SIL Translator’s Notes on Hebrews 2020 – Page 2

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hebrews 5:2

5:2

He is able to deal gently…since he himself is beset by weakness: This verse tells the reason that human high priests are able to be gentle with weak people. The high priests are able to be gentle (5:2a) because they know that they themselves are weak and sinful (5:2b).

In some languages it is more natural to change the order of 5:2a and 5:2b, so that the reason in 5:2b comes first. For example:

2b Since he himself is weak in many ways, 2a he is able to be gentle with those who are ignorant and make mistakes. (Good News Translation)
-or-

2b Chief Priests are just human too, and they certainly also have many weaknesses. 2a That’s why they know how to be gentle to take care of people who are not yet mature and who do not yet know the right way.

If you put the reason first like this, it may also affect the first part of 5:3. You may need to repeat information in 5:3a. For an example, see the General Comment on 5:2–3 at the end of 5:3a–b.

5:2a

He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided: This clause indicates that the high priest was able to be calm and moderate with those who were weak and ignorant. He controlled himself so that he would not become angry.

Other ways to translate this clause are:

he knows how to be gentle/merciful towards ignorant people and people who go astray
-or-
he can be patient with people who do not know ⌊how to do God’s will⌋ and do wrong

deal gently with: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as deal gently with occurs only here in the New Testament. It refers to treating other people with calmness and respect. It indicates that the high priest should control his own feelings so that he will be patient even with the sinfulness of the people. He should be gentle with them and not treat them harshly.

Some other ways to translate this verb are:

be patient with
-or-
treat with compassion
-or-
feel pity for

those who are ignorant and misguided: Here the words ignorant and misguided both refer to the same type of people. These people sin because they do not know the way that God wants them to live or they do not seem to be able to live that way.

The word ignorant indicates that the people do not know how to behave. The word misguided indicates that they live without knowing what they should do. They act without being aware of the purpose of those actions. The author uses these similar words to emphasize the meaning.

Some other ways to translate this meaning are:

his fellow men who do not know what to do, who are overcome by sin because they are not strong.
-or-
his companions who go astray who don’t know that what they are doing is not right

5:2b

since he himself is beset by weakness: This clause tells the reason why the high priest was able to help weak and ignorant people (5:2a). He could help them because he himself was a weak human being, so he understood the weakness of others.

beset by weakness: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as beset by weakness is more literally “surrounded by weakness” or “clothed with weakness.” It indicates that a high priest is affected in many ways by human weakness. The word weakness refers here to a type of weakness that makes it difficult for a person to do what is right. It refers to moral or spiritual weakness, not to bodily weakness.

Some other ways to translate the phrase beset by weakness are:

he also has faults.
-or-
he also is not strong/able ⌊to overcome all sins⌋

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Hebrews 5:1

Section 5:1–10

God appointed Jesus Christ to be our high priest

The term “high priest” connects Section 4:14–16 with this section (5:1–10). In this section the author gives more information about the high priests of Israel and the work that they did. Then he compares the work of those high priests to the work of Christ as our high priest. The main point of this section is that Christ is the high priest because God said that he is.

The author mentions three facts about a high priest’s role and applies them to Christ:

(a) A high priest is appointed by God. The Scriptures show that Jesus Christ was appointed by God. In Hebrews 5:5–6, the author quotes Psalm 2:7 and 110:4 as evidence that God appointed him.

(b) A high priest should understand and sympathize with the weaknesses of his people. In 5:7–8 the author talked about how Christ suffered and prayed to God with tears.

(c) A high priest must offer a sacrifice to atone for the sins of the people. In 5:8–9 the author indicated that when Christ suffered and offered himself as a perfect sacrifice, he obtained eternal salvation for his people. This implies that he atoned for their sins.

In the Greek text for this section, the author usually used a pronoun (“he” or “him”) to refer to Christ. He referred to him as “Christ” only once (5:5), and he did not use the term “Jesus” in this section. However, in the previous section (4:14) the author used the term “Jesus, the Son of God.” Consider carefully how to refer to Christ in the verses where only a pronoun is used in Greek or English. You should use the term “Christ” instead of a pronoun in places where you think that the reader will be confused about who the pronoun refers to.

