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Introduction to Romans

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of Romans

  1. Introduction (1:115)
  2. Main Theme: Righteousness is received by trusting in Jesus Christ (1:1617)
  3. All mankind is condemned because of sin (1:183:20)
  4. Righteousness is received through Jesus Christ by trusting in him (3:215:21)
  5. Becoming like Christ in this life (6:18:39)
  6. Gods plan for Israel (9:111:36)
  7. Instructions for living as Christians (12:115:13)
  8. Conclusion (15:1416:27)

Who wrote the book of Romans?

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans and may other books in the New Testament. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was part of a strict Jewish religious group called the Pharisees. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

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

What is the book of Romans about?

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

In this letter Paul most fully described the gospel of Jesus Christ. He explained that both Jews and non-Jews have sinned, and God will forgive them and declare them righteous only if they believe in Jesus (chapters 111). Then he gave them practical advice for how believers should live (chapters 1216),

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What are the titles used to refer to Jesus?

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

How should theological terms in Romans be translated?

Paul uses many theological terms that are not used in the four Gospels. As early Christians learned more about the meaning of Jesus Christ and his message, they needed words and expressions for new ideas. Some examples of these words are “justification” (5:1), “works of the law” (3:20), “reconcile” (5:10), “propitiation” (3:25), “sanctification” (6:19), and “the old man” (6:6). If your language doesnt have similar words, you can develop short phrases to communicate these ideas. For example, the term “gospel” can be translated as “the good news about Jesus Christ.”

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

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

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

In 11:19, Paul speaks of another remnant. This remnant is the Jews whom God saved because they believed in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/remnant]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What did Paul mean by being “in Christ”?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “you” is almost always plural and refers to Pauls audience. There are only four instances of singular “you,” three of which are quotations from the Old Testament (9:7, 17; 13:4, 15:9). Those exceptions will be addressed in the notes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Romans 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Introduction (1:115)
    • Greeting (1:17)
    • Paul plans to visit Rome (1:815)
  2. Main Theme: Righteousness is received by having faith in Jesus Christ (1:1617)
  3. All mankind is condemned because of sin (1:183:20)
    • All non-Jews have sinned (1:1832)

Special concepts in this chapter

The gospel

This chapter refers to the contents of the Book of Romans as “the gospel” (1:2). Romans is not a Gospel like Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, which are historical accounts of the life of Jesus. Instead, chapters 18 present the biblical gospel, which is the good news of salvation. The gospel contains the following true ideas: Everyone has sinned. Jesus died for our sins. Jesus came back to life again so that we might live for his glory and receive eternal life when we die.

Universal Condemnation and the Wrath of God

In this chapter Paul explains that no one has an excuse for sinning. We all know about the true God, Yahweh, from his creation all around us. Because of our sin and our sinful nature, every person justly deserves the eternal punishment of God. The requirement for this punishment was satisfied by Jesus dying on a cross for those who believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“God gave them over”

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

4ROM11x3emfigs-123personΠαῦλος1Paul

In the culture of this time, letter writers would give their own names first. Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “From Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

5ROM11plvotranslate-namesΠαῦλος1Paul

Paul is the name of a man, an apostle of Jesus. See the information about him in Part 1 of the Introduction to Romans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

6ROM11e417figs-distinguishδοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, κλητὸς ἀπόστολος1Paul

These two phrases give further information about Paul. He describes himself as being someone given the position and authority of being Christs servant and apostle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

7ROM11v5b9figs-activepassiveκλητὸς ἀπόστολος, ἀφωρισμένος1called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom Jesus called to be an apostle and set apart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

8ROM11uktsgrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς εὐαγγέλιον Θεοῦ1

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

9ROM11ji90figs-possessionεὐαγγέλιον Θεοῦ1

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

10ROM12cu3rfigs-distinguish1

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

11ROM13lab1figs-distinguishπερὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1concerning his Son

This phrase gives us further information about “the gospel of God.” Paul means that the message of Gods promised good news is about Gods Son, “Christ Jesus” (See verse 1). If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “that is, the gospel about his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

12ROM13lk5qguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1Son

Son is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

13ROM13y2uyfigs-idiomτοῦ γενομένου ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυεὶδ1

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

14ROM13rj9ffigs-idiomκατὰ σάρκα1who was a descendant of David according to the flesh

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

15ROM14nhz7figs-infostructureτοῦ ὁρισθέντος Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν δυνάμει κατὰ Πνεῦμα ἁγιωσύνης ἐξ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν1

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

16ROM14at5sfigs-activepassiveτοῦ ὁρισθέντος Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ1he was declared with power to be the Son of God

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

17ROM14cp80guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱοῦ Θεοῦ1

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

18ROM14h32ufigs-explicitὁρισθέντος Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν δυνάμει1

Here, in power could refer to: (1) the means by which God designated Jesus as the Son of God. Alternate translation: “who was designated the Son of God by means of power” (2) a new level of power God gave to the Son of God. Alternate translation: “who was designated as the powerful Son of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

19ROM14m89wfigs-possessionΠνεῦμα ἁγιωσύνης1Spirit of holiness

Paul is using the possessive form to describe Gods Spirit that is characterized by holiness. This refers to the Holy Spirit. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an alternate expression, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

20ROM14js9mfigs-abstractnounsἐξ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of resurrection, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “by being resurrected from the dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

21ROM14h97zfigs-idiomνεκρῶν1by the resurrection from the dead

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

22ROM14zvqlfigs-possessionνεκρῶν1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the place from where Jesus was resurrected. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the preposition “from” instead of “of.” Alternate translation: “from death” or “from among the dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

23ROM14brejfigs-exclusiveἡμῶν1

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

24ROM15ww9afigs-explicitδι’ οὗ1we have received grace and apostleship

Here, whom refers to Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

25ROM15jr9efigs-abstractnounsδι’ οὗ ἐλάβομεν χάριν καὶ ἀποστολὴν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of grace and apostleship, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he who acted kindly toward us and made us his apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

26ROM15mosgfigs-exclusiveἐλάβομεν1

Here, we is exclusive and your language may require you to mark this form. It could refer to: (1) Paul and other apostles, as in the UST. (2) Paul speaking about himself in a plural form. Alternate translation: “I received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

27ROM15mv5ngrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς1

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

28ROM15krzjfigs-abstractnounsεἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of obedience and faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for people to faithfully obey Jesus among all the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

29ROM15cf3gfigs-possessionεἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως1

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

30ROM15eem9figs-explicitἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

Here, the Gentiles could refer to: (1) the nations. Use this interpretation if you interpreted we to refer to all the apostles and retained it in your translation. Alternate translation: “among all people groups” (2) non-Jewish people groups. Use this interpretation if you interpreted we to refer only to Paul and translated it as “I”. Alternate translation: “among all non-Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

31ROM15rd3vfigs-infostructureἐλάβομεν χάριν καὶ ἀποστολὴν εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “we received grace and apostleship for the sake of his name, for obedience of the faith among all the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

32ROM15sxc7figs-metonymyὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ1for obedience of faith among all the nations, for the sake of his name

Here Paul uses name figuratively. It could refer to: (1) Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “for the sake of Jesus” (2) Jesus reputation. Alternate translation: “for the sake of Jesus fame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

33ROM16xurzfigs-explicitἐν οἷς1

Here,whom refers to “the Gentiles” who were mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. See how you translated “the Gentiles” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “among the nations” or “among the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

34ROM16sks2figs-youὑμεῖς1

In this letter, with four exceptions, the words you and your are plural and refer to the recipients of this letter, who are members of the church at Rome (See 1:7). If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “you believers in Christ at Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

35ROM16qq9zfigs-possessionκλητοὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe called ones who were called by Jesus Christ. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “ones called by Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

36ROM17z85afigs-123personπᾶσιν τοῖς οὖσιν ἐν Ῥώμῃ1This letter is to all who are in Rome, the beloved of God, who are called to be holy people

In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would then say to whom they were writing, and they would name those people in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “To all of you who are in Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

37ROM17ymajtranslate-namesῬώμῃ1This letter is to all who are in Rome, the beloved of God, who are called to be holy people

Rome is the name of a city, the capital city of the Roman Empire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

38ROM17zfwqfigs-nominaladjἀγαπητοῖς Θεοῦ1

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

39ROM17rkdhfigs-possessionἀγαπητοῖς Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the beloved who are loved by God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “loved by God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

40ROM17v8bltranslate-blessingχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1May grace be to you, and peace

In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing. Alternate translation: “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])

41ROM17ys4efigs-abstractnounsχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1May grace be to you, and peace

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns grace and peace with equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ show his gracious acts to you and make you feel peaceful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

42ROM17d8paguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1God our Father

Father here is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus and the relationship between God and believers. Alternate translation: “our Father God and the Lord Jesus, the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

43ROM17j61dfigs-exclusiveΠατρὸς ἡμῶν1

When Paul writes our here, he is speaking of himself and his readers, so our would be inclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form. Alternate translation: “who is the Father of us Christians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

44ROM18yraugrammar-connect-logic-resultπρῶτον μὲν εὐχαριστῶ τῷ Θεῷ μου διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ περὶ πάντων ὑμῶν, ὅτι ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν καταγγέλλεται ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ.1

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

45ROM18totrgrammar-connect-words-phrasesπρῶτον μὲν1

First here indicates that Paul has finished his introduction to the letter, and what follows is the beginning of the content of the letter. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The first thing I want to say is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

46ROM18tdsjfigs-possessionτῷ Θεῷ μου1

Paul is using the possessive form my God to express that he belongs to God. Paul does not mean that he owns God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the God I belong to” or “the God that owns me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

47ROM18bphffigs-abstractnounsἡ πίστις ὑμῶν1

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

48ROM18efqsfigs-activepassiveἡ πίστις ὑμῶν καταγγέλλεται1

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. The context indicates that other believers are proclaiming how great the faith of the Roman believers is. Alternate translation: “other people are proclaiming your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

49ROM18k7qffigs-hyperboleἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ1

Here, the whole world is an exaggeration that refers to all the parts of the world that were familiar to Paul and his readers, particularly the Roman Empire. Paul is not referring to every place on the planet. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “across the known world” or “wherever the Roman Empire is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

50ROM19c7pagrammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1For God is my witness

For indicates that what follows is the reason why Paul could say in the previous verse that he thanks God for the Roman believers. If it would be helpful to you readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “You can be sure this is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

51ROM19twhtfigs-infostructureμάρτυς…μού ἐστιν ὁ Θεός, ᾧ λατρεύω ἐν τῷ πνεύματί μου ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ, ὡς ἀδιαλείπτως μνείαν ὑμῶν ποιοῦμαι1For God is my witness

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses and make a new sentence if necessary. Alternate translation: “God is my witness how I continually make mention of you. I serve him in my spirit in the gospel of his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

52ROM19dx6pfigs-distinguishμάρτυς…μού…ᾧ λατρεύω ἐν τῷ πνεύματί μου ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1in my spirit

This phrase gives us further information about God. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “my witness and I serve him in my spirit in the gospel of his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

53ROM19ll1efigs-abstractnounsμάρτυς…μού1in my spirit

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of witness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the one who testifies about me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

54ROM19ydncfigs-explicitἐν τῷ πνεύματί μου1

Here, spirit refers to the inner person, which is what a person thinks and feels. Paul means that he serves God with complete devotion. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “with my whole heart” or “wholeheartedly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

55ROM19ih0vfigs-explicitἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ1

Here, in indicates the means by which Paul served God and gospel refers specifically to proclaiming the gospel. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by proclaiming the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

56ROM19o66dfigs-possessionἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the gospel that is about Gods Son. If this is not clear in your language, you could use express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the gospel about his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

57ROM19r2l5guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱοῦ1Son

Son is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

58ROM19f9p2figs-hyperboleἀδιαλείπτως1I make mention of you

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

59ROM19vtuqfigs-idiomμνείαν ὑμῶν ποιοῦμαι1

Here, making mention is an idiom for prayer. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I am … praying for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

60ROM110mdc8figs-doubletπάντοτε ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν μου, δεόμενος1I always request in my prayers that … I may at last be successful … in coming to you

This phrase means the same thing as “I continually make mention of you” in the previous verse. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how intensely he prays that God will allow him to visit the church at Rome. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase for the similar passage in the previous verse and in this verse provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “in all my prayers, I beg God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

61ROM110oi0xfigs-hyperboleπάντοτε1

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

62ROM110b5wyfigs-abstractnounsἐν τῷ θελήματι τοῦ Θεοῦ1by the will of God

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

63ROM111ki6hgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For I desire to see you

For here indicates that this is a reason clause. Paul is indicating why he constantly prays to visit the church at Rome in verses 910. Use a natural way in your language to express the reason for something. Alternate translation: “I am always requesting this because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

64ROM111gjdufigs-metonymyἰδεῖν ὑμᾶς1

Paul uses see figuratively to describe not only seeing the Christians in Rome, but also visiting them and spending time with them. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to visit you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

65ROM111b23bgrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1

Here, so that indicates that this is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he wants to visit the believers at Rome. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

66ROM112pnnmfigs-distinguishτοῦτο δέ ἐστιν1

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

67ROM112ux1xfigs-activepassiveσυνπαρακληθῆναι ἐν ὑμῖν1That is, I long to be mutually encouraged among you, through each others faith, yours and mine

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

68ROM112ddtmfigs-possessionδιὰ τῆς ἐν ἀλλήλοις πίστεως, ὑμῶν τε καὶ ἐμοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to to refer to the trust in Jesus that both he and his readers shared. Paul means that they should mutually encourage each other because they have a mutual faith in Christ. If this is not clear in your language, you can state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “by both you and I sharing with one another how we trust in God” or “through talking about our common Christian faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

69ROM112e6pyfigs-abstractnounsπίστεως1

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

70ROM113yi1ffigs-litotesοὐ θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν1I do not want you to be uninformed

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

71ROM113rwznfigs-activepassiveἀγνοεῖν1

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

72ROM113u1cqfigs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

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

73ROM113zvrjfigs-explicitκαὶ ἐκωλύθην ἄχρι τοῦ δεῦρο1

Paul assumes that his readers will know that until now means “even at the present time.” He does not mean that he was no longer hindered at the moment he wrote these words. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “but I have been hindered and still am now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

74ROM113b92ofigs-activepassiveἐκωλύθην1

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

75ROM113gnu7figs-metaphorἵνα τινὰ καρπὸν σχῶ καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν1in order to have a harvest among you

Here, fruit could refer to: (1) people believing in the gospel as a result of Pauls preaching, which would connect this verse to the idea in verse 15. Alternative translation: “so that I might lead people to salvation among you also” (2) strengthening the believers in Rome, in which case this would have the same meaning as “some spiritual gracious gift” in verse 11. Alternative translation: “so that I might strengthen you also” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

76ROM114s4bmfigs-metaphorὀφειλέτης εἰμί1I am a debtor both

Paul speaks figuratively of himself as if he was a debtor who owed money to people who were not Jews, such as Greeks and barbarians. Paul means that he was obligated to preach the gospel to non-Jews because God had commanded him to do so. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation, “I am obliged to preach the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

77ROM114j2szfigs-merismἝλλησίν τε καὶ βαρβάροις1

Here Paul uses Greeks and barbarians figuratively to represent all the Gentiles referred to in the previous verse. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to all types of Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

78ROM114lio6figs-merismσοφοῖς τε καὶ ἀνοήτοις1

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

79ROM114q728figs-doubletἝλλησίν τε καὶ βαρβάροις, σοφοῖς τε καὶ ἀνοήτοις1

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

80ROM115h9zvgrammar-connect-logic-resultοὕτως1

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

81ROM116oa6mgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For indicates the reason why Paul is eager to proclaim the gospel in Rome. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I am eager to do this because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

82ROM116mm2ffigs-litotesοὐ…ἐπαισχύνομαι1I am not ashamed of the gospel

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

83ROM116nvkvfigs-metonymyοὐ…ἐπαισχύνομαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον1I am not ashamed of the gospel

Here, gospel refers specifically to the preaching of the gospel that was mentioned in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not ashamed to preach the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

84ROM116f5x9figs-possessionδύναμις γὰρ Θεοῦ ἐστιν εἰς σωτηρίαν1for the Jew first and for the Greek

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the gospel as the powerful way that God saves people. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for it is the powerful way that God saves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

85ROM116sz5bgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς σωτηρίαν1first

Here, for indicates that salvation is the result of the gospel. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “that results in the salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

86ROM116merbfigs-abstractnounsεἰς σωτηρίαν παντὶ1first

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for saving everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

87ROM116htqefigs-ellipsisπαντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι1first

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

88ROM116dwtmfigs-genericnounἸουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι1first

Paul is speaking of Jewish people and Greek people in general, not of one particular Jew or Greek. If this might confuse your readers, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “both to the Jewish people first and to the Greek people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

89ROM116u8onfigs-explicitἸουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον1

The phrase the Jew first means that the Jewish people were the first people to hear the gospel. Paul does not mean that the Jew is better or has a high status than the Greek. If this would confuse your readers, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “both to the Jews who first heard the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

90ROM116al16figs-explicitἝλληνι1

Here, the Greek refers to non-Jewish people in general. It does not refer only to people from the country of Greece. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the non-Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

91ROM117of98grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For indicates that what follows is the reason why the gospel is the power of God that leads to salvation, as stated in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The gospel can save everyone who believes because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

92ROM117wfscfigs-activepassiveδικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ ἀποκαλύπτεται1

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

93ROM117h38hfigs-metaphorδικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ ἀποκαλύπτεται1Gods righteousness is revealed from faith to faith

Paul speaks figuratively about the righteousness of God as if it was an object that could be revealed. He means that people learn about the righteousness of God when someone proclaims the gospel to them. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation: “when people preach the gospel, those who hear it learn about the righteousness of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

94ROM117qr31figs-possessionδικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ1

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

95ROM117gsl5figs-abstractnounsδικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ1

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

96ROM117ii3mwriting-pronounsἐν αὐτῷ1For in it

The pronoun it here refers to “the gospel” that was mentioned in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

97ROM117jl9ifigs-idiomἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν1

Here, from faith to faith describes how the righteousness of God is revealed. It is an idiom that could mean: (1) completely by faith alone. Alternate translation: “by faith from beginning to end” or “through faith from first to last” (2) by the faith that all believers share, like how the phrase “from sea to sea” means “from one sea to another sea.” Alternate translation: “from one persons faith to another persons faith” (3) by faith that leads to increasing faith. Alternate translation: “through faith for faith” or “from one degree of faith to another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

98ROM117igg9writing-quotationsκαθὼς γέγραπται1as it has been written

Here Paul uses just as it is written to introduce a quotation from an Old Testament book (Habakkuk 2:4). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “just as it is written in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

99ROM117bgvhfigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the quotation was written by the prophet Habakkuk. Alternate translation: “just as the prophet Habakkuk wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

100ROM117oih2figs-quotemarksὁ δὲ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται1

In this sentence Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

101ROM117a9y7figs-explicitἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται1

Here, live could refer to: (1) eternal life. Alternative translation: “will live eternally by faith” (2) the quality of ones physical life. Alternative translation: “will truly live by faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

102ROM117e7eufigs-abstractnounsπίστεως2

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

103ROM118c69sgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For

For indicates that what follows is the reason why “the righteous one must live by faith,” as mentioned in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “The righteous one must live this way because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

104ROM118r15vfigs-activepassiveἀποκαλύπτεται…ὀργὴ Θεοῦ1For the wrath of God is revealed

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

105ROM118wzy3figs-metonymyὀργὴ Θεοῦ1the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people

Here Paul uses wrath figuratively to refer to the outcome of Gods wrath, which is judging and punishing people because they are unrighteous. If this would confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “Gods wrathful punishment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

106ROM118kjenfigs-abstractnounsἐπὶ πᾶσαν ἀσέβειαν καὶ ἀδικίαν ἀνθρώπων1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas of ungodliness and unrighteousness, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “against all the ungodly and unrighteous acts of men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

107ROM118fz23figs-metonymyἐπὶ πᾶσαν ἀσέβειαν καὶ ἀδικίαν ἀνθρώπων1

Here, ungodliness and unrighteousness of men figuratively refer to the people who do ungodly and unrighteous things. If this would confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “against people who do any ungodly or unrighteous deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

108ROM118td8tfigs-abstractnounsτῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐν ἀδικίᾳ κατεχόντων1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas of unrighteousness and truth, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “who, because they do not want to act righteously, keep holding back what is true about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

109ROM118rztpfigs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

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

110ROM118g3qmfigs-distinguishτῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐν ἀδικίᾳ κατεχόντων1

This phrase gives us further information about the nature of people, who are called ** men** in the previous phrase. It is not making a distinction between different kinds of men. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “these same people who in unrighteousness are holding back the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

111ROM118k4qlfigs-personificationτῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐν ἀδικίᾳ κατεχόντων1

Here Paul speaks of truth figuratively as though it were a person who could be restrained or held back. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “who in unrighteousness prevent the truth from being known” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

112ROM119jd85figs-activepassiveτὸ γνωστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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

113ROM119r6efwriting-pronounsαὐτοῖς…αὐτοῖς1

The pronoun them refers to the ungodly and unrighteous people mentioned in the previous verse. Unless, otherwise noted, them, “their”, and “they” refer to ungodly and unrighteous people throughout verses 1932. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “all these ungodly and unrighteous people … all these ungodly and unrighteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

114ROM120fo6qfigs-abstractnounsτὰ…ἀόρατα αὐτοῦ…καθορᾶται; ἥ τε ἀΐδιος αὐτοῦ δύναμις καὶ θειότης1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of qualities, power, and nature, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what people cannot see about God, both how eternally powerful he is and who he is are clearly seen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

115ROM120szu6figs-metaphorκαθορᾶται1For his invisible qualities … have been clearly seen

Paul uses seen figurative to refer to perceiving something. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “are clearly perceived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

116ROM120abdlfigs-activepassiveκαθορᾶται1For his invisible qualities … have been clearly seen

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 can clearly see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

117ROM120uvc1figs-synecdocheκόσμου1world

Paul uses the world figuratively to refer to the whole universe. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of all that God made” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

118ROM120dr8vfigs-activepassiveτοῖς ποιήμασιν νοούμενα1

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: “which the things God has made understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

119ROM120dxr6grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἀναπολογήτους1they are without excuse

So indicates that this is a result clause. Use the natural way in your language to express result. Alternate translation: “As a result, they are without excuse” or “This is why they are without excuse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

120ROM121pgtafigs-explicitγνόντες τὸν Θεὸν1

Here Paul uses having known to imply that these people know about God or know that God exists. He does not mean that they know God personally. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “having known about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

121ROM121iasgfigs-doubletοὐχ ὡς Θεὸν ἐδόξασαν ἢ ηὐχαρίστησαν1

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

122ROM121c6v7figs-metaphorηὐχαρίστησαν1

Here Paul speaks of expressions of thanks figuratively as if they were something that could be given to a person. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “did they thank him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

123ROM121dantfigs-doubletἐματαιώθησαν ἐν τοῖς διαλογισμοῖς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐσκοτίσθη ἡ ἀσύνετος αὐτῶν καρδία1

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

124ROM121xm6ifigs-activepassiveἐματαιώθησαν ἐν τοῖς διαλογισμοῖς αὐτῶν1became foolish in their thoughts

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: “they began to think futile things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

125ROM121d2c0figs-metaphorἐσκοτίσθη ἡ ἀσύνετος αὐτῶν καρδία1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the heart as if it could mentally sense things or could become black in color. He also uses darkened figuratively to refer to someone losing the ability to understand something. He means that these people lack spiritual sensitivity and are unable to understand spiritual things. If your readers would not understand what a senseless heart or darkened mean in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “their heart became incapable of feeling or understanding spiritual things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

126ROM121t4p7figs-metonymyκαρδία1

Here Paul uses heart figuratively to refer a persons inner being or mind. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “inner being” or “mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

127ROM121sw8qgrammar-collectivenounsκαρδία1

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

128ROM122ddr2grammar-connect-logic-contrastἐμωράνθησαν1They claimed to be wise, but they became foolish

The phrase they became foolish is in contrast to what these unrighteous people claimed about themselves in the previous phrase. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “but they became foolish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

129ROM122ly68ἐμωράνθησαν1

Alternate translation: “they became fools” or “they acted like fools” or “they started acting like fools”

130ROM123k9xugrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1They exchanged the glory of the imperishable God

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

131ROM123x2wlfigs-metaphorκαὶ ἤλλαξαν τὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ ἐν ὁμοιώματι εἰκόνος φθαρτοῦ ἀνθρώπου, καὶ πετεινῶν, καὶ τετραπόδων, καὶ ἑρπετῶν.1for the likenesses of an image

Paul uses exchanged figuratively to describe the actions of these ungodly people as if they were exchanging goods or money. Paul means that they stopped worshiping God and started worshiping idols that resembled these creatures. If your readers would not understand what exchanged means in this context, you could use an express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “then they stopped glorifying the imperishable God in order to worship images things that God created: perishable humans, birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

132ROM123qb7ffigs-parallelismτὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ ἐν ὁμοιώματι εἰκόνος φθαρτοῦ ἀνθρώπου1

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

133ROM123r14efigs-abstractnounsτὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ1of perishable man

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what glorifies the imperishable God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

134ROM123u971figs-possessionτὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ1of birds, of four-footed beasts, and of creeping things

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

135ROM123rfezfigs-possessionὁμοιώματι εἰκόνος1

The words translated as likeness and image were used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament to refer to the same thing (Genesis 1:26). Here Paul is using the possessive form to indicate that image is an explanation of likeness. Use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation or elaboration in your language. Alternate translation: “a likeness, that is, an image” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

136ROM123osrtfigs-ellipsisκαὶ πετεινῶν, καὶ τετραπόδων, καὶ ἑρπετῶν1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “and likenesses of birds, and likenesses of four-footed animals, and likenesses of creeping things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

137ROM123rq7hτετραπόδων1

The phrase four-footed beasts refers to animals that walk on four feet. Use the most natural form to describe this kind of animal in your language. Alternate translation: “of quadrupeds” or “of four-legged beasts”

138ROM124fvv6grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὸ1Therefore

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

139ROM124ec9qfigs-metaphorπαρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς ἐν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν1God gave them over to

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if God were physically giving them to lusts. He means that God is allowing them to have what they desire. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “God permitted them to become controlled by the lusts of their hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

140ROM124tlv5figs-possessionταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν1them … their … themselves

Paul is using the possessive form to describe lusts that come from their hearts. If this is not clear in your language, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the lusts that come from their hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

141ROM124le2ofigs-metonymyτῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν1

See how you translated “heart” in verse 21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

142ROM124rkougrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν1

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

143ROM124ze8ifigs-abstractnounsεἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of uncleanness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to become unclean” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

144ROM124g0r4figs-metaphorεἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν1

Here Paul uses uncleanness figuratively to refer to sexual immorality as if it were something dirty. He means that these lustful people become spiritually impure as a result of doing sexually immoral acts. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “to become sexually immoral” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

145ROM124puadgrammar-connect-logic-goalτοῦ ἀτιμάζεσθαι1

Here, to dishonor could refer to: (1) the result of God giving the people over to their lusts. Alternate translation: “which results in them dishonoring” (2) the purpose for which God gave them over to their lusts. Alternate translation: “in order to dishonor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

146ROM124a8pmfigs-euphemismτοῦ ἀτιμάζεσθαι τὰ σώματα αὐτῶν1for their bodies to be dishonored among themselves

In this clause Paul uses dishonor their bodies figuratively to refer to sexually immoral acts. This is a polite way of referring to a shameful act. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to commit sexually immoral acts” or “to indulging in sexually immoral activity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

147ROM125dv6hfigs-metaphorοἵτινες μετήλλαξαν τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ψεύδει1they

Paul uses exchanged figuratively to describe the actions of these ungodly people as if they were exchanging goods or money. Paul means that they stopped believing what is true about God and started believing in idols, which are false gods. If your readers would not understand what exchanged means in this context, you could use an express the meaning plainly. See how you translated exchanged in verse 23. Alternative translation, “these people refuse to trust what God says is true and accept what is false” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

148ROM125koeefigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ψεύδει1

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

149ROM125e9pjfigs-possessionτὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1who worshiped and served the creation

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

150ROM125bl7pfigs-doubletἐσεβάσθησαν καὶ ἐλάτρευσαν1

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

151ROM125x3t4figs-abstractnounsτῇ κτίσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of creation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what was created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

152ROM125xrsafigs-distinguishὅς ἐστιν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας1

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

153ROM125m8zgtranslate-blessingὅς ἐστιν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας1

After naming the Creator, Paul adds a blessing. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “may he be blessed to eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])

154ROM125v1exfigs-nominaladjεὐλογητὸς1

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

155ROM126sk6ffigs-metaphorπαρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς1

See how you translated this phrase in verse 24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

156ROM126hw81figs-possessionπάθη ἀτιμίας1dishonorable passions

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

157ROM126lk73figs-abstractnounsπάθη ἀτιμίας1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of passions and dishonor, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “dishonor themselves by doing what they are passionate about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

158ROM126j4nigrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1for their women

The word translated for introduces an explanation of passions of dishonor. This explanation begins after the word for and continues through the end of the next verse. Use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation or elaboration in your language. Alternate translation: “That is,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

159ROM126jqyifigs-metaphorμετήλλαξαν τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν εἰς τὴν παρὰ φύσιν1

Paul uses exchanged figuratively to describe the actions of ungodly women as if they were exchanging goods or money. Paul means that they stopped doing natural sexual acts with men and started doing sexual acts with other women that are contrary to nature. If your readers would not understand what exchanged means in this context, you could use an express the meaning plainly. See how you translated exchanged in verses 23 and 25. Alternative translation, “stopped doing natural sexual acts with men and started doing unnatural sexual acts with women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

160ROM126vs4afigs-euphemismτὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν1exchanged natural relations for those that were unnatural

Paul uses the natural use figuratively to refer to sexual activity between women and men. This is a polite way of referring to something that would be offensive in some cultures. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sexual activity with males” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

161ROM126qvr5figs-euphemismτὴν παρὰ φύσιν1exchanged natural relations for those that were unnatural

Paul uses contrary to nature figuratively to refer to sexual activity between women and other women. This is a polite way of referring to something immoral. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “sexual activity with females” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

162ROM127ji3lgrammar-connect-words-phrasesὁμοίως τε καὶ οἱ ἄρσενες1

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

163ROM127gn3ffigs-metaphorἀφέντες1committed shameless acts

Paul speaks figuratively of these men as if they were leaving their location to go to another one. He means that they are abandoning or rejecting the way God intended for people to do sexual acts. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “having abandoned” or “having rejected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

164ROM127g3jafigs-euphemismτὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν τῆς θηλείας1men also left their natural relations with women

See how you translated the natural use in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

165ROM127qvi3figs-possessionτὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν τῆς θηλείας1men and received in themselves the penalty they deserved for their error

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the natural use that is associated with the female. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an alternative expression. Alternate translation: “the natural use associated with the female” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

166ROM127pqpofigs-genericnounτῆς θηλείας1men and received in themselves the penalty they deserved for their error

Paul is speaking of these females in general, not of one particular female. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “of females” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

167ROM127yvm1figs-metaphorἐξεκαύθησαν ἐν τῇ ὀρέξει αὐτῶν εἰς ἀλλήλους1error

Paul speaks figuratively of lust as if it were something that could burn like a fire. He means that their lust is out of control like a burning fire. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “passionately lusted after one another” or “intensely desired each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

168ROM127ylj6figs-abstractnounsἐξεκαύθησαν ἐν τῇ ὀρέξει αὐτῶν εἰς ἀλλήλους1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of lust, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “burned lustfully for one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

169ROM127kxwjfigs-euphemismἄρσενες ἐν ἄρσεσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην κατεργαζόμενοι1

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

170ROM127u2hhfigs-metaphorκατεργαζόμενοι1

Paul speaks figuratively of men doing sexual acts with each other as if it could produce something. He means that what they are doing is morally shameful. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “committing” or “engaging in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

171ROM127sjhbfigs-infostructureκαὶ τὴν ἀντιμισθίαν ἣν ἔδει τῆς πλάνης αὐτῶν, ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἀπολαμβάνοντες1

In the original language the phrase the penalty is at the front of the clause for emphasis. If it would be more natural in your language, you could arrange the order of these phrases to show that emphasis. Alternate translation: “and the penalty which was necessary for their perversion receiving in themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

172ROM127jtrugrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

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

173ROM127raetfigs-metaphorἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἀπολαμβάνοντες1

Paul speaks figuratively of the penalty for their sinful activity as if it were something that they could receive inside of themselves. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “experiencing in their own bodies” or “receiving among themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

174ROM127x6fzfigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀντιμισθίαν1

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

175ROM127dbttfigs-abstractnounsἣν ἔδει τῆς πλάνης αὐτῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of perversion, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “which was necessary for their perverted acts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

176ROM128bt7ufigs-idiomοὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν, τὸν Θεὸν ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει1

The phrase having God in their full awareness is an idiom that means “thinking about God” or “acknowledging God.” If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “they did not approve of thinking about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

177ROM128f53xfigs-abstractnounsτὸν Θεὸν ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of full awareness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being fully aware of God” or “fully acknowledging that God exists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

178ROM128yy1cfigs-metaphorπαρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς1he gave them up to a depraved mind

See how you translated this phrase in verses 24 and 26. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

179ROM128p8z2figs-genericnounεἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν1not proper

Paul is speaking of the minds of these ungodly people in general, not of one particular mind. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “to disapproved minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

180ROM128r1ptfigs-explicitεἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν1not proper

Here, mind refers to a persons will and moral reasoning. The mind of one of these ungodly people is disapproved, which means that it has been rejected by God as worthless. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state these ideas explicitly. Alternate translation: “to a mind that has become worthless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

181ROM128ie4lgrammar-connect-logic-resultποιεῖν1

Here, to do could refer to: (1) the result of a disapproved mind. Alternate translation: “as a result they do” or “causing them to practice” (2) the purpose of a disapproved mind. Alternate translation: “so that they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

182ROM128aye6figs-explicitτὰ μὴ καθήκοντα1

The phrase those things that are not proper refers to what Paul describes in verses 2931. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “those improper things that follow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

183ROM129c2e2figs-litany0General Information:

In verses 2931 Paul uses a repetitive series of sentences and ideas to show how evil these ungodly and unrighteous people are. This is a list of the “things that are not proper” of which those people in verses 1828 are guilty. Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone has done wrong. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

184ROM129v0zjfigs-metaphorπεπληρωμένους πάσῃ ἀδικίᾳ, πονηρίᾳ, πλεονεξίᾳ, κακίᾳ1

Paul uses filled with figuratively to refer to these ungodly people as if they were a container filled with the sins that Paul lists in this clause. Like a container that has been filled with something, the people are completely controlled by these sins. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fully controlled by unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, and malice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

185ROM129t4qmfigs-activepassiveπεπληρωμένους1They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and evil intentions

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they filled themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

186ROM129uqksfigs-abstractnounsπεπληρωμένους πάσῃ ἀδικίᾳ, πονηρίᾳ, πλεονεξίᾳ, κακίᾳ;1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, and malice, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “filled with all unrighteous, wicked, covetous, and malicious thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

187ROM129a7s3figs-metaphorμεστοὺς φθόνου, φόνου, ἔριδος, δόλου, κακοηθείας1

Paul uses full of figuratively to refer to these ungodly people as if they were a container full of the sins that Paul lists in this clause. Like a container that is full of something, the people are completely controlled by these sins. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fully controlled by envy, murder, strife, deceit, and evil intent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

188ROM129dzdafigs-abstractnounsμεστοὺς φθόνου, φόνου, ἔριδος, δόλου, κακοηθείας1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and evil intent, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “they are full of envious, murderous, contentious, and deceitful thoughts, and they intend to do evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

189ROM130f4ttfigs-nominaladjθεοστυγεῖς, ὑβριστάς, ὑπερηφάνους, ἀλαζόνας…ἀπειθεῖς1slanderers

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

190ROM130th8qfigs-abstractnounsκαταλάλους…ἐφευρετὰς κακῶν1inventing ways of doing evil

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

191ROM130qq50figs-possessionἐφευρετὰς κακῶν1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe inventors who invent evil things. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they invent evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

192ROM131i7ixfigs-nominaladjἀσυνέτους, ἀσυνθέτους, ἀστόργους, ἀνελεήμονας1

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

193ROM132cxx8figs-abstractnounsτὸ δικαίωμα1They understand the righteous regulations of God

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

194ROM132ytu6figs-possessionτὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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

195ROM132z12qgrammar-connect-words-phrasesὅτι1are deserving of death

Here, that indicates that what follows is the content of the the righteous decree of God. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “namely,” or “in other words,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

196ROM132iqg1writing-pronounsτὰ τοιαῦτα…αὐτὰ…τοῖς πράσσουσιν1who do them

The pronouns such things and things and them refer to the litany of “the things that are not proper” in verses 2831. If this would confuse your readers, you could make state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “such improper things … these improper things … those who keep doing these improper things” or “these kinds of evil things … these evil things … those who keep doing these evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

197ROM132p9e9figs-nominaladjἄξιοι θανάτου1

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

198ROM132t0lsfigs-abstractnounsἄξιοι θανάτου εἰσίν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “are worthy to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

199ROM132awthfigs-explicitἄξιοι θανάτου εἰσίν1

Here, death refers to spiritual death, which is eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “are worthy to die spiritually” or “are worthy of spiritual death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

200ROM2introdse20

Romans 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. All mankind is condemned because of sin (1:183:20)
    • All non-Jews have sinned (1:1832)
    • All Jews have sinned (2:13:8)

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

Special concepts in this chapter

“The Law”

In this chapter Paul uses the singular noun “the law” to refer to the group of laws that God gave Israel through Moses. Paul says that those who try to obey the Law of Moses will not be justified by trying to obey it. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

In verses 15 Paul uses the singular pronoun “you” and the singular noun “man” to refer to all people in general. If your language does not use singular pronouns or singular nouns to refer to a group of people, you can use a different expression. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-crowd]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

201ROM21y6tsgrammar-connect-logic-resultδιὸ1

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

202ROM21d7pjfigs-crowdεἶ…κρίνεις…σεαυτὸν κατακρίνεις…πράσσεις, ὁ κρίνων1Therefore you are without excuse

Paul uses the singular pronoun you here to refer to all people in general. See the discussion of this in the General Notes for this chapter. Alternate translation: “every one of you is … every one of you judges … every one of you condemns yourself … every one of you who judges practices” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-crowd]])

203ROM21atxoἀναπολόγητος1Therefore you are without excuse

See how you translated this phrase in 1:20.

204ROM21md5efigs-exclamationsὦ ἄνθρωπε1you

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

205ROM21x3migrammar-collectivenounsἄνθρωπε1you are

Here, man is a singular noun that refers to humanity in general. See the discussion of this in the General Notes for this chapter Alternate translation: “human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

206ROM21n2mugrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, for introduces a reason clause. In the rest of the verse Paul gives the reasons why anyone who judges is without excuse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because” or “since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

207ROM21jt4bwriting-pronounsἐν ᾧ1you person, you who judge

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

208ROM21ybp2figs-genericnounτὸν ἕτερον1for what you judge in another you condemn in yourself

Here, the other refers to any other person. You may need to make this explicit in your language. Alternate translation: “any other person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

209ROM21nz11grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, for introduces a clause that explains why these judgmental people are self-condemned. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “this is because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

210ROM21wumcwriting-pronounsτὰ…αὐτὰ1

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

211ROM22jr4ifigs-exclusiveοἴδαμεν1But we know

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

212ROM22qca8figs-possessionτὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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

213ROM22kfy1figs-abstractnounsτὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν κατὰ ἀλήθειαν1Gods judgment is according to truth when it falls on those

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of judgment and truth, you could express the ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “how God judges is according to what is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

214ROM22lfqnfigs-explicitκατὰ ἀλήθειαν1Gods judgment is according to truth when it falls on those

This phrase indicates the manner in which God will judge those who act sinfully. He will judge them according to the sins they truly committed. If this phrase might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “based on the facts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

215ROM22j46fτοὺς…πράσσοντας1

See how you translated this phrase in 1:32.

216ROM22mjaofigs-explicitτὰ τοιαῦτα1

Here, such things refers to the litany of “the things that are not proper” in 1:2832. If this would confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “such improper things” or “these kinds of evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

217ROM23zwg7figs-rquestionλογίζῃ δὲ τοῦτο, ὦ ἄνθρωπε, ὁ κρίνων τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντας, καὶ ποιῶν αὐτά, ὅτι σὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ?1person

Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize that these judgmental people should know that God will finally judge them. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “But you should not think, O man, who judges those who are practicing such things and you are doing the same things, that you will escape from the judgment of God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

218ROM23jct9writing-pronounsτοῦτο1

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

219ROM23ysysfigs-infostructureτοῦτο, ὦ ἄνθρωπε, ὁ κρίνων τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντας, καὶ ποιῶν αὐτά, ὅτι σὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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

220ROM23rk75figs-exclamationsὦ ἄνθρωπε1you who judge those who practice such things although you do the same things

See how you translated this phrase in verse 1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

221ROM23mo4pfigs-explicitτὰ τοιαῦτα…αὐτά1

The phrases such things and the same things refer to the litany of “the things that are not proper” in 1:2832. See how you translated such things in verse 2 and the same things in verse 1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

222ROM23bd82figs-personificationὅτι σὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, judgment is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who someone could escape from. Paul means that no one can avoid Gods judgment. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “that you will not prevent Gods judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

223ROM23hpejfigs-explicitτὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

See how you translated this phrase in verse 2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

224ROM24pex3figs-rquestionἢ τοῦ πλούτου τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας καταφρονεῖς, ἀγνοῶν ὅτι τὸ χρηστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰς μετάνοιάν σε ἄγει?1Or do you think so little of the riches of his goodness, his delayed punishment, and his patience … repentance?

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

225ROM24v9yffigs-crowdκαταφρονεῖς…σε1

In this verse Paul uses the singular pronoun you here to refer to all of humanity in general. See how you translated you in verses 1 and 3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-crowd]])

226ROM24w537figs-metaphorτοῦ πλούτου τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας1Do you think so little of the riches … patience

Paul speaks figuratively of Gods kindness and forbearance and patience as if they were wealth that could be acquired or rejected. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a simile or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “acquiring his wonderful kindness and forbearance and patience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

227ROM24swj9figs-abstractnounsτῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας1Do you not know that his goodness is meant to lead you to repentance?

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words kindness, forbearance, and patience, you could express these ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “of how kind, forbearing, and patient he is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

228ROM24ppltfigs-possessionτῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας…τὸ χρηστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the kindness, forbearance, and patience that characterize God. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “of Gods kindness, forbearance, and patience … Gods kindness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

229ROM24acipfigs-personificationτὸ χρηστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰς μετάνοιάν σε ἄγει1

Paul speaks of the kindness of God figuratively as if it were a person who could lead someone to repentance. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God uses his kindness to cause you to repent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

230ROM24u0iogrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς μετάνοιάν σε ἄγει1

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

231ROM24jamvfigs-abstractnounsμετάνοιάν1

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

232ROM25agl8figs-metaphorκατὰ δὲ τὴν σκληρότητά σου1But it is to the extent of your hardness and unrepentant heart

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were a hard substance. He means that these people stubbornly refuse to repent from their judgmental way of life. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “But according to your stubbornness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

233ROM25v6z1figs-metonymyἀμετανόητον καρδίαν1

Here, heart figuratively refers to a persons will or inner being. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “unrepentant will” or “unwillingness to repent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

234ROM25fv4kfigs-metaphorθησαυρίζεις σεαυτῷ ὀργὴν1you are storing up for yourself wrath

Here Paul speaks of wrath figuratively as if it were an object that someone could store up. He means that the longer people refuse to repent, the greater is Gods wrath against them. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “you are increasing how much wrath God has against you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

235ROM25s7csfigs-metonymyὀργὴν…ὀργῆς1you are storing up for yourself wrath

Here Paul uses wrath figuratively to refer to the outcome of Gods wrath, which is judging and punishing people because they are unrighteous. See how you translated the same use of this word in 1:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

236ROM25pck0figs-explicitἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul assumes that his readers will know that both the day of wrath and the revelation of the righteous judgment of God refer to the time in the future when God will punish all wicked people. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the time God finally punishes wicked people and reveals his righteous judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

237ROM25uz3kfigs-possessionἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a day that is characterized by wrath and by the revelation of the righteous judgment of God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “on the day characterized by Gods wrath and the revelation of his righteous judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

238ROM25ay1hfigs-abstractnounsἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of wrath, revelation, and judgment, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “on the day of Gods wrathful acts when he reveals how righteously he judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

239ROM25fnpjfigs-possessionἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the righteous judgment of God as what the revelation reveals. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an alternate expression. Alternate translation: “when God reveals his righteous judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

240ROM25sumefigs-possessionδικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the righteous judgment that is carried out by God. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an alternate expression. Alternate translation: “of God judging righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

241ROM26frovfigs-quotationsἀποδώσει ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ1

This clause is a quotation from the Old Testament (Psalm 62:12). If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as a direct quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

242ROM26jwcxfigs-metaphorἀποδώσει ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ1

Here Paul uses pay back figuratively to refer to appropriately punishing or rewarding someone as if the punishment or reward was reciprocal payment for that persons deeds. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will appropriately punish or reward each one according to his deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

243ROM26gj1qfigs-abstractnounsτὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ1to every person according to his actions

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

244ROM27ylpm0General Information:

In verses 710 Paul explains what he means when he said in verse 6 that God will “pay back to each according to his deeds.”

