SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2013 – Page 2

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:9

1:9a

he was chosen by lot: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he was chosen by lot refers to the custom of throwing or drawing “lots” to choose a person. It is not clear what kind of object the priests used for lots. They may have used small stones with one priest’s name on each stone. They may have thrown the lots in a certain way or drawn them from a container in which all of them had been placed. The priest who would serve before God was chosen in this way.

The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates with a passive form, he was chosen by lot, is literally “he obtained/received by lot.” This is an active form in Greek, and it may be more natural to use an active form in your language. For example:

the priests chose him by lot

The priests used lots in this way so that God would be the one to choose a priest. In some languages, it may be helpful to make this information explicit. For example:

he was chosen ⌊by the way God allowed⌋ the lot to fall
-or-
he obtained/received ⌊the privilege⌋ by lot ⌊as God determined⌋

In some cultures, the custom of using lots in this way is not known. It may also be difficult to describe this custom in the text. If this is true in your culture, you may want to use a more general expression and explain the custom in a footnote. For example:

he was chosen by priestly custom (God’s Word)
-or-

⌊they⌋ threw ⌊marked⌋ stones to decide which priest ⌊would serve⌋

Here is a possible footnote:

The priests used certain objects to decide which of them would burn incense. They put a priest’s name on each object. Then they put the objects in a container and shook or drew one out. They believed that the priest whose name was on that object was chosen by God to burn the incense.

according to the custom of the priesthood: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as according to the custom of the priesthood means that this was the method that the Jewish priests regularly used.

1:9b

the temple of the Lord: The phrase the temple of the Lord refers to the temple in Jerusalem where the Lord was present in a special way. Priests served in the temple and presented the people’s sacrifices to the Lord.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the temple refers specifically here to the holiest place in the temple building. It does not refer to the temple as a whole.

Some ways to translate this are:

the holy/holiest place of the Lord’s temple
-or-
the house/place where the Lord is/dwells
-or-
the innermost part of the Lord’s temple
-or-
the sanctuary

See temple, Meaning 2, in the Glossary for more information.

the Lord: The phrase the Lord refers here to God. See the note at 1:6b.

See also Lord, Context 2, in the Glossary.

burn incense: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as incense refers to a certain powder that smelled good when it burned. The Jews used a special type of incense to burn for God. While the incense burned, the priest prayed to God. The sweet-smelling smoke that rose while it burned was a symbol of people praying to God.

Jewish law did not allow any priest to burn this incense more than once in his life. So it was a special honor for Zechariah to burn the incense.

General Comment on 1:9a–b

In some languages it may be more natural to change the order of some of the information in 1:9a–b. For example:

9aIt was the custom of the priests to draw/take lots in order to decide who 9bwould enter the temple of the Lord to burn incense. 9aThe priests did this and Zechariah was the one who gained that right.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:10

1:10a

at the hour of the incense offering: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as at the hour of the incense offering refers to one of the two times during each day when a priest entered the temple alone and burned incense. One time was in the morning, and one was in the evening. The events that are described in this paragraph happened at one of these times.

In some languages it may be necessary to say who burned incense. If this is true in your language, you may be able to say:

At/during the time when ⌊Zechariah⌋ was burning incense…

1:10b

the whole congregation: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the whole congregation is literally “all the crowd of the people.” It refers to the crowd of people who gathered in the temple courts.

was praying: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was praying indicates that the people were speaking to God.

Some languages may use different words to refer to specific kinds of prayer, such as requests, thanks, or praise. Use a term that is natural in your language to refer to prayer in general. Avoid a term that may imply magical or meaningless words.

Some other ways to translate this are:

were talking to God
-or-
were asking/begging God

outside: The word outside refers to the area outside the temple building. The people were worshiping in one of the courtyards that were part of the temple area. The leaders did not allow the people to go into the temple building itself. Only certain priests could go there.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:11

Paragraph 1:11–17

In this paragraph, Luke began to tell the main events of this section after he gave the background information in 1:5–10. Introduce this paragraph in a natural way in your language.