Remember to read the section carefully before deciding on a heading for it. Some other examples of headings for this section are:

Jesus Christ is the perfect high priest
-or-
God made his Son the high priest for his people
-or-
God declares that Jesus is a priest

Paragraph 5:1–4

This paragraph explains the duties of a high priest. He must offer the people’s gifts to God, and he must offer sacrifices for their sins. He must also offer sacrifices for his own sins, since he, too, is sinful. He is a weak human being, so he is able to sympathize with his fellow human beings.

5:1a

In the Greek text, this verse begins with a conjunction that is often translated as “for.” It introduces background information about the high priests of the people of Israel. The author gives this information because in 5:5–10 he will compare these priests to Christ, our great high priest.

Every high priest is appointed from among men: This clause indicates that each high priest is a human being like other human beings. The verb appointed is passive. It implies that God selects a person from among other people to be the high priest.

Some other ways to translate the passive clause are:

it is from among people that he is chosen
-or-

⌊ God⌋selects him from among his fellow human beings
-or-
is chosen from among other people (New Century Version)

Every high priest: The phrase Every high priest refers to each high priest of the people of Israel. It does not include the high priests of other peoples or religions. In some languages it is necessary to indicate that the phrase refers to high priests of Israel. For example:

The one who is appointed highest priest ⌊for us⌋
-or-

⌊ With us Israel people,⌋each time the Most-important Priest is chosen
-or-
Each high priest ⌊of Israel⌋

Remember that the Jewish author was speaking to Jewish people who were Christians. When Jews spoke of themselves, they used the term “Israel.” Notice the final two examples in the note above, which correctly use “Israel.” For more information, see Israel, Jew, Hebrew, the Circumcised in Key Biblical Terms.

high priest: The term high priest occurred first in Hebrews at 2:17. Translate it as you did there.

from among men: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as men means “people.” The word refers to human beings, male and female (though the high priest was always male). He was chosen from among his fellow human beings. Some other ways to translate from among men are:

from his fellow men
-or-
from among other human beings

5:1b

to represent them in matters relating to God: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to represent them means “appoint (assign) someone to be in authority.” The verb is passive. It implies that God is the one who puts the high priest in charge.

The phrase to represent them in matters relating to God means that God gives the high priest authority to represent the people in serving God. The high priest brings the people’s sacrifices to God and communicates with God for the people.

Some other ways to translate this part of the verse are:

is appointed to represent the people in the things/matters that God ⌊has determined⌋
-or-

⌊ God⌋entrusts him with the work of ⌊serving⌋ him in the name of the people

to represent them: The phrase to represent them means “representing the people,” “for the people,” “for the people’s benefit.” The high priest had the authority to speak to God for the people. He also did other things for God as the people’s representative, such as offer sacrifices.

Some other ways to translate the phrase to represent them are:

bringing the name of the people
-or-
to be their representatives

matters relating to God: The phrase matters relating to God refers to matters that are related to God. In this context it refers to service to God. This service includes things that are done for God, to him, or with him, or things that he himself does. Here the author refers mainly to matters of worshiping God and making sacrifices to him.

This phrase was also used in 2:17, where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “in service to God.” You may be able to translate it in a similar way here. However, it is a general phrase, so it may be translated in different ways to fit the context.

5:1c

to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins: This clause tells the purpose of appointing the high priest on behalf of other people. He is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices to God so that God will forgive the people’s sins.

Some other ways to translate this purpose are:

so that he may present their offerings and sacrifices to God to atone for their sins
-or-
to offer to God the animals or other offerings that they bring so that God will forgive their sins
-or-
to help others by offering gifts and sacrifices to God because of their sins (Contemporary English Version)

In some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. For example:

He offers gifts and sacrifices to God so that God will forgive their sins.

offer: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as offer is a common word that often means “bring (or take).” In this context it refers to bringing something (to offer or present) to God. When an Israelite brought an animal or a different offering for God, a priest took the offering and presented it to God in the proper way. If the offering was an animal, the priest killed it. Then he burned all or part of it on the altar or in another special place.