245ROM27rrbffigs-infostructureτοῖς…καθ’ ὑπομονὴν ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ, δόξαν καὶ τιμὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν ζητοῦσιν, ζωὴν αἰώνιον;1

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

246ROM27gec6figs-ellipsisζωὴν αἰώνιον1seeking

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

247ROM27sqdofigs-metaphorτοῖς…ζητοῦσιν1

Paul uses seeking figuratively to refer to these people as if they were trying to find something. He means that they are trying to live in such a way as to obtain glory and honor and incorruptibility. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “to those who … keep trying to attain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

248ROM27zyffτοῖς…καθ’ ὑπομονὴν ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ…ζητοῦσιν, ζωὴν αἰώνιον1

Here, according to could indicate: (1) the means by which these people are seeking glory and honor and incorruptibility. Alternate translation: “everlasting life to those who, by means of endurance of good work, are seeking glory and honor and incorruptibility” (2) the reason why God gives these people everlasting live. Alternate translation: “because they endure in good work and are seeking glory and honor and incorruptibility, everlasting life”

249ROM27d2gwfigs-abstractnounsκαθ’ ὑπομονὴν ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of endurance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “according to the fact that they keep on doing good work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

250ROM27ub51figs-abstractnounsδόξαν καὶ τιμὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν1praise, honor, and incorruptibility

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

251ROM28j1e6figs-abstractnounsἐξ ἐριθείας1wrath and fierce anger will come

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of ambition, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from being selfishly ambitious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

252ROM28fcb4figs-doubletκαὶ ἀπειθοῦσι τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, πειθομένοις δὲ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ1disobey the truth but obey unrighteousness

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

253ROM28xhtmfigs-personificationἀπειθοῦσι τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, πειθομένοις δὲ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ1

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

254ROM28m7pmfigs-abstractnounsτῇ ἀληθείᾳ…τῇ ἀδικίᾳ1

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

255ROM28ytnyfigs-ellipsisὀργὴ καὶ θυμός1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the verse 6. Alternate translation: “wrath and anger is what God pays back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

256ROM28exorfigs-metonymyὀργὴ1

Here Paul uses wrath figuratively to refer to the outcome of Gods wrath, which is judging and punishing people because they are unrighteous. See how you translated the same use of this word in 1:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

257ROM28wa6ffigs-abstractnounsὀργὴ καὶ θυμός1self-seeking

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

258ROM28blwxfigs-doubletὀργὴ καὶ θυμός1

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

259ROM29ospbfigs-metaphorθλῖψις καὶ στενοχωρία, ἐπὶ πᾶσαν ψυχὴν ἀνθρώπου τοῦ κατεργαζομένου τὸ κακόν1

Paul speaks figuratively of Tribulation and distress as if these ideas were located on top of a person. He means that every evil person will experience Tribulation and distress. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Every human soul that produces the evil will experience tribulation and distress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

260ROM29qonffigs-abstractnounsθλῖψις καὶ στενοχωρία1

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

261ROM29u8f7figs-doubletθλῖψις καὶ στενοχωρία1tribulation and distress on

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

262ROM29ck9ifigs-synecdocheπᾶσαν ψυχὴν ἀνθρώπου1

Paul uses soul of man to refer to the whole life of a person. If this might confuse your readers, you could use express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

263ROM29msoxfigs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπου1

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

264ROM29n7q4figs-nominaladjτὸ κακόν1has practiced evil

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

265ROM29a9s5figs-explicitἸουδαίου τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνος1to the Jew first

This phrase could mean: (1) the Jews will have greater responsibility because God offered salvation to them first. Alternate translation: “especially for the Jewish person and also for the non-Jewish person” (2) the Jews will be judged before non-Jews, which is the same meaning as in 1:16. Alternate translation: “first for the Jewish person and then for the non-Jewish person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

266ROM29csncfigs-explicitἝλληνος1to the Jew first

See how you translated this phrase in 1:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

267ROM210i9tgfigs-abstractnounsδόξα…καὶ τιμὴ1practices good

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of glory and honor, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “God will glorify and honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

268ROM210t2odfigs-abstractnounsεἰρήνη1practices good

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Here, peace could refer to: (1) feeling calm and secure. Alternate translation: “a peaceful feeling” (2) being at peace with God. Alternate translation: “a peaceful relationship with God” (3) both a peaceful feeling and a peaceful relationship with God. “a peaceful feeling and a peaceful relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

269ROM210ib56figs-nominaladjτὸ ἀγαθόν1first

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

270ROM210u06jfigs-explicitἸουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι1

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

271ROM211eol0figs-abstractnounsοὐ…ἐστιν προσωπολημψία παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ1

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

272ROM212wkx8grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For as many as have sinned

For here indicates that what follows in verses 1216 gives the reason for the phrase “there is no favoritism with God” in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language to make this emphasis explicit. Alternate translation: “This is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

273ROM212ecskfigs-explicitὅσοι…ἀνόμως ἥμαρτον1

Paul uses this phrase to refer to non-Jews, which he calls “the Greek” in verses 910. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “as many non-Jewish people as have sinned without the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

274ROM212t3qsgrammar-collectivenounsἀνόμως…ἀνόμως…νόμῳ…νόμου1

The word law is a singular noun that refers to a group of laws that God gave Israel through Moses. See the discussion of this term in the General Notes for this chapter. Alternate translation: “without Gods laws … without Gods laws … Gods laws … Gods laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

275ROM212m6cyfigs-idiomἀνόμως…ἀνόμως1as many as have sinned

Here, without the law refers to not knowing Gods law. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “without knowing Gods law” or “in ignorance of Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

276ROM212qkh4figs-metonymyκαὶ ἀπολοῦνται1

Here Paul uses perish figuratively to refer to eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will also be punished eternally” or “will also experience eternal punishment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

277ROM212jwvzfigs-explicitὅσοι ἐν νόμῳ ἥμαρτον1

Paul uses this phrase to refer to Jews, who are the people to whom God gave his law. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “as many Jewish people as have sinned with the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

278ROM212w4cpfigs-activepassiveδιὰ νόμου κριθήσονται1

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

279ROM212a0k4figs-explicitδιὰ νόμου1

Here, by indicates that the law is the standard by which God will judge those who know his law. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “according to what the law requires” or “by what the law says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

280ROM213sw8xgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that this verse gives the reason why God judges both groups of people mentioned in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why someone does something. Alternate translation: “God judges both groups of people impartially because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

281ROM213a8ragrammar-collectivenounsνόμου…νόμου1

See how you translated the law in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

282ROM213eg4hfigs-metaphorοὐ…δίκαιοι παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ1who are righteous before God

Paul uses with God figuratively here to describe righteous people as if they were located in the presence of God. He means that God makes them right with himself. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “are not made righteous by God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

283ROM213c1bufigs-activepassiveοἱ ποιηταὶ νόμου δικαιωθήσονται1who will be justified

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

284ROM214q2idgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1they do not have the law

For here indicates that verses 1416 give another reason why God judges both groups of people mentioned in verse 12. Verses 1416 explain why Gentiles who do not know Gods law are still sinners. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why someone does something. Alternate translation: “God also judges both groups of people impartially because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

285ROM214vlumfigs-metaphorτὰ μὴ νόμον ἔχοντα…νόμον μὴ ἔχοντες1

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they own or possess the law. He means that they are unaware of the law that God gave to the Jewish people. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. See how you translated “without the law” in verse 12. Alternative translation: “who are unaware of Gods law … who are unaware of Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

286ROM214zhmwgrammar-collectivenounsνόμον…τοῦ νόμου…νόμον1

See how you translated the law in verse 12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

287ROM214h53hfigs-abstractnounsφύσει…ποιῶσιν1

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

288ROM214atdafigs-possessionτὰ τοῦ νόμου1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the specific rules that make up the law. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the rules within the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

289ROM214symgfigs-personificationἑαυτοῖς εἰσιν νόμος1

Here Paul speaks of Gentiles figuratively as if they were a law. Paul means that the non-Jewish people still have their own rules about what is right and wrong that are also part of Gods law. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this meaning in plainly. Alternate translation: “are actually obeying the Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

290ROM215xl6vfigs-metaphorοἵτινες ἐνδείκνυνται τὸ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου, γραπτὸν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν1By this they show

Paul speaks figuratively of the non-Jewish people obeying some basic rules from the Law of Moses as if they were showing the work of the law to other people. He means that non-Jewish people demonstrate that they naturally understand some rules of the law by obeying those rules. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “who make others aware that they understand the work of the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

291ROM215wtitfigs-metaphorτὸ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου, γραπτὸν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν1By this they show

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the works of the law as if they can be written on the surfaces of peoples hearts. He means that God has enabled non-Jewish people to know generally what is right or wrong even though they do not know the Law of Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they know the work of the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

292ROM215x35cfigs-possessionτὸ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου1the actions required by the law are written in their hearts

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the work that characterizes obeying the law. This phrase has a similar meaning to “the things of the law” in the previous verse. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the work that the law requires a person to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

293ROM215v60qfigs-activepassiveγραπτὸν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν1

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 wrote on their hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

294ROM215ja5sfigs-metonymyἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν1

See how you translated “heart” in 1:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

295ROM215jmeofigs-genericnounσυνμαρτυρούσης αὐτῶν τῆς συνειδήσεως1bears witness to them, and their own thoughts either accuse or defend them

Paul uses the singular conscience figuratively to refer to the individual consciences of these people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “their consciences bearing witness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

296ROM215z28qfigs-personificationσυνμαρτυρούσης αὐτῶν τῆς συνειδήσεως1bears witness to them, and their own thoughts either accuse or defend them

Here Paul uses conscience figuratively as if it were a person bearing witness in a courtroom. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their conscience confirms that this is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

297ROM215ub8tfigs-distinguishσυνμαρτυρούσης…καὶ μεταξὺ ἀλλήλων, τῶν λογισμῶν κατηγορούντων ἢ καὶ ἀπολογουμένων1

This clause explains what bearing witness means. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer or begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: “bearing witness, namely, the thoughts of each person both accusing or even defending them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

298ROM215qk53figs-personificationκαὶ μεταξὺ ἀλλήλων, τῶν λογισμῶν κατηγορούντων ἢ καὶ ἀπολογουμένων1

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

299ROM216o6kxfigs-metonymyἐν ἡμέρᾳ1

Here, day refers to a point in time when something happens. It does not refer to a 24-hour length of time. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a point in time is coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

300ROM216c5fpfigs-explicitἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὅτε κρίνει ὁ Θεὸς1on the day when God will judge

Paul assumes that his readers will know that the day when God will judge refers to the time in the future when God will judge everyone, as Paul also mentioned in verses 2 and 5. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the future time when God finally judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

301ROM216lyvdfigs-possessionτὰ κρυπτὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe secrets that men have. These secrets are specifically secret thoughts that people have, as indicated by the word “thoughts” in the previous verse. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “mens secrets” or “the secrets that men keep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

302ROM216gxetfigs-abstractnounsτὰ κρυπτὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων1

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

303ROM216r8hzfigs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀνθρώπων1

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

304ROM216xb7tfigs-infostructureκατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου, διὰ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1

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

305ROM216e9bpfigs-metaphorκατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου1

Paul speaks figuratively of the gospel as if it belongs to him. He means that this is the gospel God has entrusted him to preach. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “according to Gods gospel that I preach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

306ROM217lc6mgrammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1Connecting Statement:

But here indicates that in verses 1729 Paul changes topics from talking about non-Jewish people who dont know the Law of Moses to Jews who know the Law. He explains why the Jews as well cannot escape Gods judgment. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that” or “However” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

307ROM217cnq7grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1if you call yourself a Jew

Here, if indicates the beginning of a conditional sentence that extends from this verse to verse 21. Paul speaks as if these descriptions of Jews were hypothetical possibilities, but he means that they are actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since” or “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

308ROM217kfe8figs-youcrowdσὺ1

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

309ROM217pglgfigs-metaphorσὺ Ἰουδαῖος ἐπονομάζῃ1

Paul speaks figuratively of the Jews as if they named themselves. He means that they consider themselves to be Jews. If this would confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “you call yourself Jewish” or “you regard yourself as truly Jewish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

310ROM217gz6jfigs-ellipsisἐπαναπαύῃ νόμῳ,1rest upon the law

Paul 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, which is Gods judgment of sinners. Alternate translation: “rely upon the law to escape Gods judgment” or “rely upon the law to save you from Gods judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

311ROM217dapjfigs-metaphorκαυχᾶσαι ἐν Θεῷ1

Paul speaks figuratively of the Jews as if they were boasting inside of God. He means that the Jews brag that they are the only nation that knows God. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “brag that you are the only ones who know God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

312ROM218xn6wgrammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ γινώσκεις τὸ θέλημα, καὶ δοκιμάζεις τὰ διαφέροντα, κατηχούμενος ἐκ τοῦ νόμου,1because you have been instructed from the law

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

313ROM218qxktfigs-abstractnounsτὸ θέλημα1

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

314ROM218aqbhfigs-activepassiveκατηχούμενος ἐκ τοῦ νόμου1

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: “others having instructed you from the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

315ROM219nk76figs-rpronounsπέποιθάς τε σεαυτὸν ὁδηγὸν εἶναι1

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

316ROM219wi7zfigs-metaphorὁδηγὸν εἶναι τυφλῶν1you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness

Paul uses guide figuratively to refer to the Jews as if they were the only people who could clearly see. He also uses blind figuratively to refer to non-Jews as if they were unable to see. He means that the Jews think they are the only ones who can teach others Gods truth. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “that you are the only ones who can teach others what is true about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

317ROM219beopfigs-abstractnounsὁδηγὸν εἶναι τυφλῶν1

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

318ROM219ql0bfigs-gendernotationsτυφλῶν1

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

319ROM219j76cfigs-doubletὁδηγὸν…τυφλῶν, φῶς τῶν ἐν σκότει1

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

320ROM219xlgefigs-metaphorφῶς τῶν ἐν σκότει1

Here Paul uses light figuratively to refer to a Jewish person, and he uses those in darkness figuratively to refer to non-Jews. He means that the Jews think they can teach non-Jews about God the way that a light shines on people who are in a dark place. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someone who can reveal what is true about God to those who do not know about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

321ROM220ymeygrammar-connect-logic-resultπαιδευτὴν ἀφρόνων, διδάσκαλον νηπίων, ἔχοντα τὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐν τῷ νόμῳ1

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

322ROM220pf6vfigs-doubletπαιδευτὴν ἀφρόνων, διδάσκαλον νηπίων1

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

323ROM220ar5afigs-metaphorδιδάσκαλον νηπίων1a teacher of little children

Paul speaks figuratively of the non-Jews as if they were little children. He means that they are ignorant about God. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation: “people who are spiritually ignorant” or “people who are like uneducated infants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

324ROM220ose0figs-metaphorἔχοντα τὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐν τῷ νόμῳ1

Paul speaks figuratively of the law as if it were a physical shape that someone could possess. He means that the law contains Gods true knowledge that the Jews think they exclusively own. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “understanding through Gods law how a person can truly know God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

325ROM220ua61figs-possessionτὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας1

Paul is using the possessive forms of the knowledge and of the truth to describe the form of the law. Here, of knowledge and of the truth could indicate: (1) what the law contains. Alternate translation: “the form that contains the knowledge and the truth” (2) what the law represents. Alternate translation: “what represents knowledge and truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

326ROM220y6i5figs-abstractnounsτῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας1

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

327ROM221vy0hfigs-rquestionὁ οὖν διδάσκων ἕτερον, σεαυτὸν οὐ διδάσκεις? ὁ κηρύσσων μὴ κλέπτειν, κλέπτεις?1

In verses 2123 Paul transitions from his description of the Jews in verses 1720 to a series of rhetorical questions. These questions emphasize the hypocrisy of the Jews, who thought they were superior to non-Jews because they knew the Law of Moses. If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate Pauls words as statements or exclamations and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “then you, who teach another, do not teach yourself! You, who preach not to steal, actually steal!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

328ROM221rftqgrammar-connect-words-phrasesοὖν1

Here, then indicates that what follows is the second half of the factual conditional statement that Paul began with “if you name yourself a Jew” in verse 17. Paul wants to show that what the Jews believe and how they live are in contrast. If you divided verses 1721 into separate sentences, then you may need to include a short form of the “if” statement here. Alternate translation: “if all this is really true, then” or “since all this is really true, then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

329ROM221uq9ygrammar-collectivenounsἕτερον1You who teach others, do you not teach yourself?

Here, another is a singular pronoun that refers to a group of people. If your language does not use singular pronouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

330ROM221abq0figs-explicitσεαυτὸν οὐ διδάσκεις1

Here Paul implies that the Jews need to teach themselves because they do not actually obey the laws that they teach. They act as if they do not know the Law of Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “since you dont obey the law, do you not teach yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

331ROM222parmfigs-rquestionὁ λέγων μὴ μοιχεύειν, μοιχεύεις? ὁ βδελυσσόμενος τὰ εἴδωλα, ἱεροσυλεῖς?1You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

Like in the previous verse, Paul is not asking for information here, but is using the question form twice to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as statements or exclamations and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You, who says not to commit adultery, actually commit adultery! You, who abhor idols, actually rob temples!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

332ROM222dmpgfigs-explicitἱεροσυλεῖς1You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

Here Paul implies that the temples the Jews rob are where idols are kept and worshipped. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “do you rob temples where idols are kept” or “should you actually enter an idol temple and rob it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

333ROM223z80mfigs-rquestionὃς ἐν νόμῳ καυχᾶσαι διὰ τῆς παραβάσεως τοῦ νόμου, τὸν Θεὸν ἀτιμάζεις1

Like in the previous two verses, Paul is not asking for information here, but is using the question form to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You, who boast in the law, actually dishonor God through the transgression of the law!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

334ROM223grr3figs-metaphorὃς ἐν νόμῳ καυχᾶσαι1You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

Paul uses in the law figuratively as if it were something that people could boast inside of. He means that the Jews brag that they are the only nation who knows Gods law, which has similar meaning to “boast in God” in verse 17. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “You, who brag that you are the only ones who know Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

335ROM223ob98figs-abstractnounsδιὰ τῆς παραβάσεως τοῦ νόμου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of transgression, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by transgressing the law” or “by breaking the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

336ROM224yp4lfigs-infostructureτὸ γὰρ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ δι’ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, καθὼς γέγραπται1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “For, just as it is written, the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

337ROM224z54igrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows is the reason why the previous statement is true. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “These things I have said about you are true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

338ROM224lk5nfigs-quotemarksτὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ δι’ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

In this clause Paul quotes part of Isaiah 52:5. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

339ROM224c4skfigs-possessionτὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to indicate the name that belongs to God. Paul does not mean that God is a name. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Gods name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

340ROM224mvwqfigs-synecdocheτὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul uses the name of God figuratively to refer toGod himself. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

341ROM224ccm9figs-activepassiveτὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ δι’ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

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 Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

342ROM224m2bqgrammar-connect-logic-resultτὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ δι’ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because of you the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

343ROM224pg0gfigs-explicitδι’ ὑμᾶς1

Paul quotes Isaiah implying that the bad behavior of the Jews is what causes the Gentiles to blaspheme the name of God. Since the Jews were supposed to represent God to the world, their bad behavior misrepresented God so that the Gentiles blasphemed him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as a result of how you act” or “because of the way you behave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

344ROM224e144figs-youδι’ ὑμᾶς1

Here, you is the plural and refers to the Jewish people. This is the only occurrence of plural you in verses 1727. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

345ROM224edrffigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1

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. Since Paul is referring to something Isaiah wrote, you could indicate Isaiah as the subject. Alternate translation: “just as Isaiah wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

346ROM224end9writing-quotationsγέγραπται1

Here Paul uses it is written to indicate a quotation from an Old Testament book (Isaiah 52:5). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Peter is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “it had been written in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

347ROM225vdu7grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that [verses 2529] provide another reason why both Jews and Gentiles will be punished for their sins, as stated in verse 12. Paul is arguing against the idea that circumcision guaranteed a Jews salvation, which some Jews believed. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jews will be judged along with Gentiles because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

348ROM225vp6ofigs-abstractnounsπεριτομὴ…ἡ περιτομή σου, ἀκροβυστία γέγονεν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of circumcision and uncircumcision, you could express the same ideas in a different way. Alternate translation: “being circumcised … your being circumcised has become being uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

349ROM225wm24figs-ellipsisὠφελεῖ1

Paul is leaving out a word here that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply the word from the context. Alternate translation: “benefits you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

350ROM225pqhzfigs-possessionπαραβάτης νόμου1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a person who transgresses the law. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “one who transgresses the law” or “one who breaks the law”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

351ROM225xq62figs-hyperboleἡ περιτομή σου, ἀκροβυστία γέγονεν1your circumcision becomes uncircumcision

Here, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how important it is for Gods people to practice the law. Paul does not mean that the person who transgresses Gods law is no longer physically circumcised. If this would confuse your readers, you express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is as if you are not circumcised” or “it is the same as if you were never circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

352ROM226vt7ffigs-hypoἐὰν οὖν1the uncircumcised person

Paul is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize the benefits for the uncircumcised one who keeps the requirements of the law. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Lets suppose then that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

353ROM226r9i4figs-nominaladjἡ ἀκροβυστία1the uncircumcised person

Paul is using the adjective uncircumcision 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: “the people who are uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

354ROM226nf3jfigs-idiomφυλάσσῃ1keeps the requirements of the law

Here, keeps is an idiom that means “obeys.” If your readers would not understand this, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is obedient to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

355ROM226mkhrfigs-possessionτὰ δικαιώματα τοῦ νόμου1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe requirements found in the law. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “what the law requires” or “the laws requirements” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

356ROM226be71figs-rquestionοὐχ ἡ ἀκροβυστία αὐτοῦ εἰς περιτομὴν λογισθήσεται1will not his uncircumcision be considered as circumcision?

Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize how important it is do what the law requires. 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: “certainly God will consider his uncircumcision to be circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

357ROM226rjb5figs-activepassiveοὐχ ἡ ἀκροβυστία αὐτοῦ εἰς περιτομὴν λογισθήσεται1

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

358ROM226gjuyfigs-abstractnounsἡ ἀκροβυστία αὐτοῦ…περιτομὴν1

See how you translated these abstract nouns in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

359ROM227rkxzgrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1

And here could indicate that what follows is continuing the rhetorical question in the previous verse. If you choose the translate the passage in this way, then replace the ending exclamation point with a question mark. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

360ROM227lqz2grammar-connect-logic-resultκρινεῖ ἡ ἐκ φύσεως ἀκροβυστία, τὸν νόμον τελοῦσα1And will not the one who is naturally uncircumcised condemn you … the law?

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “since he is fulfilling the law, the uncircumcised by nature will judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

361ROM227tpnofigs-nominaladjἡ…ἀκροβυστία1And will not the one who is naturally uncircumcised condemn you … the law?

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

362ROM227h2ljfigs-abstractnounsἡ ἐκ φύσεως ἀκροβυστία1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of nature, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the naturally uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

363ROM227zwh8figs-idiomτελοῦσα1

Here, fulfilling is an idiom that means “fully obeying.” If your readers would not understand this, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is fully obedient to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

364ROM227sv4bfigs-explicitδιὰ γράμματος καὶ περιτομῆς1

Here, through could mean: (1) the Jews will be judged despite having the letter and circumcision. Alternate translation: “despite having letter and circumcision” (2) the Jews will be judged while having the letter and circumcision. Alternate translation: “while having letter and circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

365ROM227nxa1figs-metonymyγράμματος1

Paul is figuratively describing the law by association with the letters that make up the law. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the written law code” or “Gods written law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

366ROM227lkllfigs-abstractnounsπεριτομῆς1

See how you translated this abstract noun in the previous two verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

367ROM227q795figs-abstractnounsπαραβάτην νόμου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun transgressor with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “someone who transgresses the law” or “someone who breaks Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

368ROM228g2vhgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows is the reason for what has just been stated. This verse is Pauls conclusion to the statements he made in verses 2527. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “In fact” or “Truly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

369ROM228lfujfigs-metonymyἸουδαῖός1

Here Paul uses Jew to refer to someone who is one of Gods people because he truly trusts in God for salvation, like Abraham did. Jew here does not refer to someone who only has Jewish ancestors. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a spiritual Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

370ROM228rohyfigs-explicitἐν τῷ φανερῷ1

Here, visibly refers to the Jewish religious practices that other people can see, such as circumcision or wearing special clothing. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “does externally visible Jewish rituals” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

371ROM228n34ifigs-metonymyἡ…περιτομή1flesh

Here Paul uses circumcision figuratively to refer to the change in thinking and attitude that happens when God saves a person. It can also be considered an inward mark of belonging to Gods people, like how circumcision was an outer mark of being Jewish. This was called “circumcision of the heart” in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4). Here, circumcision does not refer to the Jewish ritual. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this spiritual circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

372ROM228s44mfigs-synecdocheἐν σαρκὶ1flesh

Paul uses the flesh figuratively to mean “the whole body,” which is made of flesh. If this would confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “on the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

373ROM229b6agfigs-explicitἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ Ἰουδαῖος1

The word translated secretly refers to something that other people cannot see or that is hidden. The meaning here is the opposite of “visibly” in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “a Jew in an inward way not seen by others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

374ROM229u7b6figs-metonymyἸουδαῖος1

Here Paul uses Jew figuratively in the same way he did in the previous verse. See how you translated this word in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

375ROM229d1gofigs-possessionπεριτομὴ καρδίας1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a circumcision that is performed in the heart. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “circumcision is performed in the heart” or “circumcision is an inward change” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

376ROM229hbivfigs-idiomπεριτομὴ καρδίας1

The phrase circumcision of the heart is an idiom that refers to the change in thinking and attitude that happens when God saves a person. It can also be considered an inward mark of belonging to Gods people, like how circumcision was an outer mark of being Jewish. This expression first occurred in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4).If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. See how you translated “this circumcision” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “truly belonging to Gods people is by removal of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

377ROM229n4ppfigs-metonymyκαρδίας1

See how you translated this word in 1:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

378ROM229ffa3figs-explicitἐν Πνεύματι, οὐ γράμματι1

Here, both occurrences of in indicate the means by which something happened. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of the Spirit, not by means of the letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

379ROM229kjc9figs-explicitἐν Πνεύματι1

Here, the Spirit could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit, who changes a persons thoughts and attitude when God saves that person, as in the UST. (2) a persons spirit, which would require interpreting in to refer to a place. Alternate translation: “in ones spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

380ROM229gcoqfigs-metonymyγράμματι1

See how you translated letter in verse 27. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

381ROM229dlacwriting-pronounsοὗ ὁ ἔπαινος1in the Spirit

The pronoun whose refers to the one who is inwardly a Jew. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “that inward Jews praise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

382ROM229qa6bfigs-possessionοὗ ὁ ἔπαινος1in the Spirit

Paul is using the possessive form whose to indicate who receives the praise. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “his praise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

383ROM229r4gmfigs-gendernotationsἐξ ἀνθρώπων1in the Spirit

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

384ROM3introy2kb0

Romans 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. All mankind is condemned because of sin (1:183:20)
    • All non-Jews have sinned (1:1832)
    • All Jews have sinned (2:13:8)
    • Everyone has sinned (3:920)
  2. Righteousness is received through Jesus Christ by trusting in him (3:215:21)
    • Gods righteousness is received through faith (3:2126)
    • No one can boast in works (3:2731)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 4 and 1018 of this chapter, which are quotations from the Old Testament.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

In verses 19 and 2731 Paul frequently uses rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to answer objections that Jews might make about what he is saying. You may need to indicate that Paul is asking these questions as if he were a non-Christian Jew responding to his arguments. When Paul asks the rhetorical questions, he is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew arguing against Paul. When Paul answers those questions, he is speaking as himself. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this change in speakers with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

385ROM31v7880Connecting Statement:

In verses 19 Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions and answers in order to emphasize that both “Jews and Greeks” are “under sin.”

386ROM31a1l0grammar-connect-logic-resultτί οὖν1

Here, then indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous chapter, especially what he said in 2:2829. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “If these things are true, then what is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

387ROM31dawvfigs-rquestionτί οὖν τὸ περισσὸν τοῦ Ἰουδαίου, ἢ τίς ἡ ὠφέλια τῆς περιτομῆς?1

This verse contains two rhetorical questions connected by or. Paul is not asking for information, but is using these two questions here to express the objections that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous chapter, especially what he said in 2:2829. 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: “Then the Jew certainly has no advantage, and circumcision certainly has no benefit!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

388ROM31b7lsfigs-quotemarksτί οὖν τὸ περισσὸν τοῦ Ἰουδαίου, ἢ τίς ἡ ὠφέλια τῆς περιτομῆς1

In this verse Paul is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew arguing against Paul. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

389ROM31bjfofigs-abstractnounsτί οὖν τὸ περισσὸν τοῦ Ἰουδαίου, ἢ τίς ἡ ὠφέλια τῆς περιτομῆς1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of advantage or benefit, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “How then is being a Jew advantageous, or how is being circumcised beneficial” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

390ROM31h4h3figs-possessionτοῦ Ἰουδαίου1

Paul is using the possessive form of the Jew to describe for whom there is the advantage. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “for the Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

391ROM31l79ffigs-possessionτῆς περιτομῆς1

Paul is using the possessive form of the circumcision to describe from where the benefit comes. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “that comes from circumcision” or “from being circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

392ROM32eq3ofigs-explicitπολὺ κατὰ πάντα τρόπον1It is great in every way

In this verse Paul responds to the rhetorical questions in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, Great in every way!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

393ROM32rri9figs-ellipsisπολὺ κατὰ πάντα τρόπον1It is great in every way

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “The advantage of the Jew and the benefit of the circumcision is great is every way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

394ROM32kzlhfigs-hyperboleπολὺ κατὰ πάντα τρόπον1

Great in every way is an exaggeration that Paul uses to emphasize the value of being Jewish and being circumcised. Paul does not mean that everything about being a Jew and being circumcised is beneficial. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows enthusiasm. Alternate translation: “Great in many ways” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

395ROM32f2fafigs-explicitπρῶτον μὲν…ὅτι1

Here, indeed first, that could indicate that: (1) what follows is the first reason in a list of several reasons why being a Jew is beneficial, in which case Paul does not continue the list in this chapter. Alternate translation: “the first of many benefits is indeed that” or “one benefit is indeed that” (2) what follows is the most important reason why being a Jew is beneficial. Alternate translation: “the primary benefit is indeed that” or “the most important thing is indeed that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

396ROM32mrejfigs-activepassiveἐπιστεύθησαν τὰ λόγια τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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

397ROM32jkgkfigs-metonymyτὰ λόγια τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, the sayings of God could refer to: (1) the entire Old Testament. Alternate translation: “with what God said in the Scriptures” (2) direct speech from God in the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “with the messages that God announced to them in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

398ROM32qidefigs-possessionτὰ λόγια τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, the possessive form of God could refer to: (1) sayings that came from God. Alternate translation: “with the sayings from God” (2) says that are about God. Alternate translation: “with the sayings about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

399ROM33d9k3grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1

For here indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “If these things are true, then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

400ROM33mclvfigs-rquestionτί…εἰ ἠπίστησάν τινες? μὴ ἡ ἀπιστία αὐτῶν, τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Θεοῦ καταργήσει?1

In this verse Paul is not asking for information, but is using these two questions here to express the objections that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. 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: “But some of them were unfaithful! Their unfaithfulness surely cannot nullify the faithfulness of God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

401ROM33fd0wfigs-quotemarksτί γάρ εἰ ἠπίστησάν τινες? μὴ ἡ ἀπιστία αὐτῶν, τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Θεοῦ καταργήσει?1

In this verse Paul is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew arguing against Paul. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

402ROM33i36pwriting-pronounsτινες1

The pronoun some refers to some Jewish people. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “some Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

403ROM33pkaefigs-abstractnounsμὴ ἡ ἀπιστία αὐτῶν, τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Θεοῦ καταργήσει1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of unfaithfulness or faithfulness, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “The fact that they are unfaithful will not nullify Gods faithful acts, will it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

404ROM33moq7figs-possessionτὴν πίστιν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the faithfulness that characterizes God. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the faithfulness that characterizes God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

405ROM34djn7figs-explicitμὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

In this verse Paul responds to the rhetorical questions he wrote in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, May it never be!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

406ROM34z465figs-exclamationsμὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

May it never be is an exclamatory phrase that communicates a strong prohibition. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating a strong prohibition. Alternate translation: “Absolutely not” or “Certainly not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

407ROM34kz4jgrammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1Instead, let be found

Instead here indicates that what follows is a contrast to the idea in the previous verse that unfaithful Jews could “nullify the faithfulness of God.” Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “But” or “However” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

408ROM34ld9hfigs-imperativeγινέσθω…ὁ Θεὸς ἀληθής1let God be found to be true

Here, let God be true is an imperative phrase, but this is not a command. Instead, Paul is exclaiming that people must consider that God is always truthful regardless of what people think. Use a form in your language that would be used in this type of situation. Alternate translation: “let people always know that God is true” or “may people always declare that God is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

409ROM34nud9figs-abstractnounsπᾶς…ἄνθρωπος ψεύστης1even though every man is a liar

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of liar, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “every man lies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

410ROM34feskfigs-ellipsisπᾶς…ἄνθρωπος ψεύστης1

Paul is leaving out some 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 previous clause. Alternate translation: “let every man be a liar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

411ROM34hfdffigs-gendernotationsπᾶς…ἄνθρωπος1

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

412ROM34te39writing-quotationsκαθὼς γέγραπται1As it has been written

See how you translated this phrase in 1:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

413ROM34b8gvfigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1As it has been written

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the quotation was written by David, a king of Israel. Alternate translation: “just as King David wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

414ROM34f0oqfigs-quotemarksὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου, καὶ νικήσεις ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε1As it has been written

This sentence is a quotation from Psalm 51:4. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

415ROM34xli0grammar-connect-logic-resultὅπως1

So that indicates that what follows is the result of what David had written previously in Psalm 51:4, which is about how David had sinned. Paul assumes that his readers would be familiar with the earlier part of that verse. If this would confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I have sinned so that” or “Because of my sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

416ROM34h0nefigs-youὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου, καὶ νικήσεις ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε1

In this sentence, you and your refer to God and are singular. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

417ROM34lnnrfigs-activepassiveδικαιωθῇς…ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε1

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 would acknowledge how righteous you are … when people attempt to judge you” or “you would prove yourself to be righteous … when others try to judge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

418ROM34tj8gfigs-metonymyἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου1

Paul records David using words figuratively to describe the things that God said by using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in what you say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

419ROM35gw3agrammar-connect-words-phrasesεἰ δὲ1

But here indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous verse. In this verse, Paul is speaking as if he were an unbelieving Jew and is challenging the statement that Paul made in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “If indeed that is true” or “Now if” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

420ROM35putffigs-quotemarksεἰ δὲ ἡ ἀδικία ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην συνίστησιν, τί ἐροῦμεν? μὴ ἄδικος ὁ Θεὸς, ὁ ἐπιφέρων τὴν ὀργήν?1

In these sentences Paul is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew arguing against Paul. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

421ROM35hjypgrammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ…ἡ ἀδικία ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην συνίστησιν, τί ἐροῦμεν?1

Paul is using a hypothetical situation to develop the argument that an unbelieving Jew would make. Alternate translation: “suppose our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God. Then what will we say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])

422ROM35y6vvfigs-exclusiveἡμῶν…ἐροῦμεν1

Here, our and we are used exclusively to speak of Paul and other Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “Jewish … will we Jews say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

423ROM35y0r5figs-abstractnounsἡ ἀδικία ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην1

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

424ROM35ho67figs-rquestionμὴ ἄδικος ὁ Θεὸς, ὁ ἐπιφέρων τὴν ὀργήν?1

In this sentence Paul is not asking for information, but is using this question here to express an objection that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. This sentence is also the answer to the hypothetical question that precedes it. 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: “God certainly cannot be unrighteousness for imposing his wrath!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

425ROM35v30zfigs-infostructureεἰ…ἡ ἀδικία ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην συνίστησιν, τί ἐροῦμεν? μὴ ἄδικος ὁ Θεὸς, ὁ ἐπιφέρων τὴν ὀργήν?1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine the hypothetical conditional statement of the first sentence with the rhetorical question of the second sentence. Alternate translation: “if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, then we certainly cannot say that God is unrighteousness for imposing his wrath!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

426ROM35e9uxfigs-metonymyτὴν ὀργήν1

Here Paul uses wrath figuratively to refer to the outcome of Gods wrath, which is judging and punishing people because they are unrighteous. See how you translated the same use of wrath in 1:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

427ROM35j631figs-aside(κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω.)1I am using a human argument

Paul could be saying this as an aside in order to show that he is not trying to challenge the righteousness of God. If this would be confusing in your language, you could add parentheses like the ULT or use a natural way in your language to indicate an aside. Alternate translation: “I am reasoning like a human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])

428ROM35sd4gfigs-idiom(κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω.)1

Here, the phrase according to men is an idiom meaning “the way people do” or “like a human being.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I speak based on how human beings perceive things” or “I speak according to mere human reasoning”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

429ROM36gd5ffigs-exclamationsμὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

See how you translated this in verse 4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

430ROM36zg9sgrammar-connect-logic-resultἐπεὶ πῶς κρινεῖ ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον1For then how would God judge the world?

Here Paul is giving the reason why God is “not unrighteous for imposing his wrath,” as stated in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language for expressing the reason why someone does something. Alternate translation: “Because if God were unrighteous, how would he judge the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

431ROM36x1y3figs-rquestionπῶς κρινεῖ ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον1

In this clause Paul is not asking for information, but is using this question here to emphasize that God could not judge the world if he were unrighteous. 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: “God certainly could not judge the world!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

432ROM36lnp3figs-metonymyτὸν κόσμον1the world

Here Paul uses world figuratively to refer to the people who live in the world. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

433ROM37htfa0General Information:

In verses 79, Paul is speaking as if he were an unbelieving Jew and is challenging the statement Paul made in verse 6. A note will inform you of the one parenthetic statement within these verses in which Paul interjects his own voice into the argument.

434ROM37b9k1grammar-connect-words-phrasesεἰ δὲ1But if the truth of God through my lie provides abundant praise for him, why am I still being judged as a sinner?

But here indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous verse. In this verse, Paul is speaking as if he were an unbelieving Jew and is challenging the statement Paul made in the previous verse. See how you translated this in verse 5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

435ROM37c2u5grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalεἰ…ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ἐμῷ ψεύσματι ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, τί ἔτι κἀγὼ ὡς ἁμαρτωλὸς κρίνομαι1But if the truth of God through my lie provides abundant praise for him, why am I still being judged as a sinner?

Paul is using a hypothetical situation to develop the argument an unbelieving Jew would make. Alternate translation: “suppose the truth of God through my life abounds to his glory. Then why am I still being judged as a sinner” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])

436ROM37xyszfigs-infostructureεἰ δὲ ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ἐμῷ ψεύσματι ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “But if the truth of God abounds to his glory through my lie” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

437ROM37j9jifigs-abstractnounsἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or another way. Alternate translation: “how truthful God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

438ROM37lbjifigs-possessionἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the truth that characterizes God. Use a natural way in your language to communicate this idea. Alternate translation: “Gods truthfulness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

439ROM37fa7jfigs-exclusiveἐν τῷ ἐμῷ ψεύσματι…κἀγὼ ὡς ἁμαρτωλὸς1

Here Paul uses the pronoun my and I to refer to a Jewish person who might give this hypothetical response. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternative translation: “when we Jews act falsely … are we … as sinners” or “when we Jews lie … are we … as sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

440ROM37o3pofigs-abstractnounsἐν τῷ ἐμῷ ψεύσματι1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of lie, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “when I act falsely” or “when I lie” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

441ROM37je41grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ1

Here, to indicates that this is a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “with the result that he is glorified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

442ROM37h61jfigs-abstractnounsεἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or another way. Alternate translation: “to demonstrate how glorious he is” or “to glorify him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

443ROM37yv5jfigs-rquestionτί ἔτι κἀγὼ ὡς ἁμαρτωλὸς κρίνομαι1

In this clause Paul is not asking for information, but is using this question to express an objection that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse, which was also repeated in the previous clause. 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: “surely I should not still be judged as a sinner!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

444ROM37iiqcfigs-activepassiveἔτι κἀγὼ…κρίνομαι1

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

445ROM37pgusfigs-abstractnounsἁμαρτωλὸς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sinner, you could express the same idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “someone who sins” or “as if I were sinful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

446ROM38vw1xgrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1as we are falsely reported to say

And here indicates that in this verse Paul continues speaking as if he were an unbelieving Jew and is challenging the statement he made in verse 6. If it would help your readers, you could state this with a fuller expression. Alternate translation: “Furthermore” or “In addition” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

447ROM38kb9dfigs-infostructureκαὶ μὴ καθὼς βλασφημούμεθα, καὶ καθώς φασίν τινες ἡμᾶς λέγειν, ὅτι ποιήσωμεν τὰ κακὰ, ἵνα ἔλθῃ τὰ ἀγαθά?1as we are falsely reported to say

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “And not, Let us do evil, so that good may come, just as we are blasphemed and just as some affirm we say?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

448ROM38wr3gfigs-ellipsisκαὶ μὴ1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “And why not say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

449ROM38pr4ufigs-rquestionμὴ…ὅτι ποιήσωμεν τὰ κακὰ, ἵνα ἔλθῃ τὰ ἀγαθά1

In this sentence Paul is not asking for information, but is using an elided question here to emphasize that God could not judge the world if he were unrighteous. 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 should say … Let us do the evil things, so that the good things may come!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

450ROM38o3pzfigs-asideκαθὼς βλασφημούμεθα, καὶ καθώς φασίν τινες ἡμᾶς λέγειν1

Paul is saying this as an aside in order to show that people have been falsely accusing him of teaching that people should sin in order to show how good God is. If this would be confusing in your language, you could add parentheses like the ULT or use a natural way in your language to indicate an aside. Alternate translation: “Some people blaspheme us and affirm that we are saying such things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])

451ROM38veicfigs-exclusiveβλασφημούμεθα…ἡμᾶς1

When Paul says we and us, he could be (1) speaking only of himself in a formal manner. Alternate translation: “I am blasphemed … me” (2) speaking of himself and all other Christians. Alternate translation: “we Christians are blasphemed … us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

452ROM38klaafigs-activepassiveβλασφημούμεθα1

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 blaspheme us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

453ROM38vbpafigs-quotationsμὴ καθὼς βλασφημούμεθα, καὶ καθώς φασίν τινες ἡμᾶς λέγειν, ὅτι ποιήσωμεν τὰ κακὰ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “not say (just as we are blasphemed and just as some affirm us to say) that we should do the evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

454ROM38pe2cfigs-asideὧν τὸ κρίμα ἔνδικόν ἐστιν1

Paul is saying this as an aside in order to show that the people who have been falsely accusing him of teaching people to “do the evil things, so that the good things may come” deserve to be judged by God. If this would be confusing in your language, you could add parentheses like the ULT or use a natural way in your language to indicate an aside. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])

455ROM38re0kwriting-pronounsὧν τὸ κρίμα ἔνδικόν ἐστιν1

The pronoun whose here refers to the people who slander Paul by claiming that he teaches people to “do the evil things, so that the good things may come.” If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the judgment of those who say this is just” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

456ROM38g87efigs-abstractnounsὧν τὸ κρίμα ἔνδικόν ἐστιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “who are justly judged” or “whom God justly judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

457ROM39z3wugrammar-connect-logic-resultτί οὖν? προεχόμεθα?1

Here Paul concludes his series of rhetorical questions by using the same phrase What then. See how you translated this phrase in verse 1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

458ROM39y6uzfigs-rquestionπροεχόμεθα?1

Paul is using the question form to express the objection that a Jew might have to what Paul has said previously. 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: “Surely we are not better off!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

459ROM39ajj8figs-exclusiveπροεχόμεθα1

Here, we is used exclusively to speak of Paul and his fellow Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “Are we Jews better off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

460ROM39g85qfigs-exclamationsοὐ πάντως1Not at all

Not at all is an exclamatory phrase that communicates a strong negative response to the previous statement. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this idea. Alternate translation: “Absolutely not!” or “In no way!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

461ROM39cbgqfigs-ellipsisοὐ πάντως1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “We are not better off at all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

462ROM39a01egrammar-connect-logic-resultπροῃτιασάμεθα γὰρ1Not at all

For here indicates that what follows is the reason why the previous statement is true. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “We are not better off because we have already accused” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

463ROM39qvjyfigs-exclusiveπροῃτιασάμεθα1Not at all

Here, we could mean: (1) Paul is speaking only of himself in a formal manner. Alternate translation: “I have already accused” (2) Paul is speaking of himself and other Christians. Alternate translation: “we Christians have already accused” See how you translated we in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

464ROM39hgs3figs-explicitἝλληνας1Not at all

Here, Greeks refers to non-Jewish people in general. It does not refer only to people from the country of Greece. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “non-Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

465ROM39x4ebfigs-idiomὑφ’ ἁμαρτίαν1

The phrase under sin is an idiom that means “under the power of sin” or “controlled by ones desire to sin.” If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “controlled by sin” or “ruled by sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

466ROM310m5r6figs-litany0General Information:

In verses 1018 Paul uses Old Testament quotations as a repetitive series of sentences in order to show how evil all types of people are. In verses 1012 he emphasizes the general nature of their evil conduct by repeating the word none four times, and the phrase not even one twice. In verses 1318 he uses specific examples of their evil conduct. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” This is a list of the accusations against humanity. Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone has done wrong. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

467ROM310u88nwriting-quotationsκαθὼς γέγραπται1This is as it is written

See how you translated this phrase in 1:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

468ROM310zkzrfigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1This is as it is written

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: “just as the prophets wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

469ROM310ju1kfigs-quotemarksοὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος οὐδὲ εἷς1This is as it is written

This sentence is Pauls paraphrase of Psalm 14:3. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

470ROM310yt5dfigs-parallelismοὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος οὐδὲ εἷς1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that not even one type of person is righteous. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “There is not even one type of person who is righteous” or “Absolutely no one who is righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

471ROM310bscufigs-nominaladjοὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος οὐδὲ εἷς1

Paul is using the singular adjectives none righteous and one as nouns in order to describe all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these adjectives with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “There are no righteous people, not any people” or “There is no righteous person, not even one person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

472ROM311b0m7figs-quotemarksοὐκ ἔστιν ὁ συνίων; οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ἐκζητῶν τὸν Θεόν1

This sentence is Pauls paraphrase of Psalm 14:2 and Psalm 53:3. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

473ROM311kqs5figs-nominaladjοὐκ ἔστιν…οὐκ ἔστιν1

Paul is using the adjectives none as nouns in order to describe all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these adjectives with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “There are no people … There are no people” or “There is no person … There is no person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

474ROM311h9e9figs-explicitοὐκ ἔστιν ὁ συνίων1There is no one who understands

Here, who understands refers to someone who is able to think wisely or correctly. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “There is none who is wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

475ROM311mn84figs-metaphorὁ ἐκζητῶν τὸν Θεόν1

Her, Paul quotes David usingseeks figuratively to describe people attempting to know God as if God were lost and people needed to find him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who attempts to know God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

476ROM312lg0ifigs-quotemarksπάντες ἐξέκλιναν, ἅμα ἠχρεώθησαν; οὐκ ἔστιν ποιῶν χρηστότητα, οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός1They have all turned away

This sentence is quotation of Psalm 14:3 and Psalm 53:4. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

477ROM312cen3figs-metaphorἐξέκλιναν1They have all turned away

Paul quotes David using turned away figuratively to describe these people as if they had left a path that leads to where God is. David means that they refuse to live according to Gods rules. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “refuse to live the way God requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

478ROM312a72hfigs-explicitἅμα ἠχρεώθησαν1They have all turned away

Here, useless implies that these sinful people are so sinful that they do not benefit God or humankind. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “They together became worthless for benefitting anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

479ROM312na87figs-parallelismοὐκ ἔστιν ποιῶν χρηστότητα, οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that not even one type of person can continually do kindness. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “There is not even one type of person who does kindness” or “Absolutely no one who is doing kindness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

480ROM312v9edfigs-nominaladjοὐκ…ἑνός1

See how you translated none and one in verse 10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

481ROM312b3g1figs-abstractnounsχρηστότητα1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of kindness, you could express the same idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “what is kind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

482ROM313xr4gfigs-quotemarksτάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν; ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν1

These two sentences are a quotation from Psalm 5:10. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

483ROM313c7rhfigs-parallelismτάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν; ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν; ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν1

These three sentences mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing three times, in slightly different ways, to show how harmful the words are that these people say. If saying the same thing three times might confuse your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “The things they say are deadly, deceptive, and damaging” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

484ROM313nmrsfigs-genericnounὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν1

Paul quotes David speaking of these peoples throats in general, not of one particular throat. If it would be helpful in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “throats” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

485ROM313sx6yfigs-metonymyὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν1

Here Paul quotes David using throat figuratively to describe something people would say by using their throats to say it. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

486ROM313bbq5figs-metaphorτάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν1Their throat is an open grave

Paul quotes David using opened grave figuratively to describe these peoples throat as if it were a deep hole containing rotting corpses. He means that the things these people say are morally corrupt and offend God. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Their throats express moral corruption” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

487ROM313pemgfigs-metonymyταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν1

Here Paul quotes David using tongues figuratively to describe something people would say to deceive someone by using their tongues to say it. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with what they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

488ROM313d82gfigs-quotemarksἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν1

This sentence is a quotation from Psalm 140:3. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

489ROM313b4bpfigs-possessionἰὸς ἀσπίδων1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe poison that comes from asps, which are venomous snakes. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Asps poison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

490ROM313qk16figs-metaphorἰὸς ἀσπίδων1The poison of snakes is under their lips

Paul quotes David using poison of asps figuratively to refer to what people say as if what they say contained poison. He means that the things they say harm people like deadly venom. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation: “What hurts people like a poisonous snake bite” or “Speech that hurts people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

491ROM313u40ofigs-metonymyὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν1The poison of snakes is under their lips

Here Paul quotes David using lips figuratively to describe something people would say to harm someone by using their lips to say it. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by what they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

492ROM314ucnrfigs-quotemarksὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει1

This sentence is a quotation from Psalm 10:7. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

493ROM314ujjdfigs-genericnounτὸ στόμα1

Paul quotes David speaking of these peoples mouths in general, not of one particular mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “mouths” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

494ROM314sqr5figs-metonymyὧν τὸ στόμα1Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness

Here Paul quotes David using mouth figuratively to describe people speaking curses and bitter things by using their mouth to say them. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

495ROM314j0sgfigs-metaphorἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει1

Paul quotes David using cursing and bitterness figuratively as if these concepts were thins with which people could fill or load their mouth. He means that these people habitually curse and say bitter things against others. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “habitually curses and says bitter things against others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

496ROM315e67dfigs-quotemarks0General Information:

Verses 1517 are Pauls paraphrase of Isaiah 59:78. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

497ROM315vds1figs-synecdocheοἱ πόδες αὐτῶν1Their feet are swift to pour out blood

Paul quotes Isaiah using feet, a part of the human body, to refer to the whole person. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “These people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

498ROM315quphfigs-metaphorἐκχέαι αἷμα1

Paul quotes Isaiah using pour out blood figuratively to refer to violently murdering people, which usually causes blood to come out of the people who are murdered. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “to murder others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

499ROM316bc96figs-abstractnounsσύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of Destruction and suffering, you could express the same ideas with other expressions. Alternate translation: “They demolish lives and make people suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

500ROM316rrgrfigs-idiomἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν1

Here, ways is an idiom meaning “wherever they go” or “how they behave.” It refers to a persons daily life. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “characterize how they behave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

501ROM317zbrdfigs-idiomὁδὸν1

See how you translated “ways” in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

502ROM317jb6bfigs-possessionὁδὸν εἰρήνης1a way of peace

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a way that is characterized by peace. He means that these people do not understand how to live peacefully. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “a peaceful way” or “a peaceful way to behave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

503ROM318wr0xfigs-quotemarksοὐκ ἔστιν φόβος Θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν1

This sentence is a quotation from Psalm 36:1. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

504ROM318bx27figs-abstractnounsοὐκ ἔστιν φόβος Θεοῦ1There is no fear of God before their eyes

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of fear, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “They are not afraid of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

505ROM318frt1figs-possessionφόβος Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe fear that people should feel toward for God. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “fear for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

506ROM318m89ofigs-idiomἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν1

Here,before their eyes is an idiom that refers to thinking about something. Paul means that these people do not think at all about how terrifying God is. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in their minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

507ROM319lrdpgrammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Now here indicates that what follows summarizes Pauls teachings about the law and “the righteousness of God” in verses 19. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Indeed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

508ROM319gc8tfigs-exclusiveοἴδαμεν1

Here, we is used exclusively to speak of Paul and other Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we Jews know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

509ROM319e8h2figs-personificationὅσα ὁ νόμος λέγει…λαλεῖ1whatever the law says, it speaks

Here Paul speaks of the law figuratively as if it were a person who could speak. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as many things as God says in the law, he speaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

510ROM319n399figs-metonymyὁ νόμος…τῷ νόμῳ1the ones who are under the law

Here Paul uses the law figuratively to refer to the entire Old Testament, which includes the law. Here he is not referring to only the Law of Moses, as he did earlier in the chapter. We know this because in verses 1018 Paul quoted verses from parts of the Old Testament that are not in the Law of Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Scriptures … the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

511ROM319b0g5figs-explicitτοῖς ἐν τῷ νόμῳ1

Paul uses those with the law to refer to the Jews. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2:12. Alternative translation: “to Jews” or “to those who know the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

512ROM319end8grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1

Here, so that introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for what the law says. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

513ROM319cy5rfigs-idiomπᾶν στόμα φραγῇ1

Here, every mouth may be shut is an idiom that means “no one can say anything to excuse themselves.” Paul means that no one can defend themselves before God because everyone has sinned. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no human beings can excuse themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

514ROM319js71figs-activepassiveφραγῇ1

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: “may stop talking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

515ROM319w12yfigs-synecdocheπᾶς ὁ κόσμος1the whole world held accountable to God

Paul usesall the world figuratively to refer to all the people living in the world. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

516ROM319wwq3figs-explicitὑπόδικος γένηται…τῷ Θεῷ1

The phrase may become accountable to God means that God will judge everyone at the final judgment according to how they lived their lives. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “God would judge all the people in the world as guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

517ROM320ezbogrammar-connect-logic-resultδιότι1

Here. because introduces a reason clause. Paul is stating the reason why all humanity is “accountable to God,” as stated in the previous verse. Use natural way in your language to indicate a reason clause. You may need to begin a new sentence, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “The reason for this is that” or “As a result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

518ROM320vzotfigs-activepassiveοὐ δικαιωθήσεται πᾶσα σὰρξ1

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

519ROM320xs9xfigs-synecdocheσὰρξ1flesh

Paul uses flesh figuratively to refer to a human being, who is made of flesh. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

520ROM320d6vifigs-personificationἐξ ἔργων νόμου…διὰ…νόμου ἐπίγνωσις ἁμαρτίας1

In this verse Paul speaks of the law figuratively as if it were a person who could justify someone or give them full awareness. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by doing what God requires in his law … God gives full awareness of sin through his law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

521ROM320w5qbfigs-possessionἐξ ἔργων νόμου1

See how you translated a similar phrase in 2:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

522ROM320i7zigrammar-collectivenounsνόμου…νόμου1

In this verse law is a singular noun that refers to a group of laws that God gave Israel through Moses. It does not refer to the entire Old Testament, as in the previous verse. See how you translated this use of law in 2:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

523ROM320llh9figs-idiomἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ1

Here, before him is an idiom meaning “in his presence” or “from his perspective.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in his presence” or “before his judgment seat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

524ROM320xgppfigs-abstractnounsἐπίγνωσις ἁμαρτίας1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of full awareness and sin, you could express the same ideas in different way. Alternate translation: “fully aware of being sinful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

525ROM320aetyfigs-possessionἐπίγνωσις ἁμαρτίας1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe full awareness about the sin a person has committed. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “full knowledge about sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

526ROM320jdw9figs-explicitδιὰ…νόμου1

Here, through law indicates the means by which a person becomes fully aware of sin. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

527ROM321fqz4grammar-connect-logic-contrastνυνὶ δὲ1

But now here indicates that what follows is in contrast to Pauls discussion about the law in 2:13:20. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “Yet now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

528ROM321y3tefigs-infostructureνυνὶ δὲ χωρὶς νόμου, δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ πεφανέρωται1now

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “But now, the righteousness of God has been made known apart from the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

529ROM321e5kyfigs-explicitνόμου…τοῦ νόμου1now

While the first occurrence of the law in this verse refers to the laws that God gave the Jews through Moses, the second occurrence refers to the first five books in the Old Testament that were written by Moses. The ULT shows this different by using the law and the Law respectively. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this more explicitly. Alternate translation: “the laws God gave Israel … the part of Scripture that Moses wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

530ROM321nlj0figs-possessionχωρὶς νόμου1

Here, apart from the law could mean: (1) apart from doing what the law requires. Alternate translation: “without having to do what the law requires” (2) outside of what the law says. Alternate translation: “not related to what the law says” or “differently than what the law says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

531ROM321e4qefigs-activepassiveδικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ πεφανέρωται1apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known

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

532ROM321qkisfigs-possessionδικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ1

See how you translated this phrase in 1:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

533ROM321gvcafigs-activepassiveμαρτυρουμένη ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν1

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: “the Law and the Prophets bearing witness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

534ROM321tnf8figs-personificationμαρτυρουμένη ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν1It was witnessed by the Law and the Prophets

Here Paul uses the Law and the Prophets figuratively as if they were people who could witness or testify in a courtroom. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what God says in the Law and the Prophets is a written testimony to this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

535ROM321bgyxfigs-synecdocheὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν1

Paul is using the name of two parts of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Law and the Prophets, to represent the entire Hebrew Scriptures in general. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

536ROM322pec5grammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Here, but indicates that what follows explains how a person receives “the righteousness of God”. It does not indicate a contrast. Alternate translation: “namely,” or “even” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

537ROM322cvhyfigs-possessionδικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ1

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

538ROM322q4m1figs-possessionδιὰ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Here, faith in Jesus Christ is a possessive form that indicates faith that is associated with Jesus Christ. This could refer to: (1) trust in Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by trusting in Jesus Christ” or “by believing in Jesus Christ” (2) the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “through the faithfulness that Jesus Christ possesses” or “through how faithful Jesus Christ is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

539ROM322c4mgfigs-ellipsisτοὺς πιστεύοντας1

Paul is leaving out some words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply this word from the context. Alternate translation: “those who believe in him” or “those who believe in Jesus for salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

540ROM322o6qegrammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1

Here, for introduces a reason clause. Paul is giving the reason why the righteousness of God is for all those who believe. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why something is true. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

541ROM322daa3figs-abstractnounsοὐ…ἐστιν διαστολή1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of distinction, you could express the same idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “God does not discriminate” or “God is not partial” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

542ROM323x1hugrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here introduces a reason clause. Paul is giving the reason why “there is no distinction,” as stated in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why something is true. Alternate translation: “The reason for this is that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

543ROM323akn9figs-nominaladjπάντες1

Here Paul uses the adjective all as a noun that refers to all the people who have existed or will exist. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

544ROM323jbe9figs-metaphorὑστεροῦνται τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul speaks figuratively of all people as if they were something that fails to reach its destination. He means that they lack or do not attain the glory of God. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “lack the glory of God” or “fail to attain the glory of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

545ROM323vwsffigs-possessionτῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here the possessive form the glory of God could refer to: (1) the glory that God shared with humans when he created them, but which they lost when the first humans sinned. Alternate translation: “the glory God once gave them” or “the glory from God” (2) glorifying God, as in the similar phrase “the glory of the imperishable God” in 1:23. Alternate translation: “of glorifying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

546ROM324ibi2figs-personificationδικαιούμενοι δωρεὰν τῇ αὐτοῦ χάριτι1

Here, grace is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could justify someone. Paul means that God graciously makes people righteous as a gift. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and are gifted with becoming righteous because God is gracious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

547ROM324evs8figs-explicitδικαιούμενοι δωρεὰν1

Paul assumes that his readers know that those who are being justified freely are “all” those who “have sinned” in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “all people are being freely justified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

548ROM324jgcuδωρεὰν1

Alternate translation: “as a gift” or “without payment”

549ROM324atijfigs-abstractnounsτῇ αὐτοῦ χάριτι, διὰ τῆς ἀπολυτρώσεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of grace and redemption, you could express the same ideas with different forms. Alternate translation: “by God being gracious through redeeming them in Christ Jesus” or “due to how kind God is, because Christ Jesus redeemed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

550ROM324hyebfigs-explicitἀπολυτρώσεως1

The word translated as redemption refers to rescuing someone from captivity by paying a ransom. Your language may require you to indicate what the people are redeemed from. This could mean: (1) Jesus redeems people from eternal punishment. Alternative translation: “redemption from eternal punishment” (2) Jesus redeems people from being enslaved to sin. Alternative translation: “redemption from enslavement to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

551ROM324lno6figs-metaphorτῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

Here, Paul speaks figuratively of redemption as if it were an object that could be inside Jesus. Paul means that God redeemed all people who believe in Jesus by uniting them to Christ Jesus. If your readers might misunderstand this, you can express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “that comes through union with Christ Jesus” or “that is through being united to Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

552ROM325ci0vfigs-metaphorὃν προέθετο ὁ Θεὸς ἱλαστήριον1

Here Paul uses presented figuratively as if Jesus were an Old Testament atonement sacrifice that was presented to God in the temple. He means that Jesus death was a sacrifice for the sins of humankind. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “whom God offered to atone for the sins of humanity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

553ROM325t2d8figs-abstractnounsἱλαστήριον, διὰ πίστεως…εἰς ἔνδειξιν τῆς δικαιοσύνης αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of propitiation, faith, demonstration, or righteousness, you could express the same ideas with different forms. Alternate translation: “to atone for peoples sins by trusting … to demonstrate how he makes people righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

554ROM325m159figs-metonymyἐν τῷ αὐτοῦ αἵματι1in his blood

Here Paul uses his blood figuratively to refer to Jesus death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in Christs death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

555ROM325ieq9grammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς ἔνδειξιν1disregard

Here, for indicates that the phrase that follows is the purpose for which God presented Jesus as a propitiation. Use a natural way in your language to indicate a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order to demonstrate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

556ROM325ze9mfigs-possessionτῆς δικαιοσύνης αὐτοῦ1

See how you translated “the righteousness of God” in 1:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

557ROM325sirifigs-abstractnounsδιὰ τὴν πάρεσιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of overlooking, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “because he overlooked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

558ROM325ydojfigs-abstractnounsτῶν προγεγονότων ἁμαρτημάτων1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sin, you could express the same idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “how they had sinned previously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

559ROM326b2f6grammar-connect-logic-resultἐν1

Here, in introduces a reason clause. Paul is giving the reason for God “overlooking of the sins that happened previously,” as stated in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why something is true. Alternate translation: “The reason for this is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

560ROM326lm1rfigs-abstractnounsἐν τῇ ἀνοχῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ1This all happened for the demonstration of his righteousness at this present time

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of forbearance, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “because God is so forbearing” or “since God forbears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

561ROM326cg55figs-possessionἐν τῇ ἀνοχῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ1so that he could be just, and justify the one who has faith in Jesus

Paul is using the possessive form to describe God who is characterized by forbearance. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in Gods forbearance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

562ROM326b1xafigs-possessionπρὸς τὴν ἔνδειξιν τῆς δικαιοσύνης αὐτοῦ1

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

563ROM326v1c9ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ1

Alternate translation: “at this time in history” or “currently”

564ROM326jjwqgrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν1

Here, so that indicates that what follows is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God now demonstrates his righteousness. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order that he would be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

565ROM326x6cffigs-genericnounτὸν ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ1

Paul is speaking of all people who have faith in Jesus, not one particular person. If it would be helpful in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “anyone who is from faith in Jesus” or “every person who trusts in Jesus”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

566ROM326qdkwfigs-possessionτὸν ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ1

Here Paul is using the possessive form to describe a person who is characterized by faith in Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who is characterized by faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

567ROM326ab0wfigs-possessionπίστεως Ἰησοῦ1

See how you translated this phrase in verse 22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

568ROM327emwi0Connecting Statement:

In verses 2731 Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions and answers in order to emphasize that God alone makes people righteous through faith in Jesus. Like in verses 19, Paul is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew when he asks the rhetorical questions, but he is speaking as himself when he answers those questions.

