1:60a
But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But here is often translated as “and.” It introduces the fact that Elizabeth did not agree with the people that the baby would be called “Zechariah.” Many English versions express this as a contrast and use the conjunction “but.” In other languages a conjunction that indicates contrast may not be necessary. Connect these verses in a way that is natural in your language.
his mother: The phrase his mother refers to Elizabeth, the baby’s mother. Your translation should not imply that it refers to Zechariah’s mother. In some languages it may be helpful to add the name “Elizabeth” to make this clear.
replied: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as replied is literally “answered and said” (as in the New American Standard Bible). In Greek the verb “answered” implies that Elizabeth was responding to what the people said. It does not imply that she was answering a question. In some languages it may be more natural in just have one verb of speech here. For example:
but his mother said (Revised Standard Version)
No!: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as No! is an exclamation. It emphasizes that Elizabeth disagreed with what the people said and contradicted it. If the word No! would imply the answer to a question here, you may need to use a different expression to show that Elizabeth disagreed with the people. For example:
Absolutely not! (God’s Word)
-or-
His name will definitely not be Zechariah!
-or-
Indeed, he will not be named Zechariah.
1:60b
In the Greek text 1:60b begins with a conjunction that expresses strong contrast. It introduces Elizabeth’s statement that the baby must be given a different name from the one that her visitors expected. The Berean Standard Bible has not translated this conjunction. Try to translate it with a word or phrase that (politely) contradicts a previous statement, for example:
On the contrary
-or-
Instead/rather
-or-
But
He shall be called John: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as He shall be called John uses the future tense to indicate that the choice of the baby’s name has been firmly decided and will not be changed. Some other ways to express this are:
His name is John! (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
He must be named John. (NET Bible)
The Greek text did not say who would call or name the baby John. If you must supply such information, it is recommended that you use a general word such as “we” or “people.” For example:
We must name him John.
-or-
People must call him John.
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