Some other ways to translate offer are:

give ⌊to God⌋
-or-
sacrifice/present ⌊to God⌋
-or-
take/bring ⌊to God⌋

In some languages there are special ways to refer to making offerings to God. If you must use different terms for different types of offerings in your language, you may refer here to the type of sacrifice that requires killing an animal or bird. Use a natural way in your language to refer to a priest presenting this type of offering to God.

gifts and sacrifices for sins: The author connected the words gifts and sacrifices with two Greek conjunctions. This connection probably implies that both the gifts and the sacrifices are offered to obtain forgiveness for sins.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

taking the gifts and sacrifices that the people bring and giving them to God so that he will forgive their sins

gifts and sacrifices: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gifts and sacrifices are similar in meaning. The word gifts refers to whatever people bring to the priest to give to God for them. The word sacrifices refers to offerings that involve killing an animal or bird as a gift to God. The people of Israel brought both animal sacrifices and other types of offerings to God.

Use appropriate words in your language to describe such offerings to God. Avoid words that refer only to offerings made to spirits, idols, rulers, or something else besides God. For more information, see sacrifice, sense 1(a), in Key Biblical Terms.

for sins: The phrase for sins implies the meaning “in order to atone for sins” or “to remove sins.” For more translation examples, see the first note in 5:1c.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hebrews 4:16

4:16a

Let us then: Here the word then introduces an exhortation that is based on 4:14–15. It is the same word that was used in 4:14a. Connect this exhortation with 4:15 in a way that is natural in your language.

Let us…approach the throne of grace with confidence: In this exhortation the author used a figure of speech. Literally, the word throne refers to the chair or seat on which a king sits to rule his people. Figuratively, the phrase approach the throne refers to coming to God by praying to him. The phrase of grace indicates that God rules with kindness and generosity. The author used the whole exhortation to encourage his listeners to pray to God with confidence (confidence).

Some ways to translate this clause are:

we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
let’s come to God’s seat with confidence, knowing that he is gracious

In some languages a translation like “come to the throne of God” may wrongly imply that a person dies and comes to God in heaven. If that is true in your language, you should translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

let’s pray with assurance to God, our gracious King
-or-
let’s come with confidence into the presence of God. He shows grace/kindness

Let us…approach: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Let us…approach is an exhortation. The English words Let us indicate that the exhortation includes the author. It is not a request for permission here. In many languages (as in Greek), words like “let us” are not needed because the form of the verb indicates who should approach. Another way to translate this exhortation is:

we should approach
-or-
let’s come/pray to

approach: The verb approach is important in this context. It implies that God’s people can now freely come to God by praying. In the OT, no one except the high priest could approach the “mercy seat,” which symbolized God’s presence. Now because of Jesus, all of God’s people can come to him.

Some other ways to translate this meaning are:

get near to God by means of praying
-or-
come into God’s presence
-or-
go/come to God

the throne of grace: The word throne usually refers to a special chair that is reserved for the king. It also refers to the king’s authority. The phrase the throne of grace is a figure of speech to refer to God himself. It indicates that he rules with grace and mercy. The term throne of grace is similar to the term “mercy seat,” which was used in the OT. It also symbolized God’s presence.

Some other ways to translate the throne of grace are:

• Translate the figure of speech. For example:

God on his Seat in heaven

If you use this option, be sure that it does not imply coming to God in heaven after death.

• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

God who rules with mercy/grace
-or-
God, the source/owner of grace
-or-
God praying to him because he loves and is merciful

For more translation examples, see the note on grace in the next part of the verse.

with confidence: The phrase with confidence refers here to having a confident attitude toward God, not being afraid of him. It was also used in 3:6, where the Berean Standard Bible translated it as “confidence.” and it will occur again in 10:19 and 10:35.

Some ways to translate with confidence are:

confidently
-or-
without fear

4:16b–c

so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need: This clause tells the purpose of coming near to God in 4:16a. We come to him so that he will be merciful to us, and so that he will help us with his grace. Another way to translate this purpose is:

so that we will receive help and gracious kindness when we need it

The context indicates that God is the source of the mercy and grace that we receive. In some languages it is more natural to make that explicit in this clause. For example:

so that God will be merciful to us and graciously help us when we are in need

mercy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as mercy refers to an act of kindness for someone in need. It does not refer only to feeling pity for a person. In this verse it refers to the kind of help that God gives to people in need. He heals them, forgives their sins, and provides what they need. He comforts and sustains them when they endure sorrow, danger, or persecution.