569ROM327e0wcgrammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Here, then indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in verses 2126. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “If it is God who makes people righteous through faith in Jesus, then where is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

570ROM327fjm4figs-rquestionποῦ οὖν ἡ καύχησις?1Where then is boasting? It is excluded

Paul is not asking for information, but is using this question here to express an objection that a Jew might have to what Paul said in verses 2126. If you would not use rhetorical questions 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: “There then is no grounds for boasting!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

571ROM327mvs0figs-metaphorποῦ οὖν ἡ καύχησις1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of boasting as if it were an object that could be in a location. He means that no one can boast because only God makes people righteous. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Then can anyone boast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

572ROM327pub7figs-abstractnounsποῦ οὖν ἡ καύχησις1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of boasting, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Who then can boast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

573ROM327px29figs-explicitἐξεκλείσθη1

In this sentence Paul responds to the rhetorical question in the previous sentence. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, It is excluded!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

574ROM327euflfigs-activepassiveἐξεκλείσθη1

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 has excluded it” or “God does not allow it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

575ROM327v3utfigs-ellipsisδιὰ ποίου νόμου? τῶν ἔργων?…διὰ νόμου πίστεως1On what grounds? Of works? No, but on the grounds of faith

Paul is leaving out some of the words that these sentences would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “Through what kind of law is a person made righteous? Is a person made righteous through the works of the law? … a person made righteous through a law of faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

576ROM327dpnyfigs-rquestionδιὰ ποίου νόμου? τῶν ἔργων?1

In these two sentences Paul is not asking for information, but is using these two questions here to express the objections that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous sentence and in verses 2126. 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: “Surely through a kind of law! Surely through the works!” or “Surely a person is made righteous through a kind of law! Surely a person is made righteous through works!”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

577ROM327bgyyfigs-possessionτῶν ἔργων?1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a law that is characterized by works. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Through a law characterized by works?” or “By doing what the law requires?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

578ROM327h9wbfigs-explicitοὐχί, ἀλλὰ διὰ νόμου πίστεως1

In this sentence Paul responds to the rhetorical questions in the previous two sentences. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, No! But through a law of faith.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

579ROM327tg79figs-exclamationsοὐχί1

No! is an exclamation that communicates a strong contrast to the previous statement. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating a strong contrast. Alternate translation: “Not at all!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

580ROM327ynz1figs-possessionδιὰ νόμου πίστεως1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a law that is characterized by faith. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “through a law characterized by faith” or “by doing what faith requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

581ROM327mlcqfigs-abstractnounsπίστεως1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “of trusting in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

582ROM328qe9pgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows explains what “the law of faith” means in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

583ROM328jtqqfigs-exclusiveλογιζόμεθα1

Here, we is used exclusively to speak of Paul and other Christian Jews, as indicated in verse 9. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we believing Jews consider” or “we believing Jews regard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

584ROM328t8umfigs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπον1a person is justified by faith

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

585ROM328ph88figs-activepassiveδικαιοῦσθαι…ἄνθρωπον1

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

586ROM328jb14figs-abstractnounsπίστει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “by believing in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

587ROM328s747figs-possessionχωρὶς ἔργων νόμου1without works of the law

See how you translated “apart from the law” in verse 21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

588ROM328ycx2figs-possessionἔργων νόμου1without works of the law

Paul is using the possessive form to refer to the works that God requires in the law. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the works that the law requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

589ROM329hdbqgrammar-connect-words-phrases1

Or here indicates that the next two sentences are the responses that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Or you Jews might say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

590ROM329ineufigs-ellipsisοὐχὶ καὶ ἐθνῶν? ναὶ, καὶ ἐθνῶν1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that these sentences would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Is he not also God of Gentiles? Yes, he is also God of Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

591ROM329m8eofigs-explicitἐθνῶν…ἐθνῶν1

See how you translated this word in 1:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

592ROM329ch7pfigs-rquestionἸουδαίων ὁ Θεὸς μόνον? οὐχὶ καὶ ἐθνῶν?1

Paul is not asking for information, but is using these two questions here to express the responses that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. 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: “God is surely not only the God of Jews! He is surely also the God of Gentiles!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

593ROM329rq5mfigs-explicitναὶ, καὶ ἐθνῶν1

In this sentence Paul responds to the rhetorical questions in the previous two sentences. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, Yes, also of Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

594ROM329gp74figs-exclamationsναὶ1

Yes is an exclamation word that communicates enthusiasm. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating enthusiasm. Alternate translation (change the period to an exclamation point): “Of course!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

595ROM330vur7grammar-connect-condition-factεἴπερ1

Paul uses if as if the rest of the verse were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since we know” or “Because it is true that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

596ROM330qdiugrammar-connect-logic-resultεἴπερ1

This phrase introduces the reason why Paul could say in the previous verse that God is also the God of the Gentiles. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a reason clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “since, indeed” or “we know this is true because, indeed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

597ROM330ux30figs-metaphorεἷς ὁ Θεός1

Paul speaks figuratively of God as if he were a number. He means that God is the one and only true God for both Jews and Gentiles. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “there is only one God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

598ROM330rjxpfigs-distinguishὃς δικαιώσει περιτομὴν ἐκ πίστεως, καὶ ἀκροβυστίαν διὰ τῆς πίστεως1

This phrase gives us further information about who God is. It is not making a distinction between the one true God and false gods. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “he is the one who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through the same faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

599ROM330kw62grammar-collectivenounsπεριτομὴν…ἀκροβυστίαν1he will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith

The words circumcision and uncircumcision are singular nouns that refers to groups of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the circumcised people … the uncircumcised people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

600ROM330gk5dfigs-metonymyπεριτομὴν…ἀκροβυστίαν1he will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith

Here Paul uses the circumcision figuratively to refer to the Jews by associating them with circumcision, and he uses the uncircumcision figuratively to refer to the Gentiles by associating them with uncircumcision. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Jewish people … the non-Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

601ROM330s9i4figs-possessionἐκ πίστεως…διὰ τῆς πίστεως1

See how you translated this phrase in verse 26. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

602ROM331vj40grammar-connect-words-phrasesνόμον οὖν καταργοῦμεν1we uphold

Here, then indicates that this sentence is the responses that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then you Jews might say, Do we nullify the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

603ROM331y6qxfigs-rquestionνόμον οὖν καταργοῦμεν διὰ τῆς πίστεως1we uphold the law

Paul is not asking for information, but is using this question to express the response that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. 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: “Then we surely nullify the law through the same faith!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

604ROM331nzr7figs-exclusiveοὖν καταργοῦμεν1we uphold

Here, we is used exclusively to speak of the unbelieving Jews whom Paul is speaking on behalf of. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “Do we Jews then nullify” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

605ROM331cw0kfigs-explicitνόμον οὖν καταργοῦμεν1

Here, nullify the law means to make the law useless or no longer applicable to anyone. Paul is stating that the Jews might worry that he is teaching that the Law of Moses does not have any function at all because God makes people righteous by faith. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Do we make the law useless” or “Do we throw away the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

606ROM331aj6sfigs-possessionδιὰ τῆς πίστεως1

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

607ROM331pjgcfigs-explicitμὴ γένοιτο! ἀλλὰ νόμον ἱστάνομεν1

In these two sentences Paul responds to the rhetorical questions in the previous sentence. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, May it never be! Instead, we establish the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

608ROM331rhy5figs-exclamationsμὴ γένοιτο1

See how you translated this phrase in verse 6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

609ROM331ppvofigs-exclusiveνόμον ἱστάνομεν1

Here, we is used exclusively to refer to Paul and other Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we Christians uphold the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

610ROM331c295figs-metaphorνόμον ἱστάνομεν1

Paul uses uphold figuratively to refer to the law as if it were an object that people could hold up high. The meaning of uphold here is the opposite meaning of nullify earlier in the verse. It could mean: (1) Christians fulfill the requirements of the law by trusting in Jesus, who fulfilled the law for them. Alternate translation: “we fulfill the law by faith” (2) Christians value the law and affirm that it is useful. Alternative translation: “we confirm that the law is useful” or “we affirm that the law has value”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

611ROM4introf9jc0

Romans 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Righteousness is received through Jesus Christ by trusting in him (3:215:21)
    • Gods righteousness is received through faith (3:2126)
    • No one can boast in works (3:2731)
    • The examples of Abraham and David (4:125)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 78 of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The purpose of the law of Moses

In this chapter Paul continues to develop his argument based on what he wrote in the previous chapter. He explains how God made Abraham, the ancestor of all Jews, righteous a long time before God gave the Jews the Law of Moses. Even Abraham could not become righteous by what he did. Rather, God made Abraham righteous on the basis of Abrahams faith. Obeying the law of Moses does not make a person righteous. People have always become righteous only by faith. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Circumcision

Circumcision was important to the Israelites. It identified a person as a descendant of Abraham. It was also a sign of the covenant between Abraham and Yahweh. However, being circumcised never made anyone righteous. In this chapter Paul uses “circumcision” to refer to Jews and “uncircumcision” to refer to non-Jews. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/circumcise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

In verses 1, 3, and 910 Paul continues using rhetorical questions like he did in the previous chapter. He does this in order to answer objections that Jews might make about what he is saying.

612ROM41q7wc0Connecting Statement:

Verses 112 are a series of rhetorical questions and answers that Paul uses to emphasize that even Abraham, the ancestor of the Jewish people, was made righteous by God “through faith.”

613ROM41gxv3grammar-connect-logic-resultτί οὖν1

Here, then indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous chapter, especially what he said in 3:2731. See how you translated What then in 3:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

614ROM41gw29figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν, εὑρηκέναι Ἀβραὰμ τὸν προπάτορα ἡμῶν κατὰ σάρκα?1

In this verse Paul is not asking for information, but is using a question to express the objections that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous chapter, especially what he said in 3:2731. 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: “Then we will say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has surely discovered something!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

615ROM41rhrpfigs-quotemarksτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν, εὑρηκέναι Ἀβραὰμ τὸν προπάτορα ἡμῶν κατὰ σάρκα?1

In this verse and the first part of the next verse, Paul is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew arguing against Paul. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

616ROM41s4b5figs-exclusiveἐροῦμεν1

In verses 19 Paul uses we exclusively to speak of himself and other Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “will we Jews say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

617ROM41ot88figs-infostructureεὑρηκέναι Ἀβραὰμ τὸν προπάτορα ἡμῶν κατὰ σάρκα1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “that Abraham has discovered, who is our forefather according to the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

618ROM41fk5tfigs-idiomκατὰ σάρκα1

See how you translated according to the flesh in 1:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

619ROM42pmuafigs-quotemarksεἰ γὰρ Ἀβραὰμ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη, ἔχει καύχημα1

These clauses continue the the statements that a Jew might have to against Paul that began in the previous verse. You may need to indicate this with a closing quotation mark at the end of these clauses or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

620ROM42ka9bgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows is a the reason for the statement in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This must be the case because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

621ROM42oe12grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ…Ἀβραὰμ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη, ἔχει καύχημα1

Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that the unbelieving Jew might think that this is actually true. In Pauls time some Jewish teachers taught that Abraham had a right to boast because of his faith. However, since translating this as if it were true might confuse your readers, it is best to use a hypothetical sentence, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

622ROM42wvmhfigs-activepassiveἈβραὰμ…ἐδικαιώθη1

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

623ROM42sibefigs-explicitἐξ ἔργων1

Paul assumes that his readers would understand that worksmeans “works of the law” as in 3:28. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by doing what God requires from his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

624ROM42mefyfigs-explicitἀλλ’ οὐ πρὸς Θεόν1

In this clause Paul begins to respond to the rhetorical questions he wrote in the previous clauses and previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, But not before God!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

625ROM42me3dgrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλ’ οὐ πρὸς Θεόν.1

What follows the word but here is an emphatic contrast to what was just stated. Paul is negating the argument that he presented earlier in this verse and in the previous verse. You could make this emphasis explicit by replacing the period with an exclamation point or another natural way in your language for introducing am emphatic contrast. Alternate translation: “but certainly not before God!” or “however not from Gods perspective!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

626ROM42z9wxfigs-metaphorπρὸς Θεόν1

Paul speaks figuratively of Abraham as if he were located in the presence of God. He means that Abraham could not boast to God about his righteousness if it was righteous by works. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “from Gods perspective” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

627ROM43w9i5grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For what does the scripture say

For here indicates that what follows in this verse is the reason why Paul said in the previous verse that Abraham cannot boast “before God.” Use a natural way in your language to introduce a reason clause. Alternative translation: “This is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

628ROM43hih3figs-rquestionτί…ἡ Γραφὴ λέγει1

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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: “the scripture surely says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

629ROM43g1wzfigs-personificationτί…ἡ Γραφὴ λέγει1

Here Paul uses say figuratively as if the scripture were a person who could speak. He means that the scripture he is about to quote contains information related to the topic he is discussing. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what information is in the scripture” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

630ROM43r9tewriting-quotationsτί…ἡ Γραφὴ λέγει?1

Here Paul uses what does the scripture say to indicate a quotation from an Old Testament book (Genesis 15:6). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “what is written in the scripture” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

631ROM43xdtxfigs-explicitἡ Γραφὴ1

Here, the scripture refers specifically to the quotation from Genesis 15:6 that follows in this verse. It does not refer to the Scriptures in general. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the scripture that Moses wrote in Genesis” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

632ROM43smc6figs-activepassiveἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην1it was counted to him as righteousness

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

633ROM43az65writing-pronounsἐλογίσθη1it was counted to him as righteousness

The pronoun it refers to Abrahams faith, which was implied by the statement that Abraham believed God. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “his faith was counted” or “his trust in God was counted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

634ROM43qkedfigs-abstractnounsδικαιοσύνην1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or another way. Alternate translation: “being righteous” or “being right with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

635ROM44ihulgrammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

Now here indicates that what follows in verses 45 is an explanation of the scripture quotation in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “In fact” or “Certainly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

636ROM44oojxfigs-extrainfoτῷ…ἐργαζομένῳ1

Here, the one who works refers to a hypothetical person who obeys the laws God gave through Moses and is “made righteous by works” (see verse 2). However, since the meaning of verses 45 is given in the next verse, you do not need to explain its meaning further here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

637ROM44dsl8figs-activepassiveὁ μισθὸς οὐ λογίζεται κατὰ χάριν1what he is paid is not counted as a gift

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: “he does not consider his wage as grace” or “he does not regard his pay as grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

638ROM44xo4xκατὰ χάριν…κατὰ ὀφείλημα1

Alternate translation: “as a matter of grace … as a matter of obligation” or “as a gift … as an obligation”

639ROM44ossxfigs-abstractnounsκατὰ χάριν…κατὰ ὀφείλημα1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas of grace and obligation, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “as what is gracious … as what is owed” or “something gifted … something owed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

640ROM45ynp2grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Now here indicates that what follows in this verse is in contrast to what Paul said in the previous verse. Use natural way in your language to express contrasting ideas. Alternate translation: “But” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

641ROM45j3irfigs-explicitτῷ…μὴ ἐργαζομένῳ1

Here, the one who does not work refers to a person who does not obey the laws God gave through Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to the one who is does not obey Gods laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

642ROM45fezjfigs-explicitτὸν δικαιοῦντα1

Here, the one who makes righteous refers to God. If this would your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God who justifies” or “God who makes righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

643ROM45tovpfigs-nominaladjτὸν ἀσεβῆ1

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

644ROM45va3efigs-activepassiveλογίζεται ἡ πίστις αὐτοῦ εἰς δικαιοσύνην1his faith is counted as righteousness

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that “God” does it. See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 3. Alternate translation: “God counted his faith as righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

645ROM45s00lfigs-abstractnounsἡ πίστις αὐτοῦ εἰς δικαιοσύνην1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith and righteousness, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “how he trusts … as being righteous” or “how he trusts in God … as being right with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

646ROM46hil6writing-quotationsκαὶ Δαυεὶδ λέγει1

Paul uses David also speaks of here to introduce a scripture quotation from Psalm 31:12, which King David wrote. This occurs in verses 78. If your readers would not understand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “David also wrote in the Old Testament” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

647ROM46s0v1figs-abstractnounsτὸν μακαρισμὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of blessedness, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “how blessed the man is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

648ROM46vysefigs-possessionτὸν μακαρισμὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the man that is characterized by blessedness. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the blessed man” or “the happy man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

649ROM46x40jfigs-genericnounτοῦ ἀνθρώπου1

Paul is speaking of people in general, not of one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

650ROM46c6zsfigs-distinguishᾧ ὁ Θεὸς λογίζεται δικαιοσύνην χωρὶς ἔργων1

This phrase gives us further information about the the man. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “that is, the man God counts as righteous apart from works” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

651ROM46liljfigs-abstractnounsδικαιοσύνην1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “being righteous” or “being right with himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

652ROM46o260figs-possessionχωρὶς ἔργων1

See how you translated this phrase in 3:28. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

653ROM47zqwlfigs-quotemarksμακάριοι, ὧν ἀφέθησαν αἱ ἀνομίαι καὶ ὧν ἐπεκαλύφθησαν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1

This verse is the beginning of a quotation from Psalm 31:12. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

654ROM47dur6figs-parallelismμακάριοι, ὧν ἀφέθησαν αἱ ἀνομίαι καὶ ὧν ἐπεκαλύφθησαν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1whose lawless deeds are forgiven … whose sins are covered

These two clauses mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how Blessed these people are. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “How blessed are those people whom God forgives completely for all their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

655ROM47lq4wfigs-abstractnounsὧν…αἱ ἀνομίαι…ὧν…αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of lawless deeds and sins, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “the lawless things they have done … the sins they have committed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

656ROM47d4f4figs-activepassiveἀφέθησαν…ἐπεκαλύφθησαν1

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

657ROM47hj2wfigs-ellipsisὧν ἐπεκαλύφθησαν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι1

Paul quotes David leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “blessed are those whose sins have been covered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

658ROM47hqfmfigs-metaphorἐπεκαλύφθησαν1

Paul quotes David using covered figuratively to refer to God forgiving sins as if he covers sins so that he no longer sees them. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have been forgiven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

659ROM48jjovfigs-quotemarksμακάριος ἀνὴρ, οὗ οὐ μὴ λογίσηται Κύριος ἁμαρτίαν1

The end of this verse is the end of a quotation from Psalm 31:12. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

660ROM48yox7figs-parallelismμακάριος ἀνὴρ, οὗ οὐ μὴ λογίσηται Κύριος ἁμαρτίαν1

This verse means the same thing as the two clauses in the previous verse. Paul the same thing here, in a slightly different way, to emphasize how Blessed people are home God forgives for their sins. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “How truly blessed is a man whose sin the Lord does certainly not count!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

661ROM48kpfefigs-genericnounἀνὴρ1

Paul quotes David speaking of people in general, not of one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

662ROM48y21bfigs-abstractnounsἁμαρτίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sin, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “sinful deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

663ROM48jdrmfigs-metaphorοὐ μὴ λογίσηται1

Paul quotes David using count figuratively to refer to God remembering or regarding peoples sins after he has forgiven them. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does certainly not regard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

664ROM48yxh2figs-doublenegativesοὐ μὴ1

The phrase certainly not translates two negative words in Greek. Paul quotes David using them together to emphasize how certain it is that God does not regard peoples sin after he has forgiven them. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “never” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

665ROM49qtgbgrammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1

Then here introduces a result clause. This verse indicates the logical conclusion to what Paul has stated in verses 68. Use a natural way in your language for expressing result. Alternate translation: “As a result,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

666ROM49g4f6figs-rquestionὁ μακαρισμὸς…οὗτος ἐπὶ τὴν περιτομὴν, ἢ καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν ἀκροβυστίαν?1

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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: “this blessedness is surely upon the circumcision and also upon the uncircumcision!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

667ROM49alrbfigs-explicitὁ μακαρισμὸς…οὗτος1

Here, this blessedness refers to joyful state of those people whom God forgives and makes righteous, as mentioned in verses 68. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “is this blessed state of being forgiven by God” or “is this blessed forgiveness from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

668ROM49jmymfigs-metaphorὁ μακαρισμὸς…οὗτος ἐπὶ τὴν περιτομὴν…ἐπὶ τὴν ἀκροβυστίαν1

Paul speaks of blessedness figuratively as if it were an object that could be put upon someone. He means that both circumcised and uncircumcised people can receive the blessing of forgiveness from God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is this blessedness given to the circumcision … to the uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

669ROM49dn7vgrammar-collectivenounsτὴν περιτομὴν…τὴν ἀκροβυστίαν1

See how you translated these words in 3:30. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

670ROM49mrsmgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1

For here indicates that what follows answers the rhetorical question. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

671ROM49w2xtfigs-exclusiveλέγομεν1

Here Paul uses we exclusively to refer to Paul and other Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we Jewish people say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

672ROM49o51fwriting-quotationsλέγομεν1

Paul uses we say here to introduce a modified scripture quotation from Genesis 15:6, which Moses wrote. If your readers would not understand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “we say what Moses wrote in the Old Testament” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

673ROM49m3uhfigs-activepassiveἐλογίσθη τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἡ πίστις εἰς δικαιοσύνην1Faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness

See how you translated the similar clauses in verses 3 and 5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

674ROM410trz4figs-rquestionπῶς οὖν ἐλογίσθη? ἐν περιτομῇ ὄντι, ἢ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ?1

In these two sentences Paul is not asking for information, but is using these two questions here to emphasize that Abraham was made righteous without being circumcised. 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. You may need to combine these sentences. Alternate translation: “Then you surely know how it was counted to him! You surely know whether it was in circumcision or in uncircumcision!” or “Then you surely know how it was counted to him, whether in circumcision or in uncircumcision!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

675ROM410unufgrammar-connect-logic-resultπῶς οὖν1

Here, then introduces a result clause that is in the form of a rhetorical question. Use a natural way in your language for expressing result. Alternate translation: “How as a result” or “So then how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

676ROM410uj5ifigs-idiomπῶς1

How here means “in what circumstances.” Paul is not asking how God made Abraham righteous, but is asking whether or not Abraham was circumcised when God made him righteous. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “In what circumstances” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

677ROM410bw38writing-pronounsἐλογίσθη…οὐκ ἐν περιτομῇ1

In this verse the pronoun it refers to Abrahams faith, as stated in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “was Abrahams faith counted … His faith was not in circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

678ROM410p5rpfigs-activepassiveπῶς οὖν ἐλογίσθη1It was not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision

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

679ROM410wbtafigs-ellipsisἐν περιτομῇ ὄντι, ἢ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ? οὐκ ἐν περιτομῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ1

Here Paul is leaving out some 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 previous sentence. Alternate translation: “Was it counted being in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? It was not counted in circumcision, but in uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

680ROM410zj6bfigs-abstractnounsἐν περιτομῇ ὄντι, ἢ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ? οὐκ ἐν περιτομῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of circumcision and uncircumcision, you could express the same ideas in verbal way. Paul implies that Abraham is the subject of these sentences. Alternate translation: “While Abraham was circumcised, or while he was uncircumcised? It was not while he was circumcised, but while he was uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

681ROM411unmgfigs-abstractnounsπεριτομῆς…ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ…δι’ ἀκροβυστίας1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of circumcision and uncircumcision, you could express the same ideas in verbal way. Alternate translation: “of being circumcised … while being uncircumcised … through being uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

682ROM411d564figs-possessionσημεῖον…περιτομῆς1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the sign that is circumcision. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the sign that is circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

683ROM411rjhrfigs-distinguishσφραγῖδα τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῆς πίστεως τῆς ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ1

This phrase gives us further information about the sign of circumcision. Circumcision is not only a sign, but also a seal. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these clauses clearer. Alternate translation: “that is, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had in his uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

684ROM411wm54figs-possessionσφραγῖδα τῆς δικαιοσύνης1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a seal that proves the righteousness to be real. If this is not clear in your language, you could indicate this with a different form. Alternate translation: “a seal that proves the righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

685ROM411n31zfigs-possessionτῆς δικαιοσύνης τῆς πίστεως1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe righteousness that comes from faith. If this is not clear in your language, you could indicate this with an adjective phrase or a verbal form. Alternate translation: “of the righteousness from faith” or “of being right with God that comes from trusting in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

686ROM411zlwgfigs-distinguishτῆς ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ1

This clause gives us further information about the faith that Abraham had. Paul is referring to the faith that Abraham had before he was circumcised. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “that Abraham had in his uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

687ROM411mob7figs-metaphorἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of uncircumcision as if it were a location someone could be in. He means that Abraham was in the state of being uncircumcised. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “while he was uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

688ROM411f5vvgrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν1

Here, so that introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God required Abraham to become circumcised. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order that he would be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

689ROM411ue6vfigs-metaphorπατέρα πάντων τῶν πιστευόντων δι’ ἀκροβυστίας1

Paul uses father figuratively to refer to Abraham as if he physically produced those who believe in God. Paul means that Abraham spiritually represents all uncircumcised non-Jews who trust in God. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation: “the spiritual representative of all those who believe through uncircumcision” or “like the father of all those who believe through uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

690ROM411etylfigs-explicitδι’ ἀκροβυστίας1

Here the word translated as through refers to a going through a time period. If this would confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “during uncircumcision” or “throughout the time they were uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

691ROM411hm61grammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς τὸ λογισθῆναι αὐτοῖς τὴν δικαιοσύνην1

Here, so that indicates that this clause could refer to: (1) the purpose of Abraham being the father of all those who believe. Alternate translation: “in order that the righteousness would be counted to them” (2) the result of Abraham being the father of all those who believe. Alternate translation: “resulting in the righteousness being counted to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

692ROM411y88efigs-activepassiveεἰς τὸ λογισθῆναι αὐτοῖς τὴν δικαιοσύνην1

See how you translated counted in verses 35 and 910. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

693ROM411ehibfigs-abstractnounsτὴν δικαιοσύνην1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “being righteous” or “being right with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

694ROM412v9bugrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ πατέρα περιτομῆς1And he became the father of the circumcision

Here, and indicates that what follows is another purpose for God commanding Abraham to be circumcised after he trusted in God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could repeat some of the information from the previous sentence and start a new sentence. Alternate translation: “and also so that he would be the father of circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

695ROM412u8j3figs-possessionπατέρα περιτομῆς…τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν1And he became the father of the circumcision

Paul uses father of circumcision here figuratively. He means that Abraham is both the physical ancestor and spiritual ancestor of Jewish people who are both physically circumcised and have the “circumcision of the heart,” which Paul refers to in 2:29. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the spiritual representative of those who are physically and spiritually circumcised … our spiritual representative” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

696ROM412krkffigs-explicitτοῖς οὐκ ἐκ περιτομῆς μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ τοῖς στοιχοῦσιν τοῖς ἴχνεσιν τῆς ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ πίστεως, τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ1

Paul assumes that his readers will know that these two clauses refer to those Jews who are not only circumcised in their bodies, but also have the same faith in God that Abraham had before he was circumcised. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to those Jews who are not only circumcised, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham in uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

697ROM412s9jtfigs-idiomκαὶ τοῖς στοιχοῦσιν τοῖς ἴχνεσιν τῆς…πίστεως, τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ1who follow in the steps of faith of our father Abraham

Here, follow in the steps is an idiom that means to follow someones example. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “who follow the example of the faith of our father Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

698ROM412btrdfigs-possessionτῆς…πίστεως, τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the faith that our father Abraham had. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “of our father Abrahams faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

699ROM412u5urfigs-exclusiveτοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ1

Here, our refers to Paul and his fellow believing Jews, as in 3:9. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “of our Jewish father Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

700ROM412ykdcfigs-explicitἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ1

Here, in uncircumcision has the same meaning as “through circumcision” stated in the previous verse. See how you translated the phrase there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

701ROM413i6xcgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here gives the reason why Abraham is the spiritual “father” of both non-Jews and Jews, as stated in verses 1112. If it would be clearer to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

702ROM413e0a3figs-abstractnounsἡ ἐπαγγελία…τὸ κληρονόμον αὐτὸν εἶναι1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of promise and heir, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “God promised … that he would inherit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

703ROM413yqxxgrammar-connect-words-phrases1

Here, the world translated or indicates that the promise is to Abraham and his seed. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “and also” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

704ROM413ew13figs-metaphorτῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ1

Here Paul uses seed figuratively to refer to “offspring.” Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to his descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

705ROM413ct1ffigs-synecdocheκόσμου1

Here the world could refer to: (1) all the land of the world. Although God had promised to give the land of Canaan to Abrahams descendants, the Jews in Pauls time understood that this promise included the whole earth. This will indeed take place when Jesus, a descendent of Abraham, rules over the whole world. Alternate expression: “of all the land in the world” (2) the people who live in the world, as in 3:19. Alternate translation: “of the people who live in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

706ROM413pjytfigs-explicitοὐ…διὰ νόμου…ἀλλὰ διὰ δικαιοσύνης1

Here the word translated as through indicates the means by which God gave ** the promise**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “was not by means of the law but by means of the righteousness” or “was not on the basis of the law but on the basis of the righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

707ROM413kquofigs-explicitνόμου1

See how you translated the law in 3:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

708ROM413iqsmfigs-possessionδικαιοσύνης πίστεως1

See how you translated the similar phrase in verse 11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

709ROM414hba4grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that verses 1415 give the reasons why Gods promise to Abraham was given “through the righteousness of faith” and not “through the law,” as stated in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

710ROM414n0x6figs-hypoεἰ…οἱ ἐκ νόμου κληρονόμοι, κεκένωται ἡ πίστις1

Paul is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize the serious implications of how people inherit Gods promises. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “suppose the heirs are from the law, then the faith has been emptied” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

711ROM414ksuifigs-abstractnounsοἱ ἐκ νόμου κληρονόμοι…ἡ πίστις…ἡ ἐπαγγελία1

See how you translated “heir”, the law, and faith in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

712ROM414k4ipfigs-explicitκληρονόμοι1

Here, heirs refers to “Abraham” and “his seed” from the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the heirs, Abraham or his seed, are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

713ROM414w977figs-explicitοἱ ἐκ νόμου κληρονόμοι1

Here, from the law refers to those who try to obey the Law of Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the heirs are those who try to obey the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

714ROM414hxvdfigs-metaphorκεκένωται ἡ πίστις1

Paul speaks figuratively of faith as if it were a container that could be emptied. He means that faith would become powerless or useless to make a person righteous if simply obeyingthe law allows a person to inherit Gods promises. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “then it would be impossible to become righteous by trusting in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

715ROM415v1owgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For indicates that the rest of the verse gives the reason why inheriting Gods promise by obeying the law would nullify faith and the promise, as stated in the previous verse. If it would be clearer to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

716ROM415qma4figs-personificationὁ…νόμος ὀργὴν κατεργάζεται1

Paul speaks figuratively of the law as if it were a person who could produce something. He means that the law causes God to punish people because they cannot obey it. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “the law results in wrath for those who do not obey it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

717ROM415h1x1figs-metonymyὀργὴν1

See how you translated the same use of this word in 1:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

718ROM415px0mfigs-metaphorοὗ δὲ οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος, οὐδὲ παράβασις1

Paul speaks figuratively of the law and transgression as if they were located in a specific place. Here, where means that Gods law exists. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “but where the law is not present, neither is transgression present” or “but in a place where Gods law does not exist, transgression also does not exist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

719ROM415t0wxfigs-abstractnounsπαράβασις1

See how you translated the same use of this word in 2:23. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

720ROM416deflfigs-extrainfoἐκ πίστεως1

Here, it refers to the promise mentioned later in the verse and introduced in verse 13. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the promise is by faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

721ROM416nchmfigs-explicitἐκ πίστεως1

Here, by indicates the means by which someone acquires the promise. If this is not clear in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “a person acquires Gods promise by faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

722ROM416bc5kgrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1

This phrase introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God makes faith the means for acquiring the promise. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “so that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

723ROM416fvaxκατὰ χάριν1

Alternate translation: “by grace” or “on the basis of grace”

724ROM416cgpqfigs-abstractnounsχάριν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “how gracious God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

725ROM416v8itgrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς τὸ εἶναι βεβαίαν, τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν1

Here, so that could indicate: (1) a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order for the promise to be certain” (2) a result clause. Alternate translation: “with the result that the promise might be certain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

726ROM416qalpfigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἐπαγγελίαν1

See how you translated this word in verse 13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

727ROM416r8jigrammar-collectivenounsπαντὶ τῷ σπέρματι1

The phrase all the seed is singular but refers to a group of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “all the descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

728ROM416xzspfigs-metaphorπαντὶ τῷ σπέρματι1

See how you translated seed in 4:13.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

729ROM416a4aifigs-distinguishοὐ τῷ ἐκ τοῦ νόμου μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῷ ἐκ πίστεως Ἀβραάμ1

These clauses give us further information about the phrase all the seed. They distinguish between a seed associated with the law and a seed associated with the faith. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “both from those believers associated with Abraham through the law, and those associated with the faith of Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

730ROM416ns6rfigs-explicitἐκ τοῦ νόμου1those who are under the law

See how you translated this phrase in verse 14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

731ROM416qctvfigs-possessionἐκ πίστεως Ἀβραάμ1those who are under the law

Here, from the faith of Abraham refers to those who trust in God the way Abraham did. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “who has the same faith as Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

732ROM416welrfigs-metaphorὅς ἐστιν πατὴρ πάντων ἡμῶν1

Paul uses father figuratively to refer to Abraham as if he physically produced all human beings. Paul means that Abraham is the physical ancestor of all believing Jews and the spiritual ancestor of all believing non-Jews. If your readers would not understand this, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “who spiritually represents all of us who believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

733ROM416kd6gfigs-exclusiveπάντων ἡμῶν1

Here, us all refers to all the seed and so is inclusive of all believing Jews and non-Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “of all believers in God” or “of all of us who trust in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

734ROM417nuj8figs-infostructureκαθὼς γέγραπται, ὅτι πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν τέθεικά σε1

Here Paul interrupts the sentence he began in the previous verse and inserts these two clauses in order to support his argument. If this would confuse your readers, you could mark these clauses in a way that shows they are inserted into the middle of a sentence, as in the UST. You could also move these clauses to the end of the verse so that they do not divide the main sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

735ROM417ibwmfigs-explicitκαθὼς γέγραπται1

Here Paul uses a quotation from the Old Testament in order to support the statement in the previous verse that Abraham “is the father of us all.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make the relationship between this verse and the previous verse clearer. Alternate translation: “The fact that Abraham is the father of us all is written in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

736ROM417iju4writing-quotationsκαθὼς γέγραπται1as it is written

Here Paul uses just as it is written to introduce a quotation from an Old Testament book (Genesis 17:5). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “just as it is written in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

737ROM417sjm0figs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1as it is written

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the quotation was written by Moses. Alternate translation: “just as Moses wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

738ROM417peaffigs-quotemarksπατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν τέθεικά σε1I have made you

In this clause Paul quotes Genesis 17:5. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

739ROM417mxm5writing-pronounsτέθεικά σε…ἐπίστευσεν1I have made you

The pronoun I refers to God, and you and he refer to Abraham. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, God, have appointed you, Abraham, as … Abraham trusted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

740ROM417n6l7figs-metaphorπατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν1

Paul quotes God using father figuratively to refer to Abraham as if he were going to physically produce children who would comprise many nations. God means that Abraham would become the spiritual ancestor of a large amount of people from many nations who trust in God like Abraham. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “the spiritual representative of numerous groups of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

741ROM417ph37figs-explicitκατέναντι οὗ ἐπίστευσεν Θεοῦ,1in the presence of God whom he trusted, who gives life to the dead

Here Paul continues the sentence from the previous verse that he had interrupted with the first two clauses in this verse. This clause completes the previous statement from the previous verse, “who is the father of us all.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. You made need to start a new sentence, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “Abraham is the father of us all in the presence of God whom he trusted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

742ROM417ifwufigs-metaphorκατέναντι…Θεοῦ1

Paul uses in the presence of figuratively to refer to Abraham as if he were physically present with God. Paul means that God personally considers Abraham to represent the believers that come from many nations. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “according to what God thinks” or “in Gods view” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

743ROM417s67jfigs-distinguishοὗ ἐπίστευσεν…τοῦ ζῳοποιοῦντος τοὺς νεκροὺς, καὶ καλοῦντος τὰ μὴ ὄντα ὡς ὄντα1

These clauses give further information about God. If this might confuse your readers, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer by making new sentences or by another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “This is the God whom he trusted. It is this God who makes the dead live and calls the things not existing as existing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

744ROM417tg2efigs-metaphorκαλοῦντος τὰ μὴ ὄντα ὡς ὄντα1

Paul speaks figuratively of the things not existing as if God were calling to them. Paul means that God creates things by commanding them to exist, as Moses describes in Genesis 1:327. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “summons into being things that did not previously exist” or “by speaking creates things that did not previously exist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

745ROM418emihwriting-pronounsὃς…αὐτὸν…σου1

The pronouns who and he and your refer to Abraham, not God. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

746ROM418g8fmfigs-idiomὃς παρ’ ἐλπίδα, ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι ἐπίστευσεν1In hope he believed against hope

Here, against hope is an idiom meaning “what seems hopeless.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “although it seemed hopeless, he believed on the basis of hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

747ROM418auahfigs-abstractnounsὃς παρ’ ἐλπίδα, ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι ἐπίστευσεν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “who hopefully believed although it seemed hopeless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

748ROM418n62ifigs-ellipsisἐπίστευσεν1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “believed in God” or “believed what God had promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

749ROM418bs6ygrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς τὸ γενέσθαι αὐτὸν1

Here, so that indicates that this is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the result of Abraham believing on the basis of hope. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “which resulted in him becoming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

750ROM418qbdqfigs-metaphorπατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν1

See how you translated this phrase in verse 17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

751ROM418b92qwriting-quotationsτὸ εἰρημένον1according to what he had been told

Here Paul uses what was said to introduce a quotation from an Old Testament book (Genesis 15:5). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “what was said in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

752ROM418cryifigs-activepassiveτὸ εἰρημένον1according to what he had been told

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

753ROM418p5elfigs-explicitοὕτως ἔσται τὸ σπέρμα σου1So will your descendants be

Paul assumes that his readers would know the rest of what God said in the verse he is quoting (Genesis 15:5). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Look now at the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them. So will your seed be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

754ROM418i2evfigs-metaphorτὸ σπέρμα1

See how you translated seed in verse 16.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

755ROM419yctefigs-infostructureκαὶ μὴ ἀσθενήσας τῇ πίστει, κατενόησεν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σῶμα ἤδη νενεκρωμένον, ἑκατονταετής που ὑπάρχων, καὶ τὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “He considered his own body as already having died (being about a hundred years old)—and the deadness of the womb of Sarah—but he was not weakening in the faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

756ROM419m9gqfigs-litotesκαὶ μὴ ἀσθενήσας τῇ πίστει1Without becoming weak in faith,

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

757ROM419s6u1figs-metaphorμὴ ἀσθενήσας τῇ πίστει1Without becoming weak in faith,

Paul speaks figuratively of Abrahams faith as if it were something that a person could be weakening in. He means that Abraham kept trusting God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “not ceasing to trust” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

758ROM419b3w6figs-abstractnounsτῇ πίστει1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “in how he trusted God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

759ROM419bn9kfigs-metaphorἤδη νενεκρωμένον1

Paul speaks figuratively of Abraham as if he actually thought his body was dead. Paul means that Abraham knew he was too old to produce a child. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “unable to father a child” or “useless for procreating” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

760ROM419bfsrwriting-backgroundἑκατονταετής που ὑπάρχων1

Here Paul provides background information about Abrahams age to help his readers understand why Abraham considered his own body as already being dead. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “since he was about one hundred years old” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

761ROM419hro2figs-ellipsisτὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας1

Here Paul 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 previous clause. Alternate translation: “he also considered the deadness of the womb of Sarah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

762ROM419ghhmfigs-abstractnounsτὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of deadness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that the womb of Sarah was dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

763ROM419qil5figs-metaphorτὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας1

Paul speaks figuratively of Sarahs womb as if it were dead. He means that she was unable to conceive children. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “how Sarah was unable to conceive” or “that Sarah could not bear children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

764ROM419yx92figs-explicitτὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας1

Paul assumes that his readers would know that Sarah had been unable to become pregnant throughout her life, as described in the Old Testament book of Genesis. This fact makes Abrahams faith even more amazing. If your readers would be unfamiliar with the story of Abraham and Sarah, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the deadness of the womb of Sarah, since she could never become pregnant before” or “the deadness of the womb of Sarah, which had always been dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

765ROM420qn5hfigs-infostructureεἰς δὲ τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, οὐ διεκρίθη τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Abraham did not waver in unbelief about what God promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

766ROM420kicfgrammar-connect-words-phrasesδὲ1

But here indicates that what follows emphasizes Abrahams faith in the promise of God. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

767ROM420o3zufigs-explicitεἰς…τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

The word translated as toward could also mean “with regard to” or “regarding.” If it might be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “with regard to the promise of God” or “regarding the promise of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

768ROM420qcodfigs-possessionτὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the promise that comes from God. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the promise that came from God” or “the promise from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

769ROM420wgmcfigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of promise, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “the things God promised” or “the things God said would happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

770ROM420ep2zfigs-doublenegativesοὐ διεκρίθη τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ1did not hesitate in unbelief

Here, did not waver and unbelief form a double negative expression. If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “he did not waver in belief” or “his belief did not waver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

771ROM420th2xfigs-abstractnounsτῇ ἀπιστίᾳ…τῇ πίστει1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of the unbelief and the faith, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “by distrusting … by trusting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

772ROM420zdj5figs-activepassiveἐνεδυναμώθη τῇ πίστει1he was strengthened in faith

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

773ROM420a4g4figs-metaphorἐνεδυναμώθη τῇ πίστει1

Paul speaks figuratively of Abrahams faith as if it were something that a person could be strengthened in. He means that God enabled Abraham to continue trusting him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “was enabled to keep on trusting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

774ROM420ew3rfigs-abstractnounsδοὺς δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “having glorified God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

775ROM421y2shfigs-activepassiveπληροφορηθεὶς1He was fully convinced

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

776ROM421plbfwriting-pronounsἐπήγγελται…ἐστιν1

The pronoun he refers to God, not Abraham. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God had promised, God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

777ROM421j12rwriting-pronounsὃ ἐπήγγελται1

Here, what he had promised refers to the promise Paul describes in verse 13. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the things God promised to Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

778ROM422ymppgrammar-connect-logic-resultδιὸ καὶ1

Here, therefore introduces a result clause. Use a natural way in your language for indicating result. Alternate translation: “And for this reason” or “And this is the reason why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

779ROM422wlnhfigs-quotemarksἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην1

This clause is a quotation from Genesis 15:6. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

780ROM422i56afigs-activepassiveἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην1Therefore this was also counted to him as righteousness

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

781ROM423zdc0figs-infostructureοὐκ ἐγράφη…δι’ αὐτὸν μόνον, ὅτι ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ1Therefore this was also counted to him as righteousness

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases and combine them. Alternate translation: “Now the phrase it was counted to him, was not written only for his sake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

782ROM423r65cwriting-pronounsαὐτὸν…αὐτῷ1only for his benefit

The pronouns his and him refer to Abraham. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Abrahams … to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

783ROM423bfiwfigs-activepassiveοὐκ ἐγράφη…δι’ αὐτὸν μόνον1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Moses wrote the quotation. Alternate translation: “Moses did not write it only for Abrahams sake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

784ROM423bmlmδι’ αὐτὸν1

Alternate translation: “for him” or “regarding him”

785ROM423ae1ufigs-quotemarksὅτι ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ,1

This clause is a quotation from Genesis 15:6. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

786ROM423jft0figs-activepassiveἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ1

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

787ROM424pfc9figs-exclusiveδι’ ἡμᾶς, οἷς μέλλει λογίζεσθαι, τοῖς πιστεύουσιν ἐπὶ τὸν ἐγείραντα Ἰησοῦν, τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν, ἐκ νεκρῶν1for us

Here, our and whom refer to all those who believe in Jesus. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “for the sake us believers who are about to be counted, to we who believe in the one who raised from the dead ones Jesus, the Lord of us all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

788ROM424ffdmδι’ ἡμᾶς1

See how you translated “for his sake” in the previous verse.

789ROM424nh4kfigs-activepassiveοἷς μέλλει λογίζεσθαι1also for us, for whom it will be counted, we who believe

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

790ROM424bu1mwriting-pronounsμέλλει1

Here the pronoun it refers to the “faith” mentioned in verses 5 and 20. Previously it referred to Abrahams faith, but in this verse it refers to our faith. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “our faith is about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

791ROM424mujrλογίζεσθαι1

See how you translated counted in the previous verse.

