Paragraph 3:4–5
3:4a
people: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as people is literally “names” (as in the Revised Standard Version). But here the word “names” refers to people.
who have not soiled their garments: This phrase symbolically represents the idea that some believers in Sardis had not sinned. Here it probably refers to avoiding the pagan activities there. The symbol of clean garments continues into 3:4b–5a. For example:
have not dirtied your clothes with sin (Contemporary English Version)
In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to literal clean garments. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:
have not dirtied your garments ⌊with pagan activities⌋
• Use a verb that figuratively implies sin. For example:
who have not dirtied/stained/defiled their garments
• Translate literally and explain its symbolic meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:
This clause refers to remaining faithful to Jesus Christ by refusing to participate in pagan activities.
soiled: This word means “caused to be dirty/defiled.” See the examples above.
3:4b
3:4b tells the promise given to the faithful believers in 3:4a. Consider how to indicate that connection in your language.
because they are worthy: The clause because they are worthy indicates that it was proper and appropriate for these believers to walk with Jesus. They deserved this honor because they had not soiled their clothes. In other words, they had not sinned like the other believers in Sardis did. Other ways to translate this clause are:
because they deserve it (God’s Word)
-or-
and they are fit to come with me (New Jerusalem Bible)
walk with Me in white: This phrase indicates that the people walking with Jesus were wearing white clothes. For example:
will wear white clothes (New Century Version)
The color white is symbolic of purity and freedom from sin. In some languages white is symbolic of something else (such as mourning). If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Explain the symbolic meaning of white in your translation. For example:
dressed in white ⌊to symbolize their pure hearts⌋
• Translate the symbolic meaning of white. For example:
dressed in pure/clean clothes
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