Some other ways to translate mercy are:

show kindness
-or-
have compassion/pity ⌊on us⌋

The word mercy occurs only here in Hebrews. For more information, see mercy, sense 2, in Key Biblical Terms.

find grace: The phrase find grace refers to receiving grace. The grace is given by God, just as “mercy” is in the preceding phrase. In some languages a word like find may imply the wrong meaning that the grace was discovered by accident. The context indicates that God is the source of the grace, and this should be clear in your translation of the verse.

Other ways to translate find grace are:

receive grace
-or-
experience grace

grace: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as grace, refers to kindness or help that is given to people freely, not because they have done anything to deserve it. In this context, the word refers to God’s grace. He is good to people because he loves them. The people have not done anything to deserve his goodness.

Some other ways to translate grace in this context are:

kindness
-or-
generous help

In many languages it may be more natural to translate grace with a verb or verb phrase. In this context the implied subject is God. For example:

so that God will be kind/generous to you
-or-
so that God will graciously help you

For more information, see grace, sense A2(b), in Key Biblical Terms.

to help us in our time of need: The phrase to help us in our time of need means “to help us when we need help.” Some ways to translate the phrase are:

whenever we need help (NET Bible)
-or-
and He will help us at the time of difficulties

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hebrews 4:15

4:15a

For: The word For introduces a basis for “holding firmly to our confession” of faith (4:14c). The author already gave one basis in 4:14a (We have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God). He introduces the second basis here at the beginning of 4:15a.

In some languages it is more natural to introduce this second basis by referring back to the word “high priest” in 4:14. For example:

Our High Priest (Good News Translation)
-or-
And this Highest Priest of ours

we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses: This statement indicates that our high priest is able to sympathize with us in our weaknesses. The two negative phrases do not have and unable (not able) emphasize the fact that our high priest is able to sympathize with us.

In some languages it is more natural to translate the statement without using two negative phrases. For example:

We have a chief priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. (God’s Word)
-or-
And this Highest Priest of ours, he knows how to feel with us in our weakness

Emphasize this statement in a natural way in your language.

sympathize with our weaknesses: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sympathize occurs only twice in the New Testament. It means to “suffer with” or “feel with” people. It implies the type of sympathy that motivates someone to offer active help.

The phrase sympathize with our weaknesses indicates that Jesus understands the ways that we are weak in resisting temptations to sin. He feels compassion for us. He is able to help us, and he offers us help. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

understands every weakness of ours (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
feeling our weaknesses with us (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
has compassion for us when we are weak/tempted

our weaknesses: The phrase our weaknesses refers to the ways that human beings are limited or inadequate. In this context it refers especially to being weak in resisting temptations to sin. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

our weakness because of our humanity
-or-
our weaknesses which lead us into sin
-or-
the ways we(incl.) are not strong to refuse sin

4:15b

but: The Greek connector that the Berean Standard Bible translates as but connects the clause in 4:15a with the one in 4:15b. These clauses have similar meanings, and 4:15b explains more about 4:15a. In some languages, a connector like but implies too much contrast in meaning between 4:15a and 4:15b.

If that is true in your language, some other ways to connect the clauses are:

• Use a connector which indicates that 4:15b explains or adds to 4:15a. For example:

15a This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, (New Living Translation (1996))

15b
for he faced all of the same temptations that we do, yet he did not sin.

• Do not use a connector. For example:

15a We have a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. (God’s Word)

15b He was tempted in every way that we are, but he didn’t sin.

Connect the two statements in a natural way in your language.

we have one who was tempted in every way that we are: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as tempted can also mean “tested.” (See the note on 2:18a.) Scholars disagree about what it means here:

(1) It means “tempted to sin.” For example:

he was tempted in every way that we are (Contemporary English Version)

(2) It means “tested.” For example:

in every respect has been tested as we are (New Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most English versions and many Bible scholars. This interpretation fits the context of not sinning as a result of the temptation.

one who was tempted in every way that we are: This statement indicates that our high priest has been tempted in every way, just as every human being is tempted. That is the reason that Jesus, our high priest, is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.