792ROM424arttfigs-explicitτὸν ἐγείραντα Ἰησοῦν, τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν, ἐκ νεκρῶν1

This clause refers to God. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “God who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

793ROM424i6vlfigs-idiomἐγείραντα Ἰησοῦν, τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν1

Here, raised is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who caused Jesus our Lord to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

794ROM424iq69figs-idiomἐκ νεκρῶν1

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

795ROM425iruewriting-pronounsὃς…ἡμῶν…τὴν δικαίωσιν ἡμῶν1

Here the pronoun who refers to Jesus, and our refers to all “those who believe” in him, as mentioned in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus … we believers … the justification of us believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

796ROM425cca1figs-activepassiveὃς παρεδόθη…ἠγέρθη1who was delivered up for our trespasses and was raised for our justification

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

797ROM425b999figs-metaphorὃς παρεδόθη1

Paul speaks figuratively of Jesus as if he were a thing that could be given up to another person. Paul means that God allowed people to arrest and kill Jesus. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “who was allowed to be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

798ROM425op41figs-abstractnounsδιὰ τὰ παραπτώματα ἡμῶν…διὰ τὴν δικαίωσιν ἡμῶν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas of trespasses and justification, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “because we trespassed … to make us righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

799ROM425imvcgrammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τὰ παραπτώματα ἡμῶν1

Here Paul uses for the sake of differently than he did in verses 2324. Here Paul uses this phrase to indicate the reason why Jesus was given up. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of our trespasses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

800ROM425gmbdfigs-idiomἠγέρθη1

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

801ROM425hzopgrammar-connect-logic-goalδιὰ τὴν δικαίωσιν ἡμῶν1

Here Paul uses for the sake of differently than he did in the first part of this verse. Here Paul uses this phrase to indicate one of the purposes for Jesus being raised. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of our justification” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

802ROM5introi1dt0

Romans 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Righteousness is received through Jesus Christ by trusting in him (3:215:21)
    • Gods righteousness is received through faith (3:2126)
    • No one can boast in works (3:2731)
    • The examples of Abraham and David (4:125)
    • The blessings of justification (5:111)
    • Adam and Christ are compared (5:125:21)

Special concepts in this chapter

The second Adam

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

In this chapter the pronouns “we”, “us”, and “our” refer inclusively to all believers in Christ. Paul calls these people those who have been “justified by faith” in verse 1. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

803ROM51age4grammar-connect-words-phrasesοὖν1

Therefore, here marks a new section of the letter. It also introduces a result clause that summarizes the blessed results of a person becoming righteous by trusting in Jesus, which Paul just discussed in 1:184:25. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “Since all these things are true” or “As a result of everything that I have just told you being true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

804ROM51xmp3grammar-connect-logic-resultδικαιωθέντες…ἐκ πίστεως, εἰρήνην ἔχωμεν πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν, διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

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: “Let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, because we have been justified by faith” or “We can have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, since we have been justified by faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

805ROM51xottfigs-activepassiveδικαιωθέντες1

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

806ROM51wbwxfigs-abstractnounsἐκ πίστεως1

See how you translated this phrase in 4:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

807ROM51ldrutranslate-textvariantsεἰρήνην ἔχωμεν1

Some ancient copies say “we have peace,” which makes sense, since verses 15 are a list of blessings that belong to those people who have been justified by faith. If the reading let us have peace is correct, this phrase may be indicating Pauls desire that his fellow believers continue to experience the peace they have with God. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider using the reading in that translation. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you follow the readings of ULT and UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

808ROM51kjpbfigs-imperativeἔχωμεν1

Paul uses the phrase let us have peace to exhort his Christian readers to continue living peacefully with God. It is not a command. This phrase does not imply that those who have been justified by faith do not yet have peace with God. Use a form in your language that communicates an exhortation. Alternate translation: “we must continue to have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

809ROM51hi12figs-abstractnounsεἰρήνην ἔχωμεν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea with a verbal form, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

810ROM51o2yrfigs-metaphorεἰρήνην ἔχωμεν1

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they could possess or own peace. He means that they can live peacefully with God. If your readers would not understand what have peace means in this context, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “let us live in a peaceful manner” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

811ROM51s6xdfigs-exclusiveἔχωμεν…ἡμῶν1we … our

Here and throughout this chapter the pronouns us and our inclusively refer to all those having been justified by faith in Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “let us believers … our” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

812ROM51xaegfigs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Here, through indicates that our Lord Jesus Christ is the means by which believers have peace with God. This refers to what Jesus did for believers in order for them to have peace with God, as briefly mentioned in 4:25. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us” or “which was caused by our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

813ROM52slyhfigs-abstractnounsδι’ οὗ καὶ τὴν προσαγωγὴν ἐσχήκαμεν, τῇ πίστει εἰς τὴν χάριν ταύτην, ἐν ᾗ ἑστήκαμεν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of access, faith, or grace, you could express the same ideas another way. Alternate translation: “through whom we also access and stand in how gracious God is by trusting in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

814ROM52tsbowriting-pronounsοὗ1

The pronoun whom refers to “our Lord Jesus Christ,” as mentioned in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

815ROM52i50ufigs-exclusiveκαὶ…ἐσχήκαμεν…ἑστήκαμεν…καυχώμεθα1

The pronoun we in this verse refers inclusively to all believers in Christ. See the discussion of this in the General Notes for this chapter. Alternate translation: “we believers also have … we believers stand … we believers boast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

816ROM52af0nfigs-metaphorεἰς τὴν χάριν ταύτην, ἐν ᾗ ἑστήκαμεν1

Paul speaks figuratively of grace as if it were a location that someone could access and stand within. He means that trusting in Jesus allows believers to confidently experience how gracious God is toward his people. If your readers would not understand this, you express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “to confidently experience how kind God is” or “to safely experience how gracious God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

817ROM52dxcufigs-abstractnounsκαυχώμεθα ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **hope and glory, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “we may boast because we are confident that we will be glorified with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

818ROM52zp5pfigs-possessionτῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using possessive forms to describe how glory relates to God. This could refer to: (1) the glory that God shares with believers. This was the same glory that God shared with humans when he created them, but which they lost when the first humans sinned, as mentioned in 3:23. Alternate translation: “of sharing in the glory God has” or “of the glory from God” (2) glorifying God, as in the similar phrase “the glory of the imperishable God” in 1:23. Alternate translation: “of glorifying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

819ROM53q5p7writing-pronounsοὐ μόνον δέ1Not only this

The pronoun this here refers to boasting about “the hope of the glory of God,” as mentioned in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “And we not only boast on the basis of the hope of the glory of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

820ROM53c644figs-metaphorκαὶ καυχώμεθα ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν1

Here, in our sufferings could mean: (1) believers can boast about their sufferings. Alternate translation: “we can also boast about our sufferings” (2) believers can boast while they are experiencing sufferings. Alternate translation: “we can also boast when we are distressed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

821ROM53xeakgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰδότες1

Here, knowing indicates that what follows in this verse and the next verse are the reasons why believers can boast in our sufferings. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “since we know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

822ROM53c0rlfigs-abstractnounsἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν…ἡ θλῖψις…ὑπομονὴν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of sufferings, suffering, and endurance, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “when we suffer … when we suffer … a way to endure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

823ROM53vmbffigs-litanyἡ θλῖψις ὑπομονὴν κατεργάζεται1

Paul uses a repetitive series of clauses in this clause and the next verse to show how many reasons there are for Christians to boast about their suffering. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” Use a form in your language that someone would use to list a series of reasons for something. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

824ROM53lo57figs-metaphorἡ θλῖψις ὑπομονὴν κατεργάζεται1

Paul speaks figuratively of endurance as if it were an object that could be produced. He means that when Christians trust in God while suffering, they develop greater endurance than they had before experiencing suffering. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “this suffering helps us know how to endure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

825ROM54w7c2figs-ellipsisἡ δὲ ὑπομονὴ δοκιμήν, ἡ δὲ δοκιμὴ ἐλπίδα1

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

826ROM54dt8wfigs-abstractnounsἡ…ὑπομονὴ1

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

827ROM54gjvhfigs-abstractnounsδοκιμήν, ἡ δὲ δοκιμὴ1

The word translated character refers specifically to someone who has been approved by God because they have successfully endured testing. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of character, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “makes us approved by God, and when God approves us it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

828ROM54eh9cfigs-abstractnounsἐλπίδα1

See how you translated hope in verse 2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

829ROM55u4xhgrammar-connect-logic-resultἡ δὲ ἐλπὶς οὐ καταισχύνει, ὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, τοῦ δοθέντος ἡμῖν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “And because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us, that hope does not disappoint” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

830ROM55rctzfigs-explicitἡ δὲ ἐλπὶς1

Here, that hope refers to the hope of the glory of God in verse 2. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “And being confident in Gods glory” or “And the hope of the glory of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

831ROM55qka8figs-metaphorὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, τοῦ δοθέντος ἡμῖν1because the love of God has been poured into our hearts

Paul speaks figuratively of love as if it were something that could be poured out of a container, and speaks figurative of our hearts as though they were containers that could be filled. He means that the Holy Spirit has completely revealed to Gods people how much God loves them. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “because the Holy Spirit, who was given to us, has deeply revealed how much God loves his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

832ROM55dc95figs-activepassiveἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, τοῦ δοθέντος ἡμῖν1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit, who God gave us, has poured the love of God into our hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

833ROM55clmbfigs-possessionἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe how love relates to God. Here, the love of God could refer to: (1) Gods love for us. Alternate translation: “Gods love” or “Gods love for us” (2) our love for God. Alternate translation: “love for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

834ROM55glt1figs-metonymyἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν1

See how you translated this word in 1:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

835ROM56x5eggrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1we

For here indicates that what follows in verses 68 explains “the love of God” in verse 5. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

836ROM56a7s7grammar-connect-time-simultaneousἔτι…ὄντων ἡμῶν ἀσθενῶν1

In this clause Paul is describing something that was true during the time period he is describing in the rest of the verse. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “during the time we were still being weak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])

837ROM56xqr3figs-explicitἔτι…ὄντων ἡμῶν ἀσθενῶν1

Here, weak means that people are completely unable to make themselves righteous. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we still being powerless to make ourselves righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

838ROM56xl85figs-explicitὑπὲρ ἀσεβῶν1

Here, ungodly ones refers to we mentioned earlier in the verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “on behalf of us ungodly ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

839ROM57o92cgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows in this verse explains how surprising it is that Christ would die on the behalf of ungodly sinners, as stated in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

840ROM57h089figs-hypoμόλις γὰρ…τις ἀποθανεῖται…γὰρ…τάχα τις1

Paul uses someone twice in this verse to indicate two hypothetical situations. He does this to help his readers recognize how rare it is for someone to voluntarily die on behalf of another person. Use the natural form in your language for expressing hypothetical situations. Alternate translation: “Let us consider how rare it would be for someone to die … Let us, though, suppose that just maybe someone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

841ROM57x60dgrammar-connect-logic-contrastγὰρ…τάχα τις2

What follows the word though here is in contrast to what Paul stated in the previous sentence. Although someone will hardly die for a righteous person, someone might possibly be willing to die for a good person. Although Paul does not state the difference between a righteous person and a good person, he contrasts both examples to emphasize how unlikely it is for a person to die on the behalf of another person. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “By contrast, perhaps someone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

842ROM57mqyqfigs-metaphorκαὶ τολμᾷ ἀποθανεῖν1

Paul speaks figuratively of dying as if it were a dare or challenge for someone to overcome. He means that someone would be brave enough to give their life for the sake of someone else. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “might even be willing to die” or “would even be brave enough to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

843ROM58qh0hfigs-rpronounsἑαυτοῦ1

Paul uses the word his own to emphasize how much God loves his people. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “his very own” or “his personal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

844ROM58vh6yfigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἀγάπην εἰς ἡμᾶς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “how much God loves us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

845ROM58c8vdgrammar-connect-time-simultaneousἔτι ἁμαρτωλῶν ὄντων ἡμῶν1

In this clause Paul is describing something that was true during the time period he is describing in the rest of the verse. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “during the time we were still being sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])

846ROM58fel5figs-infostructureἔτι ἁμαρτωλῶν ὄντων ἡμῶν, Χριστὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἀπέθανεν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Christ died for us, while we were still being sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

847ROM58w7hyfigs-nominaladjἁμαρτωλῶν1

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

848ROM59vnxdgrammar-connect-logic-resultπολλῷ οὖν μᾶλλον1

Here, then indicates that what follows is the result of what Paul described in verses 68. If it would be more natural in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “As a result, much more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

849ROM59tewtgrammar-connect-words-phrasesπολλῷ οὖν μᾶλλον1

Much more then here strongly emphasizes that what follows is another important result of what Christ did for us. Use a natural way in your language to express strong emphasis. Alternate translation: “It is then much more certain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

850ROM59zp4vgrammar-connect-logic-resultδικαιωθέντες νῦν ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ1

This clause states the reason why we can be much more certain that we will be saved. Use the most natural way in your language to express a reason clause. Alternate translation: “because we have now been justified by his blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

851ROM59x9yifigs-activepassiveδικαιωθέντες νῦν ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express these ideas with active forms or in other ways that are natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his blood having now justified us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

852ROM59nvs3figs-metonymyἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ1blood

See how you translated his blood in 3:25. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

853ROM59jbazfigs-activepassiveσωθησόμεθα δι’ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express these ideas with active forms or in other ways that are natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will save us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

854ROM59bev3figs-abstractnounsτῆς ὀργῆς1his wrath

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of the wrath, you could use a different expression. Here, the wrath refers specifically to “the day of wrath”, which is mentioned in 2:5. Alternate translation: “the Final Judgment” or “from when God finally judges sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

855ROM510wplygrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows in this verse explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an alternate expression. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

856ROM510mz06grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ…ἐχθροὶ ὄντες1

Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since being enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

857ROM510rnc5figs-activepassiveκατηλλάγημεν τῷ Θεῷ διὰ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son

If your language does not use passive forms in this way, you could express these ideas with active forms or in other ways that are natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the death of his Son reconciled us to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

858ROM510cu3cguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1Son

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

859ROM510o1m6grammar-connect-words-phrasesπολλῷ μᾶλλον1

Here, much more strongly emphasizes that what follows is an important result of having been reconciled with God. See how you translated this phrase in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “it is much more certain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

860ROM510n817figs-activepassiveκαταλλαγέντες1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express this idea with an active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he having reconciled us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

861ROM510e4uggrammar-connect-logic-resultκαταλλαγέντες1

This clause states the reason why we can be much more certain that we will be saved. Use the most natural way in your language to express a reason clause. Alternate translation: “because we have been reconciled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

862ROM510tmxffigs-activepassiveσωθησόμεθα ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express this idea with an active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his life will save us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

863ROM510gctofigs-ellipsisσωθησόμεθα1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the similar statement in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “we will be saved when God finally judges people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

864ROM510eeo4figs-explicitτῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ1

Here life implies the life that Jesus has after God made him alive again. This resurrection life showed that God had accepted Jesus death as the payment for the sins of everyone who trusts in Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus life after God caused him to become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

865ROM510b3z4figs-abstractnounsτῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “him being alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

866ROM511a0vkwriting-pronounsοὐ μόνον δέ1

The pronoun this could refer to: (1) what Paul said in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Not only are we saved by his life, but” (2) what Paul said in verses 210. Alternate translation: “Not only are all these things true, but” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

867ROM511zp36figs-metaphorκαὶ καυχώμενοι ἐν τῷ Θεῷ1

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were boasting inside of God. Paul means that these believers in Christ boast about how great God is. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “we also are boasting about how great God is” or “we also are boasting because of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

868ROM511uukmfigs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Here, through indicates that our Lord Jesus Christ is the means by which believers can boast. This refers to what Jesus did for believers in order for them to be able to boast. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

869ROM511r0zjfigs-explicitδι’ οὗ νῦν τὴν καταλλαγὴν ἐλάβομεν1

Here, through indicates that Jesus is the means by which believers have received the reconciliation. This refers to what Jesus did for believers in order for them to have peace with God, as briefly mentioned in 4:25. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through what he did for us that caused us to receive the reconciliation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

870ROM511xjesfigs-abstractnounsνῦν τὴν καταλλαγὴν ἐλάβομεν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of reconciliation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “we have now been reconciled with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

871ROM512hjx4grammar-connect-words-phrasesδιὰ τοῦτο1

For this reason here indicates that what follows in verses 1221 is Pauls explanation of the relationship between human sin and Gods grace. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Because of this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

872ROM512wf9ffigs-metaphorὥσπερ δι’ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου ἡ ἁμαρτία εἰς τὸν κόσμον εἰσῆλθεν, καὶ διὰ τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ θάνατος; καὶ οὕτως εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους ὁ θάνατος διῆλθεν1through one man sin entered … death entered through sin

Here Paul speaks of sin and death figuratively as if they were objects that could enter a place or spread within people. Paul means that the way God intended for the world and human beings to function became thoroughly corrupted by sin and death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “just as through one man sinned began to exist in the world, and that sin would result in that mans death, so also all men born after that man would die too” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

873ROM512pa8sfigs-explicitδι’ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου1

Paul uses the phrase one man to refer to Adam, the first human being. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly, as in verse14. Alternate translation: “through the first man Adam” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

874ROM512smc2figs-abstractnounsἡ ἁμαρτία…τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ θάνατος; καὶ οὕτως…ὁ θάνατος1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of sin and death, you could use different expressions. Alternate translation: “sinful things … sinful things, living things could die, so also the ability to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

875ROM512uxcsfigs-ellipsisδιὰ τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ θάνατος1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “and through sin death entered into the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

876ROM512xhbvfigs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπους1

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

877ROM512jy25writing-pronounsἐφ’ ᾧ πάντες ἥμαρτον1

Here the pronoun which could refer to: (1) the fact that Paul states in the next phrase. Alternate translation: “because of this fact, namely, that all sinned” (2) the one man mentioned earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “because of the one man all sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

878ROM512si2ifigs-nominaladjπάντες1

Paul is using the adjective all 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: “all men” or “all humanity” or “all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

879ROM513at4igrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows in verses 1314 explains how death and sin existed before the law. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

880ROM513e6bxfigs-ellipsisἄχρι γὰρ νόμου…μὴ ὄντος νόμου1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “For until the law came … when there was no law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

881ROM513abjggrammar-collectivenounsνόμου…νόμου1

In this verse law refers to the laws that God gave the Jews through Moses. See how you translated law in 2:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

882ROM513v51tfigs-abstractnounsἁμαρτία…ἁμαρτία1

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

883ROM513uyd4figs-metaphorἁμαρτία ἦν ἐν κόσμῳ1

Here Paul speaks of sin figuratively as if it were an object that could exist in a place. Paul means that people sinned in the world before God gave his laws to Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people sinned in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

884ROM513juq7figs-activepassiveἁμαρτία…οὐκ ἐλλογεῖται2but there is no accounting for sin when there is no law

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

885ROM513iznoἁμαρτία…οὐκ ἐλλογεῖται2

Alternate translation: “a record of sin is not kept” or “no account is kept of sins”

886ROM513v5l9grammar-connect-logic-resultμὴ ὄντος νόμου1

Here, being could indicate: (1) the reason why sin is not charged. Alternate translation: “because there was no law” (2) the time when sin is not charged. Alternate translation: “when there was no law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

887ROM513j04cfigs-explicitμὴ ὄντος νόμου1

Here, no law implies that God had not yet given people his laws that could help them identify what sin is. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “being no law to identify to people what sin is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

888ROM514bd3qfigs-personificationἐβασίλευσεν ὁ θάνατος ἀπὸ Ἀδὰμ μέχρι Μωϋσέως, καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς1death ruled from Adam until Moses

Here, death is spoken of figuratively as though it were a king who ruled over people. Paul means that nobody could prevent themselves from dying. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no human could escape dying from Adam until Moses, even those” or “human life inevitably ended in death from Adam until Moses, even the lives of those” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

889ROM514u66mfigs-abstractnounsὁ θάνατος1

See how you translated death in verse 12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

890ROM514pdrhfigs-explicitἀπὸ Ἀδὰμ μέχρι Μωϋσέως1

Here, Adam refers to the period of time when Adam lived and Moses refers to the period of time when Moses lived. If this would confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “from the time when Adam lived until the time when Moses lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

891ROM514w24gfigs-distinguishκαὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς μὴ ἁμαρτήσαντας ἐπὶ τῷ ὁμοιώματι τῆς παραβάσεως Ἀδάμ1

This phrase gives us further information about over whom death ruled. It is not making a distinction between those who lived during the time of Adam and Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “even over the people who did not disobey God in the same way that Adam did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

892ROM514sknsfigs-abstractnounsἐπὶ τῷ ὁμοιώματι τῆς παραβάσεως Ἀδάμ, ὅς ἐστιν τύπος τοῦ μέλλοντος1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of likeness, transgression, and pattern, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “in the same way that Adam transgressed, who typifies the one who is coming” or “exactly how Adam transgressed, who resembles the one who is coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

893ROM514k2w7figs-possessionἐπὶ τῷ ὁμοιώματι τῆς παραβάσεως Ἀδάμ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe how the likeness relates to the transgression. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “like Adams transgression” or “in the same way Adam transgressed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

894ROM514e4zefigs-metaphorἈδάμ, ὅς ἐστιν τύπος τοῦ μέλλοντος1

Paul speaks figuratively of Adam as if he were a model or pattern. Paul means that Adams role is similar to the role of the one who is coming because both people do things that affect all human beings. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Adam, who is a replica of the one who is coming” or “Adam, who models the one who is coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

895ROM514mu4sfigs-explicitτοῦ μέλλοντος1

The phrase the one who is coming refers to Jesus. Paul means that Adam represents the ideal human being, Jesus, who would come in the future. If this is not clear in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “representing Jesus who would come in the future” or “prefiguring Jesus who was destined to come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

896ROM515x37xfigs-abstractnounsτὸ παράπτωμα…τὸ χάρισμα…τῷ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματι…ἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ δωρεὰ ἐν χάριτι1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of trespass, gracious gift, grace, and gift, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “how Adam trespassed … what God graciously gave … when the one man trespassed … how gracious God is and what he graciously gave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

897ROM515ieb0figs-infostructureοὐχ ὡς τὸ παράπτωμα, οὕτως καὶ τὸ χάρισμα1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “the gracious gift is not like the trespass” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

898ROM515sfulgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For indicates that what follows explains the difference between the trespass and the gracious gift. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

899ROM515yxejgrammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is true. He has concluded that the benefits of the gracious gift are superior to the consequences of the trespass. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is true. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

900ROM515kdhbfigs-possessionτῷ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματι1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the trespass that was committed by the one man. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “by one mans trespass” or “because one man trespassed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

901ROM515mm6yfigs-nominaladjτοῦ ἑνὸς1

Paul is using the adjective phrase the one as a noun in order to refer to Adam, as in the previous verse. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could make these references explicit. Alternate translation: “of Adam, the one man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

902ROM515e9mefigs-nominaladjοἱ πολλοὶ…τοὺς πολλοὺς1

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

903ROM515h6c3grammar-connect-words-phrasesπολλῷ μᾶλλον1

Here, how much more strongly emphasizes the difference between the results of the trespass of Adam and the grace of God that comes through Jesus Christ. Use a natural way in your language to express strong emphasis. Alternate translation: “even more certainly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

904ROM515tfhjfigs-infostructureἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ δωρεὰ ἐν χάριτι, τῇ τοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, εἰς τοὺς πολλοὺς ἐπερίσσευσεν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “abounded to the many the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

905ROM515ejxzfigs-possessionἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe grace that comes from God. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Gods grace” or “the grace from God” or “how kind God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

906ROM515wn36figs-possessionτοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the grace that comes from the one man. Use a natural way in your language to express this idea. Alternate translation: “from the one man” or “associated with the one man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

907ROM516ns9agrammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ οὐχ ὡς δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος, τὸ δώρημα; τὸ μὲν γὰρ κρίμα ἐξ ἑνὸς, εἰς κατάκριμα, τὸ δὲ χάρισμα ἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων, εἰς δικαίωμα1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second sentence gives the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “Indeed, because the judgment came from one man unto condemnation, but the gift came from many trespasses unto justification. This is why the gift is not the same as through the one man who sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

908ROM516rmptfigs-abstractnounsτὸ δώρημα…τὸ δὲ χάρισμα1

See how you translated these two phrases in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

909ROM516ok2kfigs-ellipsisὡς δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “as what came through one who sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

910ROM516muumfigs-explicitἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος1

Here, one who sinned refers to Adam, as mentioned in verses 1215. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Adam, the one who sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

911ROM516ub9sfigs-abstractnounsτὸ…κρίμα2

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

912ROM516eusxfigs-explicitἐξ ἑνὸς1

Here, one refers to the one sin Adam committed. It does not refer to Adam himself, as the previous one does. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “from Adams trespass” or “from the sin Adam committed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

913ROM516xza3grammar-connect-logic-resultἐξ ἑνὸς1

Here, from one could indicate: (1) that the judgment happened after the one trespass. Alternate translation: “after one” (2) that the judgment happened because of the one trespass. Alternate translation: “because of one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

914ROM516t4t8figs-abstractnounsεἰς κατάκριμα…παραπτωμάτων, εἰς δικαίωμα1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of condemnation, trespasses, and justification, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “to cause God to condemn … sinful deeds people have done, to cause God to justify” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

915ROM516s82tgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς κατάκριμα1

Here, to indicates that was follows is the result of Gods judgment. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “resulted in condemnation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

916ROM516m5k4grammar-connect-logic-resultἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων1

Here, from many trespasses could indicate: (1) that the gracious gift happened after many trespasses. Alternate translation: “after many trespasses” (2) that the gracious gift happened because of many trespasses. Alternate translation: “because of many trespasses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

917ROM516jarbgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς δικαίωμα1

Here, to indicates that was follows is the result of Gods gracious gift. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “resulted in justification” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

918ROM517n5zxgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows further explains the difference between the trespass and the gift, as discussed in verses1516. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

919ROM517mhtcgrammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is true. He has concluded that the benefits of the gift are superior to the consequences of the trespass. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is true. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

920ROM517lcydfigs-possessionτῷ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματι1

See how you translated this phrase in verse 15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

921ROM517whbffigs-nominaladjτοῦ ἑνὸς…τοῦ ἑνός…τοῦ ἑνὸς1

See how you translated the first occurrence of one in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

922ROM517yvq5figs-abstractnounsτῷ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματι, ὁ θάνατος…τὴν περισσείαν τῆς χάριτος καὶ τῆς δωρεᾶς τῆς δικαιοσύνης…ἐν ζωῇ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “because the one man trespassed, the fact that people die … how abundantly kind God is and how he makes people righteous … by living” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

923ROM517kz6zfigs-personificationὁ θάνατος ἐβασίλευσεν1death ruled

See how you translated this phrase in verse 14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

924ROM517mtr9grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦ ἑνός1death ruled

Here, through indicates that the one is the reason why death ruled. Use an expression in your language that indicates a reason. Alternate translation: “because of the one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

925ROM517lf7tgrammar-connect-words-phrasesπολλῷ μᾶλλον1

See how you translated this phrase in verses 10 and 15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

926ROM517hfvtfigs-infostructureἐν ζωῇ βασιλεύσουσιν, διὰ τοῦ ἑνὸς, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.1

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

927ROM517xy6hfigs-metaphorοἱ…ἐν ζωῇ βασιλεύσουσιν1

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were kings who rule in a location called life. This could mean: (1) they will have control over their sinful desires while physically alive. Alternate translation: “will those … have control over their sinfulness while alive” (2) they will rule with Jesus Christ while living eternally. Alternative translation: “will those … rule and live eternally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

928ROM517nr25figs-distinguishοἱ τὴν περισσείαν τῆς χάριτος καὶ τῆς δωρεᾶς τῆς δικαιοσύνης λαμβάνοντες1

This clause describes the people who will rule in life. It is not making a distinction between those who receive and those who rule. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “those who receive the abundance of the grace and the gift of the righteousness as well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

929ROM517fodcfigs-possessionοἱ τὴν περισσείαν τῆς χάριτος…λαμβάνοντες1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe abundance that relates to grace. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “those who receive Gods abundant grace” or “those who experience how abundantly gracious God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

930ROM517o8c3figs-possessionτῆς δωρεᾶς τῆς δικαιοσύνης1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe how righteousness is a gift. Use a natural way in your language to express this idea. Alternate translation: “the gift, which is being made righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

931ROM517ehbkgrammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τοῦ ἑνὸς, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Here, through indicates that the one, Jesus Christ is the reason why his people will rule in life. Use an expression in your language that indicates a reason. Alternate translation: “because of the one, Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

932ROM517uifsfigs-explicitτοῦ ἑνὸς, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

The phrase the one, Jesus Christ refers to what Jesus did for believers in order for them to rule in life. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “what the one, Jesus Christ has done for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

933ROM518e7cqfigs-ellipsisἄρα οὖν ὡς δι’ ἑνὸς παραπτώματος, εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους εἰς κατάκριμα, οὕτως καὶ δι’ ἑνὸς δικαιώματος, εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους εἰς δικαίωσιν ζωῆς1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “So then, as one man trespassed and this trespass caused all men to become condemned, so also one man acted righteously and this act caused all men to become justified for living eternally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

934ROM518mccfgrammar-connect-words-phrasesἄρα οὖν1

So then indicates that what follows in verses 1821 summarizes the ideas of verses 1217. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a clearer expression. Alternate translation: “Finally” or “In summary” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

935ROM518sfwggrammar-connect-logic-resultδι’…δι’1

See how you translated through in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

936ROM518z0jqfigs-abstractnounsπαραπτώματος…κατάκριμα…δικαίωσιν1

See how you translated these abstracts nouns in verse 16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

937ROM518n8prfigs-gendernotationsπάντας ἀνθρώπους…πάντας ἀνθρώπους2

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. See how your translated all men in verse 12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

938ROM518bcm2figs-possessionδικαίωσιν ζωῆς1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe how justification relates to life. This could mean: (1) justification that leads to life. Alternate translation: “justification that brings eternal life” (2) justification that is life. Alternate translation: “justification, which is eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

939ROM518bmeyfigs-explicitζωῆς1

Here, life refers to “eternal life.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “of eternal life” or “for living forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

940ROM519hj69grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

941ROM519sjekgrammar-connect-words-phrasesὥσπερ…οὕτως καὶ1

See how you translated the similar connective words as and so also in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

942ROM519rgjigrammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ…διὰ1

See how you translated through in the previous two verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

943ROM519z8r8figs-abstractnounsτῆς παρακοῆς τοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου…τῆς ὑπακοῆς τοῦ ἑνὸς1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of disobedience and obedience, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. You may need to supply an object for the verbs, such as “God” or “Gods command.” Alternate translation: “the one man disobeying God … the one man obeying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

944ROM519qpsmfigs-explicitτοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου1

Here, the one man refers to “Adam.” See how you translated the similar use of one man in verse 12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

945ROM519q8ljfigs-activepassiveδιὰ τῆς παρακοῆς τοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου, ἁμαρτωλοὶ κατεστάθησαν οἱ πολλοί1

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: “the disobedience of the one man caused many to become sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

946ROM519huigfigs-nominaladjοἱ πολλοί…οἱ πολλοί2

See how you translated the many in verse 15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

947ROM519px2rfigs-nominaladjἁμαρτωλοὶ1

See how you translated sinners in verse 8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

948ROM519bhrafigs-activepassiveδιὰ τῆς ὑπακοῆς τοῦ ἑνὸς, δίκαιοι κατασταθήσονται οἱ πολλοί1

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: “the obedience of the one caused many to become righteous ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

949ROM519haksfigs-explicitτοῦ ἑνὸς2

Here, the one refers to “Jesus Christ.” See how you translated the third occurrence of **the one ** in verse 17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

950ROM520lah6grammar-collectivenounsνόμος1

See how you translated the law in 2:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

951ROM520w958figs-personificationπαρεισῆλθεν1the law came in

The word translated slipped in can mean to sneak in unnoticed, as in Jude 1:4. Paul may be stressing how the coming of the law was like an unwelcome person secretly intruding at some location. If this is confusing in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “intruded like a person sneaking in unnoticed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

952ROM520ttcwfigs-abstractnounsτὸ παράπτωμα…ἡ ἁμαρτία…ἡ χάρις1

See how you translated the abstract nouns trespass in verses 1518, sin in verses 1213, and grace in verses 15 and 17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

953ROM520relkfigs-metaphorπλεονάσῃ τὸ παράπτωμα…ἐπλεόνασεν ἡ ἁμαρτία, ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν ἡ χάρις1

Paul speaks figuratively of the trespass, sin, and grace as if they were objects that could increase in amount. He means that the power or influence of these concepts expanded throughout humanity. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “the trespass might be more evident … sin became more evident, the grace became even more obvious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

954ROM520wbh3grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα πλεονάσῃ τὸ παράπτωμα1

This clause could refer to: (1) one of Gods purposes for giving the law. Alternate translation: “in order to increase the trespass” (2) the result of God giving the law. Alternate translation (with preceding comma): “resulting in the trespass increasing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

955ROM520godnfigs-metaphorοὗ1

Here Paul uses where figuratively to refer to sin and grace as if they were located somewhere. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “when” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

956ROM521ycy7grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1

The phrase so that here introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God caused grace to abound, as stated in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “for the purpose that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

957ROM521ymxygrammar-connect-words-phrasesὥσπερ…οὕτως καὶ1

See how you translated just as and so also in the verse 19. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

958ROM521leu9figs-abstractnounsἡ ἁμαρτία ἐν τῷ θανάτῳ…ἡ χάρις…δικαιοσύνης…ζωὴν αἰώνιον1

See how you translated the abstract nouns sin and grace in the previous verse, death and righteousness in verse 17, and eternal life in 2:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

959ROM521wmy8figs-personificationἐβασίλευσεν ἡ ἁμαρτία1as sin ruled in death

Here, sin is spoken of figuratively as if it were a king ruling over people. Paul means that everyone was controlled by their sinful desires. While death ruled in verse 14, sin ruled after God gave the law. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everyone was controlled by sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

960ROM521wuh2figs-explicitἐν τῷ θανάτῳ1as sin ruled in death

Here, in death could refer to: (1) the location in which sin ruled. Alternate translation: “in the place where death exists” (2) the means by which sin ruled. Alternate translation: “by means of death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

961ROM521kc21figs-personificationχάρις βασιλεύσῃ διὰ δικαιοσύνης1as sin ruled in death

Here, grace is spoken of figuratively as if it were a king ruling over people. Paul means that Gods grace allows people to become righteous. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how gracious God is might make people become righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

962ROM521bk72grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ…διὰ1

See how you translated through in the verses 1719. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

963ROM521c9njgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον1

Here, to indicates that was follows is the result of Gods grace ruling through righteousness. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “resulted in eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

964ROM521axr9figs-explicitἸησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1

The phrase Jesus Christ our Lord refers to what Jesus did for believers in order for them to have eternal life. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

965ROM6introv5220

Romans 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Becoming like Christ in this life (6:18:39)
    • Baptism represents union with Christs death (6:114)
    • Christians are now slaves of righteousness (6:1523)

Special concepts in this chapter

Slavery

In this chapter Paul frequently uses the metaphor of the relationship between slaves and their masters. He speaks figuratively of people who live sinfully as if they were slaves to sin and the death it causes (6:6, 1617, 20). He also speaks figuratively of Christians as if God has freed them from being enslaved to sin and has himself or righteousness their master (6:18, 22). Because Christians are no longer controlled by their desire to sin, they should instead serve God and live in a way that glorifies him (6:1214, 19). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/servant]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

In verses 13, 1516, and 21 Paul uses rhetorical questions in order to answer objections that people might make about what he is saying.

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Inclusive language

In this chapter the pronouns “we”, “us”, and “our” refer inclusively to all believers in Christ. Paul calls these people those who have been “baptized into Christ Jesus” in verse 3. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

966ROM61fxgwgrammar-connect-logic-resultτί οὖν1

Here, then indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous chapter, especially what he said in 5:20. See how you translated What then in 3:1 and 4:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

967ROM61pvg3figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν? ἐπιμένωμεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσῃ?1What then will we say? Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound?

In this verse Paul is not asking for information, but is using a question to address rumors some people may have been saying that misrepresented his teachings. If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation or communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Then we will say that we should continue in the sin so that the grace might increase!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

968ROM61t8tlfigs-quotemarksτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν? ἐπιμένωμεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσῃ?1we say

In this verse and the first part of the next verse, Paul is speaking as if he were a Christian who misunderstood what Paul had taught in the previous chapter. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

969ROM61fj9efigs-exclusiveἐροῦμεν? ἐπιμένωμεν1we say

When Paul says we in this verse, he is including all “who were baptized into Christ Jesus,” as mentioned in 6:3, so we is inclusive of all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

970ROM61ngptfigs-abstractnounsτῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ…ἡ χάρις1

See how you translated the abstract nouns sin and grace in 5:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

971ROM61sa16figs-metaphorἐπιμένωμεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ1

Paul speaks figuratively of sin as if it were a location. He is referring to the idea of people continuing to live sinfully after they have become Christians. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Should we continue to live sinfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

972ROM61ju6ffigs-metaphorἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσῃ1

Paul speaks figuratively of grace as if it were an object that could increase in amount, as he also does in 5:20. He is referring to the idea of Christians experiencing the power or influence of grace in their lives. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “so that we can experience more grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

973ROM61f5qtgrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσῃ1

The phrase so that here introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the supposed purpose for which someone would sin. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order to increase the grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

974ROM62e82nfigs-explicitμὴ γένοιτο1

In this verse Paul responds to the rhetorical questions he wrote in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, May it never be!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

975ROM62pa6gfigs-exclamationsμὴ γένοιτο1

See how you translated this phrase in 3:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

976ROM62wvhgfigs-rquestionοἵτινες ἀπεθάνομεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, πῶς ἔτι ζήσομεν ἐν αὐτῇ?1

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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: “We who died to sin surely cannot still live in it!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

977ROM62rgtefigs-metaphorοἵτινες ἀπεθάνομεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, πῶς ἔτι ζήσομεν ἐν αὐτῇ?1

Paul speaks figuratively of sin as if it were a location where Christians could live or die. Here, died to sin refers to the idea that Christians are no longer controlled by their sinful desires. By contrast, live in sin means to continue being controlled by sinful desires. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “We who are no longer controlled by our desire to sin, how could we still live as though we are controlled by that desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

978ROM63wwawfigs-rquestionἢ ἀγνοεῖτε, ὅτι ὅσοι ἐβαπτίσθημεν εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν, εἰς τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ ἐβαπτίσθημεν?1

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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 surely know that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

979ROM63wh26figs-ellipsisὅσοι1

Paul is leaving out a word 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: “as many people as” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

980ROM63yy94figs-activepassiveὅσοι ἐβαπτίσθημεν εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν, εἰς τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ ἐβαπτίσθημεν1

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: “as many people as someone baptized into Christ Jesus someone also baptized into his death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

981ROM63bd11figs-metaphorἐβαπτίσθημεν εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν, εἰς τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ ἐβαπτίσθημεν1

Paul speaks figuratively of Christ Jesus and his death as if they were locations into which someone could be baptized. Here, into Christ Jesus refers to being united with Christ Jesus, and into his death refers to sharing in the spiritual benefits of his death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning of these two phrases plainly. Alternative translation: “were baptized are united with Christ Jesus and also share in the benefits of his death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

982ROM63tcvefigs-abstractnounsτὸν θάνατον1

See how you translated death in 5:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

983ROM64m43rgrammar-connect-logic-resultσυνετάφημεν οὖν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Therefore, we were buried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

984ROM64f4vafigs-metaphorσυνετάφημεν οὖν αὐτῷ1We were buried, then, with him through baptism into death

Paul speaks figuratively of Christians as if they were buried with Jesus when they were baptized. Paul mentions burial because it emphasizes that Jesus did indeed die. Here he means that Christians are indeed united with Christs death and share in its spiritual benefits. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Then, we are indeed united with Christs death” or “Then, we are so united with Christs death that it is as if we were really buried with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

985ROM64vva7figs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ βαπτίσματος εἰς τὸν θάνατον1We were buried, then, with him through baptism into death

Here, through indicates that the following phrase is the means by which Christians were buried with Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of the baptism into his death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

986ROM64kmn3figs-metaphorεἰς τὸν θάνατον1We were buried, then, with him through baptism into death

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

987ROM64y71vfigs-abstractnounsτὸν θάνατον…τῆς δόξης…ζωῆς1

See how you translated the abstract nouns death in 6:3, glory in 5:2, and life in 5:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

988ROM64k1elgrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα ὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς περιπατήσωμεν1

Here, so that indicates that what follows is a purpose clause. Paul is stating one purpose for which God instituted baptism. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases to make this explicit. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order for us to walk in newness of life, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

989ROM64kadogrammar-connect-words-phrasesὥσπερ… οὕτως καὶ1

See how you translated just as and so also in the 5:19. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

990ROM64z6zkfigs-simileὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς περιπατήσωμεν1

The point of this comparison is that the new way a Christian should live after being baptized is similar to being raised from the dead, like Christ was. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we should live in a new way, similar to when Christ was raised from death through the glory of the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

991ROM64dpy2figs-activepassiveἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός1

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 glory of the Father raised Christ from dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

992ROM64t47rfigs-idiomἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν1just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we might walk in newness of life

See how you translated this phrase in 4:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

993ROM64ce9zfigs-idiomἐκ νεκρῶν1

See how you translated this phrase in 4:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

994ROM64gblcfigs-possessionδιὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe glory that comes from or characterizes the Father. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “through the glory from the Father” or “through the Fathers glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

995ROM64y29wfigs-explicitτῆς δόξης1

Here, the glory refers specifically to Gods glorious power. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the glorious power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

996ROM64r3hnguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρός1

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

997ROM64gtnsfigs-metaphorἡμεῖς…περιπατήσωμεν1

Here Paul uses walk figuratively to refer to how a person lives and behaves. If this would be confusing in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “we … might act” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

998ROM64hyabfigs-possessionἐν καινότητι ζωῆς1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe life that is characterized by newness. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “with a new life” or “like those made newly alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

999ROM65msbqgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1000ROM65jdzpgrammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection

Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

1001ROM65p6xkfigs-metaphorσύμφυτοι γεγόναμεν τῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ1we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection

Here Paul speaks figuratively of death as if it were something which Christians could be physically planted together with. He means that by being baptized Christians show that they participate in the spiritual benefits obtained by Christs death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “we participate in Christs death through baptism” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1002ROM65z8wafigs-abstractnounsτῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ…τῆς ἀναστάσεως1we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection

If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas of likeness and resurrection, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “in what is like his death … his resurrecting from the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1003ROM65hg5yfigs-explicitτῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ1we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection

Here Paul implies that likeness of his death refers to the “baptism” referred to in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the likeness of his death that is represented by baptism” or “in baptism that represents dying with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1004ROM65kfvsfigs-metaphorἀλλὰ καὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως ἐσόμεθα1we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection

Here Paul speaks figuratively of resurrection as if it were something to which Christians could become part of. He means that Christians will one day rise from the dead like Christ did. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “we will also certainly be resurrected like Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1005ROM66fhvhfigs-activepassiveὁ παλαιὸς ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος συνεσταυρώθη1

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 crucified our old man together with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1006ROM66lu12figs-metaphorὁ παλαιὸς ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος συνεσταυρώθη1

Paul speaks figuratively of our sinful human nature as if it were an old man who was nailed to the same cross as Christ. Paul means that when Christ was crucified he destroyed the power of sin and death that controlled all humans. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “God destroyed the power of sin that controlled people when Christ was crucified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1007ROM66y0ibwriting-pronounsσυνεσταυρώθη1

The pronoun him refers to Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “was crucified with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1008ROM66n6o6grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1

Here, in order that introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God crucified our old man. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “so that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1009ROM66jpgefigs-activepassiveκαταργηθῇ τὸ σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας1the body of sin

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

1010ROM66jw00figs-metaphorκαταργηθῇ τὸ σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας1the body of sin

Paul speaks figuratively of the body of sin as if it were a condition of slavery that could be cancelled. He means that Christs crucifixion removed the ability of sinful desires to control people. If your readers would not this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “God might completely end how living sinfully controls people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1011ROM66l6pdfigs-possessionτὸ σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας1the body of sin

Paul is using the possessive form to describe how the body is related to sin. Use a natural way in your language to express this idea. Here, the body of sin could refer to: (1) how humans tend to sin. Alternate translation: “our human tendency to sin” or “how living sinfully controls us” (2) how sin controls the human body. Alternate translation: “how sin controls our bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1012ROM66l3zmfigs-abstractnounsἁμαρτίας…ἁμαρτίᾳ1

See how you translated the abstract noun sin in verse 1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1013ROM66c5iegrammar-connect-logic-goalτοῦ μηκέτι δουλεύειν1

Here, for could indicate: (1) Gods purpose for nullifying the body of sin. Alternate translation: “in order for it to no longer enslave” (2) the result of the body of sin being nullified. Alternate translation: “causing it to no longer enslave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1014ROM66rpaxfigs-metaphorτοῦ μηκέτι δουλεύειν ἡμᾶς τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ1

Paul speaks figuratively of the body of sin as if it could enslave people. Here he means that the desire to sin that controls people would no longer do so. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “for it to no longer make us live sinfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1015ROM67f893figs-explicitὁ…ἀποθανὼν1

Here Paul implies that the one having died is the same “old man” whom Paul said “was crucified” with Christ in the previous verse. Paul means that God considers any person who has “died to sin” (6:2) to be freed from living sinfully. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the one who has died to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1016ROM67qvgdfigs-metaphorδεδικαίωται ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας1

Paul continues the metaphor of sin enslaving people from the previous verse. Here Paul speaks figuratively of sin as if it were something that people need to be freed from. He means that the desire to sin that controls people would no longer do so. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “no longer has to live sinfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1017ROM67hoqmfigs-activepassiveδεδικαίωται1

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

1018ROM67geuafigs-abstractnounsἁμαρτίας1

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

1019ROM68mbx9grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1we have died with Christ

In this verse, Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is true. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is true. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

1020ROM68wwhffigs-metaphorἀπεθάνομεν σὺν Χριστῷ1we have died with Christ

Paul speaks figuratively of Christians as if they physically died with Christ. He means that through baptism Christians show that they participate in the spiritual benefits obtained by Christs death and will one day live together with him. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “we are united to Christs death when baptized” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1021ROM68c724figs-explicitπιστεύομεν1we have died with Christ

Paul implies that since Christians have died with Christ, the result is that they have confidence that they will live together with him. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “we are confident” or “this persuades us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1022ROM68nuc1figs-explicitκαὶ συνζήσομεν αὐτῷ1we have died with Christ

Here Paul implies that live together with him refers to “eternal life”, as he mentioned in 5:21 and 6:45. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “we will also live forever with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1023ROM69bebxfigs-infostructureεἰδότες ὅτι Χριστὸς ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν, οὐκέτι ἀποθνῄσκει1We know that since Christ has been raised from the dead

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “knowing that Christ no longer dies, having been raised from dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

1024ROM69zdkcgrammar-connect-words-phrasesεἰδότες ὅτι1We know that since Christ has been raised from the dead

See how you translated the similar phrase in verse 6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1025ROM69gjqqfigs-activepassiveΧριστὸς ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν1

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

1026ROM69zkq2figs-idiomἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν1We know that since Christ has been raised from the dead

See how you translated the similar clause in verse 4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1027ROM69lvv8figs-parallelismοὐκέτι ἀποθνῄσκει; θάνατος αὐτοῦ οὐκέτι κυριεύει1from the dead

These two phrases mean similar things. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that Christ can never die again. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “he will absolutely never die again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1028ROM69wem1figs-personificationθάνατος αὐτοῦ οὐκέτι κυριεύει1death no longer has authority over him

Here, death is spoken of figuratively as if it were a lord who could rule over someone. Paul means that Jesus could not possibly die again. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he no longer submits to being dead” or “he can never die again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1029ROM69kl3efigs-abstractnounsθάνατος1from the dead

See how you translated the abstract noun death in verse 4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1030ROM610ehi9grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For in regard to the death that he died to sin, he died once for all

For indicates that what follows is the reason why Christ “no longer dies,” as stated in the previous verse. Use the most natural way in your language to express a reason, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1031ROM610e290writing-pronouns1For in regard to the death that he died to sin, he died once for all

Here, that which refers to Christs death and life. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the death which” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1032ROM610aw31figs-metaphorτῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ ἀπέθανεν1For in regard to the death that he died to sin, he died once for all

Here, to sin implies that Christ died for the sake of freeing humanity from being “enslaved to sin.” It does not mean that Jesus himself was ever controlled by sin before he died. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternative translation: “he died for the sake of removing sins control over people” or “he died to stop sin from controlling people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1033ROM610j7blwriting-pronouns2For in regard to the death that he died to sin, he died once for all

Here, that which refers to Christs life after God raised him from the dead. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the life which” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1034ROM610z4ybfigs-explicitζῇ τῷ Θεῷ1

Here, to God implies that Christ now lives for the sake of glorifying God. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternative translation: “he lives for the sake of glorifying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1035ROM611zjjvfigs-youὑμεῖς1In the same way, you also must consider

Throughout verses 1123, the pronouns you and “your” are plural and refer to the believers in Rome to whom Paul wrote this letter. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you believers at Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1036ROM611dw6lfigs-metaphorεἶναι νεκροὺς μὲν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ1dead to sin

See how you translated “died to sin” in verse 2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1037ROM611bjxgfigs-explicitζῶντας…τῷ Θεῷ1dead to sin

See how you translated the similar phrase “he lives to God” in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1038ROM611nkvdfigs-metaphorἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1dead to sin

See how you translated this phrase in 3:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1039ROM612pp2tgrammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1do not let sin rule in your mortal body

Therefore here introduces a result clause. Paul is stating how he wants his readers to fact in response to what he said in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a result clause. Alternate translation: “This is why” or “Because of this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1040ROM612s6h1figs-personificationμὴ…βασιλευέτω ἡ ἁμαρτία ἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι1do not let sin rule in your mortal body

Here, sin is spoken of figuratively as if it were a king who rules over a place called mortal body. Paul means that Christians should not allow sin to control the way they use their bodies. See how you translated a similar use of rule in 5:21. Alternate translation: “do not let your physical body become controlled by sinning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1041ROM612z1iafigs-genericnounἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι,1in your mortal body

Although body here is a singular noun, Paul is referring to the bodies of his readers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a plural form. Alternate translation: “in your mortal bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

1042ROM612cm8dfigs-synecdocheἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι1in your mortal body

Here, body could refer to: (1) the whole person. Alternative translation: “in you” or “in your whole being” (2) the physical human body. Alternative translation: “in your physical body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1043ROM612r462grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς τὸ ὑπακούειν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις αὐτοῦ1in order that you may obey its lusts

Here in order to indicates that what follows is the result of letting sin rule. Use a natural way in your language to express result. Alternate translation: “causing you to obey its lusts” or “resulting in you obeying your lusts”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1044ROM612yg9lfigs-personificationεἰς τὸ ὑπακούειν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις αὐτοῦ1in order that you may obey its lusts

Here Paul speaks of lusts figuratively as if they were people who could be obeyed. He means that people can submit to their desire to do sinful things. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in order to submit to your lustful desires” or “in order to do what you lust for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1045ROM612zs9gfigs-abstractnounsταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις αὐτοῦ1in order that you may obey its lusts

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of lusts, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “how it urges you to lust” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1046ROM612kh3wwriting-pronounsαὐτοῦ1in order that you may obey its lusts

The pronoun its refers to mortal body. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “your mortal bodys” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1047ROM613wt07figs-infostructureμηδὲ παριστάνετε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα ἀδικίας τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, ἀλλὰ παραστήσατε ἑαυτοὺς τῷ Θεῷ, ὡσεὶ ἐκ νεκρῶν ζῶντας, καὶ τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα δικαιοσύνης τῷ Θεῷ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses to emphasize the similar ideas. Alternate translation: “And do not keep presenting your members as tools of unrighteousness to sin, but present your members as tools of righteousness to God. And present yourselves to God, as living from dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

1048ROM613mxtofigs-metaphorμηδὲ παριστάνετε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα ἀδικίας τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ…καὶ τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα δικαιοσύνης τῷ Θεῷ1

Paul speaks figuratively of body parts as if they were tools that could be offered to someone or used by someone. He means that he wants his readers to stop using their body parts for sinning, but instead to use them to live in the way God wants. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “And do not keep using your members to act unrighteously by sinning … and use your members to act righteously for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1049ROM613qncnfigs-possessionὅπλα ἀδικίας1in order that you may obey its lusts

Paul is using the possessive form to describe tools that are characterized by unrighteousness. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “as unrighteous tools” or “as tools for living unrighteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1050ROM613hlzfὅπλα…ὅπλα1in order that you may obey its lusts

The word translated as tools often refers to “weapons.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “as weapons … as weapons”

1051ROM613wq3mfigs-metaphorπαραστήσατε ἑαυτοὺς τῷ Θεῷ1in order that you may obey its lusts

Paul speaks figuratively of his readers as if they could offer themselves as slaves to their master, who is God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “devote yourselves to serving God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1052ROM613px9kfigs-simileὡσεὶ ἐκ νεκρῶν ζῶντας1in order that you may obey its lusts

The point of this comparison is that Christians should live in such a way that demonstrates that they are now dead to sin, but alive to God, as mentioned in verse 11). If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as those who are free from living sinfully” or “as those who are no longer controlled by living sinfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1053ROM613vk76figs-idiomἐκ νεκρῶν1in order that you may obey its lusts

See how you translated this phrase in verse 4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1054ROM613amyofigs-ellipsisκαὶ τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν1in order that you may obey its lusts

Paul is leaving out a word that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply this from the beginning of this sentence. Alternate translation: “and present your members” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1055ROM613dz8ufigs-possessionὅπλα δικαιοσύνης1in order that you may obey its lusts

Paul is using the possessive form to describe tools that are characterized by righteousness. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “as righteous tools” or “as tools for living righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1056ROM614xfz1grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1057ROM614u36fgrammar-connect-logic-resultἁμαρτία…ὑμῶν οὐ κυριεύσει, οὐ γάρ ἐστε ὑπὸ νόμον, ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν1Do not allow sin to rule over you

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “because you are not under law, but under grace, do not allow sin to rule over you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1058ROM614gez3figs-personificationἁμαρτία…ὑμῶν οὐ κυριεύσει1Do not allow sin to rule over you

See how you translated the similar phrase in verse 12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1059ROM614bl09figs-declarativeἁμαρτία…οὐ κυριεύσει1Do not allow sin to rule over you

Paul is using a future statement to give a command. If this is confusing in your language, you can use a more natural form for a command. Alternate translation: “sin must not rule over” or “do not allow sin to rule over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]])

1060ROM614caqvgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγάρ1Do not allow sin to rule over you

Here, for indicates that what follows is the reason why Paul urges his readers to not allow sin to lord over them. Use the most natural form in your language for indicating a reason. Alternate translation: “The reason for this is that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1061ROM614a0dzfigs-personificationοὐ γάρ ἐστε ὑπὸ νόμον, ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν1Do not allow sin to rule over you

Paul speaks figuratively of law and grace as if they were rulers whose authority people have to live under. He means that Christians are no longer controlled by the requirements of the law, which resulted in people sinning more, as stated in 5:20. By contrast, Christians now serve the gracious God, as is explained in verses 1523. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “for the law no longer controls you, but you are now controlled by Gods grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1062ROM614eibigrammar-collectivenounsνόμον1

See how you translated law in 2:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

1063ROM614ypqxfigs-explicitὑπὸ χάριν1

Here, grace refers specifically to Gods gracious empowering of people to stop sinning. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternative translation: “controlled by Gods grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1064ROM615yk81grammar-connect-logic-resultτί οὖν1

Here, then indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in verses 114. See how you translated What then in 3:1, 4:1, and 6:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1065ROM615zxb8figs-rquestionτί οὖν? ἁμαρτήσωμεν ὅτι οὐκ ἐσμὲν ὑπὸ νόμον, ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν?1What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be

Here Paul is not asking for information, but is using a question to address an objection that some people may have to what he said in the previous verses. If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation or communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Then we should sin because we are not under law, but under grace!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1066ROM615rttsfigs-quotemarksτί οὖν? ἁμαρτήσωμεν ὅτι οὐκ ἐσμὲν ὑπὸ νόμον, ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν?1What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be

In these two sentences, Paul is speaking as if he were a Christian who misunderstood what Paul had taught in the previous verses. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

1067ROM615t4ccfigs-personificationὑπὸ νόμον…ὑπὸ χάριν1May it never be

See how you translated these phrases in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1068ROM615t52xfigs-explicitμὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

In this sentence Paul begins to respond to the rhetorical questions he wrote earlier in the verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, May it never be!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1069ROM615c77gfigs-exclamationsμὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

See how you translated this phrase in 3:4 and 6:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

1070ROM616n5j4figs-rquestionοὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι ᾧ παριστάνετε ἑαυτοὺς δούλους εἰς ὑπακοήν, δοῦλοί ἐστε ᾧ ὑπακούετε— ἤτοι ἁμαρτίας εἰς θάνατον, ἢ ὑπακοῆς εἰς δικαιοσύνην?1

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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 surely know that to what you keep presenting yourselves as slaves for obedience, you become slaves to what you obey—whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1071ROM616hn6ywriting-pronounsᾧ…ᾧ1whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience

