3:20a
Some English versions like the New International Version include 3:20a as part of 3:19. However, the UBS Handbook Greek New Testament (UBS5) puts this clause at the beginning of 3:20 as does the Berean Standard Bible. Put this text in the same place that the major language version in your area puts it.
that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as refreshing also means “rest.” This phrase probably refers to times when God will do things for them that will give them joy and encouragement. It may also refer to times when God will relieve believers from being persecuted. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
times of comfort may come from the Lord
-or-
the Lord God will strengthen your hearts
-or-
times of encouraging your livers will be coming/arriving from God
the Lord: Here this word refers to God. Some languages must say who this refers to. For example:
Lord ⌊God⌋
3:20b
He may send Jesus, the Christ: This clause refers to the second coming of Jesus. Some languages must clearly indicate that. For example:
he may send the Christ ⌊again⌋
Some languages must say where the Christ will be sent. If that is true in your language, refer generally to believers. For example:
he may send the Christ ⌊to his people⌋
Jesus, the Christ: This phrase indicates that Jesus is the Christ. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
that is, Jesus (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
even Jesus (New International Version)
3:20c
who has been appointed for you: This clause further describes the Christ. It does not separate Christ from other Christs. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word who. For example:
He has been appointed for you.
This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:
whom ⌊God⌋ has appointed for you
has been appointed: The Greek indicates that God chose Jesus before this time. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
has already been chosen
-or-
was ordained
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