The verb was tempted is passive, and the clause does not specify who tempted Jesus. Other verses in Scripture indicate that Satan tempted Jesus. Some ways to translate the passive clause are:

• Keep the passive verb. For example:

he, too, has been urged to sin in all the ways that we are urged to sin

• Use a different verb that does not require specifying the tempter. For example:

our high priest experienced/faced all the kinds of temptation that we experience/face

• Use an active verb and refer to Satan as the tempter. For example:

⌊ Satan⌋has tempted him in every way like he tempts us

Translate this clause in a natural way in your language.

in every way: The phrase in every way means that Jesus experienced all the same kinds of temptations that other people have. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

all of the same testings we do (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
all the types of temptations that human beings face

that we are: The phrase that we are refers in general to human beings. (See the examples in the preceding note.) If you use a pronoun like we, it should refer to both the author and the readers.

yet was without sin: The clause yet was without sin is literally just without sin. It indicates that Jesus faced every temptation without sinning. The Berean Standard Bible adds the word yet, which is not in the Greek text. It makes explicit the contrast between Jesus and other human beings. Jesus did not sin when he was tempted, but every other human being has sinned.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

yet he did not sin (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
except that he never sinned (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
but as for him by contrast, he absolutely didn’t sin

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hebrews 4:14

Division 4:14–8:13

Jesus is greater than any other high priest

Division 4:14–8:13 is the second major division of Hebrews. In this division the author discusses Jesus’ work as high priest for us his people. It is important to remember that in the OT God gave the people of Israel instructions about who could serve as high priest. Only one person served as high priest, and he served until he died. Then another priest was chosen. Only the high priest could make atonement for the people’s sins on the Day of Atonement. The other priests had different duties. As you translate, be sure that your translation fits with this background information.

Section 4:14–16

So let’s be faithful to Jesus, our great high priest

This short section (4:14–16) has three main points:

(a) It encourages the readers to continue to believe the truth about Jesus that they publicly accepted.

(b) It repeats that Jesus is our high priest (see 2:17), and it describes what kind of priest he is.

Remember to translate the section before choosing a heading for it. Some other possible headings are:

Jesus Is the Great High Priest (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Jesus Our Compassionate High Priest (NET Bible)
-or-
Christ Is Superior to Other Chief Priests (God’s Word)

Paragraph 4:14–16

4:14

This verse summarizes what the author taught in 4:1–13.

4:14a

Therefore, since we have: The phrase Therefore, since we have is more literally “Having, therefore.” The word “therefore” implies that the author already taught his listeners about their great high priest (4:14a). He taught them that he is Jesus, the Son of God (4:14b). These teachings are the basis for what the author told them to do (4:14c). He told them to hold firmly to their confession of faith, because they know that their great high priest is Jesus the Son of God.

Some ways to translate 4:14a–c are:

So now we understand that we have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God, and he has gone into heaven. So let us firmly continue to believe our confession of faith.
-or-
We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. (Contemporary English Version)

In some languages it may be more natural to change the order of the clauses in this verse. See the General Comment on 4:14a–c at the end of 4:14c for examples.

we have a great high priest: The phrase we have a great high priest indicates that there is a great high priest who represents us to God.

Some other ways to translate we have a great high priest are:

there is a great high priest for us
-or-
the most powerful/important of all chief priests ⌊represents⌋ us

we: The pronoun we refers to both the author and the people who listened to him. This applies to each we and “us” in the rest of the chapter.

great high priest: The people of Israel had one great high priest, who was the leader of all the other priests. He was greater than all of them, and he was responsible to make atonement for the people’s sins. Here the word great is added to the term high priest to emphasize even more the supreme greatness of Jesus.

You should translate high priest as you did in 2:17 and emphasize his greatness in a natural way in your language. See the examples in the preceding note. For more information on how to translate high priest, see the note on 2:17b.

4:14b

who has passed through the heavens: The clause who has passed through the heavens is a figure of speech. It indicates that Jesus entered heaven and came to God. It implies a comparison between Jesus and each high priest of Israel.

Once a year the person who was the high priest of Israel came into the tabernacle. He passed through the outer room and came into the inner room. After he finished his work in that room, he left. In contrast with those high priests, Jesus came to God himself in heaven, and he is still in the presence of God.

Some ways to translate who has passed through the heavens are:

who has gone up into heaven
-or-
He went through the sky/heavens and came to God

Jesus the Son of God: The phrase Jesus the Son of God expresses the fact that Jesus has the same nature and character as God. This is the only place in Hebrews where the author puts the name Jesus and the phrase the Son of God together. For more information about how to translate the title the Son of God, see the note on “his Son” in 1:2a.