The pronoun translated what here indicates a general reference to a thing or person. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “to whomever or whatever… to whomever or whatever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1072ROM616g6zzfigs-metaphorπαριστάνετε ἑαυτοὺς δούλους…δοῦλοί ἐστε ᾧ ὑπακούετε1whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience

Paul speaks figuratively of people as if they could offer themselves as slaves to someone or something. He is referring to being controlled by someone or something. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “you keep being controlled by … you become controlled by what you obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1073ROM616psrrgrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς ὑπακοήν1

Here, for indicates that this is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which these people are presenting themselves as slaves. Use a natural way in your language for indicating a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order to obey” or “for the purpose of obeying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1074ROM616zim4figs-abstractnounsεἰς ὑπακοήν…ὑπακοῆς1whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of obedience, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “to obey … to obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1075ROM616h0arfigs-personificationἤτοι ἁμαρτίας εἰς θάνατον, ἢ ὑπακοῆς εἰς δικαιοσύνην1whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience

Here, sin and obedience are spoken of as if they were masters that slaves would obey. Paul means that people can be controlled either by their desire to sin or a desire to obey God. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “whether you are controlled by sinning, leading to death, or you are controlled by obeying God, leading to righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1076ROM616gtzdfigs-possessionἁμαρτίας…ὑπακοῆς1whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience

Paul is using the possessive form to describe slaves that belong to sin or obedience. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “slaves that belong to sin … slaves that belong to obedience” or “sins slaves … obediences slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1077ROM616cyctfigs-abstractnounsἁμαρτίας…δικαιοσύνην1whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience

See how you translated the abstract nouns sin in verse 15 and righteousness in verse 13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1078ROM616zfgcgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς θάνατον…εἰς δικαιοσύνην1whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience

Here, leading to indicates result. Use a natural way in your language to express the result of something. Alternate translation: “resulting in death … resulting to righteousness” or “causing death … causing righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1079ROM616d8gvfigs-explicitεἰς θάνατον1whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience

Here, death refers to spiritual death, which is eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “leading to spiritual death” or “causing one to die spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1080ROM617xj75figs-exclamationsχάρις…τῷ Θεῷ1

Here thanks be to God is an exclamatory phrase that communicates Pauls thankfulness. Use an exclamation form that is natural in your language for communicating thanks. Alternate translation: “I give thanks to God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

1081ROM617tl5dgrammar-connect-logic-contrastὅτι ἦτε δοῦλοι τῆς ἁμαρτίας1

Here that indicates that the clause that follows provides a contrast between who Pauls readers were before they became Christians and who they were after they had listened from the heart to true Christian teaching. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “even though you were slaves of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

1082ROM617yxt7figs-personificationδοῦλοι τῆς ἁμαρτίας1For you were slaves of sin

See how you translated the similar phrase of sin in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1083ROM617uwcyfigs-personificationὑπηκούσατε δὲ ἐκ καρδίας, εἰς…τύπον διδαχῆς1For you were slaves of sin

Here Paul speaks of the pattern of teaching figuratively as if it were a person who could be listened to. He means that his readers accepted the true Christian teaching that Christians were teaching them. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but you accepted the form of teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1084ROM617ep7kfigs-explicitὑπηκούσατε1For you were slaves of sin

The word translated listened implies that the people who listened also responded by obeying what they heard. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you obeyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1085ROM617my2zfigs-idiomὑπηκούσατε…ἐκ καρδίας1but you have obeyed from the heart

Here, from the heart is an idiom that refers to being sincere or doing something with ones will and emotions. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you totally listened” or “you listened from deep within” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1086ROM617lugjfigs-personificationεἰς ὃν παρεδόθητε τύπον διδαχῆς1but you have obeyed from the heart

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the pattern of teaching as if it were a slave-master to which people are given over to as slaves when they become Christians. Paul means that Christians should submit to the authority of true Christian teaching. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the pattern of teaching that you were submitted to” or “to the pattern of teaching that you were handed over to, as if you are its slave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1087ROM617pz14figs-activepassiveὃν παρεδόθητε1the pattern of teaching that you were given

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: “that God gave you over to” or (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1088ROM618fcd1figs-personificationἐλευθερωθέντες δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, ἐδουλώθητε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ1

Here Paul speaks of sin and righteousness figuratively as if they were slave-masters that people could be enslaved to. Paul means that his readers are no longer controlled by their sinful desires, but are controlled by the desire to live righteously. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And having been freed from having to live sinfully, you now have to live righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1089ROM618y2zgfigs-activepassiveἐλευθερωθέντες δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, ἐδουλώθητε1You have been made free from sin

If your language does not use passive forms in this way, you could express these ideas in active forms or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “And God having freed you from sin, he enslaved you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1090ROM618twpqfigs-abstractnounsἁμαρτίας…δικαιοσύνῃ1You have been made free from sin

See how you translated the abstract nouns sin and righteousness in verse 16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1091ROM619jlmdgrammar-connect-logic-resultἀνθρώπινον λέγω, διὰ τὴν ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν1because of the weakness of your flesh

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because of the weakness of your flesh, I speak as a man” or “Because you are still immature, I have to speak in simple terms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1092ROM619puvhfigs-idiomἀνθρώπινον λέγω1because of the weakness of your flesh

Here, the phrase as a man is an idiom meaning “the way people do” or “like a human being.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I am speaking based on how human beings perceive things” or “I am talking like a mere human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1093ROM619gt1nfigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν…τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ τῇ ἀνομίᾳ εἰς τὴν ἀνομίαν…τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ εἰς ἁγιασμόν1because of the weakness of your flesh

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of weakness, uncleanness, lawlessness, righteousness, and sanctification, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “how weak your flesh is … to act impurely and to be more and more lawless … for living righteously, which leads to being sanctified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1094ROM619l4ahfigs-idiomτὴν ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν1because of the weakness of your flesh

Here, the term flesh is an idiom that refers to human nature. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “your human weakness” or “your natural limitations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1095ROM619psmwgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1because of the weakness of your flesh

For here indicates that what follows explains what Paul said in verses 1718. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1096ROM619x2ktgrammar-connect-words-phrasesὥσπερ…οὕτως1because of the weakness of your flesh

See how you translated just as and so in the 5:19. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1097ROM619jbczfigs-personificationπαρεστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν δοῦλα τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ τῇ ἀνομίᾳ εἰς τὴν ἀνομίαν… παραστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, δοῦλα τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ1because of the weakness of your flesh

Paul speaks figuratively of body parts as if they were slaves that could be offered to someone or used by someone. He means that his readers used to use use their body parts to act impurely and to disobey Gods laws, but now they should use them to live in the way God wants. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. See how you translated similar phrases in verse 13. Alternative translation: “you used your members to act uncleanly and to disobey God more and more … use your members to act righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1098ROM619o0tagrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς ἁγιασμόν1presented the parts of your body as slaves to uncleanness and to evil

The phrase leading to indicates result. Use a natural way in your language to express the result of something. Alternate translation: “resulting in sanctification” or “causing sanctification” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1099ROM620s9pkgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here introduces a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to express the result of something. Alternate translation: “This reason for this is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1100ROM620i1zefigs-personificationὅτε…δοῦλοι ἦτε τῆς ἁμαρτίας, ἐλεύθεροι ἦτε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ1you were free from righteousness

Here, sin and righteousness are spoken of figuratively as though they were slave-masters. Paul means that when his readers had previously used their bodies to act sinfully, they were not serving Gods purposes as slaves of righteousness. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when you were controlled by sin, you did not serve God” or “when you were living sinfully, you did not live righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1101ROM620mu0yfigs-ironyἐλεύθεροι ἦτε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ1

Paul is not making a serious suggestion here that sinful people are not required to live righteously. Paul actually means to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of free. If this would be misunderstood in your language, consider expressing the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you were unrighteous” or “you were unable to live righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

1102ROM621x3bngrammar-connect-logic-resultτίνα…καρπὸν εἴχετε τότε, ἐφ’ οἷς νῦν ἐπαισχύνεσθε? τὸ γὰρ τέλος ἐκείνων θάνατος1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second sentence gives the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “since the outcome of those things is death, what fruit were you then having because of which things you are now ashamed?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1103ROM621kjl5figs-rquestionτίνα οὖν καρπὸν εἴχετε τότε, ἐφ’ οἷς νῦν ἐπαισχύνεσθε1At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed?

Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize the futility of being “slaves to sin” in the previous verse. 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 in order to communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “So you were not then having any fruit because of which things you are now ashamed!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1104ROM621vgamfigs-idiomκαρπὸν1At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed?

Here, fruit is an idiom meaning “benefit” or “advantage.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “advantage” or “profit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1105ROM621pnbmfigs-explicitἐφ’ οἷς…ἐκείνων1At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed?

Here, which things and those things refer to sins. If it might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of which sins … of those sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1106ROM621j2iefigs-abstractnounsτὸ γὰρ τέλος ἐκείνων θάνατος1At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed?

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of outcome and death, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “For those things finally result in you dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1107ROM621tj21figs-explicitθάνατος1At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed?

Here, death refers to spiritual death, which is eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. See how you translated the same use of death in verse 16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1108ROM622x8vwgrammar-connect-logic-contrastνυνὶ δέ1But now that you have been made free from sin and are enslaved to God

But now introduces a contrast with the previous two verses, a contrast that focuses on time. The word translated now refers to the time after the Roman believers became Christians. If this contrast would be misunderstood in your language, you could clarify what now refers to. Alternate translation: “But now that you believe in Jesus,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

1109ROM622cqlfgrammar-connect-logic-contrastἐλευθερωθέντες ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, δουλωθέντες δὲ τῷ Θεῷ1But now that you have been made free from sin and are enslaved to God

This clause indicates the reason why Pauls readers have fruit leading to sanctification. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate a reason clause. Alternate translation: “because you have been freed from sin and have been enslaved to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1110ROM622fmtcfigs-personificationἐλευθερωθέντες ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, δουλωθέντες δὲ τῷ Θεῷ1But now that you have been made free from sin and are enslaved to God

Here, sin and God are spoken of figuratively as though they were slave-masters. Paul means that Christians are no longer controlled by their desire to sin, but are supposed to obey God instead. See a similar phrase in verse 18. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having been freed from having to live sinfully and having began to serve God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1111ROM622z3apfigs-activepassiveἐλευθερωθέντες ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, δουλωθέντες δὲ τῷ Θεῷ1But now that you have been made free from sin and are enslaved to God

If your language does not use passive forms in this way, you could express these ideas in active forms or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God having freed you from sin and having enslaved you to himself” or “God having released you from being controlled by your sin and having caused you to serve him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1112ROM622npf3figs-idiomἔχετε τὸν καρπὸν ὑμῶν1you have your fruit for sanctification

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

1113ROM622a478figs-abstractnounsεἰς ἁγιασμόν, τὸ…τέλος ζωὴν αἰώνιον1The result is eternal life

See how you translated the abstract nouns sanctification in verse 19, outcome in verse 21, and eternal life in 5:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1114ROM622lvhhgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς ἁγιασμόν1you have your fruit for sanctification

See how you translated this phrase in verse 19. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1115ROM623gacygrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For the wages of sin are death

For here indicates that this verse gives the reason for what Paul said in the previous two verses. Use a natural way in your language to make this emphasis explicit. Alternate translation: “This is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1116ROM623ze3ffigs-personificationτὰ…ὀψώνια τῆς ἁμαρτίας θάνατος1For the wages of sin are death

Here, sin is spoken of figuratively as if it were a person who could pay wages. Paul means that the result of living sinfully is eternal death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when a person lives sinfully it results in eternal death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1117ROM623juc4figs-metaphorτὰ…ὀψώνια τῆς ἁμαρτίας θάνατος1For the wages of sin are death

Paul speaks figuratively of death as if it were wages paid to those who sin. He means that the result of living sinfully is eternal death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation: “whoever lives sinfully receives eternal death as the result” or “whoever lives sinfully earns eternal death as if it were wages for work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1118ROM623iyv3figs-possessionτὰ…ὀψώνια τῆς ἁμαρτίας1For the wages of sin are death

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the wages that come from sin. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “sins wages” or “the wages that come from sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1119ROM623pizhfigs-explicitθάνατος1For the wages of sin are death

Here, death refers to spiritual death, which is eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. See how you translated the same use of death in verses 16 and 21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1120ROM623slybfigs-abstractnounsθάνατος; τὸ…χάρισμα…ζωὴ αἰώνιος1For the wages of sin are death

See how you translated the abstract nouns death in verse 21, gracious gift in 5:1516, and eternal life in verse 22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1121ROM623cwkwfigs-possessionτὸ…χάρισμα τοῦ Θεοῦ1For the wages of sin are death

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

1122ROM623jn66figs-metaphorἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1For the wages of sin are death

Paul speaks figuratively of eternal life as if it were occupying space inside of Christ Jesus. Paul means that eternal life comes by being united to Christ Jesus, as stated in verse 11. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “for those who are united to Christ Jesus” or “comes through being united to Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1123ROM7introfl1y0

Romans 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Becoming like Christ in this life (6:18:39)
    • Baptism represents union with Christs death (6:114)
    • Christians are now slaves of righteousness (6:1523)
    • Christians have been freed from the law (7:16)
    • The law is not sinful (7:712)
    • Christians still struggle with indwelling sin (7:1325)

Special concepts in this chapter

“The Law”

Throughout most of this chapter Paul uses the singular noun “the law” to refer to the group of laws that God gave Israel through Moses. However, in verses 2125 Paul uses the word “law” in several different ways. Each of these different uses will be addressed in the notes. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Marriage

Scripture commonly uses marriage as a metaphor. Here Paul uses it to describe how the church relates to the law of Moses and now to Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Inclusive language

In this chapter the pronouns “we”, “us”, and “our” refer inclusively to all Jewish believers in Christ. Paul calls these people “brothers” in verses 1 and 4. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1124ROM71mk7wfigs-rquestionἢ ἀγνοεῖτε, ἀδελφοί (γινώσκουσιν γὰρ νόμον λαλῶ), ὅτι ὁ νόμος κυριεύει τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ?1do you not know, brothers … that the law controls a person for as long as he lives?

Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize that the Jew is required to obey the Law of Moses his whole life. 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 surely know, brothers (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law is lord of the man for as long as he lives!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1125ROM71r9flfigs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί…τοῦ ἀνθρώπου…ζῇ1brothers

Although the term brothers and the man and he are masculine, Paul is using the words here in a generic sense that includes both males and females. Alternate translation: “fellow Jewish believers … a person … that person lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1126ROM71s4su(γινώσκουσιν γὰρ νόμον λαλῶ)1brothers

Here Paul interrupts himself in order to clarify that he is specifically directing this part of the letter to the Jewish believers in the church at Rome. If this would be confusing in your language, you could add parentheses like the ULT or use a natural way in your language to indicate this.

1127ROM71j67xgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1brothers

Here, for indicates that what follows is the reason why Paul expects these brothers to understand what he is saying. Use the most natural way in your language to state a reason. Alternate translation: “I know you should understand this because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1128ROM71ajk4writing-pronounsλαλῶ1brothers

The pronoun I and throughout this chapter refers to Paul (see 6:19). If this might confuse your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, am speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1129ROM71k3h5grammar-collectivenounsνόμον…ὁ νόμος1brothers

For every occurrence of the law in verses 120 translate the phrase in the same way you translated it in 2:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

1130ROM71okz5figs-personificationὁ νόμος κυριεύει τοῦ ἀνθρώπου1brothers

Here Paul speaks of the law figuratively as if it were a king. Paul means that, like a king, the law must be obeyed by those who are obligated to do so. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or with a simile. Alternate translation: “like a king, the law must be obeyed by every Jewish person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1131ROM72as1hgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows in this verse and the next verse is an example from Gods law that illustrates how “the law rules over the man for as long as he lives,” as Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “For example,” or “As an illustration,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1132ROM72j4snfigs-genericnounἡ…ὕπανδρος γυνὴ τῷ ζῶντι ἀνδρὶ δέδεται νόμῳ; ἐὰν δὲ ἀποθάνῃ ὁ ἀνήρ, κατήργηται…τοῦ ἀνδρός1

Paul is speaking of Jewish married women and husbands in general, not of one particular woman or husband. If it would be helpful in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “married women remain bound by law to their living husbands, but if their husbands die, they have been released … of their husbands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

1133ROM72hpn4figs-activepassiveἡ…ὕπανδρος γυνὴ…δέδεται νόμῳ…κατήργηται1

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 law continually binds the married woman … God releases her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1134ROM72l6d9figs-personificationἡ…ὕπανδρος γυνὴ τῷ ζῶντι ἀνδρὶ δέδεται νόμῳ…κατήργηται ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου τοῦ ἀνδρός1the married woman is bound by law to the husband

Here Paul speaks of the law figuratively as if it were a person who could tie a woman to her husband. Paul means that the law of Moses requires a married woman to stay married to her husband only while he is alive. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God requires in his laws that the married woman remain married to her living husband … she is no longer required to remain married to the husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1135ROM72ag23figs-possessionτοῦ νόμου τοῦ ἀνδρός1the married woman is bound by law to the husband

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the law that is related to the husband. This phrase refers to the law already described in the previous clause. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the law that requires her to remain bound to the husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1136ROM73w3ywgrammar-connect-words-phrasesἄρα οὖν1

See how you translated this phrase in 5:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1137ROM73ss60figs-infostructureζῶντος τοῦ ἀνδρὸς, μοιχαλὶς χρηματίσει, ἐὰν γένηται ἀνδρὶ ἑτέρῳ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “if she becomes married to another husband, the first husband being alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

1138ROM73jbvcfigs-grammar-connect-time-simultaneousζῶντος τοῦ ἀνδρὸς1

In this clause Paul is describing something that was occurring during the same time period as what he describes in the next clause. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “at the same time that the husband is alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])

1139ROM73ci5rfigs-genericnounτοῦ ἀνδρὸς…ὁ ἀνήρ1

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

1140ROM73r2m4figs-activepassiveμοιχαλὶς χρηματίσει1she will be called an adulteress

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 law will title her an adulteress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1141ROM73wg4kfigs-metaphorἐλευθέρα ἐστὶν ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου1she is free from the law

Here Paul speaks of the law figuratively as if it were an object or person someone could to be freed from. Paul means that the law that prohibited a woman from marrying another husband did not apply if her first husband died. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase “she has been released from the law” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “she is no longer required to remain married to the first husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1142ROM74kvqwgrammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε1

So then here introduces the result of what Paul said in verses 13. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “Since this is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1143ROM74ne64figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1

See how you translated this word in verse 1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1144ROM74z8zjfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ὑμεῖς ἐθανατώθητε τῷ νόμῳ1you were also made dead to the law through the body of Christ

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: “you also died to the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1145ROM74svrqfigs-rpronounsκαὶ ὑμεῖς ἐθανατώθητε1you were also made dead to the law through the body of Christ

Paul uses the word yourselves to emphasize that even Jewish Christians are not required to obey the Law of Moses. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “you very Jews yourselves were also made dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1146ROM74vpwffigs-metaphorκαὶ ὑμεῖς ἐθανατώθητε τῷ νόμῳ1you were also made dead to the law through the body of Christ

Here Paul uses made dead figuratively to refer to Jewish Christians not being required to obey the Law of Moses. Just as dead people dont have to obey the law, so too Jewish Christians no longer have to obey it. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “your yourselves no longer have to obey the law” or “you yourselves are like dead people in that you do not have to obey the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1147ROM74v2tufigs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Here, through indicates that the body of Christ is the means by which believers were made dead to the law. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of the body of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1148ROM74glzffigs-metaphorδιὰ τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Here, the body of Christ refers to the death of Jesus body. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through the death of Christs body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1149ROM74xw6fgrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς τὸ γενέσθαι ὑμᾶς ἑτέρῳ1

Here, so that introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God made believers dead to the law. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order for us to become married to another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1150ROM74g59tfigs-metaphorεἰς τὸ γενέσθαι ὑμᾶς ἑτέρῳ1

Here Paul uses married to another to refer to Christians being united with Christ as if they became married to him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “so that you might become united to Jesus” or “so that you might be united with Christ like a woman becomes married to another husband”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1151ROM74rj6ufigs-activepassiveτῷ ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγερθέντι1

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: “to the one whom God raised from dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1152ROM74t9ntfigs-idiomτῷ ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγερθέντι1to him who was raised from the dead

See how you translated a similar phrase in 4:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1153ROM74gxjjgrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα καρποφορήσωμεν τῷ Θεῷ1to him who was raised from the dead

Here, in order that introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God raised Jesus from dead ones. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order for us to produce fruit for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1154ROM74c4rlfigs-metaphorκαρποφορήσωμεν τῷ Θεῷ1we might produce fruit for God

Paul uses fruit here figuratively to refer to actions that please God as if they were fruit that a person could grow. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we might be able to do things pleasing to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1155ROM74ka0ofigs-exclusiveκαρποφορήσωμεν1we might produce fruit for God

When Paul says we in this verse, he is including all those whom he called brothers earlier in this verse and in verse 1, so we is inclusive of all Jewish Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1156ROM75i1zlgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows in the next two verses explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1157ROM75gmb9figs-metaphorἦμεν ἐν τῇ σαρκί1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the flesh as if it were a location that someone could be in. He means his readers used to live according to the desires of their sinful natures. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we were living according to our sinful natures” or “we were doing whatever we wanted to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1158ROM75bl7ifigs-abstractnounsτὰ παθήματα τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν τὰ διὰ τοῦ νόμου ἐνηργεῖτο1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of passions, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “wanting to sin that was through the law was working” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1159ROM75g2rgfigs-ellipsisτὰ διὰ τοῦ νόμου ἐνηργεῖτο1

Paul is leaving out a word that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply the word from the context. Paul said something similar about the law causing sin to increase in 5:20. Alternate translation: “that were increased through the law were working” or “that were stimulated by the law were working” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1160ROM75vlevfigs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ νόμου1

Here, through indicates the means by which the sinful passions increased. Paul means that the law stimulated peoples desire to sin even more. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1161ROM75tvkufigs-personificationἐνηργεῖτο ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ἡμῶν1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the sinful passions are if they were people who could work within someones body parts. He means that peoples sinful desires caused them to sin with their bodies. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “were causing us to use our members to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1162ROM75denvτοῖς μέλεσιν1

See how you translated members in 6:13.

1163ROM75pnw6grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς τὸ καρποφορῆσαι1

Here, to introduces a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to express the result of something. Alternate translation: “which resulted in producing fruit” “so that they would produce fruit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1164ROM75xed9figs-metaphorεἰς τὸ καρποφορῆσαι1to bear fruit for death

Here Paul uses fruitfiguratively to refer to the result or outcome of someones actions. Here Paul uses fruit differently than how he used it in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: or “so that the outcome was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1165ROM75m071figs-abstractnounsτῷ θανάτῳ1to bear fruit for death

See how you translated the abstract noun death in 6:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1166ROM75ub7zfigs-explicitτῷ θανάτῳ1to bear fruit for death

Here, death refers to spiritual death, which is eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. See how you translated the same use of death in 6:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1167ROM76mze7grammar-connect-logic-contrastνυνὶ δὲ1

See how you translated this phrase in 6:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

1168ROM76l8w4figs-activepassiveκατηργήθημεν ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου…ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα1we have been released from the law

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 has released us from the law … to that which was holding us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1169ROM76j6i3figs-personificationκατηργήθημεν ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου…ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα1we have been released

Here Paul speaks of the law figuratively as if it were a slave-master from which someone must be released and who can hold people captive. Paul means that Christians do not have to obey the laws God gave the Jews. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: “we no longer have to obey the law … to that which we used to be required to obey” or “we are like slaves who have been released from the law … to that which we used to have to obey like slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1170ROM76l2l3figs-explicitἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα1to that by which we were held

The phrase that by which we were being held refers to the law. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to the law by which we were being held” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1171ROM76vcokfigs-metaphorἀποθανόντες ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα1

Paul speaks figuratively of the law as if it were a location where Christians could die. Here, died to the law refers to the idea that Christians no longer have to obey the requirements of the laws God gave the Jews. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “no longer being required to obey that by which we were being held” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1172ROM76zafggrammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε δουλεύειν ἡμᾶς1

Here, so that indicates that what follows is the result of Christians having died to the law. Use the natural way in your language to indicate a result clause. Alternate translation: “the result being that we might serve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1173ROM76f9n4figs-ellipsisδουλεύειν ἡμᾶς1

Paul is leaving out a word that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply this word from the context. Alternate translation: “we might serve God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1174ROM76c1j8figs-abstractnounsἐν καινότητι…οὐ παλαιότητι1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of newness and oldness, you could express the same ideas in another way. These words indicate different ways in which peopleserve God. Alternate translation: “in the new way … not in the old way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1175ROM76vhqdfigs-possessionἐν καινότητι Πνεύματος1

Paul uses the possessive form to describe the newness that is produced by the Spirit. Paul means that the Holy Spirit enables Christians to live in a new way that pleases God. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in a new way that comes from the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1176ROM76rm8rfigs-possessionπαλαιότητι γράμματος1the letter

Paul uses the possessive form to describe the oldness that is determined by the letter. Paul means Christians do not live in the old way that the Law of Moses requires. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the old way that the letter requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1177ROM76iozzfigs-metonymyγράμματος1the letter

Paul uses the letter figuratively to refer to the law which is written down with letters. See how you translated this word in 2:27. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1178ROM77k1jjgrammar-connect-logic-resultτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν?1What will we say then?

Here, then indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous verses, especially what he said in verse 5. See how you translated this phrase in 6:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1179ROM77bnyxfigs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν? ὁ νόμος ἁμαρτία?1What will we say then?

In these two sentences Paul is not asking for information, but is using questions to address an objection that some people may have to what he said in verse 5 because they misunderstood him. If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as statements or exclamations or communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Then we will say that the law is sin!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1180ROM77f3hcfigs-quotemarksτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν? ὁ νόμος ἁμαρτία?1What will we say then?

In these two sentences Paul is speaking as if he were a Jewish Christian who misunderstood what Paul had taught in the previous verses. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

1181ROM77zl8mfigs-abstractnounsἁμαρτία…τὴν ἁμαρτίαν1I would never have known sin, if it were not through the law

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sin, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “something sinful … what things are sinful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1182ROM77erx6figs-explicitμὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

In this sentence Paul begins to respond to the rhetorical questions he wrote earlier in the verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, May it never be!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1183ROM77u8gmfigs-exclamationsμὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

See how you translated this phrase in 3:4 and 6:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

1184ROM77y92jgrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1

But here indicates that what follows is in contrast to the idea that the law is sinful. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless,” or “By contrast,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

1185ROM77zzsfgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows in this sentence is an example from Gods law that illustrates the importance of the law. See how you translated the same use of For in verse 2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1186ROM77g0npfigs-abstractnounsτήν…ἐπιθυμίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of covetousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what it means to be covetous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1187ROM77refvwriting-quotationsὁ νόμος ἔλεγεν1

Here Paul uses said to indicate a quotation from the law that is written in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:17). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “it had been written in the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

1188ROM77qb5vfigs-personificationὁ νόμος ἔλεγεν1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the law as if it were a person who could say something. He means that God said what was written down in the law. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God said in the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1189ROM78mz77figs-personificationἀφορμὴν…λαβοῦσα ἡ ἁμαρτία διὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς, κατειργάσατο ἐν ἐμοὶ πᾶσαν ἐπιθυμίαν1But sin took the opportunity … brought about every lust

Here Paul speaks of sin figuratively as if it were a person who could take an opportunity and produce covetousness within a person. Paul means that his desire to sin by coveting increased when he learned the commandment that prohibits coveting. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my desire to sin, increasing as a result of the commandment, led me to covet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1190ROM78fh6xfigs-explicitτῆς ἐντολῆς1

Here, the commandment refers specifically to the command, “You will not covet,” in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the command that we should not covet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1191ROM78w6ahfigs-abstractnounsτῆς ἐντολῆς1

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

1192ROM78zeb5figs-abstractnounsἐπιθυμίαν1

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

1193ROM78r5i2figs-personificationχωρὶς…νόμου, ἁμαρτία νεκρά1without the law, sin is dead

Here Paul speaks of sin figuratively as if it were someone who could be dead. Paul means that his desire to sin would not have increased if God had not given his laws. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if there were no law, my desire to sin would not have been stimulated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1194ROM79cag9figs-metaphorχωρὶς νόμου1

Here Paul speaks figuratively about the law as if it did not exist before he knew about it. Paul means that he not aware of Gods law at one time. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “while unaware of the law” or “without knowledge of the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1195ROM79sz5qfigs-personificationἐλθούσης…τῆς ἐντολῆς1

Paul speaks figuratively of the commandment as if it were a person who could come to Paul. He means that he became aware of the commandment. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when I became aware of the commandment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1196ROM79i90yfigs-abstractnounsτῆς ἐντολῆς, ἡ ἁμαρτία1

See how you translated these abstract nouns in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1197ROM79d4wmfigs-explicitτῆς ἐντολῆς1

Here, the commandment could refer to: (1) all the commandments that make up Gods law. Alternate translation: “Gods commandments” (2) the commandment against coveting, as mentioned in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the commandment against coveting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1198ROM79q9lefigs-personificationἡ ἁμαρτία ἀνέζησεν1sin regained life

Here Paul speaks figuratively of sin as if it were a person who could come to life. This could mean: (1) Pauls desire to sin was stimulated, as mentioned in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “my desire to sin was stimulated” (2) Paul realized that he was sinning, as mentioned in verse 7. Alternate translation: “I became aware of my sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1199ROM710ouxmfigs-metaphorἐγὼ…ἀπέθανον1The commandment that was to bring life turned out to be death for me

Paul uses died here figuratively to refer to being spiritually dead, which is the spiritual condition of all non-Christians. Spiritual death results in eternal punishment in hell after a persons body dies. Paul means here that he realized that he was spiritually dead when he understood Gods law. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I died spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1200ROM710mzx2figs-abstractnounsἡ ἐντολὴ1The commandment that was to bring life turned out to be death for me

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

1201ROM710jmsofigs-explicitζωὴν1

Here, life refers to “eternal life.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “of eternal life” or “for living forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1202ROM710yu1ugrammar-connect-logic-goalἡ ἐντολὴ, ἡ εἰς ζωὴν1

Here, for indicates the purpose for the commandment. Paul means that Gods laws were intended to give eternal life to people who could obey them. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “the commandment that was intended to cause life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1203ROM710a0rzgrammar-connect-logic-resultεὑρέθη μοι…αὕτη εἰς θάνατον1

Here, for indicates that what follows is the result of the commandment. Paul means that Gods laws resulted in eternal death for people. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “it was found to result in death for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1204ROM710hkcefigs-activepassiveεὑρέθη…αὕτη1

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: “I found it to be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1205ROM710jrrwfigs-metaphorεὑρέθη…αὕτη1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the commandment as if it were an object that could be found. Paul means that he realized that Gods law results in spiritual death for people. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I realized it was to be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1206ROM710y97ifigs-explicitθάνατον1

Here, death refers to spiritual death, which is eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. See how you translated the same use of death in 6:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1207ROM711r582figs-personificationἡ…ἁμαρτία ἀφορμὴν λαβοῦσα διὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς1For sin took the opportunity through the commandment and deceived me. Through the commandment it killed me

See how you translated this clause in verse 8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1208ROM711qi99figs-personificationἐξηπάτησέν με1sin

Here Paul speaks of sin figuratively as if it were a person who could deceive people. Paul means that his desire to sin tricked him into thinking that he could become righteous by obeying the commandment. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “caused me to deceive myself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1209ROM711qljgwriting-pronounsδι’ αὐτῆς1sin

The pronoun it refers to the commandment. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “through the commandment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1210ROM711f6sxfigs-personificationἀπέκτεινεν1it killed me

Here Paul speaks of sin figuratively as if it were a person who could kill people. Paul means that his desire to sin caused him to disobey Gods law, which resulted in Paul being spiritually dead. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “caused me to die spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1211ROM712h0ligrammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε1

So then here introduces the result of what Paul said in verses 711. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “Since this is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1212ROM712i3kafigs-abstractnounsἡ ἐντολὴ1

See how you translated this abstract noun in verse 9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1213ROM713us69grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1So

Therefore here indicates that what follows is the result of what Paul said in verses 712. Use a natural way in your language to introduce the result of something. Alternate translation: “As a result” or “This is why” or “Because of this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1214ROM713e1bxfigs-rquestionτὸ…ἀγαθὸν ἐμοὶ ἐγένετο θάνατος?1did what is good become death to me?

Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize the law did not directly cause him to become spiritually dead. 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: “surely what is good did not become death to me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1215ROM713g451figs-explicitτὸ…ἀγαθὸν…διὰ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ1what is good

Here, what is good refers to the law. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Gods good laws … through those good laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1216ROM713qwe9figs-metaphorἐμοὶ ἐγένετο θάνατος1become death to me

Here Paul speaks of the law figuratively as if it could become death. Paul is referring to the idea that Gods laws directly caused him to become spiritually dead. He rejects this idea in the next sentence. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “did … cause me to die spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1217ROM713ee64figs-explicitθάνατος…θάνατον1become death to me

In this verse death refers to spiritual death, which is eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. See how you translated the same use of death in 6:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1218ROM713r84lfigs-abstractnounsθάνατος…ἡ ἁμαρτία…ἁμαρτία…θάνατον…ἡ ἁμαρτία διὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς1

See how you translated the abstract nouns sin and commandment in verse 11 and death in verse 10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1219ROM713hgm6figs-exclamationsμὴ γένοιτο!1May it never be

See how you translated this phrase in 3:4 and 6:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

1220ROM713f9mdfigs-infostructureἀλλὰ ἡ ἁμαρτία, ἵνα φανῇ ἁμαρτία διὰ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ μοι κατεργαζομένη θάνατον1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “But sin produced death in me in order that it might be shown to be sin through what is good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

1221ROM713qoe9grammar-connect-logic-goalἁμαρτία, ἵνα φανῇ ἁμαρτία διὰ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ μοι κατεργαζομένη θάνατον1

Here, in order that indicates a purpose clause. Paul is stating a purpose for sin producing death. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “sin produced death in me for the purpose of showing itself to be sin through what is good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1222ROM713kvhifigs-metaphorφανῇ ἁμαρτία1

Here Paul uses shown figuratively as if sin were an object that people could see. Paul means that Gods laws enable people to recognize what sin is. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it might be recognized to be sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1223ROM713e7r4figs-explicitδιὰ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ1

Here, through indicates that what is good is the means by which sin is clearly understood to be sin. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of what is good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1224ROM713m4l5figs-personificationἡ ἁμαρτία…μοι κατεργαζομένη θάνατον;1sin … brought about death in me

Here Paul speaks of sin figuratively as if it were a person who could kill someone. Paul means that his desire to sin caused him to disobey Gods law, which resulted in Paul being spiritually dead. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sin … caused me to die spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1225ROM713pnq6figs-metaphorμοι κατεργαζομένη θάνατον1brought about death in me

Here Paul speaks figuratively of death as if it were an object that could be inside a person. He means that he was spiritually dead. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “killed me spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1226ROM713cuctgrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα γένηται καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν ἁμαρτωλὸς ἡ ἁμαρτία διὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς1brought about death in me

Here, so that indicates a purpose clause. Paul is stating another purpose for sin producing death. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order for sin to become sinful beyond measure through the commandment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1227ROM713a6zbfigs-explicitδιὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς1through the commandment

Here, through indicates that the commandment is the means by which sin becomes sinful beyond measure. Paul means that Gods laws provide a standard by which people can understand how extremely sinful sin is. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of the commandment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1228ROM713clhtfigs-personificationγένηται καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν ἁμαρτωλὸς ἡ ἁμαρτία1

Here Paul speaks of sin figuratively as if it were a person who could become more sinful. He means that Gods laws provide a standard by which people can understand how extremely sinful sin is. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sin might be recognized as sinful beyond measure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1229ROM713oy2wfigs-idiomκαθ’ ὑπερβολὴν1

The phrase beyond measure is an idiom that means “to a great degree” or “exceedingly.” If this might confuse your readers, you could use a similar idiom from your language or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to an extreme degree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1230ROM714k5mggrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that this verse is the reason why the previous statement is true. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “These things I have just said are true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1231ROM714quenfigs-explicitὁ νόμος πνευματικός ἐστιν1

Here, spiritual means that the source of the law is Gods Spirit. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the law comes from Gods Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1232ROM714vxn0figs-rpronounsἐγὼ…σάρκινός εἰμι1

Paul uses the word myself to emphasize how the contrast between himself and the law. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I indeed am fleshly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1233ROM714big5figs-explicitσάρκινός1

Here, fleshly refers to the weakness of sinful human nature, which is the inability to stop sinning without Gods help. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “spiritually frail” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1234ROM714lx8ffigs-activepassiveπεπραμένος1

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: “having sold myself into slavery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1235ROM714sr9efigs-metaphorπεπραμένος ὑπὸ τὴν ἁμαρτίαν1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of himself as if he were a slave. Here, sold into slavery could refer to: (1) being influenced by ones sinful human nature. In this case Paul would be speaking about his situation even after becoming a Christian. Alternate translation: “being under the influence of my sinful nature” (2) being controlled by ones desire to sin. In this case Paul would be speaking about his situation before he became a Christian. Alternate translation: “being controlled by my desire to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1236ROM714p9pifigs-idiomὑπὸ τὴν ἁμαρτίαν1

See how you translated this idiom in 3:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1237ROM715udc8grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that this verse is the reason why the previous statement is true. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “What I have just said is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1238ROM715u3avὃ…κατεργάζομαι, οὐ γινώσκω1For what I do, I do not really understand

Alternate translation: “I am not sure why I do some of the things that I do”

1239ROM715gnebgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ2

For here indicates that what follows in this verse explains “what I produce” in the previous sentence. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1240ROM715e8kifigs-ellipsisοὐ…ὃ θέλω…ὃ μισῶ2

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “what I do not want to do … what I hate to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1241ROM715az2zfigs-hyperboleοὐ…ὃ θέλω, τοῦτο πράσσω…ὃ μισῶ, τοῦτο ποιῶ.2

The phrases I practice and I do are exaggerations that Paul uses to emphasize that he often does what he does not want to do. It does not mean that Paul always does these things. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “what I do not want, this I often practice … what I hate, this I often do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1242ROM716xho0grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ…ὃ οὐ θέλω1But if I do

Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since what I do not want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

1243ROM716y26sfigs-hyperboleὃ οὐ θέλω, τοῦτο ποιῶ1But if I do

See how you translated the similar phrase in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1244ROM716q3b5figs-ellipsisσύνφημι τῷ νόμῳ, ὅτι καλός1I agree with the law

Here Paul 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 agree with the law and thus confess that it is good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1245ROM717x667grammar-connect-words-phrasesνυνὶ δὲ1the sin that lives in me

But now indicates that this verse is the logical conclusion based on what Paul said in the previous two verses. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a conclusion. Alternate translation: “So it is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1246ROM717k7agfigs-rpronounsοὐκέτι ἐγὼ κατεργάζομαι1the sin that lives in me

Paul uses the word myself to emphasize the contrast between himself and the sin that causes him to do what he does not want to do. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “it is no longer I who produces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1247ROM717id6vwriting-pronounsαὐτὸ1the sin that lives in me

The pronoun it here refers to doing the sinful acts that he does not want to do, as mentioned in the previous two verses. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “those sinful deeds that I do not want to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1248ROM717f6n8figs-personificationἡ ἐνοικοῦσα ἐν ἐμοὶ ἁμαρτία1the sin that lives in me

Here Paul speaks of sin figuratively as if it were a person who could live inside of a person. Paul means that his desire to sin causes him to do what he does not want to do. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my desire to sin deeply influences me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1249ROM718nqhcgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows in this verse explains what Paul said in the previous sentence. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1250ROM718kf8zfigs-infostructureοἶδα…ὅτι οὐκ οἰκεῖ ἐν ἐμοί, τοῦτ’ ἔστιν ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου, ἀγαθόν1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “I know that good does not live in me, (that is, in my flesh)” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

1251ROM718p0mafigs-personificationοὐκ οἰκεῖ ἐν ἐμοί…ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου, ἀγαθόν1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of good as if it were a person who could live inside someone. He means that his sinful nature is not good at all. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “there is nothing good about me … about my flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1252ROM718p1c1figs-metaphorτῇ σαρκί μου1my flesh

Here Paul uses flesh figuratively to refer to his sinful nature. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my sinful nature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1253ROM718kyx9figs-abstractnounsἀγαθόν…τὸ καλὸν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of good, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “any good thing …what is good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1254ROM718ye8xgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ2

For here indicates that the following sentence is the reason why the previous statement is true. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “What I have just said is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1255ROM718gvevfigs-ellipsisτὸ…θέλειν παράκειταί μοι1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “the wanting to do good is present in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1256ROM718h934figs-metaphorτὸ…θέλειν παράκειταί μοι1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of wanting as if it were something that could exist inside a person. Paul means that he truly wants to do something good. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I truly want” or “I deeply desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1257ROM718uxwbfigs-ellipsisτὸ…κατεργάζεσθαι τὸ καλὸν οὔ2

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “the ability to produce the good is not in me” or “I am not able to produce the good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1258ROM719xftcgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1the good

For here indicates that what follows in this verse explains what Paul said in the last sentence of the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1259ROM719ri3bfigs-abstractnounsἀγαθόν…κακὸν1the good

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of good and evil, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “good deeds … evil deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1260ROM719j69gfigs-ellipsisὃ θέλω…ἀγαθόν…ὃ οὐ θέλω κακὸν1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that these clauses would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “the good I want to do … the evil I do not want to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1261ROM720kfvjgrammar-connect-condition-factεἰ…ὃ οὐ θέλω, τοῦτο ποιῶ1

See how you translated this clause in verse 16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

1262ROM720sk9qοὐκέτι ἐγὼ κατεργάζομαι αὐτὸ, ἀλλὰ ἡ οἰκοῦσα ἐν ἐμοὶ ἁμαρτία1

See how you translated these clauses in verse 17.

1263ROM721rqfufigs-metaphorεὑρίσκω1that evil is actually present in me

Here Paul speaks figuratively of a law as if it were an object that he could find. Paul means that he realized the law that is described in the rest of the verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I realized that there was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1264ROM721qae3figs-metaphorἄρα1that evil is actually present in me

Here, then introduces a result clause. Verses 2125 describe the logical conclusion to what Paul has stated in verses 1420. Use a natural way in your language for expressing result. Alternate translation: “as a result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1265ROM721y5vofigs-explicitτὸν νόμον1that evil is actually present in me

Here, law refers to a rule or principle. It does not refer to the laws God gave the Jews. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “this rule” or “a different kind of law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1266ROM721xxq9figs-infostructureτῷ θέλοντι ἐμοὶ ποιεῖν τὸ καλὸν, ὅτι ἐμοὶ τὸ κακὸν παράκειται1that evil is actually present in me

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “that evil is present in me, in me the one wanting to do good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

1267ROM721mo4rfigs-metaphorἐμοὶ…ἐμοὶ τὸ κακὸν παράκειται1

Here Paul speaks of evil as if it were an object that could be inside a person. Paul means that he does evil deeds. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I … I do evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1268ROM721qn1rfigs-distinguishτῷ θέλοντι…ποιεῖν τὸ καλὸν1

Here, the one wanting to do good is giving further information about me, which refers to Paul. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “who is the one wanting to do good (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

1269ROM721hqp9figs-abstractnounsτὸ καλὸν…τὸ κακὸν1

See how you translated these abstract nouns in verse 19. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1270ROM722mvodgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1the inner man

For here indicates that what follows in this verse is the reason why the previous verse is true. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “What I have just said is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1271ROM722x28lfigs-metaphorσυνήδομαι…τῷ νόμῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the law of God as if it were a location in which a person could delight. He means that Gods laws cause him to delight. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I delight because of the law of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1272ROM722nt65grammar-collectivenounsτῷ νόμῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ1the inner man

Here, the law of God refers to the laws that God gave the Jews, which is usually what Paul means when he says the law. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

1273ROM722m13qfigs-metaphorτὸν ἔσω ἄνθρωπον1the inner man

Here, the inner man refers to a persons mind. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the inner being” or “the mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1274ROM723zp7tfigs-metaphorβλέπω1a different principle in my body parts

Here Paul uses see figuratively to refer to noticing or perceiving something. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I perceive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1275ROM723fct8figs-explicitἕτερον νόμον1a different principle in my body parts

Here, a different law refers to a rule or principle. It does not refer to the laws God gave the Jews. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “this rule” or “a different kind of law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1276ROM723ijp9figs-personificationἐν τοῖς μέλεσίν μου, ἀντιστρατευόμενον1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of a different law as if it were a person who could fight within someones body parts. He means that his sinful desires caused him to use his body to do sinful things that he did not want to do. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “were causing me to use my members to sin in opposition to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1277ROM723v8d8τοῖς μέλεσίν…τοῖς μέλεσίν2

See how you translated members in 6:13.

1278ROM723t7yhfigs-possessionτῷ νόμῳ τοῦ νοός μου1

Here, the law of my mind could refer to: (1) a principle that Paul thinks, which is the delight for Gods laws that he said in the previous verse is in his “inner man.” Alternate translation: “the principle I have thought” or “the principle in my mind” (2) the laws God gave the Jews, which Paul says that he serves with his mind in verse 25. Alternate translation: “Gods law that is in my mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1279ROM723i8w4figs-possessionαἰχμαλωτίζοντά με1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of a different law as if it were a person who could take someone captive. He means that his sinful desires controlled him against his will. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “controlling me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1280ROM723u4nyfigs-metaphorτῷ νόμῳ τῆς ἁμαρτίας1

Here the law of the sin could refer to: (1) that principle that people have a sinful nature. Alternate translation: “the law that is my sinful nature” (2) the laws God gave the Jews, which Paul previously said in verse 5 stimulate people to sin more. Alternate translation: “Gods laws that stimulate sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1281ROM723po29figs-metaphorτῷ ὄντι ἐν τοῖς μέλεσίν μου1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the law of the sin as if it were something that could be inside someone. He means he has a sinful nature that influences what he does with his body parts. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that influences what I do with my members” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1282ROM724nu6ufigs-exclamationsταλαίπωρος ἐγὼ ἄνθρωπος!1deliver me

This sentence is an exclamation that communicates despair. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this. Alternate translation: “Oh, how miserable I am!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

1283ROM724hmhjfigs-rquestionτίς με ῥύσεται ἐκ τοῦ σώματος τοῦ θανάτου τούτου?1

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize his despair. 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: “Surely no one will rescue me from the body of this death!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1284ROM724md8efigs-possessionτοῦ σώματος τοῦ θανάτου τούτου1this body of death

Paul is using the possessive form to describe how the body relates to this death. This phrase could refer to: (1) the body that results in this death. Alternate translation: “the body that causes this death” (2) the body that is characterized by this death. Alternate translation: “this mortal body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1285ROM724q74ffigs-metaphorτοῦ θανάτου τούτου1this body of death

Here, this death could refer to: (1) physical death. Alternate translation: “that dies” (2) spiritual death. Alternate translation: “of this spiritual death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1286ROM725w9uifigs-exclamationsχάρις τῷ Θεῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord

This sentence is an exclamation that communicates joy. It is the answer to the rhetorical question that Paul asked in the previous verse. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating joy. Alternate translation: “Oh, how thankful I am to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

1287ROM725omjdfigs-ellipsisχάρις τῷ Θεῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord

Paul 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: “Thanks be to God who did this through Jesus Christ our Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1288ROM725evnngrammar-connect-words-phrasesἄρα οὖν1But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord

So then indicates that what follows in this verse summarizes the ideas of verses 1424. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a clearer expression. See how you translated this phrase in 5:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1289ROM725adx1figs-rpronounsαὐτὸς ἐγὼ1So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind. However, with the flesh I serve the principle of sin

Paul uses the phrase I myself to emphasize the contrast between himself and the sin that causes him to do what he does not want to do. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “it is indeed I who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1290ROM725sxn3figs-personificationτῷ μὲν νοῒ δουλεύω νόμῳ Θεοῦ; τῇ δὲ σαρκὶ, νόμῳ ἁμαρτίας1

Here Paul speaks figuratively the law of God and the law of sin as if they were people whom he could serve. He means that he wants to obey the law of God but often obeys his desire to sin. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “obey the law of God with the mind, but with the flesh, I obey the law of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1291ROM725e163figs-explicitνοῒ1

See how you translated mind in 1:28. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1292ROM725dzjlgrammar-collectivenounsνόμῳ Θεοῦ1

See how you translated this phrase in verse 22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

1293ROM725cdkbfigs-ellipsisτῇ δὲ σαρκὶ, νόμῳ ἁμαρτίας1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “but with the flesh, I serve the law of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1294ROM725fm51figs-metaphorτῇ…σαρκὶ1

Here Paul uses flesh figuratively to refer to his sinful nature. See how you translated the similar phrase in verse 18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1295ROM725he4lfigs-metaphorνόμῳ ἁμαρτίας1

See how you translated the similar phrase in verse 23. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1296ROM8introev4r0

Romans 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Becoming like Christ in this life (6:18:39)
    • Baptism represents union with Christs death (6:114)
    • Christians are now slaves of righteousness (6:1523)
    • Christians have been freed from the law (7:16)
    • The law is not sinful (7:712)
    • Christians still struggle with indwelling sin (7:1325)
    • The Holy Spirit dwells in Christians (8:127)
    • Christians have confidence in Gods love (8:288:39)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verse 36. Paul quotes these words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Indwelling of the Spirit

In verses 917 and 2627 Paul says that Holy Spirit dwells inside Christians to help them stop sinning and to intercede for them. The presence of the Holy Spirit within a person indicates that that person is a genuine Christian. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

Predestination

Many scholars believe this chapter teaches on a subject known as “predestination.” See the use of the word “predestined” in verses 2830 and “elect” in verse 33. Some scholars take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen some people to save. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject, so translators need to take extra care when translating these verses. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/predestine]])## Important figures of speech in this chapter

Important figure of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

In verses 24 and 3135 Paul uses rhetorical questions in order to emphasize that what he is saying is true. If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

Litany

In verses 35 and [3839(../08/38.md) Paul uses a repetitive series of words or phrases in order to emphasize the nothing can ever stop God from loving those who believe in Jesus. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Flesh

Paul uses “flesh” in a variety of ways throughout this letter. In this chapter he frequently uses it to refer to sinful human nature. However, he uses “flesh” to refer to Christs physical body in verse 3. Every use of “flesh” will be discussed in the notes. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])

Inclusive language

In this chapter the pronouns “we”, “us”, and “our” refer inclusively to all believers in Christ. Paul calls these people “brothers” in verses 12. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1297ROM81xq2ygrammar-connect-logic-resultοὐδὲν ἄρα νῦν κατάκριμα 1

Here, therefore now marks the beginning of a new section in the letter. It also introduces a result clause that concludes what Paul discussed in chapters 57. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “Since all these things are true, there is no condemnation at all” or “As a result of everything that I have just told you being true, there is no condemnation at all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1298ROM81xw65figs-abstractnounsκατάκριμα1There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

See how you translated this abstract noun in 5:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1299ROM81ti0gfigs-metaphorἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

See how you translated this phrase in 3:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1300ROM82whhzgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that this verse gives the reason why what Paul said in the previous verse is true. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1301ROM82h1kafigs-possessionὁ…νόμος τοῦ Πνεύματος τῆς ζωῆς1

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

1302ROM82vt9kfigs-explicitὁ…νόμος1

Here, the law refers to a rule or principle. It does not refer to the laws God gave the Jews. See how you translated the similar use of law in 7:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1303ROM82hq2tfigs-possessionτοῦ Πνεύματος τῆς ζωῆς1the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the Spirit that produces life. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “of the Spirit that produces life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1304ROM82x8uufigs-explicitτοῦ Πνεύματος1

Here, the Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “of the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1305ROM82ep3nfigs-abstractnounsτῆς ζωῆς…τῆς ἁμαρτίας…τοῦ θανάτου1

See how you translated the abstract nouns life in 2:7, sin in 5:20, and death in 5:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1306ROM82ionbfigs-explicitτῆς ζωῆς1

Here, life refers to eternal life. See how you translated this use of the word in 5:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1307ROM82irh6figs-explicitτῆς ζωῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ἠλευθέρωσέν σε1

The phrase in Christ Jesus could refer to: (1) the means by which the Spirit sets a person free. Alternate translation: “of life set you free in Christ Jesus” (2) a characteristic of the life. Alternate translation: “of the life that is in Christ Jesus set you free” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1308ROM82cgbefigs-metaphor ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

See how you translated this phrase in the previous verse and in 3:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1309ROM82th4nfigs-metaphorἠλευθέρωσέν σε ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου τῆς ἁμαρτίας καὶ τοῦ θανάτου1has set you free from the law of sin and death

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the law of sin and death as if it were an object or person someone could be set free from. Paul means that the law that resulted in sin and death does not apply to those who are united with Christ Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “has caused the law of sin and death to no longer control you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1310ROM82u82efigs-metaphorτοῦ νόμου τῆς ἁμαρτίας καὶ τοῦ θανάτου1the law of sin and death

