24:18a
One of them, named Cleopas: Cleopas is a man’s name. Transliterate it according to the sounds of your language. The text does not give the name of the other disciple. These two disciples were introduced in 24:13.
asked Him: The word Him refers to Jesus. However, the question shows that Cleopas did not recognize Jesus. Some other ways to introduce the question are:
replied (God’s Word)
-or-
asked Jesus (Contemporary English Version)
24:18b–c
Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in recent days?: In Greek this is a rhetorical question that expresses surprise. The beginning of the question is more literally, “Are you alone visiting in Jerusalem and…?” The word “you” is emphasized. This indicates that Cleopas was surprised that Jesus did not know about the events that he and his companion were discussing. It implies that everyone else in Jerusalem knew about those events.
Some ways to translate this surprise are:
• As a rhetorical question. For example:
Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have been happening there these last few days? (Good News Translation)
• As a statement. For example:
You must be the only person staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have been happening there these last few days. (New Jerusalem Bible)
Translate this surprise in a way that is natural in your language.
the things that have happened there in recent days: This phrase refers to the events that happened to Jesus, especially the events listed in 24:20. The phrase in recent days refers to the events of the last week of Jesus’ life, especially to Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Some other ways to translate it are:
what has happened there in the last few days (Revised English Bible)
-or-
what has happened recently (God’s Word)
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