4:14c

let us hold firmly to what we profess: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as let us hold firmly is a command. It means that we must continue to be firmly committed. (Remember that it is not a request for permission.) The phrase what we profess refers here to a statement of what we believe (about Jesus). It includes a declaration of commitment to him.

Some other ways to translate this command are:

we must hold firm to our profession of faith (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
it is necessary/essential that we continue to be committed to our declaration of faith in Jesus

Translate this command in a way that is natural in your language.

what we profess: The phrase what we profess means “what we say/declare that we believe.” The word profess refers here to making a statement about what followers of Jesus believe. A follower of Jesus makes this statement in public and expresses agreement with those beliefs. It is a way for the person to publicly state his allegiance (devotion) to Jesus. The word profess does not refer here to confessing sins.

Some other ways to translate what we profess are:

what we believe about Jesus
-or-
acknowledging Jesus ⌊as our Lord⌋

The Greek word translated here as profess occurs six times in the NT. Three of those are in the book of Hebrews (here and in 3:1 and 10:23).

General Comment on 4:14a–c

In 4:14c the author told his listeners to hold firmly to their profession of faith. In some languages it may be more natural to put this exhortation at the beginning of 4:14, and then give the description of Jesus in 4:14a–b. Then that description will connect with the description of the high priest in 4:15. For example:

14c Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. 14a For we have a great high priest 14b who has gone into the very presence of God—Jesus, the Son of God. 15 Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. (Good News Translation)
-or-

14c So then, we must hold firmly to what we believe and declare 14b about Jesus. He is the Son of God, and he has gone into heaven 14a as our great high priest to represent us. 15 This high priest of ours understands our weaknesses…

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hebrews 5:10

5:10

In this final verse of Section 5:1–10 the author said that God appointed Christ as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. In 5:6 the author quoted the words that God said to Christ at that time: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” The author repeated what God said to Christ to emphasize the importance of Jesus being a priest in the order of Melchizedek.

5:10a

and was designated by God as high priest: The people of Israel had only one high priest at a time, and each high priest served until his death. Since God appointed Christ as high priest and Christ will never die again, he will be the only high priest forever.

The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as designated only occurs here in the NT. Its meaning is similar to the verb that is translated as “appointed.” The form of the verb is passive, but God is mentioned as the one who appointed Christ to be high priest.

Some other ways to translate the statement are:

and God declared him to be high priest (Good News Translation)
-or-
God appointed him to become the high priest

high priest: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as high priest was used in 5:1, but the more general word “priest” was used in 5:6. Use the same word or phrase that you used in 5:1a.

5:10b

in the order of Melchizedek: The phrase in the order of Melchizedek was used in 5:6b. Translate it in the same way here.

General Comment on 5:10a–b

In some languages it is more natural to translate 5:10 as a separate sentence. For example:

God appointed him chief priest in the way Melchizedek was a priest. (God’s Word)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hebrews 4:12

4:12a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as For introduces a list of reasons why we must be diligent to obey God and enter his rest (4:11). These reasons are descriptions of the word of God. It is living, powerful, and discerning. It exposes a person’s secret thoughts. Introduce these reasons in a natural way in your language. In some languages a conjunction may not be necessary.

the word of God is living and active: This statement indicates that God’s word has power to accomplish what God intends. God used his word to create the world, and he uses it to affect what people believe and what they do. Some other ways to translate the statement are:

God’s word is alive and it does ⌊great⌋ things.
-or-
What God says has power to do/accomplish ⌊what he intends⌋.

the word of God: The phrase the word of God refers to what God says. It includes the Scriptures. It also includes whatever God says, whether it is spoken or written. Jesus is also called “the word of God” (for example, in John 1:14). Hebrews 1:2 says that God spoke in (or by) a Son. Some other ways to translate the phrase are:

God’s word/message
-or-
the Word that God speaks (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

living and active: The two words which the Berean Standard Bible translates as living and active have a similar meaning here. The author often used pairs of words with similar meanings to emphasize what he wanted to communicate. This pair indicates that God’s word has power to accomplish what God intends. God used his word to create the world, and he uses it to affect what people believe and what they do.