This could refer to: (1) the principle that people have a sinful nature that results in death, as mentioned in 7:2325. Alternate translation: “the principle that is my sinful nature that leads to death” (2) the laws God gave the Jews, which Paul previously said in 7:5 stimulate people to sin more. Alternate translation: “Gods laws that stimulate sin and death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1311ROM82jlq1figs-explicitτοῦ θανάτου1the law of sin and death

Here, death refers to spiritual death, which is eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. See how you translated the same use of death in 6:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1312ROM83mbh3grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows in this verse and the next verse explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1313ROM83n9mrfigs-infostructureτὸ…ἀδύνατον τοῦ νόμου, ἐν ᾧ ἠσθένει διὰ τῆς σαρκός, ὁ Θεὸς1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “God did what the law was unable to do, in that it was weak through the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

1314ROM83z2ejgrammar-collectivenounsτοῦ νόμου1

Here, the law refers to the laws that God gave the Jews, which is usually what Paul means when he says the law. See how you translated this expression in 2:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

1315ROM83t8ljfigs-explicitτὸ…ἀδύνατον τοῦ νόμου…ὁ Θεὸς1For what the law was unable to do because it was weak through the flesh, God did

Paul implies that what the law was unable to do was to make people righteous, which is the main theme of this book. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the law was unable to make people righteous … but God did so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1316ROM83j98tfigs-personificationτὸ…ἀδύνατον τοῦ νόμου, ἐν ᾧ ἠσθένει διὰ τῆς σαρκός1For what the law was unable to do because it was weak through the flesh, God did

Here Paul speaks of the law figuratively as if it were a person who was unable to do something and was weak. Paul means that the laws God gave the Jews could not make people righteous because people are naturally sinful and unable to obey those laws. If this might confuse you readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the law could not stop people from sinning, because sinful human nature prevented people from obeying it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1317ROM83g6g4grammar-connect-logic-resultἐν ᾧ ἠσθένει1

This phrase is the reason why the law was unable to do what it was supposed to do. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a reason. Alternate translation: “since it was weak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1318ROM83uzkhgrammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τῆς σαρκός1

This phrase states the reason why the law was weak. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a reason. Alternate translation: “on account of the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1319ROM83etf2figs-idiomδιὰ τῆς σαρκός1through the flesh

Here Paul uses flesh figuratively to refer to sinful human nature. See how you translated the similar use of flesh in 7:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1320ROM83p4qqτὸν ἑαυτοῦ Υἱὸν πέμψας, ἐν ὁμοιώματι σαρκὸς ἁμαρτίας, καὶ περὶ ἁμαρτίας1He … sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh … an offering for sin … he condemned sin

This clause indicates how God condemned sin. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1321ROM83tc37figs-ellipsisτὸν ἑαυτοῦ Υἱὸν πέμψας1He … sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh … an offering for sin … he condemned sin

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “having sent his own Son to the earth” or “having sent his own Son to mankind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1322ROM83csl8guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸν1Son

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

1323ROM83uf94figs-possessionἐν ὁμοιώματι σαρκὸς ἁμαρτίας1in the likeness of sinful flesh

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the likeness that is characterized by sinful flesh. He means that Jesus had the same human flesh that sinful people have, although Jesus never sinned. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning in a clearer way. Alternate translation: “in the same flesh that sinful human beings have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1324ROM83xi5cfigs-abstractnounsἐν ὁμοιώματι σαρκὸς ἁμαρτίας1Son

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of likeness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in flesh like sinful flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1325ROM83v0h2figs-synecdocheσαρκὸς ἁμαρτίας…τῇ σαρκί1he condemned sin in the flesh

Here Paul uses flesh figuratively to mean “the whole body,” which is made of flesh. See how you translated this use of flesh in 2:28. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1326ROM83hfr2figs-explicitπερὶ ἁμαρτίας1to be an offering for sin

This could mean: (1) Jesus was sent for the sake of doing away with sin. Alternate translation: “in order to do away with sin” (2) Jesus was an offering to pay for sin. Alternate translation: “as an offering for sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1327ROM83gid8figs-personificationκατέκρινε τὴν ἁμαρτίαν1to be an offering for sin

Here Paul speaks figuratively of sin as if it were a guilty person whom a judge could condemn. Paul means that God removed the power that sin has to control people. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he canceled the power of sin” or “he destroyed how sin controls people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1328ROM83es29figs-explicitἐν τῇ σαρκί1he condemned sin in the flesh

Here, the flesh refers specifically to Jesus body that died on the cross. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in his Sons body on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1329ROM84zcsigrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα 1the requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us

Here, so that indicates that what follows is the purpose for which God “ condemned sin in the flesh” of Jesus. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1330ROM84j9fffigs-activepassiveτὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ νόμου πληρωθῇ ἐν ἡμῖν1the requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us

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. The one doing the action could be: (1) us. Alternate translation: “we might fulfill the righteous deeds of the law” (2) God. Alternate translation: “God might fulfill in us the righteous deeds of the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1331ROM84putafigs-metaphorτὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ νόμου πληρωθῇ ἐν ἡμῖν1the requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the righteous deeds of the law as if they were something that could be located inside a person. Paul means that God enables Christians to do those righteous deeds that his law required. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the righteous deeds of the law might be done by us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1332ROM84w2aafigs-possessionτὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ νόμου1the requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a the righteous deeds that God commanded in the law. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the righteous deeds that the law requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1333ROM84rttrgrammar-collectivenouns τοῦ νόμου1the requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us

Here, the law refers to the laws that God gave the Jews, which is usually what Paul means when he says the law. See how you translated this expression in 2:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

1334ROM84bsp0figs-distinguishἡμῖν, τοῖς μὴ κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦσιν, ἀλλὰ κατὰ Πνεῦμα1we who walk not according to the flesh

This clause gives further information about us. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “us, that is, those walking not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

1335ROM84acc4figs-metaphorτοῖς μὴ κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦσιν1we who walk not according to the flesh

Here Paul uses walking figuratively to refer to how people behave or lives their lives. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those not behaving according to the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1336ROM84grhfκατὰ σάρκα…κατὰ Πνεῦμα1we who walk not according to the flesh

Alternate translation: “determined by the flesh … determined by the Spirit” or “in conformity with the flesh … in conformity with the Spirit”

1337ROM84bgg7figs-idiomκατὰ σάρκα1

Here Paul uses flesh figuratively to refer to sinful human nature. See how you translated the similar use of flesh in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1338ROM85xzmtgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that this verse gives the reason why what Paul said in the previous verse is true. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1339ROM85s5sbfigs-idiomσάρκα…τῆς σαρκὸς 1

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

1340ROM85b9infigs-idiomτὰ τῆς σαρκὸς φρονοῦσιν1

The phrase set their minds on is an idiom that refers to thinking carefully about something or being intent on doing something. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are intent on doing the things of the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1341ROM85evgrfigs-possessionτὰ τῆς σαρκὸς1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe things that are related to the flesh. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “things pertaining to the flesh” or “fleshly things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1342ROM85cqwafigs-ellipsisοἱ δὲ κατὰ Πνεῦμα1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “but those existing according to the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1343ROM85x3o6figs-ellipsisτὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος1

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1344ROM85a2n5figs-possessionτὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe things that are related to the Spirit. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “things pertaining to the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1345ROM86uc6wgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1the mind set on the flesh … the mind set on the Spirit

For here indicates that what follows in this verse and the next verse explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1346ROM86vyw4figs-abstractnounsτὸ…φρόνημα…τὸ…φρόνημα1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mindset, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the way of thinking … the way of thinking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1347ROM86my98figs-possessionτὸ…φρόνημα τῆς σαρκὸς1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a mindset that is focused on the flesh. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the mindset that is focused on the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1348ROM86b0wofigs-idiomτῆς σαρκὸς1

See how you translated the flesh in the previous two verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1349ROM86czmngrammar-connect-logic-resultθάνατος1

Here, is indicates that what follows is the result of the mindset of the flesh. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “results in death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1350ROM86mbtefigs-explicitθάνατος1

Here, death refers to spiritual death, which is eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. See how you translated the same use of death in 6:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1351ROM86ovizfigs-possessionτὸ…φρόνημα τοῦ Πνεύματος2

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a mindset that is focused on the Spirit. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the mindset that is focused on the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1352ROM86q470grammar-connect-logic-resultζωὴ καὶ εἰρήνη1

Here, is indicates that what follows is the result of the mindset of the flesh. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “results in life and peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1353ROM86rqnlfigs-abstractnounsζωὴ καὶ εἰρήνη1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of life and peace, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “is living and being peaceful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1354ROM86fjk8figs-explicitζωὴ1

Here, life refers to eternal life. See how you translated this use of the word in 5:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1355ROM87lsdogrammar-connect-logic-resultδιότι1

Here, because indicates that this verse and the next verse give the reasons why what Paul said in verses 56 is true. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1356ROM87gvcrfigs-possessionτὸ φρόνημα τῆς σαρκὸς1

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

1357ROM87fpt4figs-abstractnounsἔχθρα 1

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

1358ROM87pm7tgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Here, for indicates that what follows is the reason why what Paul said in the previous clause is true. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1359ROM87thq8writing-pronounsοὐχ ὑποτάσσεται, οὐδὲ…δύναται1

Here, it refers to the mindset of the flesh mentioned earlier in the verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “this mindset does not subject itself to … this mindset is not able to do so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1360ROM87z2ihfigs-personificationοὐχ ὑποτάσσεται, οὐδὲ γὰρ δύναται1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the mindset of the flesh as if it were a person who could subject himself to something. Paul means that the person who thinks with this mindset is unable to submit to Gods laws. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who thinks this way does not subject himself to … for he is not able to do so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1361ROM87srp9figs-personificationτῷ…νόμῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐχ ὑποτάσσεται1

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the law of God as if it were a king or master whom someone could subject himself to. Paul is referring to someone obeying Gods laws. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it does not obey the law of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1362ROM87brdegrammar-collectivenounsτῷ…νόμῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

See how you translated this phrase in 7:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

1363ROM87bhjegrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ2

Here, for indicates that what follows is the reason why what Paul said in the previous clause is true. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1364ROM88me7ufigs-metaphorοἱ…ἐν σαρκὶ ὄντες1Those who are in the flesh

See how you translated this phrase in 7:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1365ROM89vdhwδὲ1

However here indicates a strong contrast between people who have “the mindset of the flesh” referred to in the previous verse and the believers to whom Paul is writing this letter. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “On the contrary” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

1366ROM89iybofigs-rpronounsὑμεῖς δὲ οὐκ ἐστὲ1

Paul uses the word yourselves to emphasize the contrast between his Christian readers and people who live in the flesh. Use a way that is natural in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “However, you are truly not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1367ROM89czm9figs-metaphorἐν σαρκὶ1in the flesh

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

1368ROM89e54ufigs-metaphorἐν Πνεύματι1in the Spirit

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the Spirit as if he were a location that someone could be in. He could mean: (1) believers are controlled by the Holy Spirit, which is how in is used earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “controlled by the Spirit” (2) believers are united with the Holy Spirit, which is how Paul used in in verse 1. Alternate translation: “united with the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1369ROM89p55ffigs-explicitΠνεύματι…Πνεῦμα Θεοῦ…Πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ1

These phrases all refer to the Holy Spirit. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit … the Holy Spirit of God … the Holy Spirit of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1370ROM89y3vgwriting-pronounsοὗτος1

Here, this one refers to the person who does not have the Spirit of Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “this person without the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1371ROM89akl1figs-possessionοὗτος οὐκ ἔστιν αὐτοῦ1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe a person who does not belong to Christ. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “this one does not belong to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1372ROM810ntqogrammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

1373ROM810q8befigs-metaphorΧριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν1If Christ is in you

Here Paul speaks figuratively of you as if you were a location that Christ could be in. See how you translated in you in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1374ROM810q2q4figs-infostructureτὸ μὲν σῶμα νεκρὸν διὰ ἁμαρτίαν, τὸ δὲ Πνεῦμα ζωὴ διὰ δικαιοσύνην1If Christ is in you

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “the Spirit is life because of righteousness even though the body is dead because of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

1375ROM810lae8figs-genericnounτὸ…σῶμα νεκρὸν1

Paul is speaking of the bodies of believers in general, not of one particular body. If it would be helpful in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “the bodies are dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

1376ROM810e6g9figs-metaphorτὸ μὲν σῶμα νεκρὸν διὰ ἁμαρτίαν1the body is dead with respect to sin

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the body as if it were already dead. Paul means that the physical body of a Christian will still die because of sin. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the body will certainly die because of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1377ROM810yb1bfigs-explicitτὸ δὲ Πνεῦμα ζωὴ1the spirit is alive with respect to righteousness

Here, the Spirit is life could mean: (1) the Holy Spirit gives a person eternal life. In this case Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit and life refers to eternal life. Alternate translation: “but the Holy Spirit grants eternal life” (2) a believers spirit is alive. In this case Spirit refers to the spirits of individual believers. Alternate translation: “but the spirit is alive” or “but your spirits are alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1378ROM810ya21figs-abstractnounsδιὰ δικαιοσύνην1the spirit is alive with respect to righteousness

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because of your righteous status” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1379ROM811jlc9grammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1If the Spirit … lives in you

Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

1380ROM811i618figs-explicitτὸ Πνεῦμα…αὐτοῦ Πνεῦμα1If the Spirit … lives in you

These phrases refer to the Holy Spirit. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit … his Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1381ROM811b9pufigs-explicitτοῦ ἐγείραντος τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐκ νεκρῶν…ὁ ἐγείρας ἐκ νεκρῶν Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν1of him who raised

These phrases refer to God. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “of God, who raised Jesus from dead ones … God, who raised Christ Jesus from dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1382ROM811jr6pfigs-idiomἐγείραντος τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐκ νεκρῶν…ἐγείρας ἐκ νεκρῶν Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν1raised Jesus

See how you translated a similar phrase in 4:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1383ROM811t27dfigs-explicitζῳοποιήσει καὶ τὰ θνητὰ σώματα ὑμῶν1mortal bodies

Paul uses make alive to imply that he is referring to the resurrection of Christians after they have died. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “will also resurrect your mortal bodies after you have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1384ROM811xi76figs-explicitδιὰ…αὐτοῦ Πνεῦμα1mortal bodies

Here, through indicates the means by which God will make Christians alive. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of his Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1385ROM811e6t8figs-distinguishτοῦ ἐνοικοῦντος αὐτοῦ Πνεῦμα ἐν ὑμῖν1

Here, who lives in you gives further information about the Holy Spirit. It is not making a distinction between a Spirit that lives in you and a Spirit that does not. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “his Spirit, that is, the Spirit who lives in you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

1386ROM812mv1rgrammar-connect-words-phrasesἄρα οὖν1So then

So then here indicates that what follows in verses 1217 summarizes the ideas of verses 511. See how you translated this phrase in 5:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1387ROM812qw5bfigs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated this word in 7:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1388ROM812e3j8figs-metaphorὀφειλέται ἐσμέν1we are debtors

Here Paul speaks figuratively of Christians as if they are debtors. He means that Christians are obligated to live according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we have an obligation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1389ROM812fb3mfigs-ellipsisοὐ τῇ σαρκὶ1but not to the flesh to live according to the flesh

Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “we are not debtors to the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1390ROM812ecoofigs-metaphorτῇ σαρκὶ…τοῦ…σάρκα1but not to the flesh to live according to the flesh

Here Paul uses the flesh figuratively to refer to sinful human nature. See how you translated the same use of this phrase in 7:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1391ROM812dh1mgrammar-connect-words-phrasesτοῦ κατὰ σάρκα ζῆν1but not to the flesh to live according to the flesh

Here, to live introduces an explanation of the flesh. Use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation or elaboration in your language. Alternate translation: “that is, to live according to the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1392ROM812gplufigs-idiomτοῦ κατὰ σάρκα ζῆν1

See how you translated the similar phrase in verse 4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1393ROM813dczrgrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ 1

For here indicates that what follows in this verse explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1394ROM813ri75figs-idiomκατὰ σάρκα ζῆτε1For if you live according to the flesh

See how you translated the similar phrase in verse 4 and in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1395ROM813b9n5figs-explicitμέλλετε ἀποθνῄσκειν1you are about to die

Here, die refers to dying spiritually, which is enduring eternal punishment in hell after experiencing physical death. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you are going to die spiritually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1396ROM813ld2hfigs-metaphorτὰς πράξεις τοῦ σώματος θανατοῦτε1

Here, put to death means “completely stop doing something.” If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you stop doing the practice of the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1397ROM813ze08figs-possessionτὰς πράξεις τοῦ σώματος1but if by the Spirit you put to death the bodys actions

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the practices that are done with the body. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “what is done with the body” or “what you do with your body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1398ROM813o1lyfigs-abstractnounsτὰς πράξεις τοῦ σώματος1but if by the Spirit you put to death the bodys actions

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of practices, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is practiced with the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1399ROM813nwulfigs-explicitτὰς πράξεις1but if by the Spirit you put to death the bodys actions

Here, the practices refers specifically to sinful practices that a person does with his body. If this might confuse you readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the sinful practices of the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1400ROM813xihufigs-genericnounτοῦ σώματος1but if by the Spirit you put to death the bodys actions

Paul is speaking of bodies in general, not of one particular body. If it would be helpful in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “of your bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

1401ROM813dr0efigs-explicitζήσεσθε1but if by the Spirit you put to death the bodys actions

Here, live refers to living forever with God in heaven after experiencing physical death. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you will live forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1402ROM814utmsgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that this verse gives the reason why what Paul said in the previous verse is true. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1403ROM814ojiefigs-ellipsisὅσοι…οὗτοι1

Paul 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: “as many people as … these people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1404ROM814u8pvfigs-activepassiveὅσοι…Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ἄγονται1For as many as are led by the Spirit of God

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: “as many as the Spirit of God leads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1405ROM814yz28figs-explicitΠνεύματι Θεοῦ1For as many as are led by the Spirit of God

See how you translated the Spirit of God in verse 9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1406ROM814gd1ifigs-gendernotationsυἱοί Θεοῦ1sons of God

Here Paul is using the term sons in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “the children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1407ROM814wrk1figs-metaphorυἱοί Θεοῦ 1sons of God

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if God was their physical father. He means that these people have a father-son relationship with God because they trust in Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the spiritual children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1408ROM815wpp9grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows in this verse explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1409ROM815zi1cfigs-explicitπάλιν 1

Here, again indicates that Pauls readers had a spirit of slavery before they became Christians. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “for a second time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1410ROM815r57ofigs-explicitπνεῦμα1

Here, spirit could refer to: (1) a persons attitude or emotional state. Alternate translation: “a mental state” (2) a demonic spirit. Alternate translation: “a demonic spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1411ROM815av67figs-possessionπνεῦμα δουλείας…Πνεῦμα υἱοθεσίας1

In both of these phrases Paul is using the possessive form to describe something that causes something else to happen. If this is not clear in your language, you could use different expressions. Alternate translation: “a spirit that causes slavery … the Spirit that causes adoption” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1412ROM815iwyyfigs-abstractnounsδουλείας…φόβον…υἱοθεσίας1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of slavery, fear, and adoption, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “of being a slave … you being afraid … of those who have been adopted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1413ROM815c43fgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς φόβον1

Here, leading to indicates that fear is the result of receiving a spirit of slavery. Use a natural way in your language to express the result of something. Alternate translation: “resulting in fear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1414ROM815ew0afigs-explicitΠνεῦμα1

Here, the Spirit could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit, as indicated by the use of Spirit in the ULT. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit” (2) a persons attitude or emotional state, as with the previous use of spirit in this verse. Alternate translation: “a mental state” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1415ROM815ecq3figs-exclamationsἈββά, ὁ Πατήρ1by which we cry

Here, cry out indicates that what follows is an emotional exclamation. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this. Alternate translation: “Oh, Abba! Father!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

1416ROM815vxs9Ἀββά, ὁ Πατήρ1Abba, Father

Here Paul writes out the sounds of this Jewish Aramaic word Abba with Greek letters, which means Father. Since John translates the meaning next in the verse, you should write out this word using the most similar sounds in your language.

1417ROM815ahnrguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατήρ1Abba, Father

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

1418ROM816mwbwfigs-explicitτῷ Πνεύματι ἡμῶν1

Here, spirit refers to a persons attitude or emotional state. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “a mental state” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1419ROM816aimwfigs-metaphorτέκνα Θεοῦ1

Here Paul uses children of God figuratively to refer to people who have a father-child relationship with God because they trust in Jesus. Here, children does not refer to young people, but only to the relationship that people have with their fathers. If you translate children using a literal term, choose a word that can refer to people of any age in relation to their fathers. Alternate translation: “Gods spiritual offspring” or “spiritual children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1420ROM817agxkgrammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

1421ROM817izpdfigs-ellipsisεἰ…τέκνα, καὶ κληρονόμοι; κληρονόμοι μὲν Θεοῦ1

Paul 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 end of the previous verse. Alternate translation: “if we are children, then we are also heirs: we are both heirs of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1422ROM817hfwofigs-metaphorτέκνα1

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

1423ROM817fj7wfigs-metaphorκληρονόμοι; κληρονόμοι μὲν Θεοῦ1heirs of God

Paul uses heirs figuratively to refer to Christians as if they will inherit property and wealth from a family member. He means that they will receive everything that God has promised to give Christians. If it might be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who will receive what God has promised us: both those who receive those things from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1424ROM817q751figs-metaphorσυνκληρονόμοι…Χριστοῦ1we are joint heirs with Christ

Paul uses joint heirs figuratively to refer to Christians as if they will inherit property and wealth from a family member along with Christ. He means that God will give to Christians what he gives to Christ. If it might be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we will also receive what God has promised us and Christ together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1425ROM817q6kawriting-pronounsσυνπάσχομεν, ἵνα καὶ συνδοξασθῶμεν1we are joint heirs with Christ

The pronoun him here refers to Christ. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “we suffering together with Christ so that we may also be glorified together with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1426ROM817ggl6grammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα 1we are joint heirs with Christ

Paul uses so that here to state the goal for which Christians suffer together with Christ. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1427ROM817j6iafigs-activepassiveκαὶ συνδοξασθῶμεν1that we may also be glorified with 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: “God may also glorify us together with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1428ROM818i5nugrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1For

For here indicates that what follows in verses 1825 gives further information about what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1429ROM818f3svwriting-pronounsλογίζομαι1For

The pronoun I here refers to Paul (see 7:1). If this might confuse your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, consider” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1430ROM818b3b1figs-activepassiveλογίζομαι…ὅτι οὐκ ἄξια τὰ παθήματα τοῦ νῦν καιροῦ, πρὸς1I consider that … are not worthy to be compared with

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: “I cannot compare the sufferings of this present time with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1431ROM818oj49figs-abstractnounsτὰ παθήματα τοῦ νῦν καιροῦ…τὴν…δόξαν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of sufferings and glory, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “the things that make us suffer in this present time … the glorious situation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1432ROM818jjb8figs-activepassiveμέλλουσαν…ἀποκαλυφθῆναι1will be revealed

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

1433ROM819qoj5grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1will be revealed

For here indicates that this verse gives additional support for what Paul said in verse 17. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1434ROM819dn11figs-idiomἡ…ἀποκαραδοκία τῆς κτίσεως…ἀπεκδέχεται1the eager expectation of the creation waits for

Here the phrase the eager expectation is an idiom Paul uses to emphasize how eagerly the creation is waiting. He does not mean that the eager expectation itself is waiting. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the creation is very eagerly expecting” or “the creation is eagerly expecting with much eagerness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1435ROM819d911figs-personificationἡ…ἀποκαραδοκία τῆς κτίσεως…ἀπεκδέχεται1the eager expectation of the creation waits for

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the creation as if it were a person who eagerly expects something. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a simile. Alternate translation: “it is as if the creation is eagerly expecting with eager expectation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1436ROM819ulvvfigs-abstractnounsτῆς κτίσεως…τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τῶν υἱῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1the eager expectation of the creation waits for

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of creation and revelation, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “of the created things … the sons of God to be revealed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1437ROM819dm6sfigs-activepassiveτὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τῶν υἱῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1for the revealing of the sons of God

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 the time when God will reveal his sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1438ROM819sr2pfigs-metaphorτῶν υἱῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1sons of God

See how you translated this phrase in verse 14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1439ROM820nh58grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For the creation was subjected to futility

For here indicates that what follows in verses 2022 is the reason why what Paul said in the previous verse is true. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1440ROM820zjl2figs-abstractnounsτῇ…ματαιότητι1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of futility, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to being futile” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1441ROM820gdfefigs-abstractnounsἡ κτίσις1

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

1442ROM820l9abfigs-activepassiveἡ κτίσις ὑπετάγη1For the creation was subjected to futility

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 subjugated the creation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1443ROM820yvl3figs-personificationἡ κτίσις ὑπετάγη, οὐχ ἑκοῦσα1not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the creation as if it were a person who could be subjected to someone and could have a will. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a simile. Alternate translation: “it is as if the creation was subjected against its will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1444ROM820taz4figs-explicitτὸν ὑποτάξαντα1not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it

This phrase refers to God. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God who subjected it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1445ROM820l7bffigs-explicitἐφ’ ἑλπίδι1not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it

Here, hope refers to the creations hope, which is why the creation is “eagerly expecting the revelation of the sons of God” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “on the basis of giving hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1446ROM820tof4figs-abstractnounsἑλπίδι1

See how you translated hope in 5:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1447ROM821m3fifigs-personificationαὐτὴ ἡ κτίσις ἐλευθερωθήσεται ἀπὸ τῆς δουλείας τῆς φθορᾶς, εἰς τὴν ἐλευθερίαν τῆς δόξης1the creation itself will be delivered

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the creation as if it were a person who was enslaved to someone and needed to be freed. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the creation itself will no longer decay, but will experience the glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1448ROM821l6qcfigs-activepassiveαὐτὴ ἡ κτίσις ἐλευθερωθήσεται1the creation itself will be delivered

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 will free the creation itself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1449ROM821ovn5figs-abstractnounsἡ κτίσις1the creation itself will be delivered

See how you translated the creation in the previous two verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1450ROM821l3vwfigs-abstractnounsτῆς δουλείας τῆς φθορᾶς…τὴν ἐλευθερίαν τῆς δόξης1from slavery to decay

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of slavery, decay, freedom, and glory, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “being enslaved to decay … being free to experience what is glorious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1451ROM821r2n9figs-possessionτῆς δουλείας τῆς φθορᾶς1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe slavery to decay. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “being enslaved to decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1452ROM821ba5hfigs-metaphorτῆς δουλείας τῆς φθορᾶς1from slavery to decay

Here Paul speaks figuratively of decay as if it could enslave someone. He means that the creation was certain to decay. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being destined to decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1453ROM821tx57figs-metaphorεἰς τὴν ἐλευθερίαν1that it will be brought into the freedom of the glory of the children of God

Here Paul speaks figuratively of freedom as if it were a location someone could enter into. Paul means that the creation will experience this freedom. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to experience the freedom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1454ROM821bv03figs-possessionτὴν ἐλευθερίαν τῆς δόξης1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the freedom that relates to the glory. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the freedom that comes from the glory” or “the freedom pertaining to the glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1455ROM821zsksfigs-possessionτῆς δόξης1

Here Paul uses the possessive form the glory of the children of God to refer to the glory that God shares with believers. This was the same glory that God shared with humans when he created them, but which they lost when the first humans sinned, as mentioned in 3:23. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “of the glory that God gives the children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1456ROM821a5ixfigs-metaphorτῶν τέκνων τοῦ Θεοῦ1

See how you translated this phrase in the verse 16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1457ROM822pcaygrammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows in this verse gives further support for what Paul said about the miserable condition of the creation in the previous two verses. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1458ROM822l69kfigs-personificationπᾶσα ἡ κτίσις συνστενάζει καὶ συνωδίνει1For we know that the whole creation groans and labors in pain together even now

Here Paul speaks of the creation figuratively as if it were a woman who groans and labors in pain while giving birth to a baby. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a simile or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the creation is like a woman groaning and laboring in pain while giving birth” or “all the creation is suffering greatly together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1459ROM823b5szfigs-explicit τὴν ἀπαρχὴν τοῦ Πνεύματος ἔχοντες1

This clause could refer to: (1) Paul and his Christian readers. Alternate translation: “those who have the firstfruit of the Spirit” (2) the reason why Christians groan. Alternate translation: “because we have the firstfruit of the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1460ROM823qyicfigs-possessionτὴν ἀπαρχὴν τοῦ Πνεύματος1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the firstfruit that is the Spirit. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the firstfruit, that is, the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1461ROM823wutmfigs-metaphorτὴν ἀπαρχὴν1

Here Paul uses firstfruit figuratively to refer to the Holy Spirit as if it were the first crop that was harvested during the harvest season. Paul means that the Holy Spirit is the first part of the blessings that God gives Christians. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the first gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1462ROM823xun5figs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ2

Paul uses the word ourselves here to emphasize that Christians also share in the suffering of the creation. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “our very selves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1463ROM823ch9tfigs-metaphorἐν ἑαυτοῖς στενάζομεν1

Here Paul uses *groan figuratively to refer to the the emotional anguish that Christians experience while they wait to be with God in heaven. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “experience emotional anguish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1464ROM823tiijfigs-abstractnounsυἱοθεσίαν…τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν1

See how you translated the abstract nouns adoption in verse 15 and redemption in 3:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1465ROM823k1wyfigs-explicitυἱοθεσίαν ἀπεκδεχόμενοι1

Here, our adoption refers to when we will become full members of Gods family, as adopted sons. Alternate translation: “waiting for when we are fully members of Gods family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1466ROM823qsb9figs-genericnounτοῦ σώματος ἡμῶν1

Paul is speaking of the bodies of believers in general, not of one particular body. If it would be helpful in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “of our bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

1467ROM824oocvgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For in this certain hope we were saved

For here indicates that what follows in this verse and the next verse is the reason why Christians “groan” and are “eagerly expecting” to be fully adopted and redeemed. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “We do this because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1468ROM824sv0hfigs-abstractnounsτῇ…ἐλπίδι…ἐλπὶς…ἐλπίς1For in this certain hope we were saved

See how you translated the abstract noun hope in 5:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1469ROM824xwvyfigs-abstractnounsτῇ…ἐλπίδι1

Here, in could indicate: (1) that hope is associated with being saved. Alternate translation: “in association with this hope” (2) the means by which people are saved. In this case, hope would refer to faith. Alternate translation: “by this hope”

1470ROM824x4gifigs-activepassiveἐσώθημεν1For in this certain hope we were saved

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

1471ROM824edzefigs-metaphorβλεπομένη…βλέπει 1For in this certain hope we were saved

Paul uses seen and sees figuratively here to refer to experiencing something. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “being experienced … he experiences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1472ROM824pgmcfigs-activepassiveβλεπομένη1For in this certain hope we were saved

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 people can see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1473ROM824rxxygrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ2

For here indicates that what follows is the reason why the previous statement is true. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is true since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1474ROM824tks9figs-rquestionὃ γὰρ βλέπει τις, ἐλπίζει?1

Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize the trust of what he is saying. 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: “For surely no one hopes for what he sees!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1475ROM825ktqdfigs-metaphorὃ οὐ βλέπομεν1

See how you translated the similar use of “seen” and “sees” in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1476ROM825g2pmfigs-explicitὃ οὐ βλέπομεν…ἀπεκδεχόμεθα1

Here, what we do not see and it refer to the “adoption” and “redemption” mentioned in verse 23. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the adoption and redemption that we do not see … we are eagerly expecting these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1477ROM825l91vfigs-abstractnounsδι’ ὑπομονῆς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of endurance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “while enduring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1478ROM826bkwxfigs-ellipsisσυναντιλαμβάνεται…ὑπερεντυγχάνει1

Paul 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: “helps us … intercedes for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1479ROM826h8jyfigs-abstractnounsτῇ ἀσθενείᾳ ἡμῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of weakness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in our weak condition” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1480ROM826a6e1grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

For here indicates that what follows is the reason why the previous statement is true. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is true since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1481ROM826k5pnfigs-infostructureτὸ…τί προσευξώμεθα καθὸ δεῖ, οὐκ οἴδαμεν2

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “For we do not know the thing for which we should pray as we ought” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

1482ROM826fbjcfigs-rpronounsαὐτὸ τὸ Πνεῦμα1

Paul uses the word himself here to emphasize that Holy Spirit helps Christians. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “the very Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1483ROM826jmp8στεναγμοῖς ἀλαλήτοις1inexpressible groans

Alternate translation: “with groanings that we cannot express in words”

1484ROM827tq4nfigs-explicitὁ…ἐραυνῶν τὰς καρδίας1He who searches the hearts

Here, the one who searches the hearts refers to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God, who searches the hearts,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1485ROM827v184figs-metaphorὁ…ἐραυνῶν τὰς καρδίας1

The phrase searches the hearts means “examines thoughts and emotions.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who knows all our thoughts and feelings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1486ROM827tz5hfigs-metonymyὁ…ἐραυνῶν τὰς καρδίας1

See how you translated “heart” in 1:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1487ROM827bioefigs-possessionτὸ φρόνημα τοῦ Πνεύματος1

Paul is using the possessive form to describe the mindset that belongs to the Spirit. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the Spirits mindset” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1488ROM827rgcbfigs-abstractnounsτὸ φρόνημα1

See how you translated this abstract noun in 8:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1489ROM827fgddfigs-explicitκατὰ Θεὸν1

Here, God implies Gods will. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “according to Gods will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1490ROM828u0evfigs-abstractnounsἀγαθόν…πρόθεσιν1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of good and purpose, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what is good … what he purposes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1491ROM828q3cefigs-activepassiveτοῖς…κλητοῖς οὖσιν2for those who are called

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 those whom God called” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1492ROM829m3vvfigs-explicitοὓς προέγνω1

Here, foreknew could mean: (1) God had determined to know them ahead of time, which is how this word is used in 1 Peter 1:20. Alternate translation: “whom he chose beforehand” (2) God knew what they would do ahead of time. Alternate translation: “whom he knew beforehand,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1493ROM829xhn2figs-metaphorσυμμόρφους τῆς εἰκόνος τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1to be conformed to the image of his Son

Here, image refers to how Christians will one day resemble Jesus. If it might be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. See how you translated image in 1:23. Alternate translation: “to be a similar form that is like his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1494ROM829yuw2guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ1Son

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

1495ROM829ojxggrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς1Son

Here, so that introduces a purpose clause. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “for the purpose that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

1496ROM829r3vfwriting-pronounsαὐτὸν1Son

The pronoun he refers to Gods Son, Jesus. If it might be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1497ROM829lf49figs-metaphorτὸ…πρωτότοκον1that he might be the firstborn

Here, firstborn could mean: (1) the most important person among Gods children. Alternate translation: “the person ranked first” (2) the first person to be resurrected. Alternate translation: “the first person to be resurrected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1498ROM829s552figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοῖς1among many brothers

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

1499ROM829lxymfigs-metaphorἀδελφοῖς1among many brothers

Here, brothers refers to Christians, whom Paul calls “joint heirs with Christ” in verse 17. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1500ROM830hg3ffigs-explicitἐκάλεσεν…ἐκάλεσεν1Those whom he predestined

Here, called refers to God choosing people to be his people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “chose to be his people … he chose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1501ROM830g29gfigs-pastforfutureἐδόξασεν1these he also glorified

Paul uses the past tense in order to refer to something that will certainly happen in the future. If this is confusing in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “will glorify” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])

1502ROM831uqougrammar-connect-logic-resultτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν1

Here, then indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous verses. See how you translated this phrase in 6:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1503ROM831xpu3figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν πρὸς ταῦτα? εἰ ὁ Θεὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, τίς καθ’ ἡμῶν?<br>1

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form in these two sentences to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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: “Then we will say to these things: if God is for us, surely no one can be against us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1504ROM831ovfzgrammar-connect-condition-factεἰ1

Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])

1505ROM831s21aὑπὲρ ἡμῶν1

Alternate translation: “is on our side”

1506ROM832fqimfigs-rquestionὅς γε τοῦ ἰδίου Υἱοῦ οὐκ ἐφείσατο, ἀλλὰ ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν πάντων παρέδωκεν αὐτόν, πῶς οὐχὶ καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ, τὰ πάντα ἡμῖν χαρίσεται?1He who did not spare his own Son

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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: “He who indeed did not spare his own Son but gave him up on behalf of us all will surely also with him freely give us all things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1507ROM832mifcwriting-pronounsὅς1He who did not spare his own Son

He who here refers to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1508ROM832s9l9οὐκ ἐφείσατο1

Alternate translation: “did not refrain from giving” or “did not refuse to give up”

1509ROM832vyjkgrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1

Here, but indicates that what follows is a strong contrast from what was said in the previous clause. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “Rather,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

1510ROM832l73iguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ ἰδίου Υἱοῦ1He who did not spare his own Son

Here, Son is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1511ROM832b3aufigs-explicitπαρέδωκεν αὐτόν1but delivered him up

Here, gave him up means that God allowed people to kill Jesus. If it might be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “gave him up to be killed” or “allowed him to be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1512ROM833vr1bfigs-rquestionτίς ἐγκαλέσει κατὰ ἐκλεκτῶν Θεοῦ?1

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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: “Surely no one can bring an accusation against Gods elect!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1513ROM833tiddfigs-explicitτίς ἐγκαλέσει 1

Here, accusation implies an accusation that is based on facts. If it might be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “a true accusation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1514ROM833ekqnfigs-abstractnounsἐκλεκτῶν Θεοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of elect, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “those who have been chosen by God” or “those whom God has elected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1515ROM833qmcagrammar-connect-logic-resultΘεὸς ὁ δικαιῶν1

This sentences states the reason why the idea in the previous sentence is true. Use a natural way in your language for indicating a reason. Alternate translation: “No on can accuse them because God is the one who justifies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1516ROM834vt5rfigs-rquestionτίς ὁ κατακρινῶν?1Who is the one who condemns?

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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: “Surely no one can condemn!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1517ROM834j1djfigs-ellipsisὁ κατακρινῶν1Who is the one who condemns?

Paul is leaving out a word that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply the word from the context. Alternate translation: “the one who condemns us believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1518ROM834u627grammar-connect-logic-resultΧριστὸς Ἰησοῦς ὁ ἀποθανών, μᾶλλον δὲ ἐγερθείς ὅς, καί ἐστιν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὃς καὶ ἐντυγχάνει ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν1

This sentences states the reason why the idea in the previous sentence is true. Use a natural way in your language for indicating a reason. Alternate translation: “No one can condemn because Christ Jesus is the one who died—but more than that, he was raised who also is at the right hand of God—who also intercedes on our behalf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1519ROM834tw3lfigs-activepassiveἐγερθείς1

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

1520ROM834dea5figs-idiomἐγερθείς1

See how you translated raised in 4:25. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1521ROM834uc9ofigs-nominaladjἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Θεοῦ1

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

1522ROM834vd8gfigs-explicitὅς, καί ἐστιν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Θεοῦ1who is at the right hand of God

In this culture, the place at the right side of a ruler was a position of honor. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at a place of honor next to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1523ROM835h9bafigs-rquestionτίς ἡμᾶς χωρίσει ἀπὸ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Χριστοῦ?1Who will separate us from the love of Christ?

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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: “Surely no one will separate us from the love of Christ!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1524ROM835btoofigs-metaphorἡμᾶς χωρίσει ἀπὸ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Χριστοῦ1Who will separate us from the love of Christ?

Here Paul speaks figuratively of love as if it were an object that someone can be separated from. He means that Christ cannot stop loving those who believe in him. If it might be helpful in your language, you could express this plainly. Alternate translation: “will cause Christ to stop loving us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1525ROM835sxyqlitanyθλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμὸς, ἢ λιμὸς, ἢ γυμνότης, ἢ κίνδυνος, ἢ μάχαιρα?1Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Paul uses a repetitive series of words in this sentence to emphasize that nothing can stop Jesus from loving those who believe in him. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” This is a list of various types of suffering that Christians may endure because of their faith. Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone might have to endure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

1526ROM835ldx1figs-rquestionθλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμὸς, ἢ λιμὸς, ἢ γυμνότης, ἢ κίνδυνος, ἢ μάχαιρα?1Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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: “Surely neither tribulation, nor distress, nor persecution, nor hunger, nor nakedness, nor danger, nor sword!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1527ROM835m2hlfigs-ellipsisθλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμὸς, ἢ λιμὸς, ἢ γυμνότης, ἢ κίνδυνος, ἢ μάχαιρα?1Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Paul 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 previous sentence. Alternate translation: “Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword separate us from the love of Christ?”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1528ROM835qe2zfigs-abstractnounsθλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμὸς, ἢ λιμὸς1Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of Tribulation, distress, persecution, hunger, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “If people trouble us, or hurt us, or distress us, or persecute us, or cause us to be hungry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1529ROM835q2dcfigs-doubletθλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία1Tribulation, or distress

Tribulation and distress mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used for emphasis. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Extreme tribulation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1530ROM835kcjrfigs-metonymyἢ μάχαιρα1

Here, sword refers to being killed violently. If it might be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or being killed violently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1531ROM836clecwriting-quotationsκαθὼς γέγραπται1

Here Paul uses Just as it is written to introduce a quotation from an Old Testament book (Psalm 44:22). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “Just as it is written in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

1532ROM836f2defigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the quotation was written by the sons of Korah. Alternate translation: “just as the sons of Korah wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1533ROM836wegbfigs-quotemarksὅτι ἕνεκεν σοῦ, θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν; ἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς1

In these clauses Paul quotes Psalm 44:22. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

1534ROM836t67yfigs-youὅτι ἕνεκεν σοῦ1For your benefit

Here, your is singular and refers to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “For your sake, God,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1535ROM836s7wjfigs-exclusiveθανατούμεθα…ἐλογίσθημεν 1we are killed all day long

Here, we refers to the people who wrote this verse. It does not refer to God, who is the one being spoken to. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1536ROM836phxqfigs-activepassiveθανατούμεθα…ἐλογίσθημεν1

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: “our enemies put us to death … they consider us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1537ROM836h6v7figs-hyperboleθανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν1

The phrase all day long is an exaggeration that emphasizes how frequently these people were being killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we are killed regularly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1538ROM836g3pifigs-simileἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς1We were considered as sheep for the slaughter

Here Paul compares to sheep those whom people kill because they are loyal to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “We are considered by those who kill us to only be as valuable as the sheep they kill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1539ROM836gmi0figs-abstractnounsσφαγῆς1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of slaughter, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be slaughtered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1540ROM837wytdgrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλ’1

But here indicates that what follows verses 3739 is the negative answer to the rhetorical questions in verse 35. If you translated the rhetorical question in verse 35 as a question, then here you could use a natural way in your language for introducing a negative answer to that question. If you changed the rhetorical question in verse 35 to a statement, then here you could use a word that indicates strong contrast. Alternate translation: “No,” or “On the contrary,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

1541ROM837aii8figs-explicitτούτοις1we are more than conquerors

Here, these things refers to the list of various types of suffering mentioned in verse 35. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “these kinds of suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1542ROM837iui3figs-metaphorὑπερνικῶμεν1we are more than conquerors

Here, more than conquerors refers to those who have complete victory over their enemies. If it might be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we have complete victory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1543ROM837wcm6figs-explicitτοῦ ἀγαπήσαντος ἡμᾶς1through the one who loved us

Here, the one who loved us could refer to: (1) Christ, as in verse 35. Alternate translation: “through Christ, who loved us” (2) God, as in verse 39. Alternate translation: “through God, who loved us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1544ROM838fch1grammar-connect-words-phrasesγὰρ 1

For here indicates that what follows in this verse and the next verse is an explanation of what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

1545ROM838dgkyfigs-activepassiveπέπεισμαι1I have been convinced

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 convinced me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1546ROM838nsm2figs-litanyοὔτε θάνατος, οὔτε ζωὴ, οὔτε ἄγγελοι, οὔτε ἀρχαὶ, οὔτε ἐνεστῶτα, οὔτε μέλλοντα, οὔτε δυνάμεις1I have been convinced

Paul uses a repetitive series of words in this verse and the next verse in order to emphasize that nothing can stop God from loving people who believe in Jesus. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” This is a list of various things in the universe that might cause Christians to suffer. Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone might have to endure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

1547ROM838ok7ffigs-abstractnounsθάνατος…ζωὴ…ἀρχαὶ…δυνάμεις1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of death, life, governments, or powers, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “being dead…being alive … those who govern … powerful things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1548ROM838js9qfigs-explicitἀρχαὶ1governments

Here, governments could refer to: (1) demons, which is usually how Paul uses this word (1 Corinthians 15:24, Ephesians 6:12). Alternate translation: “ruling demons” (2) human kings and rulers. Alternate translation: “human rulers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1549ROM838q7tifigs-explicitδυνάμεις1nor powers

This could refer to: (1) demons with power, which is how Paul uses this word in 1 Corinthians 15:24 and Ephesians 1:21. Alternate translation: “demonic powers” (2) human beings with power. Alternate translation: “powerful people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1550ROM839fdxlfigs-litanyοὔτε ὕψωμα, οὔτε βάθος, οὔτε τις κτίσις ἑτέρα1nor powers

These two phrases are the end of a repetitive series of words that Paul began in the previous verse in order to emphasize that nothing can stop God from loving those who believe in Jesus. Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone might have to endure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])

1551ROM839ppazfigs-metonymyὕψωμα…βάθος1nor powers

Here, height refers to everything that exists above a person, and depth refers to everything that exists below a person. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everything that is above us … everything that is below us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1552ROM839ajctfigs-activepassiveτις κτίσις ἑτέρα1nor powers

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: “any other thing that God has created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1553ROM839sd7jfigs-metaphorδυνήσεται ἡμᾶς χωρίσαι ἀπὸ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Θεοῦ1nor powers

See how you translated the similar phrase in verse 35. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1554ROM839fr5bfigs-distinguishτῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1nor powers

Here, which marks that Paul is giving further information about the love of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: “that is, the love of God in Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

1555ROM839tot5figs-metaphorἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1nor powers

See how you translated this phrase in 6:23. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1556ROM9introw6f40

Romans 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Gods plan for Israel (9:111:36)
    • Pauls sorrow for Israels unbelief (9:15)
    • God chooses whom he wants to choose (9:613)
    • God shows mercy on whom he wants to show mercy (9:1418)
    • No one can question Gods choice (9:1933)

In this chapter, Paul changes what he is teaching about. In Chapters 9-11, he focuses on the nation of Israel.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 25-29 and 33 of this chapter. Paul quotes all of these words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Flesh

Paul uses the word “flesh” in this chapter only to refer to Israelites, people physically descending from Abraham through Jacob, who God named Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])

In other chapters, Paul uses the word “brother” to mean fellow Christians. However, in this chapter, he uses “my brothers” to mean his kinsmen the Israelites.

Paul refers to those who believe in Jesus as “children of God” and “children of the promise.”

Predestination

Many scholars believe Paul in this chapter teaches extensively on a subject known as “predestination.” This is related to the biblical concept of “predestine.” Some take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen some people to eternally save. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject. So translators need to take extra care when translating this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/predestine]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Stone of stumbling

Paul explains that while some Gentiles accepted Jesus as their savior by believing in him, most Jews were trying to earn their salvation and so rejected Jesus. Paul, quoting the Old Testament, describes Jesus as a stone that the Jews stumble over when walking. This “stone of stumbling” causes them to “fall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“It is not everyone in Israel who truly belongs to Israel”

Paul uses the word “Israel” in this verse with two different meanings. The first “Israel” means the physical descendants of Abraham through Jacob. The second “Israel” means those who are Gods people through faith. The UST reflects this.

1557ROM91b89f0Connecting Statement:

Paul tells of his personal desire that the people of the nation of Israel will be saved. Then he emphasizes the different ways in which God has prepared them to believe.

1558ROM91yg93figs-doubletἀλήθειαν λέγω ἐν Χριστῷ, οὐ ψεύδομαι1I tell the truth in Christ. I do not lie

These two expressions mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize that he is telling the truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1559ROM91h9mpσυνμαρτυρούσης μοι τῆς συνειδήσεώς μου ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ1my conscience bears witness with me in the Holy Spirit

Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit controls my conscience and confirms what I say”

1560ROM92jx3afigs-idiomὅτι λύπη μοί ἐστιν μεγάλη, καὶ ἀδιάλειπτος ὀδύνη τῇ καρδίᾳ μου1that for me there is great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart

Here, unceasing pain in my heart is an idiom that Paul uses to share his emotional distress. Alternate translation: “I tell you that I grieve very greatly and deeply” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1561ROM92jky1figs-doubletλύπη…μεγάλη, καὶ ἀδιάλειπτος ὀδύνη1great sorrow and unceasing pain

These two expressions mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how great his emotions are. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1562ROM93rh5hfigs-activepassiveηὐχόμην γὰρ ἀνάθεμα εἶναι αὐτὸς, ἐγὼ ἀπὸ τοῦ Χριστοῦ1For I could wish that I myself would be cursed and set apart from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race according to the flesh

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “I personally would be willing to let God curse me and, keep me apart from Christ forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1563ROM93eg9bτῶν ἀδελφῶν1brothers

Here, brothers means fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1564ROM94p1ysοἵτινές εἰσιν Ἰσραηλεῖται1They are Israelites

Alternate translation: “who, like me, are Israelites”

1565ROM94l6vsfigs-metaphorὧν ἡ υἱοθεσία1They have adoption

Here Paul uses the metaphor of adoption to indicate that the Israelites are like Gods children. Alternate translation: “who have God as their father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1566ROM96s2ma0Connecting Statement:

Paul emphasizes that those who are born in the family of Israel can really only be a true part of Israel through faith.

1567ROM96equ8οὐχ οἷον δὲ, ὅτι ἐκπέπτωκεν ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ1But it is not as though the promises of God have failed

Alternate translation: “But God has not failed to keep his promises” or “But God has kept his promises”

1568ROM96wy8zοὐ γὰρ πάντες οἱ ἐξ Ἰσραήλ οὗτοι, Ἰσραήλ1For it is not everyone in Israel who truly belongs to Israel

God did not make his promises to all the physical descendants of Israel (or Jacob), but to his spiritual descendants, that is, those who trust in Jesus.

1569ROM97s3rjοὐδ’ ὅτι εἰσὶν σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ πάντες τέκνα1Neither are all Abrahams descendants truly his children

Alternate translation: “Nor are they all children of God just because they are Abrahams descendants”

1570ROM98s5xafigs-metonymyτὰ τέκνα τῆς σαρκὸς,1the children of the flesh are not

Here, children of the flesh is a metonym that refers to the physical descendants of Abraham. Alternate translation: “all of Abrahams descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1571ROM98y17ufigs-metaphorτέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ1children of God

See how you translated this phrase in the verse 16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1572ROM98ta8tτὰ τέκνα τῆς ἐπαγγελίας1children of the promise

The phrase children of the promise refers to people who will inherit the promises that God gave to Abraham.

1573ROM99up57ἐπαγγελίας…ὁ λόγος οὗτος1this is the word of promise

Alternate translation: “these are the words God used when he made the promise”

1574ROM99wqb2figs-activepassiveἔσται τῇ Σάρρᾳ υἱός1a son will be given to Sarah

You can translate this in an active form to express that God will give a son to Sarah. Alternate translation: “I will give Sarah a son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1575ROM910mb5qfigs-exclusiveτοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν1our father

Paul refers to Isaac as our father because Isaac was the ancestor of Paul and of the Jewish believers in Rome. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1576ROM910icc1κοίτην, ἔχουσα1had conceived

Alternate translation: “had become pregnant”

1577ROM911h16yμήπω γὰρ γεννηθέντων, μηδὲ πραξάντων τι ἀγαθὸν ἢ φαῦλον1for the children were not yet born and had not yet done anything good or bad

Alternate translation: “before the children were born and before they had done anything, whether good or bad”

1578ROM911a1gzἵνα ἡ κατ’ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις τοῦ Θεοῦ μένῃ1so that the purpose of God according to choice might stand

Alternate translation: “so that what God wants to happen according to His choice will happen”

1579ROM911eez1μήπω γὰρ γεννηθέντων1for the children were not yet born

Alternate translation: “before the children were born”

1580ROM911iw56μηδὲ πραξάντων τι ἀγαθὸν ἢ φαῦλον1had not yet done anything good or bad

Alternate translation: “not because of anything they had done”

1581ROM912ze3m0Connecting Statement:

It may be necessary in your language to place this verse between verse 10 and verse 11: “our father Isaac, it was said to her, The older will serve the younger. Now the children were not yet born and had not yet done anything good or bad, but so that the purpose of God according to choice might stand—not because of actions, but because of him who calls. It is just”

1582ROM912d6mrἐκ τοῦ1because of him

because of God

1583ROM912wv7nἐρρέθη αὐτῇ, ὅτι ὁ μείζων δουλεύσει τῷ ἐλάσσονι1it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.”

Alternate translation: “God said to Rebecca, The older son will serve the younger son

1584ROM913xt7tfigs-hyperboleτὸν Ἰακὼβ ἠγάπησα, τὸν δὲ Ἠσαῦ ἐμίσησα1Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated

The word hated is an exaggeration. God loved Jacob much more than he loved Esau. He did not literally hate Esau. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1585ROM914m8xkfigs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν?1What then will we say?

