4:29a
And now: Here this word indicates a change from talking about past event to asking God to do something. Here are some other ways to translate this word:
So then
-or-
As for today
In some languages it is more natural to omit the connecting word here.
Lord: The word Lord refers to God here. See how you translated it in 4:26.
consider their threats: This clause is a command. Here it is a polite request to God for him to do something. In some languages people do not command God to do something. If that is true in your language, use the correct way to address God. For example:
please consider their threats
-or-
would you consider their threats?
consider: The Greek is literally “look upon/at.” Here it refers to observing and thinking about something. It implies doing something about it. Here are some other ways to translate this word:
observe (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
listen to (Contemporary English Version)
4:29b
enable: This is also a command to God. Translate it in the same way as you did the command to God in 4:29a.
This word in Greek is literally “give.” The believers want God to give them boldness.
Your servants: This phrase refers to the believers who were praying. In some languages the word “us” must be added to make that clear. For example:
⌊us,⌋ your servants,
Some languages must use a verb here for the correct meaning. For example:
⌊us,⌋ the people who serve you,
-or-
⌊us,⌋ the people who do what you tell us to do
Your word: This phrase refers to messages from God. Here it includes the good news about Jesus but may also include prophecy, so it is best to translate the literal meaning. But in some languages it is more natural to use the plural. For example:
your words
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