In some languages it may be more natural to emphasize the meaning in a different way. For example:

full of living power (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
it is powerful and it has results

Notice that there are other pairs in 4:12–13. Translate these pairs in a way that will emphasize the meaning in your language.

living: In this context the word living is used in a figurative way. It means “able to accomplish things.” Here it does not refer to breathing or to having physical life. See the preceding note for translation examples.

active: Here the word active means “effective.” It indicates that God’s word accomplishes what he intends.

4:12b

Sharper than any double-edged sword: This statement is a figure of speech. The author compared the word of God to a sword. A sword can be used to cut a person open, and then people can see what is inside his body. The Word of God can do this in a spiritual way. It can reveal a person’s mind and heart and cause him (or other people) to understand it. It reveals to a person what is right and what is wrong about his way of thinking.

Some other ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Use a simile. For example:

God’s word cuts better than a sword that is sharp on both sides.
-or-
God’s word is like a sword with two sharp edges.

• Use a simile and also indicate the meaning. For example:

God’s Word ⌊exposes a person’s thoughts and motives,⌋ just as a sharp sword with two edges ⌊cuts into something and exposes what is in it⌋.

• Translate the meaning without using the figure of speech. For example:

God’s Word exposes our hidden thoughts/motives.

Use a natural way in your language to translate the figure of speech.

any double-edged sword: The Greek word used here for sword occurs only three times in the New Testament. A sword (or “dagger”) is a long knife. The word double-edged indicates that the knife has two sharp (cutting) edges. A double-edged knife is more effective than a knife that has only one sharp edge. That type of knife can cut into something and divide it accurately into parts.

Another way to translate double-edged sword is:

a long knife with two sharp edges

In some languages there is an idiom to describe this. For example, in Hebrew the idiom is literally:

a sword that has two mouths

any: The word any indicates here that there is no sword (even one with two edges) that is more effective than God’s word.

4:12c–d

it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow: This part of the verse continues to describe the word of God. In Greek the phrase even to dividing is literally “as far as (the place of) division.” It implies that God’s word enters even the part of a person where soul and spirit meet or where his joints and marrow meet.

In some languages a phrase like to dividing may wrongly imply that the Word of God separates a person’s soul from his spirit and separates a person’s joints from his marrow. For that reason the Notes uses the God’s Word as the source text for 4:12c:

and cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet, the place where joints and marrow meet (God’s Word)

(God’s Word) and cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet, the place where joints and marrow meet: The phrase where soul and spirit meet is a figure of speech. The phrase place where joints and marrow meet is also a figure of speech. No one can tell exactly where a person’s soul and spirit meet or where joints and marrow meet.

Together these two figures of speech refer to every part of a person. Some other ways to translate this meaning are:

It penetrates even the inner-being and thinking of a person. Therefore no matter what a person’s motive is or what he intends, this word of God can reveal it.
-or-
It pierces into even our thinking and our purpose, and it shows us what God thinks about it.

(God’s Word) soul…spirit: In this context the Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as soul and spirit have similar meanings. In many scriptures the word soul refers to the inner part of a person which thinks, feels, and makes decisions. The word spirit refers to the person himself, especially to the essential part of himself that is responsible to give an account to God. Here the words soul and spirit are used together to refer to the hidden part of a person, his thoughts, and motives.

Other ways to translate soul and spirit here are:

our innermost thoughts and desires (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
a person’s inner-being and mind/thinking

Most English versions (except the New Living Translation (2004)) use the words soul and spirit. See soul, sense A1(a), and spirit, sense A1(a), in Key Biblical Terms.

(God’s Word) joints…marrow: The word joints refers to the material in the body that joins bones together. The word marrow refers to the substance inside the big bones of the body. Another way to translate the literal meaning is:

a person’s joints and the substance inside his bones

Here the phrase “the place where joints and marrow meet” is a metaphor to refer to a person’s secret thoughts and desires. It emphasizes the statement in 4:12c, which has the same meaning. In some languages the metaphor may not be natural, and you may need to translate the meaning in a different way. For example:

every part of a person

4:12e–f

It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart: Here the author says that the word of God (It) is able to judge people’s thoughts and intentions. This is figurative language. It implies that God’s word causes people to know how God wants them to think and act. When a person reads it, it teaches him whether his thoughts are good or bad. Some other ways to translate this statement are:

it pierces into even our thinking, our breath, our purpose, and it shows us what God is thinking about it.
-or-
God’s word judges a person’s thoughts and intentions. (God’s Word)
-or-
It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (New Living Translation (2004))

In some languages it may be necessary to translate the meaning without the figurative language. For example:

God uses his Word to show people whether their way of thinking and what they intend to do is right or wrong.