Paul is using the question to get the attention of his readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1586ROM914s1hmμὴ γένοιτο!1May it never be

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

1587ROM915kq2cfigs-metaphorτῷ Μωϋσεῖ γὰρ λέγει1For he says to Moses

Paul speaks about Gods talking with Moses as if it is being done in the present time. Alternate translation: “For God said to Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1588ROM916d4f5οὐ τοῦ θέλοντος, οὐδὲ τοῦ τρέχοντος1it is not because of him who wills, nor because of him who runs

Alternate translation: “it is not because of what people want or because they try hard”

1589ROM916ues3figs-metaphorοὐδὲ τοῦ τρέχοντος1nor because of him who runs

Paul speaks of a person who does good things in order to gain Gods favor as if that person were running a race. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1590ROM917x1cjfigs-personificationλέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφὴ1For the scripture says

Here the scripture is personified as if God were talking to Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “For the scripture records that God said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1591ROM917xu7sἐξήγειρά σε…ἐνδείξωμαι…μου1I … my

Here the pronouns I and my refer to God as the speaker.

1592ROM917nfv5figs-youσε1you

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

1593ROM917pz5xfigs-idiomἐξήγειρά σε1I raised you up

Here, raised is an idiom for causing something to be what it is. Alternate translation: “I made you the powerful man that you are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1594ROM917gps5figs-activepassiveὅπως διαγγελῇ τὸ ὄνομά μου1so that my name might be proclaimed

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so that people might proclaim my name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1595ROM917jp6ifigs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομά μου1my name

Here, name is a metonym that could refer to: (1) God in all of his being. Alternate translation: “who I am” (2) Gods reputation. Alternate translation: “how great I am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1596ROM917jn7ufigs-hyperboleἐν πάσῃ τῇ γῇ1in all the earth

“wherever there are people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1597ROM918a1uvὃν δὲ θέλει, σκληρύνει1whom he wishes, he makes stubborn

God makes stubborn whoever he wishes to make stubborn.

1598ROM919z4j2figs-youἐρεῖς μοι οὖν1You will say then to me

Paul is talking to the critics of his teaching as though he were only talking to one person. You may need to use the plural here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1599ROM919bbe4figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἔτι μέμφεται? τῷ γὰρ βουλήματι αὐτοῦ, τίς ἀνθέστηκεν?1Why does he still find fault? For who has ever withstood his will?

These rhetorical questions are complaints against God. You can translate them as strong statements. Alternate translation: “He should not find fault with us. No one has ever been able to withstand his will.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1600ROM919hqr7μέμφεται…αὐτοῦ1he … his

The words he and his here refer to God.

1601ROM919n1tiτῷ…βουλήματι αὐτοῦ, τίς ἀνθέστηκεν1has … withstood his will

Alternate translation: “who has ever stopped him from doing what he wanted to do”

1602ROM920arw8figs-metaphorμὴ ἐρεῖ τὸ πλάσμα, τῷ πλάσαντι, τί με ἐποίησας οὕτως?1Will what has been molded say to the one who molds it, “Why … way?”

Paul uses the potters right to make any kind of container he wants from the clay as a metaphor for the creators right to do whatever he wants with his creation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1603ROM920knb3figs-rquestionμὴ ἐρεῖ τὸ πλάσμα, τῷ πλάσαντι, τί με ἐποίησας οὕτως?1

Paul asks questions to emphasize his point. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “What a person has molded should never say to the one who molds it, Why did you make me this way?!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1604ROM920wcj3figs-rquestionτί με ἐποίησας οὕτως1Why did you make me this way?

This question is a rebuke and can be translated as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have made me this way!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1605ROM921e94afigs-rquestionἢ οὐκ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν ὁ κεραμεὺς τοῦ πηλοῦ, ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ φυράματος ποιῆσαι ὃ μὲν εἰς τιμὴν σκεῦος, ὃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν?1Does the potter not have the right … for daily use?

This rhetorical question is a rebuke. Alternate translation: “The potter certainly has the right over the clay to make from the same lump a container for special occasions, but another for daily use.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1606ROM922we86figs-metaphorσκεύη ὀργῆς1containers of wrath

Paul speaks of people as if they were containers. Alternate translation: “people who deserve wrath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1607ROM923ufj7γνωρίσῃ…αὐτοῦ1he … his

The pronouns he and his here refer to God.

1608ROM923v33rfigs-metaphorσκεύη ἐλέους1containers of mercy

Paul speaks of people as if they were containers. Alternate translation: “people who deserve mercy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1609ROM923she3figs-metaphorτὸν πλοῦτον τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ1the riches of his glory upon

Paul compares Gods wonderful actions here to great riches. Alternate translation: “his glory, which is of great value, upon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1610ROM923t41sfigs-explicitἃ προητοίμασεν εἰς δόξαν1which he had previously prepared for glory

Here, glory refers to life in heaven with God. Alternate translation: “whom he prepared ahead of time in order that they might live with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1611ROM924y6vpfigs-exclusiveκαὶ…ἡμᾶς1also for us

The pronoun us here refers to Paul and fellow believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1612ROM924t8rnἐκάλεσεν1called

Here, called means God has appointed or chosen people to be his children, to be his servants and proclaimers of his message of salvation through Jesus.

1613ROM925eqc20Connecting Statement:

In this section Paul explains how Israels unbelief as a nation was told ahead of time by the prophet Hosea.

1614ROM925ewb4figs-explicitὡς καὶ ἐν τῷ Ὡσηὲ λέγει1As he says also in Hosea

Here, he refers to God. Alternate translation: “As God says also in the book that Hosea wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1615ROM925m82vtranslate-namesτῷ Ὡσηὲ1Hosea

Hosea was an Old Testament prophet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1616ROM925gi5kκαλέσω τὸν οὐ λαόν μου, λαόν μου1I will call my people who were not my people

Alternate translation: “I will choose for my people those who were not my people”

1617ROM925yy15figs-activepassiveτὴν οὐκ ἠγαπημένην, ἠγαπημένην1her beloved who was not beloved

Here, the one refers to Hoseas wife, Gomer, who represents the nation of Israel. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “I will choose her whom I did not love to be one whom I love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1618ROM926qe9fυἱοὶ Θεοῦ ζῶντος1sons of the living God

The word living may refer to the fact that God is the only true God, and not like the false idols. Alternate translation: “children of the true God”

1619ROM927zqi1κράζει1cries out

Alternate translation: “calls out”

1620ROM927k9j8figs-simileὡς ἡ ἄμμος τῆς θαλάσσης1as the sand of the sea

Here Paul compares the number of the people of Israel to the number of grains of sand in the sea. Alternate translation: “too many to count” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1621ROM927wig1figs-activepassiveσωθήσεται1will be saved

Paul uses the word saved in a spiritual sense. If God saves a person, it means that through believing in Jesus death on the cross, God has forgiven him and rescued him from being punished for his sin. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1622ROM928cm32λόγον…ποιήσει Κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς1the Lord will carry out his sentence on the earth

Here, word refers to how he has decided to punish people. Alternate translation: “the Lord will punish people on the earth according to how he has said”

1623ROM929dl9xfigs-exclusiveἡμῖν…ἂν ἐγενήθημεν1us … we

Here the pronouns us and we refer to Isaiah and those to whom he spoke. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1624ROM929tk2efigs-explicitὡς Σόδομα ἂν ἐγενήθημεν, καὶ ὡς Γόμορρα ἂν ὡμοιώθημεν1we would be like Sodom, and we would have become like Gomorrah

God killed all of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sin. Alternate translation: “we all would have been destroyed like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah” or “God would have destroyed all of us, like he destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gommorah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1625ROM930m5l2figs-rquestionτί οὖν ἐροῦμεν?1What will we say then?

Paul uses this question to get the attention of his readers. Alternate translation: “This is what we must say.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1626ROM930ki4kὅτι ἔθνη1That the Gentiles

Alternate translation: “We will say that the Gentiles”

1627ROM930bnl6τὰ μὴ διώκοντα δικαιοσύνην1who were not pursuing righteousness

Alternate translation: “who were not trying to please God”

1628ROM930gl4mfigs-explicitδικαιοσύνην…τὴν ἐκ πίστεως1the righteousness by faith

Here, by faith refers to placing ones trust in Christ. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “because God made them right with him when they trusted in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1629ROM931f18nfigs-explicitεἰς νόμον οὐκ ἔφθασεν1did not arrive at it

This means that the Israelites could not please God by trying to keep the law. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “were not able to please God by keeping the law because they could not keep it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1630ROM932y4pffigs-ellipsisδιὰ τί?1Why not?

This is an ellipsis. You can include the implied words in your translation. Alternate translation: “Why could they not attain righteousness?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1631ROM932e7p7figs-rquestionδιὰ τί?1

Paul asks this question to get the attention of his readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1632ROM932j5jpfigs-explicitὡς ἐξ ἔργων1by works

This refers to things that people do to try to please God. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “by trying to do things that would please God” or “by keeping the Law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1633ROM933kx9cfigs-explicitκαθὼς γέγραπται1as it has been written

You can indicate that Isaiah wrote this. Alternate translation: “just as it has been written by Isaiah the prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1634ROM933ivt3figs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1

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

1635ROM933dy6xfigs-metonymyἐν Σιὼν1in Zion

Here, Zion is a metonym that represents Israel. Alternate translation: “in Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1636ROM933u3djfigs-doubletλίθον προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτραν σκανδάλου1stone of stumbling and a rock of offense

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1637ROM933mf6hfigs-metaphorλίθον προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτραν σκανδάλου1

These phrases are metaphors that refer to Jesus and his death on the cross. It was as if the people stumbled over a stone because they were disgusted when they considered Jesus death on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1638ROM933tu4iπιστεύων ἐπ’ αὐτῷ1believes in it

Because the stone stands for a person, you may need to translate this as “who believes in him.”

1639ROM10introc2li0

Romans 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Gods plan for Israel (9:111:36)
    • Pauls sorrow for Israels unbelief (9:15)
    • God chooses whom he wants to choose (9:613)
    • God shows mercy on whom he wants to show mercy (9:1418)
    • No one can question Gods choice (9:1933)
    • Israels false righteousness (10:14)
    • Salvation is available to everyone (10:521)

Some translations set prose quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted words in verse 8.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 18-20 of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gods righteousness

Paul teaches here that while many Jews earnestly tried to be righteous, they did not succeed. We cannot earn Gods righteousness. God gives us Jesus righteousness when we believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He does this to convince his readers that God does not save only the Hebrew people, so Christians must be ready to go and share the gospel with the whole world. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“I will provoke you to jealousy by what is not a nation”

Paul uses this prophecy to explain that God will use the church to make the Hebrew people jealous. This is so they will seek God and believe the gospel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/jealous]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1640ROM101pi370Connecting Statement:

Paul continues stating his desire for Israel to believe but emphasizes that both those who are Jews as well as everyone else can only be saved by faith in Jesus.

1641ROM101hj4bἀδελφοί1Brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1642ROM101tq7kfigs-metonymyἡ μὲν εὐδοκία τῆς ἐμῆς καρδίας1my hearts desire

Here, heart is a metonym for a persons emotions or inner being. Alternate translation: “my greatest desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1643ROM101tmf2ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν εἰς σωτηρίαν1is for them, for their salvation

Alternate translation: “is that God will save the Jews”

1644ROM102y7qgμαρτυρῶ…αὐτοῖς1I testify about them

Alternate translation: “I declare truthfully about them”

1645ROM103bw97figs-explicitἀγνοοῦντες γὰρ τὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην1For they do not know of Gods righteousness

Here, righteousness refers to the way God puts people right with himself. You can make this explicit in the translation. Alternate translation: “For they do not know how God puts people right with himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1646ROM103a6r4τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐχ ὑπετάγησαν1They did not submit to the righteousness of God

Alternate translation: “they did not accept Gods way of putting people right with himself”

1647ROM104x1w8τέλος γὰρ νόμου Χριστὸς1For Christ is the fulfillment of the law

Alternate translation: “For Christ completely fulfilled the law”

1648ROM104f6pufigs-explicitεἰς δικαιοσύνην παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι1for righteousness for everyone who believes

Here, believes means “trusts.” Alternate translation: “in order that he may make everyone who trusts in him right before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1649ROM105qby2τὴν δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐκ νόμου1the righteousness that comes from the law

Alternate translation: “how the law makes a person right before God”

1650ROM105wjn6figs-explicitὅτι ὁ ποιήσας αὐτὰ ἄνθρωπος, ζήσεται ἐν αὐτῇ1The man who does the righteousness of the law will live by this righteousness

In order to be made right with God through the law, a person would have to keep the law perfectly, which is not possible. Alternate translation: “The person who perfectly obeys the law will live because the law will make him right before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1651ROM105qkz4ζήσεται1will live

Here, will live could refer to: (1) eternal life. (2) mortal life in fellowship with God.

1652ROM106sr9zfigs-personificationἡ δὲ ἐκ πίστεως δικαιοσύνη οὕτως λέγει1But the righteousness that comes from faith says this

Here, righteousness is described as a person who can speak. Alternate translation: “But Moses writes this about how faith makes a person right before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1653ROM106x7h4figs-youμὴ εἴπῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1Do not say in your heart

Moses was addressing the people as if he were speaking to only one person. The pronoun your is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1654ROM106nwlwfigs-metonymyμὴ εἴπῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1

Here, heart is a metonym for a persons mind or inner being. Alternate translation: “Do not say to yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1655ROM106tf9rfigs-rquestionτίς ἀναβήσεται εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν?1Who will ascend into heaven?

Moses uses a question to teach his audience. His previous instruction of, “Do not say” requires a negative answer to this question. You can translate this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one is able to go up to heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1656ROM106gi7sτοῦτ’ ἔστιν Χριστὸν καταγαγεῖν1that is, to bring Christ down

Alternate translation: “in order that they might have Christ come down to earth”

1657ROM107w8xefigs-rquestionτίς καταβήσεται εἰς τὴν Ἄβυσσον?1Who will descend into the abyss

Moses uses a question to teach his audience. His previous instruction of, “Do not say” requires a negative answer to this question. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “No person can go down and enter the place where the spirits of dead persons are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1658ROM107iw13ἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.

1659ROM107t8ddνεκρῶν1dead

Here, the dead speaks of physical death.

1660ROM108gz7tfigs-personificationἀλλὰ τί λέγει?1But what does it say?

The word it refers to “the righteousness” of Romans 10:6. Here Paul describes righteousness as a person who can speak. Alternate translation: “But this is what Moses says?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1661ROM108sen1figs-rquestionἀλλὰ τί λέγει?1

Paul uses a question to emphasize the answer he is about to give. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1662ROM108kzb2figs-personificationἐγγύς σου τὸ ῥῆμά ἐστιν1The word is near you

Paul speaks of Gods word as if it were a person who can move. Alternate translation: “You have heard the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1663ROM108y6mqfigs-metonymyἐγγύς σου τὸ ῥῆμά ἐστιν, ἐν τῷ στόματί σου, καὶ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1The word is … in your mouth

The word mouth is a metonym that refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “You can hear and know how to speak and think about Gods message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1664ROM108zvx4figs-metonymyἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1The word is … in your heart

The phrase in your heart is metonym that refers to what a person thinks and believes. Alternate translation: “and you know what it means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1665ROM108lh5dτὸ ῥῆμα τῆς πίστεως1the word of faith

Alternate translation: “Gods message that tells us that we must believe in him”

1666ROM109tz7rἐὰν ὁμολογήσῃς ἐν τῷ στόματί σου, Κύριον Ἰησοῦν1if with your mouth you confess Jesus as Lord

Alternate translation: “if you verbally confess that Jesus is Lord”

1667ROM109ie71figs-metonymyπιστεύσῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου1believe in your heart

Here, heart is a metonym for a persons mind or inner person. Alternate translation: “believe in your mind” or “truly believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1668ROM109zdf5figs-idiomαὐτὸν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν1raised him from the dead

Here, raised here is an idiom for “caused to live again.” Alternate translation: “caused him to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1669ROM109c3cqfigs-activepassiveσωθήσῃ1you will be saved

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

1670ROM1010g7i1figs-metonymyκαρδίᾳ γὰρ πιστεύεται εἰς δικαιοσύνην, στόματι δὲ ὁμολογεῖται εἰς σωτηρίαν1For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation

Here, heart is a metonym that represents the mind or will. Alternate translation: “For it is with the mind that a person trusts and is right before God, and it is with the mouth that a person confesses and God saves him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1671ROM1010xs8cfigs-synecdocheστόματι1with the mouth

Here, mouth is a synecdoche that represents a persons capacity to speak. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1672ROM1011gu99figs-personificationλέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφή1For scripture says

Paul speaks of the scripture as if it were alive and had a voice. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1673ROM1011r6tffigs-explicitλέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφή1

You can make explicit who wrote the scripture that Paul uses here. Alternate translation: “For Isaiah wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1674ROM1011nv71figs-activepassiveπᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ἐπ’ αὐτῷ οὐ καταισχυνθήσεται1Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame

This is equivalent to: “Everyone who does not believe will be shamed.” The negative is used here for emphasis. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will honor everyone who believes in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1675ROM1012z8p4figs-explicitοὐ γάρ ἐστιν διαστολὴ Ἰουδαίου τε καὶ Ἕλληνος1For there is no difference between Jew and Greek

Paul implies that God will treat all people the same. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “In this way, God treats the Jews and the non-Jews the same” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1676ROM1012p9pyfigs-explicitπλουτῶν εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους αὐτόν1he is rich to all who call upon him

Here, being rich means that God blesses richly. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “and he richly blesses all who trust in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1677ROM1013pe96figs-metonymyπᾶς γὰρ ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου, σωθήσεται1For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved

Here the word name is a metonym for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1678ROM1013js1bfigs-activepassiveπᾶς γὰρ ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου, σωθήσεται1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For the Lord will save everyone who trusts in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1679ROM1014utr4figs-rquestionπῶς οὖν ἐπικαλέσωνται εἰς ὃν οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν?1How then can they call on him in whom they have not believed?

Paul uses a question to emphasize the importance of taking the good news of Christ to those who have not heard. The word they refers to those who do not yet belong to God. Alternate translation: “Those who do not believe in God cannot call on him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1680ROM1014lx52figs-rquestionπῶς…πιστεύσωσιν οὗ οὐκ ἤκουσαν?2How can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?

Paul uses another question for the same reason. Alternate translation: “they cannot believe in him if they have not heard his message!” or “they cannot believe in him if they have not heard the message about him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1681ROM1014mrl8πιστεύσωσιν1believe in

Here this means to acknowledge that what that person has said is true.

1682ROM1014iwc1figs-rquestionπῶς…ἀκούσωσιν χωρὶς κηρύσσοντος?3How can they hear without a preacher?

Paul uses another question for the same reason. Alternate translation: “they cannot hear the message if someone does not tell them!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1683ROM1015e8rtfigs-metonymyὡς ὡραῖοι οἱ πόδες τῶν εὐαγγελιζομένων τὰ ἀγαθά!1How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim good news

Paul uses feet to represent those who travel and bring the message to those who have not heard it. Alternate translation: “It is wonderful when messengers come and tell us the good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1684ROM1016hku8οὐ πάντες ὑπήκουσαν1not all of them obeyed

Here, them refers to the Jews. “not all of the Jews obeyed”

1685ROM1016j3sefigs-rquestionΚύριε, τίς ἐπίστευσεν τῇ ἀκοῇ ἡμῶν?1Lord, who has believed our message?

Paul is using this question to emphasize that Isaiah prophesied in the Scriptures that many Jews would not believe in Jesus. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “Lord, so many of them do not believe our message.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1686ROM1016z4s9τῇ ἀκοῇ ἡμῶν1our message

Here, our refers to God and Isaiah.

1687ROM1017wu5aἡ πίστις ἐξ ἀκοῆς1faith comes from hearing

Here, faith refers to “believing in Christ”

1688ROM1017nq87ἡ…ἀκοὴ διὰ ῥήματος Χριστοῦ2hearing by the word of Christ

Alternate translation: “hearing by listening to the message about Christ”

1689ROM1018f6jyfigs-rquestionἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ οὐκ ἤκουσαν? μενοῦνγε1But I say, “Did they not hear?” Yes, most certainly

Paul uses a question for emphasis. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “But, I say the Jews certainly have heard the message about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1690ROM1018s5zhfigs-parallelismεἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν; καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης, τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν1Their sound has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

Both of these statements mean basically the same thing and Paul uses them for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1691ROM1018g4vdfigs-personificationεἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν; καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης, τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν1

The word their refers to the sun, moon, and stars. Here they are described as human messengers that tell people about God. This refers to how their existence shows Gods power and glory. Alternate translation: “The sun, moon, and the stars are proof of Gods power and glory, and everyone in the world sees them and knows the truth about God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1692ROM1018lz77figs-explicitεἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν; καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης, τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν1

You can make explicit that Paul is quoting Scripture here. Alternate translation: “As the Scriptures record, The sun, moon, and the stars are proof of Gods power and glory, and everyone in the world sees them and knows the truth about God.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1693ROM1019ib4mfigs-rquestionἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ Ἰσραὴλ οὐκ ἔγνω?1Moreover, I say, “Did Israel not know?”

Paul uses a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: “Again I tell you that Israel did know the message.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1694ROM1019zyw0figs-metonymyἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ Ἰσραὴλ οὐκ ἔγνω?1

The word Israel is a metonym for the people who lived in the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “Again I tell you the people of Israel did know the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1695ROM1019jjt3figs-explicitπρῶτος Μωϋσῆς λέγει1First Moses says, “I will provoke you … I will stir you up to anger.”

This means that Moses wrote down what God said. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1696ROM1019vxzzfigs-youἐγὼ παραζηλώσω ὑμᾶς,…παροργιῶ ὑμᾶς1

Both instances of I refer to God, and you refers to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “God will provoke you … God will stir you up to anger.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1697ROM1019ve6tἐπ’ οὐκ ἔθνει1by what is not a nation

Alternate translation: “by those you do not consider to be a real nation” or “by people who do not belong to any nation”

1698ROM1019s3nzfigs-explicitἐπ’ ἔθνει ἀσυνέτῳ1By means of a nation without understanding

Here, without understanding means that the people do not know God. Alternate translation: “by a nation with people who do not know me or my commands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1699ROM1019g7ztπαροργιῶ ὑμᾶς1I will stir you up to anger

Alternate translation: “I will make you angry” or “I will cause you to become angry”

1700ROM1019a7k7figs-youὑμᾶς1you

Here, you refers to the nation of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1701ROM1020qcx20General Information:

Here the words I, “me,” and “my” refer to God.

1702ROM1020cv1xἨσαΐας δὲ ἀποτολμᾷ καὶ λέγει1Then Isaiah was very bold when he says

This means the prophet Isaiah wrote what God had said.

1703ROM1020fc4bεὑρέθην ἐν τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ζητοῦσιν1I was found by those who did not seek me

Prophets often speak of things in the future as if they have already happened. This emphasizes that the prophecy will certainly come true.

1704ROM1020u60ffigs-activepassiveεὑρέθην ἐν τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ζητοῦσιν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Even though the Gentile people will not look for me, they will find me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1705ROM1020t78jἐμφανὴς ἐγενόμην1I appeared

Alternate translation: “I made myself known”

1706ROM1020k8ppλέγει1he says

He refers to God, who is speaking through Isaiah.

1707ROM1021hw4wὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν1All the day long

This phrase is used to emphasize Gods continual effort. “Continually”

1708ROM1021il8stranslate-symactionἐξεπέτασα τὰς χεῖράς μου πρὸς λαὸν ἀπειθοῦντα καὶ ἀντιλέγοντα1I reached out my hands to a disobedient and stubborn people

The action of reaching out a hand represents offering help to a person. Alternate translation: “I tried to welcome you and to help you, but you refused my help and continued to disobey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1709ROM11introe9qz0

Romans 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Gods plan for Israel (9:111:36)
    • Pauls sorrow for Israels unbelief (9:15)
    • God chooses whom he wants to choose (9:613)
    • God shows mercy on whom he wants to show mercy (9:1418)
    • No one can question Gods choice (9:1933)
    • Israels false righteousness (10:14)
    • Salvation is available to everyone (10:521)
    • Israel has a faithful remnant (11:110)
    • Israels unbelief resulted in non-Jews belief (11:1124)
    • God will save Israel (11:1532)
    • Praise for Gods wisdom (11:3311:36)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 9-10, 26-27, and 34-35, which are words from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Grafting

Paul uses the image of “grafting” to refer to the place of the Gentiles and Jews in the plans of God. Making one plant to be permanently part of another plant is called “grafting.” Paul uses the picture of God grafting the Gentiles as a wild branch into his saving plans. But God has not forgotten about the Jews, who are spoken of as the natural plant. God will also save Jews who believe in Jesus.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Did God reject his people? May it never be”

Whether Israel (the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) has a future in the plans of God, or if they have been replaced in the plans of God by the church, is a major theological issue in Chapters 9-11. This phrase is an important part of this section of Romans. It seems to indicate that Israel remains distinct from the church. Not all scholars arrive at this conclusion. Despite their currently rejecting Jesus as their Messiah, Israel has not exhausted the grace and mercy of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])

1710ROM111p2h90Connecting Statement:

Though Israel as a nation has rejected God, God wants them to understand salvation comes by grace without works.

1711ROM111wp35λέγω οὖν1I say then

Alternate translation: “I, Paul, say then”

1712ROM111p4zdfigs-rquestionμὴ ἀπώσατο ὁ Θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ?1did God reject his people?

Paul asks this question so that he can answer the questions of other Jews who are upset that God has included the Gentiles among his people, while the hearts of the Jewish people have been hardened. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1713ROM111wqu2μὴ γένοιτο1May it never be

“That is not possible!” or “Certainly not!” This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in Romans 9:14.

1714ROM111bc4gφυλῆς Βενιαμείν1tribe of Benjamin

This refers to the tribe descended from Benjamin, one of the 12 tribes into which God divided the people of Israel.

1715ROM112h4qeὃν προέγνω1whom he foreknew

Alternate translation: “whom he knew ahead of time”

1716ROM112cjp6figs-rquestionἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ἐν Ἠλείᾳ τί λέγει ἡ Γραφή, ὡς ἐντυγχάνει τῷ Θεῷ κατὰ τοῦ Ἰσραήλ?1Do you not know what the scripture says about Elijah, how he pleaded with God against Israel?

You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you know what the Scriptures record about when Elijah pleaded with God against Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1717ROM112dd1efigs-personificationτί λέγει ἡ Γραφή1what the scripture says

Paul is referring to the scriptures as if they were able to speak. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1718ROM113fh9iἀπέκτειναν1they have killed

Here, they refers to the people of Israel.

1719ROM113ut1sκἀγὼ ὑπελείφθην μόνος1I alone am left

The pronoun I here refers to Elijah.

1720ROM113dv5uζητοῦσιν τὴν ψυχήν μου1seeking my life

Alternate translation: “they want to kill me”

1721ROM114rj4efigs-rquestionἀλλὰ τί λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ χρηματισμός?1But what does Gods answer say to him?

Paul is using this question to bring the reader to his next point. Alternate translation: “How does God answer him?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1722ROM114x6e9αὐτῷ1him

The pronoun him refers to Elijah.

1723ROM115ce2rλῖμμα1remnant

Here this means a small part of people whom God chose to receive his grace.

1724ROM116q6esfigs-explicitεἰ δὲ χάριτι1But if it is by grace

Paul continues to explain how Gods mercy works. Alternate translation: “But since Gods mercy works by grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1725ROM117k94bfigs-rquestionτί οὖν?1What then?

“What should we conclude?” Paul asks this question to move his reader to his next point. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is what we need to remember.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1726ROM118uc8gfigs-metaphorἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς πνεῦμα κατανύξεως, ὀφθαλμοὺς τοῦ μὴ βλέπειν, καὶ ὦτα τοῦ μὴ ἀκούειν1God has given them a spirit of dullness, eyes so that they should not see, and ears so that they should not hear

This is a metaphor about the fact that the people are spiritually dull. They are not able to hear or receive spiritual truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1727ROM118z47aπνεῦμα κατανύξεως1spirit of dullness

Here, spirit means “the characteristics of,” such as the “spirit of wisdom.”

1728ROM118zyk1ὀφθαλμοὺς τοῦ μὴ βλέπειν1eyes so that they should not see

The concept of seeing with ones eyes was considered to be equivalent to gaining understanding.

1729ROM118ny8wὦτα τοῦ μὴ ἀκούειν1ears so that they should not hear

The concept of hearing with the ears was considered to be equivalent to obedience.

1730ROM119kpg8figs-metonymyγενηθήτω ἡ τράπεζα αὐτῶν εἰς παγίδα, καὶ εἰς θήραν1Let their table become a net and a trap

Here, table here is a metonym that represents feasting. Alternate translation: “Please, God, make their feasts become like a trap” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1731ROM119l6refigs-metaphorγενηθήτω ἡ τράπεζα αὐτῶν εἰς παγίδα, καὶ εἰς θήραν1

Here, net and trap are metaphors that represent punishment. Alternate translation: (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1732ROM119x0wlfigs-activepassiveγενηθήτω ἡ τράπεζα αὐτῶν εἰς παγίδα, καὶ εἰς θήραν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Please, God, make their feasts like a trap that catches them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1733ROM119ya1gfigs-metaphorσκάνδαλον1a stumbling block

A stumbling block is anything that causes a person to trip so that he falls down. Here it represents something that tempts a person to sin. Alternate translation: “something that tempts them to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1734ROM119xex5ἀνταπόδομα αὐτοῖς1a retribution for them

Alternate translation: “something that allows you to take revenge on them”

1735ROM1110c1njfigs-metonymyτὸν νῶτον αὐτῶν διὰ παντὸς σύνκαμψον1bend their backs continually

Here, make their backs bend is a metonym for forcing slaves to carry heavy loads on their backs. Alternate translation: “make them continually carry heavy loads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1736ROM1110biqgfigs-metaphorτὸν νῶτον αὐτῶν διὰ παντὸς σύνκαμψον1

This is a metaphor for making them suffer. Alternate translation: “make them continually suffer like people carrying heavy loads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1737ROM1111z8tw0Connecting Statement:

With Israel as a nation rejecting God, Paul warns the Gentiles to be careful they do not make the same mistake.

1738ROM1111r9hgfigs-rquestionμὴ ἔπταισαν ἵνα πέσωσιν?1Did they stumble so as to fall?

Paul uses this question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “Has God rejected them forever because they sinned?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1739ROM1111qbx4μὴ γένοιτο!1May it never be

“That is not possible!” or “Certainly not!” This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in Romans 9:14.

1740ROM1111f1jwπαραζηλῶσαι αὐτούς1provoke … to jealousy

See how you translated this phrase in Romans 10:19.

1741ROM1112ew4ifigs-doubletεἰ…τὸ παράπτωμα αὐτῶν, πλοῦτος κόσμου, καὶ τὸ ἥττημα αὐτῶν, πλοῦτος ἐθνῶν1if their failure is the riches of the world, and if their loss is the riches of the Gentiles

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. If you need to, you can combine them in your translation. Alternate translation: “when the Jews failed spiritually, the result was that God abundantly blessed the non-Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1742ROM1112dh1gπλοῦτος ἐθνῶν1the riches of the world

Because the Jews rejected Christ, God richly blessed the Gentiles by giving them the opportunity to receive Christ.

1743ROM1112it9kκόσμου1the world

Here the world is a metonym that refers to the people who live in the world, especially the Gentiles.

1744ROM1114ua2kπαραζηλώσω1I will provoke to jealousy

See how you translated this phrase in Romans 10:19.

1745ROM1114h1qeμου τὴν σάρκα1those who are of my own flesh

This refers to Pauls fellow Jews.

1746ROM1114gp38figs-explicitκαὶ σώσω τινὰς ἐξ αὐτῶν1Perhaps I will save some of them

God will save those who believe. Alternate translation: “and perhaps some will believe and God will save them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1747ROM1115es22εἰ γὰρ ἡ ἀποβολὴ αὐτῶν καταλλαγὴ κόσμου1For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world

Alternate translation: “For if because God rejected them, he will reconcile the rest of the world to himself”

1748ROM1115ui3iἡ ἀποβολὴ αὐτῶν1their rejection

The pronoun their refers to Jewish unbelievers.

1749ROM1115m3fsfigs-metonymyκόσμου1the world

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

1750ROM1115em8mfigs-rquestionτίς ἡ πρόσλημψις εἰ μὴ ζωὴ ἐκ νεκρῶν?1what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

Paul asks this question to emphasize that when God accepts the Jews, it will be a wonderful thing. Alternate translation: “how will it be when God accepts them? It will be like they have come back to life from among the dead!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1751ROM1115civ7figs-activepassiveτίς ἡ πρόσλημψις εἰ μὴ ζωὴ ἐκ νεκρῶν?1

You can translate it in an active form. Alternate translation: “then when God accepts them, it will be like they have died and become alive again!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1752ROM1115jn4lνεκρῶν1the dead

These words speak of all dead people together in the underworld.

1753ROM1116b2s5figs-metaphorεἰ δὲ ἡ ἀπαρχὴ ἁγία, καὶ τὸ φύραμα;1If the firstfruits are reserved, so is the lump of dough

Paul is speaking of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Israelites ancestors, as if they were the first grain or firstfruits to be harvested. He is also speaking of the Israelites who are descendants of those men as if they were a lump of dough that they made from the grain. Alternate translation: “If Abraham is counted as the first of what has been offered to God, all of our ancestors who followed should also be counted as Gods possession” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1754ROM1116dci1figs-metaphorεἰ ἡ ῥίζα ἁγία, καὶ οἱ κλάδοι1If the root is reserved, so are the branches

Paul is speaking of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Israelites ancestors, as if they were the root of a tree, and the Israelites who are descendants of those men, as if they were the branches of the tree. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1755ROM1116d1zifigs-metaphorἁγία1reserved

The people always dedicated to God the first crops that they harvested. Here, “firstfruits” stands for the first people to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1756ROM1117slf6figs-metaphorεἰ δέ τινες τῶν κλάδων ἐξεκλάσθησαν1But if some of the branches were broken off

Here Paul refers to the Jews who rejected Jesus as branches that were broken off. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1757ROM1117b8icfigs-activepassiveεἰ δέ τινες τῶν κλάδων ἐξεκλάσθησαν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “But if someone broke off some of the branches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1758ROM1117qv65σὺ δὲ ἀγριέλαιος ὢν1if you, a wild olive branch

The pronoun you, and the phrase a wild olive branch, refer to the Gentile people who have accepted salvation through Jesus.

1759ROM1117z6hrfigs-metaphorἐνεκεντρίσθης ἐν αὐτοῖς1were grafted in among them

Here Paul speaks of the Gentile Christians as if they were grafted into the faith of Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1760ROM1117lb1pfigs-activepassiveἐνεκεντρίσθης ἐν αὐτοῖς1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God attached you to the tree among the remaining branches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1761ROM1117s9w3figs-metaphorτῆς ῥίζης τῆς πιότητος τῆς ἐλαίας ἐγένου1the rich root of the olive tree

Here, the richness of the root is a metaphor that refers to the promises of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1762ROM1118gqd6figs-metaphorμὴ κατακαυχῶ τῶν κλάδων1do not boast over the branches

Here, the branches is a metaphor that stands for the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “do not say you are better than the Jewish people God has rejected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1763ROM1118llz1figs-metaphorοὐ σὺ τὴν ῥίζαν βαστάζεις, ἀλλὰ ἡ ῥίζα σέ1it is not you who supports the root, but the root that supports you

Again Paul implies that the Gentile believers are branches that are connected to the root of the faith of the Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs. God saves them only because of the covenant promises that he made to the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1764ROM1119mm6wfigs-metaphorἐξεκλάσθησαν κλάδοι1Branches were broken off

Branches here refer to the Jews who rejected Jesus and whom God has now rejected. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1765ROM1119qk8cfigs-activepassiveἐξεκλάσθησαν κλάδοι1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God broke branches off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1766ROM1119p9tifigs-metaphorἐγὼ ἐνκεντρισθῶ1I might be grafted in

Paul uses this phrase to refer to the Gentile believers whom God has accepted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1767ROM1119z9l9figs-activepassiveἐγὼ ἐνκεντρισθῶ1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “he might attach me in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1768ROM1120puj9τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ ἐξεκλάσθησαν1their … they

The pronouns They and their refer to the Jewish people who did not believe.

1769ROM1120v2uafigs-metaphorσὺ δὲ τῇ πίστει ἕστηκας1but you stand firm because of your faith

Paul speaks of the Gentile believers remaining faithful as if they were standing firm and no one could move them. Alternate translation: “but you remain because of your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1770ROM1121f6i7figs-metaphorεἰ γὰρ ὁ Θεὸς τῶν κατὰ φύσιν κλάδων οὐκ ἐφείσατο, οὐδὲ σοῦ φείσεται1For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you

Here the natural branches refer to the Jewish people who rejected Jesus. Alternate translation: “Since God did not spare those unbelieving Jews, who grew up like a trees natural branches that came from the root, then know, if you do not believe, he will not spare you either” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1771ROM1122xdm3χρηστότητα καὶ ἀποτομίαν Θεοῦ1the kind actions and the severity of God

Paul is reminding the Gentile believers that although God may act very kindly toward them, he will not hesitate to judge and punish them.

1772ROM1122p691figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ μὲν τοὺς πεσόντας, ἀποτομία; ἐπὶ δὲ σὲ, χρηστότης Θεοῦ1severity came on the Jews who fell … Gods kindness comes on you

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns severity and kindness. Alternate translation: “God dealt harshly with the Jews who fell, but God acts kindly toward you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1773ROM1122scf8figs-metaphorτοὺς πεσόντας1those who fell

Doing what is wrong is spoken of as if it is falling down. Alternate translation: “the Jews who have done wrong” or “the Jews who have refused to trust in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1774ROM1122z41mfigs-abstractnounsἐὰν ἐπιμένῃς τῇ χρηστότητι1if you continue in his kindness

This can be restated to remove the abstract noun kindness. Alternate translation: “if you continue doing what is right so that he continues being kind to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1775ROM1122t4mkfigs-metaphorἐπεὶ καὶ σὺ ἐκκοπήσῃ1Otherwise you also will be cut off

Paul again uses the metaphor of a branch, which God can cut off if he needs to. Here, cut off is a metaphor for rejecting someone. Alternate translation: “Otherwise you will be rejected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1776ROM1122l17ifigs-activepassiveἐπεὶ καὶ σὺ ἐκκοπήσῃ1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Otherwise God will cut you off” or “Otherwise God will reject you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1777ROM1123lvk7figs-doublenegativesἐὰν μὴ ἐπιμένωσι τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ1if they do not continue in their unbelief

The phrase do not continue in their unbelief is a double negative. You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “if the Jews start believing in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1778ROM1123zu7kfigs-metaphorἐνκεντρισθήσονται1will be grafted in

Paul speaks of the Jews as if they were branches that could be grafted back into a tree if they start to believe in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1779ROM1123lx11figs-activepassiveἐνκεντρισθήσονται1

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

1780ROM1123yjj6ἐνκεντρίσαι1graft

This is a common process where the end of a live branch of one tree is inserted into another tree so that the new branch will continue to grow in that tree.

1781ROM1123r5kgκἀκεῖνοι…αὐτούς1they … them

The occurrences of they and them refer to the Jews.

1782ROM1124s1a4figs-metaphorεἰ γὰρ σὺ ἐκ τῆς κατὰ φύσιν ἐξεκόπης ἀγριελαίου, καὶ παρὰ φύσιν ἐνεκεντρίσθης εἰς καλλιέλαιον, πόσῳ μᾶλλον οὗτοι, οἱ κατὰ φύσιν ἐνκεντρισθήσονται τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐλαίᾳ1For if you were cut out of what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a good olive tree, how much more will these Jews, who are the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree?

Paul continues speaking of the Gentile believers and Jews as if they were branches of a tree. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1783ROM1124dem3figs-activepassiveεἰ γὰρ σὺ ἐκ τῆς κατὰ φύσιν ἐξεκόπης ἀγριελαίου, καὶ παρὰ φύσιν ἐνεκεντρίσθης εἰς καλλιέλαιον, πόσῳ μᾶλλον οὗτοι, οἱ κατὰ φύσιν ἐνκεντρισθήσονται τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐλαίᾳ?1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For if God had cut you out of what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature had grafted you into a good olive tree, how much more will he graft these Jews, who are the natural branches, into their own olive tree?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1784ROM1124yn21figs-metaphorοἱ κατὰ φύσιν1branches

Paul continues speaking of the Jews and Gentiles as if they were branches. The branches according to nature represent the Jews who were originally connected to the faith of Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1785ROM1125ye5wfigs-doublenegativesοὐ…θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν1I do not want you to be uninformed

Here Paul uses a double negative. You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “I very much want you to be aware” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1786ROM1125w7lxἀδελφοί1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

1787ROM1125q3i2θέλω1I

Here the pronoun I refers to Paul.

1788ROM1125sf4vὑμᾶς…ἦτε…ἑαυτοῖς1you … you … your

The pronouns you and yourselves refer to the Gentile believers.

1789ROM1125me1gfigs-explicitἵνα μὴ ἦτε παρ’ ἑαυτοῖς φρόνιμοι1in order that you will not be wise in your own thinking

Paul does not want the Gentile believers to think they are wiser than the Jewish unbelievers. Alternate translation: “so that you will not think you are wiser than you are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1790ROM1125ec4jfigs-metaphorπώρωσις ἀπὸ μέρους τῷ Ἰσραὴλ γέγονεν1a partial hardening has occurred in Israel

Paul speaks of stubbornness as if it were a hardening of physical organs in the body. Some Jews have refused to accept salvation through Jesus. Alternate translation: “many people of Israel continue to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1791ROM1125db1xἄχρι οὗ τὸ πλήρωμα τῶν ἐθνῶν εἰσέλθῃ1until the completion of the Gentiles come in

The word until here implies that a portion Jews will refuse to believe until after God has finished bringing the Gentiles into the church.

1792ROM1126ds7a0Connecting Statement:

Paul says that a deliverer will come out of Israel to the glory of God.

1793ROM1126vu7tfigs-activepassiveκαὶ οὕτως πᾶς Ἰσραὴλ σωθήσεται1Thus all Israel will be saved

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and thus God will save all Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1794ROM1126n7yffigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1just as it is written

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

1795ROM1126dm4efigs-metonymyἐκ Σιὼν1Out of Zion

Here, Zion is used as a metonym for the place where God dwells. Alternate translation: “From where God is among the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1796ROM1126v96cὁ ῥυόμενος1the Deliverer

Alternate translation: “the one who brings his people to safety”

1797ROM1126at55figs-metaphorἀποστρέψει ἀσεβείας1He will remove ungodliness

Paul speaks of ungodliness as if it were an object that someone could remove, perhaps like someone removes a garment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1798ROM1126bkr2figs-metonymyἀπὸ Ἰακώβ1from Jacob

Here, Jacob is used as a metonym for Israel. Alternate translation: “from the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1799ROM1127ll39figs-metaphorἀφέλωμαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν1I will take away their sins

Here Paul speaks of sins as if they were objects that someone could take away. Alternate translation: “I will remove the burden of their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1800ROM1128ctn9figs-explicitκατὰ μὲν τὸ εὐαγγέλιον1As far as the gospel is concerned

You can make explicit why Paul mentions the gospel. Alternate translation: “Because the Jews rejected the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1801ROM1128x6aafigs-explicitἐχθροὶ δι’ ὑμᾶς1they are enemies for your sake

You can make explicit whose enemies they are, and how this was for the Gentiles sake. Alternate translation: “they are Gods enemies for your sake” or “God has treated them as enemies in order that you also might hear the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1802ROM1128dr2qfigs-explicitκατὰ…τὴν ἐκλογὴν2as far as election is concerned

You can make explicit why Paul mentions election. Alternate translation: “because God has elected the Jews” or “because God has chosen the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1803ROM1128jas2figs-explicitἀγαπητοὶ διὰ τοὺς πατέρας1they are beloved because of their forefathers

You can make explicit who loves the Jews and why Paul mentions their forefathers. Alternate translation: “they are loved by God because of what he promised to do for their ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1804ROM1128d82kfigs-activepassiveἀγαπητοὶ διὰ τοὺς πατέρας1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God still loves them because of what he promised to do for their ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1805ROM1129p2sffigs-metaphorἀμεταμέλητα γὰρ τὰ χαρίσματα καὶ ἡ κλῆσις τοῦ Θεοῦ1For the gifts and the call of God are unchangeable

Paul speaks of the spiritual and material blessings that God promised to give his people as if they were gifts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1806ROM1129mnqsfigs-explicitἀμεταμέλητα γὰρ τὰ χαρίσματα καὶ ἡ κλῆσις τοῦ Θεοῦ1

The call of God refers to the fact that God called the Jews to be his people. Alternate translation: “For God never changed his mind about what he has promised to give them, and about how he has called them to be his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1807ROM1130bj8gὑμεῖς ποτε ἠπειθήσατε1you were formerly disobedient

Alternate translation: “you did not obey in the past”

1808ROM1130df91figs-explicitἠλεήθητε τῇ τούτων ἀπειθείᾳ1you have received mercy because of their disobedience

Here, mercy means Gods undeserved blessings. Alternate translation: “because the Jews have rejected Jesus, you have received blessings that you did not deserve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1809ROM1130g3cnfigs-youὑμεῖς1you

Here, you refers to Gentile believers, and is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1810ROM1132t6cbfigs-metaphorσυνέκλεισεν…ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς πάντας εἰς ἀπείθειαν1God has shut up all into disobedience

God has treated people who disobey him like prisoners who are unable to escape from prison. Alternate translation: “God has made prisoners of those who disobey him. Now they cannot stop disobeying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1811ROM1133x3kbfigs-doubletὦ βάθος πλούτου, καὶ σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως Θεοῦ1Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!

Here, wisdom and knowledge mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “How amazing are the many benefits of both Gods wisdom and knowledge!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1812ROM1133u322ὡς ἀνεξεραύνητα τὰ κρίματα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀνεξιχνίαστοι αἱ ὁδοὶ αὐτοῦ1How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways beyond discovering

Alternate translation: “We are completely unable to understand the things that he has decided and find out the ways in which he acts toward us”

1813ROM1134r2wjfigs-rquestionτίς γὰρ ἔγνω νοῦν Κυρίου, ἢ τίς σύμβουλος αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο?1For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has become his advisor?

Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one is as wise as the Lord. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one has ever known the mind of the Lord, and no one has become his advisor.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1814ROM1134yy52figs-metonymyνοῦν Κυρίου1the mind of the Lord

Here, mind is a metonym for knowing things or thinking about things. Alternate translation: “all that the Lord knows” or “what the Lord thinks about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1815ROM1135j5cnfigs-rquestionἢ τίς προέδωκεν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἀνταποδοθήσεται αὐτῷ?1Or who has first given anything to God, that God must repay him?

Paul uses this question to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “No one has ever given anything to God that he did not first receive from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1816ROM1136abc1writing-pronounsἐξ αὐτοῦ, καὶ δι’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν, τὰ πάντα. αὐτῷ1For from him … through him … to him

Here, all occurrences of him refer to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

1817ROM1136rpx6figs-explicitαὐτῷ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας1To him be the glory forever

This expresses Pauls desire for all people to honor God. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “May all people honor him forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1818ROM12introaky90

Romans 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Instructions for living as Christians (12:115:13)
    • How to act toward God (12:12)
    • How to serve the church (12:38)
    • How to act toward other Christians (12:913)
    • How to act toward unbelievers (12:1421)
    • How to act toward government (13:17)
    • How to act toward other people (13:810)
    • Act as if the end is near (13:1114)
    • Do not judge other Christians (14:112)
    • Do not tempt other Christians to sin (14:1323)
    • Be united with other Christians (15:113)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the words of verse 20, which are from the Old Testament.

Many scholars believe Paul uses the word therefore in Romans 12:1 to refer back to all of Chapters 1-11. Having carefully explained the Christian gospel, Paul now explains how Christians should live in light of these great truths. Chapters 12-16 focus on living out ones Christian faith. Paul uses many different commands in these chapters to give these practical instructions. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Christian living

Under the law of Moses, people were required to offer temple sacrifices of animals or grain. Now Christians are required to live their lives as a type of sacrifice to God. Physical sacrifices are no longer required. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Body of Christ

The body of Christ is an important metaphor or image used in Scripture to refer to the church. Each church member plays a unique and important function. Christians need each other. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/body]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1819ROM121rhs30Connecting Statement:

Paul tells what the life of a believer should be and how believers should serve.

1820ROM121d2y3figs-explicitπαρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God

Here, brothers refers to fellow believers, both male and female. Alternate translation: “Fellow believers, because of the great mercy that God has given you I very much want you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1821ROM121w1mzfigs-synecdocheπαραστῆσαι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν θυσίαν ζῶσαν1to present your bodies a living sacrifice

Here Paul uses the word bodies to refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “to offer yourselves completely to God as a living sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1822ROM121wuylfigs-metaphorπαραστῆσαι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν θυσίαν ζῶσαν1

Paul is comparing a believer in Christ who completely obeys God to the animals that the Jews killed and then offered to God. Alternate translation: “to offer yourselves completely to God while you are alive as if you were a dead sacrifice on a temple altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1823ROM121dwr5figs-doubletἁγίαν, εὐάρεστον, τῷ Θεῷ1holy, acceptable to God

This could refer to: (1) a sacrifice that you give to God alone and that pleases him. (2) a sacrifice that is acceptable to God because it is morally pure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1824ROM121tyk7τὴν λογικὴν λατρείαν ὑμῶν1This is your reasonable service

Alternate translation: “which is the right way to worship God”

1825ROM122clc6figs-metaphorμὴ συνσχηματίζεσθε τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ1Do not be conformed to this world

This could mean: (1) do not behave as the world behaves. (2) do not think the way the world does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1826ROM122pyb6figs-activepassiveμὴ συνσχηματίζεσθε τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ1Do not be conformed

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “do not act and think like the world does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1827ROM122d2qqfigs-metonymyτῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ1this world

Here, this world refers to unbelievers who live in the world. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1828ROM122na8pfigs-activepassiveἀλλὰ μεταμορφοῦσθε τῇ ἀνακαινώσει τοῦ νοός1but be transformed by the renewal of your mind

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “but let God change the way you think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1829ROM123nyc2figs-explicitδιὰ τῆς χάριτος τῆς δοθείσης μοι1because of the grace that was given to me

Here, grace refers to Gods choosing Paul to be an apostle and leader of the church. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “through the grace that caused me to become an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1830ROM123l6c6figs-activepassiveδιὰ τῆς χάριτος τῆς δοθείσης μοι1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “because God freely chose me to be an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1831ROM123s6ygπαντὶ τῷ ὄντι ἐν ὑμῖν, μὴ ὑπερφρονεῖν παρ’ ὃ δεῖ φρονεῖν1that everyone who is among you should not think more highly of themselves than they ought to think

Alternate translation: “that no one among you should think they are better than they are”

1832ROM123me4tἀλλὰ φρονεῖν εἰς τὸ σωφρονεῖν1Instead, they should think in a wise way

Alternate translation: “but you should be wise in how you think about yourselves”

1833ROM123m8z7figs-explicitἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ Θεὸς ἐμέρισεν μέτρον πίστεως1just as God has given out to each one a certain amount of faith

Paul implies here that believers have different abilities that correspond to their faith in God. Alternate translation: “since God has given each of you the faith to trust in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1834ROM124zm8pγὰρ1For

Paul the word For to show that he will now explain why some Christians should not think they are better than others.

1835ROM124v2pifigs-metaphorἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, πολλὰ μέλη ἔχομεν1we have many members in one body

Paul refers to all the believers in Christ as if they were different parts of the human body. He does this to illustrate that although believers may serve Christ in different ways, each person belongs to Christ and serves in an important way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1836ROM124v5iyμέλη1members

Here, members are such things as eyes, stomachs, and hands.

1837ROM125dhx8figs-metaphorτὸ δὲ καθ’ εἷς ἀλλήλων μέλη1are individually members of each other

Paul speaks of the believers as if God had physically joined them together like the parts of the human body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1838ROM125cutlfigs-activepassiveτὸ δὲ καθ’ εἷς ἀλλήλων μέλη1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has joined each believer together with all other believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1839ROM126hrr1figs-metaphorἔχοντες δὲ χαρίσματα κατὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν διάφορα1We have different gifts according to the grace that was given to us

Paul speaks of believers different abilities as being free gifts from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1840ROM126y267figs-activepassiveἔχοντες δὲ χαρίσματα κατὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν διάφορα1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has freely given each of us the ability to do different things for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1841ROM126bnk9κατὰ τὴν ἀναλογίαν τῆς πίστεως1let it be done according to the proportion of his faith

This could mean: (1) he should speak prophecies that do not go beyond the amount of faith God has given us. (2) he should speak prophecies that agree with the teachings of our faith.

