus disciples.

2612MAT2811u1ae0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of the reaction of the Jewish religious leaders when they heard of Jesus resurrection.

2613MAT2811ktu5δὲ1Now

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

2614MAT2811mu4lαὐτῶν1They

Here, they refers to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.

2615MAT2811rnr3ἰδού1behold

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

2616MAT2812ht82συμβούλιόν τε λαβόντες1discussed the matter with them

The priests and elders decided to give the money to the soldiers. Alternate translation: “decided on a plan among themselves”

2617MAT2813kn8iwriting-quotationsεἴπατε ὅτι, οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ…ἐλθόντες…ἡμῶν κοιμωμένων.1Say, His disciples came … while we were sleeping.

If your language does not use quotations within quotations you may translate this as a single quote. Alternate translation: “Tell others that Jesus disciples came … while you were sleeping” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

2618MAT2814n8xyκαὶ ἐὰν ἀκουσθῇ τοῦτο ἐπὶ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος1If this report reaches the governor

Alternate translation: “If the governor hears that you were asleep when Jesus disciples took his body”

2619MAT2814u13qτοῦ ἡγεμόνος1the governor

Alternate translation: “Pilate” (27:2)

2620MAT2814x57kἡμεῖς πείσομεν καὶ ὑμᾶς ἀμερίμνους ποιήσομεν1we will persuade him and keep you out of trouble

Alternate translation: “do not worry. We will talk to him so that he does not punish you.”

2621MAT2815yu3cfigs-activepassiveἐποίησαν ὡς ἐδιδάχθησαν1did as they had been instructed

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: “did what the priests had told them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2622MAT2815cp7rὁ λόγος οὗτος παρὰ Ἰουδαίοις μέχρι τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας1This report spread widely among the Jews and continues even today

Alternate translation: “Many Jews heard this report and continue to tell others about it even today”

2623MAT2815vp3aμέχρι τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας1even until today

This refers to the time Matthew wrote the book.

2624MAT2816h1ln0Connecting Statement:

This begins the account of Jesus meeting with his disciples after his resurrection.

2625MAT2817pze9προσεκύνησαν, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν1they worshiped him, but some doubted

This could mean: (1) they all worshiped Jesus even though some of them doubted. (2) some of them worshiped Jesus, but others did not worship him because they doubted.

2626MAT2817xgr5figs-explicitοἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν1but some doubted

You can state this explicitly what the disciples doubted. Alternate translation: “some doubted that he was really Jesus and that he had become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2627MAT2818v37pfigs-activepassiveἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία1All authority has been given to me

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “My Father has given me all authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2628MAT2818sm35figs-merismἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1in heaven and on earth

Here, heaven and earth are used together to mean everyone and everything in heaven and earth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

2629MAT2819yz6qfigs-metonymyπάντα τὰ ἔθνη1of all the nations

Here, nations refers to the people. Alternate translation: “of all the people in every nation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2630MAT2819l5b5figs-metonymyεἰς τὸ ὄνομα1into the name

Here, name refers to authority. Alternate translation: “by the authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2631MAT2819kwa3guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς…τοῦ Υἱοῦ1the Father … the Son

Father and Son are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

2632MAT2820mz6fἰδοὺ1See

Alternate translation: “look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

2633MAT2820si8zἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος1even to the end of the age

Alternate translation: “until the end of this age” or “until the end of the world”