It judges: The Greek word which the Berean Standard Bible translates as judges can describe a judge in a legal case. However, it is often used in a more general way. Here it refers to the ability to distinguish what is right and what is wrong. People can use what God says to examine their thoughts and intentions and know whether they are pleasing to God or not.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

examines
-or-
discovers
-or-
causes…to be exposed

thoughts and intentions: The words thoughts and intentions are used together to describe what a person thinks. The Greek word which the Berean Standard Bible translates as thoughts refers to “the process of considering something, thought, reflection, idea.” It occurs only three other times in the New Testament: Matthew 9:4, 12:25 and Acts 17:29.

The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as intentions is also rare in the New Testament. It occurs only once more, in 1 Peter 4:1. It refers to what a person thinks, his “thoughts, knowledge, and insights.”

Some other ways to translate thoughts and intentions are:

what a person thinks and plans
-or-
our thinking and the purposes in our hearts

of the heart: In both Greek and Hebrew the heart refers to the part of a person that thinks and feels. In some languages a phrase like of the heart may not be necessary in this context. The source of the “thoughts and intentions” may already be implied by referring to the person (or people) who think them. See the first example in the preceding note. For more information, see heart, sense 1(b), in Key Biblical Terms.

General Comment on 4:12a–e

In some languages you may need to make the comparison in this verse more explicit. For example:

God’s word is powerful and active. It exposes what people think and what they want/intend to do as ⌊precisely as⌋ a knife with two sharp edges cuts into ⌊skin⌋.
-or-
God’s word is strong and does great deeds. Like a knife with two sharp edges, it cuts open a person’s thoughts and shows what he secretly thinks and wants to do.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Hebrews 4:11

Paragraph 4:11–13

4:11

This verse is the second key verse of this section (along with verse 9). It is a solemn exhortation.

4:11a

Let us, therefore: The word therefore introduces an exhortation to enter God’s rest. It is based on what the author said in 4:1–10. Another way to translate it is:

So then
-or-
As a result of all this

Let us…make every effort to enter that rest: The verb make every effort means “be eager, try hard, strive.” Here the command Let us…make every effort includes both the author and those who heard him. This command is similar to the one in 4:1 (“let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach” his rest.) The author emphasized the command by saying it at the beginning of the section and repeating it (in a slightly different way) near the end.

You should translate the two commands in a similar way. Some other ways to translate the command here are:

Let us…do our best to receive that rest (Good News Translation)
-or-
we must be committed/diligent to get that rest with God
-or-
Let us try as hard as we can to enter God’s rest (New Century Version)

4:11b

so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience: This clause tells the purpose for trying hard to enter God’s rest in 4:11a. It indicates that if we do not strive to enter God’s rest (4:11a), we may disobey God and then fall (4:11b). Another way to translate the clause is:

so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience (New International Version)

Notice that this clause mentions two actions: they may fall and they may disobey. The disobedience causes the fall, so in some languages it is more natural to translate the actions in a different order. For example:

so that no one will disobey God like they did and then fall

so that no one will fall: The phrase no one will fall is a figure of speech. The word fall refers to sin that causes a person not to receive God’s rest. It implies that a person may disobey God and refuse the rest that God offers him, just as the Israelites disobeyed God in the wilderness and did not receive God’s rest. That implies here that the person will fail to receive salvation.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

so that no one among us will retreat from our faith
-or-
so that none of us will lose/reject ⌊the rest⌋

by following the same pattern of disobedience: The phrase by following the same pattern of disobedience means “by disobeying God, as the people of Israel did.” In this context the word disobedience refers to refusing to believe God. See the note on 4:6c. This is the same word that the author used in 3:18 and 4:6c. In some languages it is more natural to use a verb to translate disobedience. For example:

by following the example of those who refused to obey (God’s Word)

the same pattern of disobedience: The pronoun the same refers to the pattern of disobedience of the people of Israel at the time of Moses. In some languages it is helpful to refer to them more explicitly. For example:

like the people of Israel disobeyed long ago

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Hebrews 2020

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