26:14a

We all fell to the ground: This clause indicates that Paul and the others were so frightened by the light that they fell down.

I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew: In Greek it is natural to refer to a voice speaking when the person speaking is not seen. Paul heard Jesus speak before he saw him. In some languages it is more natural to refer to the person in a general way rather than the voice. For example:

I heard someone saying to me in Hebrew

Hebrew: The Greek phrase here is “the Hebrew language.” During the time when the Old Testament was written, they spoke Hebrew. Hebrew and Aramaic are two similar languages. Jesus’ first language was probably Aramaic. The language of Jews in Israel at that time was Aramaic. So Paul was probably referring to “the language spoken by the Hebrews”; that is, Aramaic. Translate this word as you did in 21:40.

26:14b

Saul, Saul: Repeating the name shows that the person speaks earnestly or with much feeling. In some languages repeating the name is not natural or has a different meaning. If so, translate in a way that indicates addressing someone earnestly. Two ways in English are:

Saul, friend,
-or-
Saul, brother,

Saul: Paul was also known by his Jewish name Saul (13:9). Paul is called Saul from 7:58 to 13:9.

why do you persecute Me?: Paul persecuted those who believed that Jesus was the Christ. In that way he persecuted Jesus.

This question can be understood as both a real question and a rhetorical question. Jesus wanted Saul to reply and explain himself and his motives. It is also a rhetorical way to tell Saul that he is unhappy that Saul was persecuting him and wants him to stop. But since this question can be understood as a real question, you should translate it as a question.

But some languages must translate this in the rhetorical sense of a command, because Paul does not answer this question. For example:

Stop persecuting me!

26:14c

It is hard for you to kick against the goads: This was a Greek proverb that was probably well-known in Israel. The metaphor refers to an ox or other animal used for pulling things. Its owner uses a “goad” (a sharp stick) to direct it. The ox may rebel and kick at the owner, but the owner points the goad at its leg so it kicks the goad instead. This teaches the ox not to kick but do as directed.

The Greek proverb indicates that people should not rebel against what the gods tell them to do, because if they do rebel, they only hurt themselves. Jesus used this proverb to indicate that Saul was fighting against God by persecuting people who followed Jesus.

In some languages, a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If so, you may want to:

• Translate literally and explain the meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

This proverb refers to an ox or other animal rebelling and kicking at the owner, but the owner points the goad at its leg so it kicks the goad instead. Jesus used this proverb to indicate that Saul was fighting against God by persecuting people who followed Jesus.
-or-
This proverb indicates that Saul was fighting against God by persecuting people who followed Jesus.

• Use a proverb or saying in your language that has that meaning. You may then want a footnote to indicate the literal words. An example footnote is:

Literally: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” This saying means that Saul was hurting himself by what he was doing.

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

You are ⌊fighting against God but only hurting yourself like an ox/donkey⌋ kicking at its owner but kicking the goad instead.
-or-
You are hurting yourself by hitting back, like an ox kicking against its owner’s stick. (Good News Translation)

• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

You are fighting against God but only hurting yourself.
-or-
It’s hard for [ a mortal like ] you to resist God. (God’s Word)

You may then want a footnote to indicate the literal words. An example footnote is:

Literally: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

goads: The goads were pointed sticks. They were used to poke an animal to make it move or change direction. The goads were not used to injure the animal. Another English word is:

prods

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