1842ROM128m2asfigs-explicitὁ μεταδιδοὺς1giving

Here, giving refers to giving money and other things to people. You can make this meaning explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “if one has the gift of giving money or other goods to people in need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1843ROM129iv5hfigs-activepassiveἡ ἀγάπη ἀνυπόκριτος1Let love be without hypocrisy

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “You must love people sincerely and truly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1844ROM129eaw7ἡ ἀγάπη1love

The word Paul uses here refers to the kind of love that comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself.

1845ROM1210mr8iτῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ1love

This is another word that means brotherly love or love for a friend or family member. This is natural human love between friends or relatives.

1846ROM1210ng86τῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ…φιλόστοργοι1Concerning love of the brothers, be affectionate

Here Paul begins a list of nine items, each of the form in … be to tell the believers what kind of people they should be. You may need to translate some of the items as “in … do.” The list continues to Romans 12:13.

1847ROM1210ux2yτῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ1Concerning love of the brothers

Alternate translation: “as for how you love your fellow believers”

1848ROM1210tj57τῇ τιμῇ ἀλλήλους προηγούμενοι1Concerning honor, respect one another

Alternate translation: “honor and respect one another” or “honor your fellow believers by respecting them”

1849ROM1211iu2iτῇ σπουδῇ μὴ ὀκνηροί, τῷ πνεύματι ζέοντες, τῷ Κυρίῳ δουλεύοντες1Concerning diligence, do not be hesitant. Concerning the spirit, be eager. Concerning the Lord, serve him

Alternate translation: “do not be lazy in your duty, but be eager to follow the Spirit and to serve the Lord”

1850ROM1212l3esτῇ θλίψει ὑπομένοντες1be patient in suffering

Alternate translation: “wait patiently whenever you have troubles”

1851ROM1213vk5hταῖς χρείαις τῶν ἁγίων κοινωνοῦντες1Share in the needs of the saints

Alternate translation: “when fellow Christians are in trouble, help them with what they need”

1852ROM1213exd8τὴν φιλοξενίαν διώκοντες1Find many ways to show hospitality

This is the last item in the list that began in Romans 12:9. “always welcome them into your home when they need a place to stay”

1853ROM1216hwd1figs-idiomτὸ αὐτὸ εἰς ἀλλήλους φρονοῦντες1Be of the same mind toward one another

This is an idiom that means to live in unity. Alternate translation: “agreeing with one another” or “living in unity with each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1854ROM1216ar7yμὴ τὰ ὑψηλὰ φρονοῦντες1Do not think in proud ways

Alternate translation: “do not think that you are more important than others”

1855ROM1216cc23τοῖς ταπεινοῖς συναπαγόμενοι1accept lowly people

Alternate translation: “welcome people who do not seem important”

1856ROM1216h469μὴ γίνεσθε φρόνιμοι παρ’ ἑαυτοῖς1Do not be wise in your own thoughts

Alternate translation: “Do not think of yourselves as having more wisdom than everyone else”

1857ROM1217h2tzμηδενὶ κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ ἀποδιδόντες1Repay no one evil for evil

Alternate translation: “do not do evil things to someone who has done evil things to you”

1858ROM1217fzh8προνοούμενοι καλὰ ἐνώπιον πάντων ἀνθρώπων1Do good things in the sight of all people

Alternate translation: “do things that everyone considers to be good”

1859ROM1218pgt7τὸ ἐξ ὑμῶν, μετὰ πάντων ἀνθρώπων εἰρηνεύοντες1as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people

Alternate translation: “do whatever you can to live in peace with everyone”

1860ROM1219ew6xfigs-metonymyδότε τόπον τῇ ὀργῇ1give way to his wrath

Here, wrath is a metonym for Gods punishment. Alternate translation: “allow God to punish them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1861ROM1219ns3bfigs-activepassiveγέγραπται γάρ1For it is written

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

1862ROM1219l2i8figs-parallelismἐμοὶ ἐκδίκησις; ἐγὼ ἀνταποδώσω1Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that God will avenge his people. Alternate translation: “I will certainly avenge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1863ROM1220c4igfigs-youὁ ἐχθρός σου…σωρεύσεις1your enemy … feed him … give him a drink … if you do this, you will heap

The pronouns your and you are singular and addressed as to one person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1864ROM1220q7dqἀλλὰ ἐὰν πεινᾷ ὁ ἐχθρός σου, ψώμιζε αὐτόν; ἐὰν διψᾷ, πότιζε αὐτόν; τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν, ἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ.1But if your enemy is hungry … his head

In 12:20 Paul quotes another part of scripture. Alternate translation: “But the scripture also says, If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For doing this, you will heap coals of fire on his head

1865ROM1220wce6figs-metaphorἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ1You will heap coals of fire on his head

Paul speaks of the blessings that the enemies will receive as if someone were pouring hot coals on their heads. This could mean: (1) you will make the person who harmed you feel badly about how he has mistreated you. (2) you will give God a reason to judge your enemy more harshly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1866ROM1221q761figs-personificationμὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ, ἀλλὰ νίκα ἐν τῷ ἀγαθῷ τὸ κακόν1Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

Paul describes evil as though it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1867ROM1221k8etfigs-activepassiveμὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Do not let those who are evil defeat you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1868ROM1221p7fdμὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ, ἀλλὰ νίκα…τὸ κακόν1Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil

These verbs are addressed as to one person and so are singular.

1869ROM13introl4q70

Romans 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Instructions for living as Christians (12:115:13)
    • How to act toward God (12:12)
    • How to serve the church (12:38)
    • How to act toward other Christians (12:913)
    • How to act toward unbelievers (12:1421)
    • How to act toward government (13:17)
    • How to act toward other people (13:810)
    • Act as if the end is near (13:1114)

In the first part of this chapter, Paul teaches Christians to obey rulers who govern them. At that time, ungodly Roman rulers governed the land. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Ungodly rulers

When Paul teaches about obeying rulers, some readers will find this difficult to understand, especially in places where rulers persecute the church. Christians must obey their rulers as well as obey God, unless the rulers do not allow Christians to do something God explicitly commands them to do. There are times when a believer must submit to these rulers and suffer at their hands. Christians understand that this world is temporary and they will ultimately be with God forever. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Flesh

This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

1870ROM131v5ik0Connecting Statement:

Paul tells believers how to live under their rulers.

1871ROM131b8nffigs-synecdocheπᾶσα ψυχὴ…ὑποτασσέσθω1Let every soul be obedient to

Here, soul is a synecdoche for the whole person. “Let every Christian obey” or “Everyone should obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1872ROM131g1byἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις1higher authorities

Alternate translation: “submit to government officials”

1873ROM131wii2figs-doublenegativesοὐ…ἔστιν ἐξουσία, εἰ μὴ ὑπὸ Θεοῦ1there is no authority unless it comes from God

This is a double negative. You can translate it in a positive form. Alternate translation: “all authority comes from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1874ROM131j3lrfigs-activepassiveαἱ δὲ οὖσαι ὑπὸ Θεοῦ τεταγμέναι εἰσίν1The authorities that exist have been appointed by God

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “And the people who are in authority are there because God put them there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1875ROM132ui8yτῇ ἐξουσίᾳ1that authority

Alternate translation: “that government authority” or “the authority that God placed in power”

1876ROM132dsa3figs-activepassiveοἱ…ἀνθεστηκότες, ἑαυτοῖς κρίμα λήμψονται1those who oppose it will receive judgment on themselves

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will judge those who oppose government authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1877ROM133m3yfγὰρ1For

Paul uses this word to begin his explanation of Romans 13:2 and to tell about what will result if the government condemns a person.

1878ROM133c2xaοἱ…ἄρχοντες οὐκ εἰσὶν φόβος1rulers are not a terror

Rulers do not make good people afraid.

1879ROM133jt2zτῷ ἀγαθῷ ἔργῳ,…τῷ κακῷ1to good deeds … to evil deeds

People are identified with their good deeds or evil deeds.

1880ROM133z4sqfigs-rquestionθέλεις δὲ μὴ φοβεῖσθαι τὴν ἐξουσίαν?1Do you desire to be unafraid of the one in authority?

Paul uses this question to get people to think about what they need to do in order not to be afraid of rulers. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you how you can be unafraid of the ruler.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1881ROM133ahl9ἕξεις ἔπαινον ἐξ αὐτῆς1you will receive his approval

The government will say good things about people who do what is good.

1882ROM134ink8figs-litotesοὐ…εἰκῇ τὴν μάχαιραν φορεῖ1he does not carry the sword for no reason

You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “he carries the sword for a very good reason” or “he has the power to punish people, and he will punish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1883ROM134s3vzfigs-metonymyτὴν μάχαιραν φορεῖ1carry the sword

Roman governors carried a short sword as a symbol of their authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1884ROM134au7jfigs-metonymyἔκδικος εἰς ὀργὴν1an avenger for wrath

Here, wrath represents the punishment people receive when they do evil deeds. Alternate translation: “a person who punishes people as an expression of the governments anger against evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1885ROM135q81vοὐ μόνον διὰ τὴν ὀργὴν, ἀλλὰ καὶ διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν1not only because of the wrath, but also because of conscience

Alternate translation: “not only so the government will not punish you, but also so you will have a clear conscience before God”

1886ROM136r1jyδιὰ τοῦτο1Because of this

Alternate translation: “because the government punishes evildoers”

1887ROM136r4b3τελεῖτε1you pay

Paul is addressing the believers here, so this verb is plural.

1888ROM136hy4fγὰρ…εἰσιν2For they are

Alternate translation: “This is why you should pay taxes: authorities are”

1889ROM137z9cnἀπόδοτε πᾶσι1Pay to everyone

Paul is addressing the believers here, so this verb is plural.

1890ROM137wg2lfigs-ellipsisτῷ τὸν φόρον, τὸν φόρον; τῷ τὸ τέλος, τὸ τέλος; τῷ τὸν φόβον, τὸν φόβον; τῷ τὴν τιμὴν, τὴν τιμήν1Tax to whom tax is due, toll to whom toll is due; fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due.

The word “pay” is understood from the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “pay tax to whom tax is due and toll to whom toll is due. Pay fear to whom fear is due and honor to him to whom honor is due” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1891ROM137nwi2figs-metaphorτῷ τὸν φόβον, τὸν φόβον; τῷ τὴν τιμὴν, τὴν τιμήν1fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due

Here paying fear and honor is a metaphor for fearing and honoring those who deserve to be feared and honored. Alternate translation: “Fear those who deserve to be feared, and honor those who deserved to be honored” or “Respect those whom you ought to respect, and honor those whom you ought to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1892ROM137s2nfτὸ τέλος1toll

This is a kind of tax.

1893ROM138s8pb0Connecting Statement:

Paul tells believers how to act toward neighbors.

1894ROM138a69gfigs-doublenegativesμηδενὶ μηδὲν ὀφείλετε, εἰ μὴ τὸ ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν1Owe no one anything, except to love one another

This is a double negative. You can translate it in a positive form. Alternate translation: “Pay all you owe to everyone, and fulfill your obligation to love one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1895ROM138ay3nεἰ μὴ τὸ ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν1except to love one another

This is the one debt that can remain.

1896ROM138p6cwὀφείλετε1Owe

This verb is plural and applies to all the Christians in Rome.

1897ROM138i5auἀγαπᾶν1love

This refers to the kind of love that comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself.

1898ROM1310vy62figs-personificationἡ ἀγάπη τῷ πλησίον κακὸν οὐκ ἐργάζεται1Love does not harm ones neighbor

This phrase portrays love as a person who is being kind to other people. Alternate translation: “People who love their neighbors do not harm them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1899ROM1311b6l3figs-metaphorεἰδότες τὸν καιρόν, ὅτι ὥρα ἤδη ὑμᾶς ἐξ ὕπνου ἐγερθῆναι1we know the time, that it is already time for us to awake out of sleep

Paul speaks of the need for the Roman believers to change their behavior as if they needed to wake up from being asleep. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1900ROM1312ahn4figs-metaphorἡ νὺξ προέκοψεν1The night has advanced

Paul speaks of the time when people do evil deeds as night. Alternate translation: “The sinful time is almost over” or “It is as though the night is almost finished” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1901ROM1312p7xpfigs-metaphorἡ…ἡμέρα ἤγγικεν2the day has come near

Paul speaks of the time when people do what is right as the day. Alternate translation: “the time of righteousness will begin soon” or “it is as though it will soon be day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1902ROM1312bb8tfigs-metaphorἀποθώμεθα οὖν τὰ ἔργα τοῦ σκότους1Let us therefore put aside the works of darkness

Paul speaks of works of darkness as if they are clothing that a person puts aside. Here to put aside means to stop doing something. Here, darkness is a metaphor for evil. Alternate translation: “Let us therefore stop doing the evil things that people do in the dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1903ROM1312y5n4figs-metaphorἐνδυσώμεθα…τὰ ὅπλα τοῦ φωτός1let us put on the armor of light

Here, light is a metaphor for what is good and right. Paul speaks of doing what is right as if it were putting on armor to protect ones self. Alternate translation: “let us start doing what is right. Doing this will protect us from what is evil like armor protects a solider” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1904ROM1313gv4qfigs-exclusiveπεριπατήσωμεν1Let us walk

Paul includes his readers and other believers with himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1905ROM1313e6ijfigs-metaphorὡς ἐν ἡμέρᾳ εὐσχημόνως περιπατήσωμεν1Let us walk appropriately, as in the day

Paul speaks of living as true believers as if one were walking while it is day. Alternate translation: “Let us walk in a visible way knowing that everyone can see us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1906ROM1313qes3figs-doubletκοίταις καὶ ἀσελγείαις1in sexual immorality or in uncontrolled lust

These concepts mean basically the same thing. You can combine them in your translation. Alternate translation: “in sexually immoral acts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1907ROM1313h6xlἔριδι1strife

This refers to plotting against and arguing with other people.

1908ROM1314sir6figs-metaphorἐνδύσασθε τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν1put on the Lord Jesus Christ

Paul speaks of accepting the moral nature of Christ as if he were our outer clothing that people can see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1909ROM1314j795ἐνδύσασθε1put on

If your language has a plural form for commands, use it here.

1910ROM1314xre7figs-metonymyτῆς σαρκὸς πρόνοιαν μὴ ποιεῖσθε1make no provision for the flesh

Here the flesh refers to the self-directed nature of people who oppose God. This is the sinful nature of human beings. Alternate translation: “do not allow your old evil heart any opportunity at all for doing wicked things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1911ROM14introkt8c0

Romans 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Instructions for living as Christians (12:115:13)
    • How to act toward God (12:12)
    • How to serve the church (12:38)
    • How to act toward other Christians (12:913)
    • How to act toward unbelievers (12:1421)
    • How to act toward government (13:17)
    • How to act toward other people (13:810)
    • Act as if the end is near (13:1114)
    • Do not judge other Christians (14:112)
    • Do not tempt other Christians to sin (14:1323)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verse 11 of this chapter, which Paul quotes from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Weak in faith

Paul teaches that Christians can have real faith and at the same time be “weak in faith” in a given situation. This describes Christians whose faith is immature, not strong, or misunderstood. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Dietary restrictions

Many religions in the ancient Near East restricted what was eaten. Christians have freedom to eat what they want. But they need to use this freedom wisely, in a way that honors the Lord and does not cause others to sin. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

The judgment seat of God

The judgment seat of God or Christ represents a time when all people, including Christians, will be held accountable for the way they lived their lives.

1912ROM141abm60Connecting Statement:

Paul encourages believers to remember that they are answerable to God.

1913ROM141jf8vἀσθενοῦντα τῇ πίστει1weak in faith

This refers to those who felt guilty over eating and drinking certain things.

1914ROM141p697μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν1without giving judgment about arguments

Alternate translation: “and do not condemn them for their opinions”

1915ROM142ii8gὃς μὲν πιστεύει φαγεῖν πάντα1One person has faith to eat anything

Some people believe God permits them to eat any kind of food.

1916ROM142n2n6ὁ…ἀσθενῶν λάχανα ἐσθίει1another who is weak eats only vegetables

This describes a person who believes God does not want him to eat meat.

1917ROM144q9bxfigs-rquestionσὺ τίς εἶ, ὁ κρίνων ἀλλότριον οἰκέτην?1Who are you, you who judge a servant belonging to someone else?

Paul is using a question to scold those who are judging others. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not God, and you are not allowed to judge one of his servants!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1918ROM144xq7rfigs-youσὺ…ὁ κρίνων1you, who judges

The form of you here is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1919ROM144ba38figs-metaphorτῷ ἰδίῳ κυρίῳ στήκει ἢ πίπτει1It is before his own master that he stands or falls

Paul speaks of God as if he were a master who owned slaves. Alternate translation: “Only the master can decide if he will accept the slave or not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1920ROM144cp9yfigs-metaphorσταθήσεται δέ, δυνατεῖ γὰρ ὁ Κύριος στῆσαι αὐτόν1But he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand

Paul speaks of the servant who is acceptable to God as if he were being made to stand instead of falling. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1921ROM144uctofigs-activepassiveσταθήσεται δέ, δυνατεῖ γὰρ ὁ Κύριος στῆσαι αὐτόν1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “But the Lord will accept him because he is able to make the servant acceptable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1922ROM145x7j2ὃς μὲν κρίνει ἡμέραν παρ’ ἡμέραν; ὃς δὲ κρίνει πᾶσαν ἡμέραν.1One person values one day above another. Another values every day equally

Alternate translation: “One person thinks one day is more important than all the others, but another person thinks that all days are the same”

1923ROM145m511figs-explicitἕκαστος ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοῒ, πληροφορείσθω1Let each person be convinced in his own mind

You can make the full meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “Let each person be convinced that he is honoring the Lord by what he does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1924ROM145y5eafigs-activepassiveἕκαστος ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοῒ, πληροφορείσθω1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Let each person be sure what he is doing is to honor the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1925ROM146pfn6figs-explicitὁ φρονῶν τὴν ἡμέραν, Κυρίῳ φρονεῖ1He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord

Here, observes refers to worshiping. Alternate translation: “The person who worships on a certain day does it to honor the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1926ROM146esu5figs-ellipsisὁ ἐσθίων1he who eats

The word “everything” is understood from Romans 14:3. It can be repeatd here. Alternate translation: “the person who eats every kind of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1927ROM146f9tmΚυρίῳ ἐσθίει1eats for the Lord

Alternate translation: “eats to honor the Lord” or “eats that way in order to honor the Lord”

1928ROM146jh8jfigs-ellipsisκαὶ ὁ μὴ ἐσθίων1He who does not eat

The word “everything” is understood from Romans 14:3. It can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “and he who does not eat everything” or “and the person who does not eat certain kinds of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1929ROM147txm3figs-explicitοὐδεὶς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἑαυτῷ ζῇ1For none of us lives for himself

Here, lives for himself means to live only to please oneself. Alternate translation: “None of us should live merely to please ourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1930ROM147u9arfigs-exclusiveοὐδεὶς…ἡμῶν1none of us

Paul is including his readers, so this is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1931ROM147c9lsfigs-explicitοὐδεὶς ἑαυτῷ ἀποθνῄσκει1none dies for himself

This means anyones death affects other people. Alternate translation: “none of us should think that when we die, it affects only us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1932ROM148s3lbfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Paul is speaking of both himself and his readers, so all instances of “we” are inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1933ROM1410db9afigs-rquestionτί κρίνεις τὸν ἀδελφόν σου? ἢ καὶ σὺ τί ἐξουθενεῖς τὸν ἀδελφόν σου?1why do you judge your brother? And you, why do you despise your brother?

By using these questions, Paul is demonstrating how he might need to scold individuals among his readers. Alternate translation: “it is wrong for you to judge your brother, and it is wrong for you to despise your brother!” or “stop judging and despising your brother!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1934ROM1410al55τὸν ἀδελφόν1brother

Here, brother means a fellow Christian, male or female.

1935ROM1410jq85figs-metonymyπάντες γὰρ παραστησόμεθα τῷ βήματι τοῦ Θεοῦ1For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God

The judgment seat refers to Gods authority to judge. Alternate translation: “For God will judge us all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1936ROM1411fel6figs-activepassiveγέγραπται γάρ1For it is written,

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

1937ROM1411tf76figs-explicitζῶ ἐγώ1As I live

This phrase is used to start an oath or solemn promise. Alternate translation: “You can be certain that this is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1938ROM1411sb6qfigs-synecdocheἐμοὶ κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ, καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ Θεῷ1to me every knee will bend, and every tongue will confess to God

Paul uses the word God and tongue to refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “every person will bow and give praise to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1939ROM1411vngpfigs-123personἐμοὶ κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ, καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ Θεῷ1

The Lord uses the word God to refer to himself. Alternate translation: “every person will bow and give praise to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1940ROM1412nsy8περὶ ἑαυτοῦ, λόγον δώσει τῷ Θεῷ1will give an account of himself to God

Alternate translation: “will have to explain our actions to God”

1941ROM1413ia62figs-doubletἀλλὰ τοῦτο κρίνατε μᾶλλον, τὸ μὴ τιθέναι πρόσκομμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ ἢ σκάνδαλον1but instead decide this, that no one will place a stumbling block or a snare for his brother

Here, stumbling block and snare mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “but instead make it your goal not to do or say anything that might cause a fellow believer to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1942ROM1413cx4sτῷ ἀδελφῷ1brother

Here, brother refers to a fellow Christian, male or female.

1943ROM1414t7gcfigs-doubletοἶδα καὶ πέπεισμαι ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ1I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus

Here the words know and am persuaded mean basically the same thing; Paul uses them to emphasize his certainty. Alternate translation: “I am certain because of my relationship with the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1944ROM1414fuk1figs-doublenegativesοὐδὲν κοινὸν δι’ ἑαυτοῦ1nothing is unclean by itself

You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “everything by itself is clean” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1945ROM1414mjc5δι’ ἑαυτοῦ1by itself

Alternate translation: “by its nature” or “because of what it is”

1946ROM1414w3ggfigs-explicitεἰ μὴ τῷ λογιζομένῳ τι κοινὸν εἶναι, ἐκείνῳ κοινόν1Only for him who considers anything to be unclean, for him it is unclean

Paul implies here that a person should stay away from anything that he thinks is unclean. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “but if a person thinks something is unclean, then for that person it is unclean and he should stay away from it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1947ROM1415iw7wεἰ…διὰ βρῶμα, ὁ ἀδελφός σου λυπεῖται1If because of food your brother is hurt

“If you hurt your fellow believers faith over the matter of food.” Here the word your refers to those who are strong in faith and brother refers to those who are weak in faith.

1948ROM1415ln42ὁ ἀδελφός1brother

Here, brother refers to a fellow Christian, male or female.

1949ROM1415bj8vfigs-metaphorοὐκέτι κατὰ ἀγάπην περιπατεῖς1you are no longer walking in love

Paul speaks of the behavior of believers as if it were a walk. Alternate translation: “then you are no longer showing love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1950ROM1416gl48μὴ βλασφημείσθω οὖν ὑμῶν τὸ ἀγαθόν1So do not allow what you consider to be good to be spoken of as evil

Alternate translation: “If someone else thinks that something is evil, do not do it, even if you consider it to be good”

1951ROM1417j92kfigs-explicitοὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ βρῶσις καὶ πόσις, ἀλλὰ δικαιοσύνη, καὶ εἰρήνη, καὶ χαρὰ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ1For the kingdom of God is not about food and drink, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit

Paul argues that God set up his kingdom so he could give us a right relationship with himself, and to provide peace and joy. Alternate translation: “For God did not set up his kingdom so that he could rule over what we eat and drink. He set up his kingdom so we could have a right relationship with him, and so he could give us peace and joy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1952ROM1418am8mfigs-activepassiveδόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις1approved by people

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “people will approve of him” or “people will respect him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1953ROM1419i3rvfigs-explicitτὰ τῆς εἰρήνης διώκωμεν, καὶ τὰ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς τῆς εἰς ἀλλήλους1let us pursue the things of peace and the things that build up one another

Here, build up one another refers to helping each other grow in faith. Alternate translation: “let us seek to live peacefully together and help one another grow stronger in faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1954ROM1420p65hfigs-explicitμὴ ἕνεκεν βρώματος, κατάλυε τὸ ἔργον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Do not destroy the work of God because of food

You can make explicit the full meaning of this sentence. Alternate translation: “Do not undo what God has done for a fellow believer just because you want to eat a certain kind of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1955ROM1420dk72figs-explicitἀλλὰ κακὸν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ τῷ διὰ προσκόμματος ἐσθίοντι1but it is evil for that person who eats and causes him to stumble

Here a stumbling block is a food that a weaker brother eats despite thinking it is wrong, and thereby goes against his conscience. Alternate translation: “but it would be a sin for someone to eat food, which another brother thinks is wrong to eat, if by eating this causes the weaker brother to do something that is against his conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1956ROM1421mrr4καλὸν τὸ μὴ φαγεῖν κρέα, μηδὲ πιεῖν οἶνον, μηδὲ ἐν ᾧ ὁ ἀδελφός σου προσκόπτει1It is good not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor anything by which your brother takes offense

Alternate translation: “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that might cause your brother to sin”

1957ROM1421iq9gὁ ἀδελφός1brother

Here, brother refers to a fellow Christian, male or female.

1958ROM1421e1dufigs-youσου1your

Here, you is singular and stresses the responsibility of each individual believer for his fellow believer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1959ROM1422hjk9σὺ πίστιν ἣν ἔχεις1The faith you have

Here, faith refers back to the beliefs about food and drink.

1960ROM1422b3hifigs-youσὺ…σεαυτὸν1you … yourself

Here, you and yourself are singular. Because Paul is addressing the believers, you may have to translate this using plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1961ROM1422r53rμακάριος ὁ μὴ κρίνων ἑαυτὸν ἐν ᾧ δοκιμάζει1Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves

Alternate translation: “Blessed are those who do not feel guilty for what they decide to do”

1962ROM1423s1phfigs-activepassiveὁ δὲ διακρινόμενος, ἐὰν φάγῃ, κατακέκριται1He who doubts is condemned if he eats

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will say that the person does wrong if he is not sure if it is right to eat a certain food, but he eats it anyway” or “The person who is not sure if it is right to eat a certain food, but then eats it anyway will have a troubled conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1963ROM1423yr44figs-explicitὅτι οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως1because it is not from faith

Anything that is not from faith is something that God does not want you to do. You can make explicit the full meaning here. Alternate translation: “God will say that he is wrong because he is eating something he believes God does not want him to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1964ROM1423tr9ifigs-explicitπᾶν δὲ ὃ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως, ἁμαρτία ἐστίν1whatever is not from faith is sin

Anything that is not from faith is something that God does not want you to do. You can make explicit the full meaning here. Alternate translation: “you are sinning if you do something that you do not believe God wants you to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1965ROM15introae9u0

Romans 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Instructions for living as Christians (12:115:13)
    • How to act toward God (12:12)
    • How to serve the church (12:38)
    • How to act toward other Christians (12:913)
    • How to act toward unbelievers (12:1421)
    • How to act toward government (13:17)
    • How to act toward other people (13:810)
    • Act as if the end is near (13:1114)
    • Do not judge other Christians (14:112)
    • Do not tempt other Christians to sin (14:1323)
    • Be united with other Christians (15:113)
  2. Conclusion (15:1416:27)
    • Paul describes his mission (15:1421)
    • Pauls travel plans (15:2233)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verses 9-11 and 21 of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.

Some translations set prose quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the quoted words in verse 12.

In Romans 15:14, Paul begins to speak more personally. He shifts from teaching to telling of his personal plans.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Strong/Weak

These terms are used to refer to people who are mature and immature in their faith. Paul teaches that those who are strong in faith need to help those who are weak in faith. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

1966ROM151cx660Connecting Statement:

Paul concludes this section about believers living for others with reminding them how Christ lived.

1967ROM151u19sδὲ1Now

Translate this using the words your language uses to introduce a new idea into an argument.

1968ROM151u73xfigs-explicitἡμεῖς, οἱ δυνατοὶ1we who are strong

Here, strong refers to the people who are strong in their faith. They believe that God allows them to eat any kind of food. Alternate translation: “we who are strong in faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1969ROM151dx9dfigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς1we

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

1970ROM151cv61figs-explicitτῶν ἀδυνάτων1of the weak

Here, the weak refers to the people who are weak in their faith. They believe that God does not allow them to eat some kinds of food. Alternate translation: “those who are weak in faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1971ROM152z2k8figs-explicitπρὸς οἰκοδομήν1in order to build him up

By this, Paul means to strengthen someones faith. Alternate translation: “to strengthen his faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1972ROM153y6fefigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1

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

1973ROM153bcz1figs-explicitκαθὼς γέγραπται1it was just as it is written

Here Paul refers to a scripture where Christ (the Messiah) speaks to God. Alternate translation: “the Messiah said to God in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1974ROM153qni7οἱ ὀνειδισμοὶ τῶν ὀνειδιζόντων σε, ἐπέπεσαν ἐπ’ ἐμέ1The insults of those who insulted you fell on me

The insults of those who insulted God fell on Christ.

1975ROM154txd4figs-activepassiveὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν ἐγράφη1For whatever was previously written was written for our instruction

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For in times past, the prophets wrote everything in the Scriptures to teach us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1976ROM154m7yyfigs-exclusiveἡμετέραν…ἔχωμεν1our … we have

Paul includes his readers and other believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1977ROM154g6r1figs-explicitἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ διὰ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν Γραφῶν, τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν1in order that through patience and through encouragement of the scriptures we would have certain hope

Here, have hope means that the believers will know that God will fulfill his promises. You can make explicit the full meaning in your translation. Alternate translation: “In this way the scriptures will encourage us to expect that God will do for us everything that he has promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1978ROM155u2zm0Connecting Statement:

Paul encourages the believers to remember that both Gentile believers and Jews that believe are made one in Christ.

1979ROM155g5xmΘεὸς…δῴη1may … God … grant

Alternate translation: “I pray that … God … will grant”

1980ROM155ws7qτὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν ἀλλήλοις1to be of the same mind with each other

Alternate translation: “to be in agreement with each other” or “to be united”

1981ROM156uz1zfigs-metonymyἐν ἑνὶ στόματι, δοξάζητε1praise with one mouth

This means to be united in praising God. Alternate translation: “praise God together in unity as if only one mouth were speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1982ROM157z941προσλαμβάνεσθε ἀλλήλους1receive one another

Alternate translation: “accept one another”

1983ROM158gbh8λέγω γὰρ1For I say

The pronoun I refers to Paul.

1984ROM158k4myfigs-metonymyΧριστὸν διάκονον γεγενῆσθαι περιτομῆς1Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision

Here, the circumcision is a metonym that refers to the Jews. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ has been made a servant of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1985ROM158r0gdfigs-activepassiveΧριστὸν διάκονον γεγενῆσθαι περιτομῆς1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ has become a servant of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1986ROM158me1eεἰς τὸ βεβαιῶσαι τὰς ἐπαγγελίας1in order to confirm the promises

This is one of the two purposes for which Christ became a servant of the circumcision.

1987ROM158gu7zfigs-explicitτὰς ἐπαγγελίας τῶν πατέρων1the promises given to the fathers

Here, the fathers refers to the ancestors of the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “the promises to the ancestors of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1988ROM158dxz1figs-activepassiveτὰς ἐπαγγελίας τῶν πατέρων1

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “the promises that God gave to the ancestors of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1989ROM159k5q7τὰ δὲ ἔθνη, ὑπὲρ ἐλέους δοξάσαι τὸν Θεόν1and for the Gentiles to glorify God for his mercy

This is the second reason for which Christ became a servant of the circumcision. Alternate translation: “and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy”

1990ROM159xgc4figs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1As it is written

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

1991ROM159em5qfigs-metonymyτῷ ὀνόματί σου ψαλῶ1sing praise to your name

Here, your name is a metonym that refers to God. Alternate translation: “sing praise to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1992ROM1510yvy9καὶ πάλιν λέγει1Again it says

Alternate translation: “And again the scripture says”

1993ROM1510x4kgfigs-explicitμετὰ τοῦ λαοῦ αὐτοῦ1with his people

This refers to Gods people. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “with the people of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1994ROM1511xw7tἐπαινεσάτωσαν αὐτὸν1Let praise him

Alternate translation: “let … praise the Lord”

1995ROM1512fta5figs-metonymyἡ ῥίζα τοῦ Ἰεσσαί1root of Jesse

Jesse was the physical father of King David. Alternate translation: “descendant of Jesse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1996ROM1512i4nnfigs-explicitἐπ’ αὐτῷ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν1in him the Gentiles will have hope

Here, him refers to the descendant of Jesse, the Messiah. Those who are not Jews will also trust him to fulfill his promises. Alternate translation: “the people who are not Jews can trust him to do what he has promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1997ROM1513w7wnfigs-hyperboleπληρώσαι ὑμᾶς πάσης χαρᾶς καὶ εἰρήνης1May fill you with all joy and peace

Paul exaggerates here to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “may … fill you with great joy and peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1998ROM1514h98x0Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds the believers in Rome that God chose him to reach the Gentiles.

1999ROM1514qfs6figs-explicitπέπεισμαι…ἀδελφοί μου, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐγὼ περὶ ὑμῶν1I myself am also convinced about you, my brothers

Paul is quite sure that the believers in Rome are honoring each other in their behavior. Alternate translation: “I myself am completely sure that you yourselves have acted toward others in a completely good way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2000ROM1514d878ἀδελφοί1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

2001ROM1514qhv3figs-hyperboleπεπληρωμένοι πάσης γνώσεως1filled with all knowledge

Paul exaggerates here to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “having been filled with sufficient knowledge to follow God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2002ROM1514ge2lfigs-explicitδυνάμενοι καὶ ἀλλήλους νουθετεῖν1able to also exhort one another

Here, to exhort means to teach. Alternate translation: “also able to teach each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2003ROM1515n2grfigs-activepassiveτὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1the grace given me by God

Paul speaks of grace as if it were a physical gift that God had given him. God had appointed Paul and apostle even though he had persecuted believers before he decided to follow Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “the grace that God gave me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2004ROM1516wiw1figs-metaphorγένηται ἡ προσφορὰ τῶν ἐθνῶν εὐπρόσδεκτος1the offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable

Paul speaks of his preaching the gospel as if he, as a priest, were making an offering to God. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles might please God when they obey him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2005ROM1518lu97figs-doublenegativesοὐ γὰρ τολμήσω τι λαλεῖν, ὧν οὐ κατειργάσατο Χριστὸς δι’ ἐμοῦ, εἰς ὑπακοὴν ἐθνῶν λόγῳ καὶ ἔργῳ1by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God

You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: “For the sake of the obedience of the Gentiles, I will only speak of what Christ has accomplished through me in my words and actions and by the power of signs and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

2006ROM1518by9sεἰς ὑπακοὴν ἐθνῶν1for the obedience of the Gentiles

Alternate translation: “so that the Gentiles will obey God”

2007ROM1518xds3figs-explicitλόγῳ καὶ ἔργῳ1These are things done by word and action

Here, word and deed refers to what Christ has accomplished through Paul. Alternate translation: “through me in my words and actions” or “the things that Christ has accomplished through what I have said and done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2008ROM1519g8bkfigs-doubletσημείων καὶ τεράτων1signs and wonders

These two words mean basically the same thing and refer to various kinds of miracles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2009ROM1519c8ffὥστε…ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ κύκλῳ μέχρι τοῦ Ἰλλυρικοῦ1so that from Jerusalem, and round about as far as Illyricum

This is from the city of Jerusalem as far as the province of Illyricum, a region close to Italy.

2010ROM1520x9xmfigs-explicitοὕτως δὲ φιλοτιμούμενον εὐαγγελίζεσθαι, οὐχ ὅπου ὠνομάσθη Χριστός1In this way, my desire has been to proclaim the gospel, but not where Christ is known by name

Paul only wants to preach to people who have never heard of Christ. Alternate translation: “but because of this, I want to preach the good news in places where people have never heard of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2011ROM1520kt3rfigs-metaphorἵνα μὴ ἐπ’ ἀλλότριον θεμέλιον οἰκοδομῶ1in order that I might not build upon another mans foundation

Paul speaks of his ministry work as if he were building a house on a foundation. Alternate translation: “in order that I might not be simply continuing the work that someone else already started. I do not want to be like a man who builds a house on someone elses foundation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2012ROM1521rb5rfigs-explicitκαθὼς γέγραπται1It is as it is written

Here Paul refers to what Isaiah wrote in the scriptures. You can make the meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “what is happening is like what was written by Isaiah in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2013ROM1521wy8kfigs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1

You can translate this in an active form and make the meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “what is happening is like what Isaiah wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2014ROM1521u8d6figs-activepassiveοἷς οὐκ ἀνηγγέλη περὶ αὐτοῦ1Those to whom no tidings of him came

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “Those whom no one had told the news about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2015ROM1522f1fq0Connecting Statement:

Paul tells the believers in Rome about his personal plans to visit them and asks the believers to pray.

2016ROM1522ex5jfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐνεκοπτόμην1I was also hindered

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “they also hindered me” or “people also hindered me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2017ROM1523b6klfigs-explicitμηκέτι τόπον ἔχων ἐν τοῖς κλίμασι τούτοις1I no longer have any place in these regions

Paul implies that there are no more places in these areas where people live who have not heard about Christ. Alternate translation: “there are no more places in these regions where people have not heard about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2018ROM1524si59translate-namesτὴν Σπανίαν1Spain

At that time, Spain was a Roman province west of Rome that Paul desired to visit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2019ROM1524c6wqδιαπορευόμενος1in passing

Alternate translation: “as I pass through Rome” or “while I am on my way”

2020ROM1524vya3figs-explicitκαὶ ὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι ἐκεῖ1and to be helped by you along my journey there

Here Paul implies that he wants the Roman believers to provide some financial assistance to him for his journey to Spain. Alternate translation: “that you will provide for me on my journey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2021ROM1524rziefigs-activepassiveκαὶ ὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι ἐκεῖ1

You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “and that you will help me on my journey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2022ROM1524wg6dἐὰν ὑμῶν πρῶτον ἀπὸ μέρους ἐμπλησθῶ1I have enjoyed your company

Alternate translation: “after I have enjoyed spending some time with you”

2023ROM1526vn1rfigs-synecdocheεὐδόκησαν…Μακεδονία καὶ Ἀχαΐα1it was the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia

Here the words Macedonia and Achaia are synecdoches for the people who live in those areas. Alternate translation: “the believers in the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia were happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2024ROM1527w5apεὐδόκησαν γάρ1Indeed they were please to do this

Alternate translation: “Indeed, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to do it”

2025ROM1527tfz1ὀφειλέται εἰσὶν αὐτῶν1indeed, they are their debtors

Alternate translation: “indeed the people of Macedonia and Achaia are in debt to the believers in Jerusalem”

2026ROM1527en7lεἰ…τοῖς πνευματικοῖς αὐτῶν ἐκοινώνησαν τὰ ἔθνη, ὀφείλουσιν καὶ ἐν τοῖς σαρκικοῖς λειτουργῆσαι αὐτοῖς1if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to serve them

Alternate translation: “since the Gentiles have shared in the spiritual things of the Jerusalem believers, the Gentiles ought to share their physical things with the Jerusalem believers”

2027ROM1528zz8ufigs-metaphorσφραγισάμενος αὐτοῖς τὸν καρπὸν τοῦτον1made sure that they have received what was collected

Paul speaks of the money he is taking to Jerusalem as if it were a fruit that was collected and sealed for them. Alternate translation: “and have safely delivered this offering to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2028ROM1529ylq8figs-explicitἐν πληρώματι εὐλογίας Χριστοῦ, ἐλεύσομαι1I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ

This phrase means that Christ will bless Paul and the Roman believers. Alternate translation: “Christ will abundantly bless us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2029ROM1530w1taδὲ1Now

If your language has a way to show that Paul has stopped talking about the good things he is confident of (Romans 15:29) and is now starting to talk about the dangers he faces, use it here.

2030ROM1530yb7mπαρακαλῶ…ὑμᾶς1I urge you

Alternate translation: “I encourage you”

2031ROM1530v9iyἀδελφοί1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

2032ROM1530fy1vσυναγωνίσασθαί1to strive together with

Alternate translation: “to work hard with” or “to struggle with”

2033ROM1531u7stfigs-activepassiveῥυσθῶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀπειθούντων1I may be rescued from those who are disobedient

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God may rescue me from those who are disobedient” or “God may keep those who are disobedient from harming me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2034ROM1531nw5hfigs-explicitκαὶ ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ εὐπρόσδεκτος τοῖς ἁγίοις γένηται1and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the believers

Here Paul expresses his desire that the saints in Jerusalem will gladly accept the money from the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Alternate translation: “and pray that the believers in Jerusalem will be glad to receive the money that I am bringing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2035ROM1533s947figs-explicitὁ…Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης μετὰ1May the God of peace be with

The God of peace means the God who causes believers to have inner peace. Alternate translation: “I pray that God who causes all of us to have inner peace may be with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2036ROM16introqy960

Romans 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

  1. Conclusion (15:1416:27)
    • Paul describes his mission (15:1421)
    • Pauls travel plans (15:2233)
    • Paul commends Phoebe (16:12)
    • Paul greets Christians in Rome (16:316)
    • Paul warns against false teachers (16:1720)
    • Paul greets more Christians in Rome (16:2124)
    • Doxology (16:2527)

In this chapter, Paul gives personal greetings to some of the Christians in Rome. It was common to end a letter in the ancient Near East with this type of personal greeting.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Because of the personal nature of this chapter, much of the context is unknown. This will make translation more difficult. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2037ROM161sg6a0Connecting Statement:

Paul then greets many of the believers in Rome by name.

2038ROM161vkg8συνίστημι δὲ ὑμῖν Φοίβην1I commend to you Phoebe

Alternate translation: “I want you to respect Phoebe”

2039ROM161sry4translate-namesΦοίβην1Phoebe

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

2040ROM161q86qfigs-exclusiveτὴν ἀδελφὴν ἡμῶν1our sister

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

2041ROM161q669translate-namesΚενχρεαῖς1Cenchrea

Cenchrea was a seaport city in Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2042ROM162cwx1figs-explicitαὐτὴν προσδέξησθε ἐν Κυρίῳ1you may receive her in the Lord

Paul encourages the Roman believers to welcome Phoebe as a fellow believer. Alternate translation: “you would welcome her because we all belong to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2043ROM162yic3ἀξίως τῶν ἁγίων1in a manner worthy of the saints

Alternate translation: “in the way that believers should welcome other believers”

2044ROM162qp4wfigs-euphemismπαραστῆτε αὐτῇ1stand by her

Paul encourages the Roman believers to give to Phoebe anything she needs. Alternate translation: “help her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2045ROM162inh1καὶ…προστάτις πολλῶν ἐγενήθη καὶ ἐμοῦ αὐτοῦ2has become a helper of many, and of myself as well

Alternate translation: “has helped many people, and she has also helped me”

2046ROM163c5lgtranslate-namesΠρίσκαν καὶ Ἀκύλαν1Priscilla and Aquila

Priscilla was the wife of Aquila. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2047ROM163fsk1figs-explicitτοὺς συνεργούς μου ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1my fellow workers in Christ Jesus

Pauls fellow workers are people who also tell others about Jesus. Alternate translation: “who work with me to tell people about Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2048ROM165i32dκαὶ τὴν κατ’ οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίαν1Greet the church that is in their house

Alternate translation: “and greet the believers who meet in their house to worship”

2049ROM165bn9ztranslate-namesἘπαίνετον1Epaenetus

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

2050ROM165d1f1figs-metaphorἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀσίας εἰς Χριστόν1firstfruit of Asia to Christ

Paul speaks of Epaenetus as if he were a fruit that he harvested. Alternate translation: “first person in Asia to believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2051ROM166ew2ztranslate-namesΜαρίαν1Mary

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

2052ROM167tzk4translate-namesἈνδρόνικον1Andronicus

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

2053ROM167z9uktranslate-namesἸουνίαν1Junias

This could refer to: (1) Junia, a womans name. (2) Junias, a mans name, although this is less likely. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2054ROM167gce3figs-activepassiveοἵτινές εἰσιν ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις1They are prominent among the apostles

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “whom the apostles know very well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2055ROM168h976translate-namesἈμπλιᾶτον1Ampliatus

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

2056ROM168alh2τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου ἐν Κυρίῳ1my beloved in the Lord

Alternate translation: “my dear friend and fellow believer in the Lord”

2057ROM169bd5ltranslate-namesΟὐρβανὸν…Στάχυν1Urbanus … Stachys

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

2058ROM1610k55ttranslate-namesἈπελλῆν…Ἀριστοβούλου1Apelles … Aristobulus

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

2059ROM1610q96nτὸν δόκιμον ἐν Χριστῷ1the approved in Christ

The word approved refers to someone who has been tested and proved to be genuine. Alternate translation: “whom Christ has approved”

2060ROM1611gt6rtranslate-namesἩρῳδίωνα…Ναρκίσσου1Herodion … Narcissus

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

2061ROM1611ket9figs-explicitτοὺς ὄντας ἐν Κυρίῳ1who are in the Lord

This refers to those who trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: “who are believers” or “who belong to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2062ROM1612sq9ntranslate-namesΤρύφαιναν…Τρυφῶσαν…Περσίδα1Tryphaena … Tryphosa … Persis

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

2063ROM1613zmf4translate-namesῬοῦφον1Rufus

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

2064ROM1613zy3xfigs-activepassiveτὸν ἐκλεκτὸν ἐν Κυρίῳ1chosen in the Lord

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

2065ROM1613hqf6figs-metaphorτὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐμοῦ1his mother and mine

Paul speaks of the mother of Rufus as if she were his own mother. Alternate translation: “his mother, whom I also think of as my mother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2066ROM1614dwh9translate-namesἈσύγκριτον, Φλέγοντα, Ἑρμῆν, Πατροβᾶν, Ἑρμᾶν1Asyncritus … Phlegon … Hermes … Patrobas … Hermas

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

2067ROM1614ck2wἀδελφούς1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

2068ROM1615ye9jtranslate-namesΦιλόλογον…Νηρέα…Ὀλυμπᾶν1Philologus … Nereus … Olympas

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

2069ROM1615n2rxtranslate-namesἸουλίαν1Julia

Julia is the name of a woman. She was probably the wife of Philologus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2070ROM1616g2z1φιλήματι ἁγίῳ1a holy kiss

an expression of affection for fellow believers

2071ROM1616t1q4figs-hyperboleἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς αἱ ἐκκλησίαι πᾶσαι τοῦ Χριστοῦ1All the churches of Christ greet you

Here Paul speaks in a general manner concerning the churches of Christ. Alternate translation: “The believers in all the churches in this area send their greetings to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2072ROM1617u1m90Connecting Statement:

Paul gives one last warning to the believers about unity and living for God.

2073ROM1617wx6rἀδελφοί1brothers

Here, brothers refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women.

2074ROM1617ztv5σκοπεῖν1to think about

Alternate translation: “to watch out for”

2075ROM1617n59lfigs-explicitτὰς διχοστασίας καὶ τὰ σκάνδαλα…ποιοῦντας1who are causing the divisions and obstacles

This refers to those who argue and cause others to stop trusting in Jesus. Alternate translation: “who are causing believers to argue with one another and to stop having faith in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2076ROM1617j9x7παρὰ τὴν διδαχὴν ἣν ὑμεῖς ἐμάθετε1They are going beyond the teaching that you have learned

Alternate translation: “and teaching things that do not agree with the truth you have already learned”

2077ROM1617b318figs-metaphorἐκκλίνετε ἀπ’ αὐτῶν1Turn away from them

Here, turn away is a metaphor for “refuse to listen.” Alternate translation: “do not listen to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2078ROM1618ea6hfigs-ellipsisἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ1but their own stomach

The words “they serve” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “but they serve their own stomach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2079ROM1618nxn4figs-metonymyἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ1but their own stomach

Here, stomach is a metonym that refers to physical desires. Alternate translation: “but they only care about their physical desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2080ROM1618eff9figs-metaphorἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ1

Serving there stomach represents satisfying their desires. Alternate translation: “but they only want to satisfy their own selfish desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2081ROM1618eif6figs-doubletκαὶ διὰ τῆς χρηστολογίας καὶ εὐλογίας1By their smooth and flattering speech

The words smooth and flattering mean basically the same thing. Paul is emphasizing how these people are deceiving believers. Alternate translation: “and by saying things that seem to be good and true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2082ROM1618c2jefigs-metonymyἐξαπατῶσι τὰς καρδίας τῶν ἀκάκων1they deceive the hearts of the innocent

Here, hearts is a metonym for a persons mind or inner being. Alternate translation: “they deceive the innocent believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2083ROM1618m9h5τῶν ἀκάκων1innocent

This refers to those who are simple, inexperienced, and naive. Alternate translation: “of those who innocently trust them” or “of those who do not know these teachers are fooling them”

2084ROM1619imc7figs-personificationἡ γὰρ ὑμῶν ὑπακοὴ, εἰς πάντας ἀφίκετο1For your obedience reaches everyone

Here Paul speaks of the Roman believers obedience as if it were a person who could go to people. Alternate translation: “For everyone has heard how you obey Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

2085ROM1619le5lἀκεραίους…εἰς τὸ κακόν1innocent to that which is evil

Alternate translation: “not involved in doing evil things”

2086ROM1620s3cqfigs-metaphorὁ δὲ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης συντρίψει τὸν Σατανᾶν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας ὑμῶν ἐν τάχει1The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet

The phrase crush … under your feet refers to complete victory over an enemy. Here Paul speaks of the victory over Satan as if the Roman believers were trampling an enemy under their feet. Alternate translation: “Soon God will give you peace and complete victory over Satan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2087ROM1621z4g30Connecting Statement:

Paul gives greetings from the believers who are with him.

2088ROM1621ku15translate-namesΛούκιος…Ἰάσων…Σωσίπατρος1Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater

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

2089ROM1622xu3qtranslate-namesἐγὼ, Τέρτιος, ὁ γράψας τὴν ἐπιστολὴν1Tertius, who write this epistle

Tertius is the man who wrote down what Paul spoke. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2090ROM1622nx4gἀσπάζομαι ὑμᾶς…ἐν Κυρίῳ1greet you in the Lord

Alternate translation: “greet you as a fellow believer”

2091ROM1623sw7rtranslate-namesΓάϊος…Ἔραστος…Κούαρτος1Gaius … Erastus … Quartus

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

2092ROM1623j9u7ὁ ξένος1the host

This refers to Gaius, the person in whose house Paul and his fellow believers gathered for worship.

2093ROM1623m5hgὁ οἰκονόμος1the treasurer

This is a person who takes care of the money for a group.

2094ROM1625psm30Connecting Statement:

Paul closes with a prayer of blessing.

2095ROM1625v71lδὲ1Now

Here the word Now marks the closing section of the letter. If you have a way of doing this in your language, you can use it here.

2096ROM1625pp5kfigs-metaphorὑμᾶς στηρίξαι1to strengthen you

Paul speaks here of having strong faith as if a person were being set firmly in place. Alternate translation: “to make your faith strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2097ROM1625kmw1κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου, καὶ τὸ κήρυγμα Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ

Alternate translation: “by the good news that I have preached about Jesus Christ”

2098ROM1625s5kyfigs-metaphorκατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν μυστηρίου χρόνοις αἰωνίοις σεσιγημένου1according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long ages

Paul says that God has revealed previously hidden truths to the believers. He speaks of these truths as if they were a secret. Alternate translation: “because God has revealed to us believers what had been kept secret for a long time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2099ROM1625n6c1figs-activepassiveκατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν μυστηρίου χρόνοις αἰωνίοις σεσιγημένου1

You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “because God has revealed to us believers the secret that he was keeping for a long time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2100ROM1626d7r5figs-doubletφανερωθέντος δὲ νῦν διά τε Γραφῶν προφητικῶν, κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ αἰωνίου Θεοῦ εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως, εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη γνωρισθέντος1but now has been revealed and made known through the prophetic writings to all nations, by the command of the eternal God

The verbs revealed and made known mean basically the same thing. Paul uses both of them to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “but now the mystery has been made known to all the nations through the prophetic writings so people can believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2101ROM1626efyyfigs-activepassiveφανερωθέντος δὲ νῦν διά τε Γραφῶν προφητικῶν, κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ αἰωνίου Θεοῦ εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως, εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη γνωρισθέντος1

You can combine the verbs revealed and made known in an active form. Alternate translation: “but now the eternal God has made it known to all the nations through the prophetic writings so that people would believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2102ROM1626lc6dfigs-abstractnounsεἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως1to bring about the obedience of faith

Here, obedience and faith are abstract nouns. You can use the verbs “obey” and “trust” in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that all nations will believe and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2103ROM1626cvi3figs-explicitεἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως1

You may need to make explicit who will obey and trust. Alternate translation: “so that all nations will obey God because they trust in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2104ROM1627qmj7figs-explicitμόνῳ σοφῷ Θεῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. ἀμήν!1To the only wise God … be glory forever. Amen

Here, through Jesus Christ refers to what Jesus did. To give glory means to praise God. Alternate translation: “Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, we will praise forever the one who alone is God and who alone is wise. Amen!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])