1:11a

Just then: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Just then here introduces the first event that happened when Zechariah was in the temple. The text does not explicitly state that Zechariah had entered the temple, but this is implied. In some languages it may be necessary to make this information explicit. For example:

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary (New Living Translation (2004))

an angel of the Lord: The phrase an angel of the Lord refers here to an angel whom the Lord sent. Some other ways to translate this are:

an angel who came from the Lord God
-or-
an angel who was sent by the Lord

angel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as angel means “messenger.” It refers here to a spirit being who serves God. God sent this angel to tell Zechariah a message. Some ways to translate this term are:

• Use a descriptive word or phrase. For example:

messenger ⌊from God/heaven⌋
-or-

⌊holy⌋ spirit-being

• Use a local term that fits the biblical meaning.

• In some areas the churches may already be using a borrowed term or a transliterated word for “angel.” Be sure that this term fits the biblical meaning. If some people do not understand the right meaning from this term, you may need to indicate the meaning in some way. For example:

an angelos messenger ⌊from God⌋
-or-
a sacred angelos spirit

Be sure that your term for “angel” is different from your terms for “prophet” and “apostle.” See angel, Meaning 1, in the Glossary. See also the chart in the Glossary that shows the differences between these three terms.

the Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the Lord refers here to God. This same word occurs in 1:6b.

appeared to Zechariah: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as appeared indicates here that the angel arrived and became visible to Zechariah. Suddenly he was there where Zechariah could see him. This does not imply that Zechariah saw him only in a vision. The angel was really there. However, the context implies that the angel came in a supernatural way. He probably did not walk in; rather, he just appeared in front of Zechariah.

1:11b

standing at the right side of the altar of incense: This part of the verse indicates that the angel was standing at the right side of the altar. Your translation should not imply that it was Zechariah who was standing there.

The angel was standing near the altar, and he was facing Zechariah. The right side of the altar probably refers to the right side from the angel’s point of view. The right side implies a place of honor.

altar of incense: The altar of incense was the place where the priest burned incense for the Lord. The altar was a table made of wood and covered with gold. On top there was a charcoal fire. The priest threw the powdered incense onto the burning charcoal. The priests did not sacrifice animals on this altar. See the drawing below:

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:12

1:12

was startled: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was startled describes a feeling of being shocked or agitated in mind. It refers to feeling disturbed, confused, and troubled. There are many ways to describe this feeling in English. The expression was startled is appropriate here to describe Zechariah’s sudden fright. Some other ways to translate this in English are:

was alarmed (Good News Translation)
-or-
was shaken (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
was terribly agitated (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

Some languages may find it more natural to express this in active form. For example:

this startled him

Some languages may express this emotion with an idiom. Describe Zechariah’s feeling in a natural way in your language for this context.

and gripped with fear: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gripped with fear is literally: “fear fell upon him.” It is an idiom that means “he became very afraid.” Some languages may have their own idiom to express this. Other ways to translate it in English are:

overwhelmed with fear (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
frightened (New Century Version)
-or-
terrified

Express this emotion in a natural way in your language for this context.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:13

1:13a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces what the angel said to Zechariah. The angel first responded to Zechariah’s obvious fear by telling him not to be afraid. In some languages, a conjunction may not be needed. Connect 1:12 and 1:13a in a natural way in your language. For example:

The angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah!” (God’s Word)
-or-
So/But the angel told him, “Zechariah, do not be afraid!”

angel: The word angel was also used in 1:11a.

Do not be afraid: In this context the phrase Do not be afraid expresses reassurance. The angel assured Zechariah that he did not need to be afraid.

Another way to translate this reassurance is:

You do not ⌊need to⌋ be afraid.

1:13b

because In Greek, 1:13b begins with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because. It introduces a reason why Zechariah should not be afraid. The angel had come to tell him that God had heard his prayer. Some English versions, such as the New International Version, do not translate this conjunction. Connect 1:13a to 1:13b in a way that is natural in your language.

your prayer has been heard: This clause is passive. In some languages, it may be more natural to translate it as an active clause. For example:

God has heard your prayer (God’s Word)

The angel did not say here when Zechariah had prayed or what he had prayed for. However, in 1:13c he implied that Zechariah had prayed for a son. In some languages, it may be helpful to make this information explicit here. For example:

⌊God⌋ has heard your prayer ⌊for a son⌋.

prayer: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as prayer indicates here that Zechariah had spoken or talked to God. He had asked God to give him a son. In some languages, it will be necessary to translate prayer as a verb. For example:

you asked/begged God ⌊for a son⌋

heard: Here, the word heard implies that God accepted Zechariah’s prayer and had committed himself to answer it. If the word heard does not imply this in your language, you may need to make this explicit. For example:

God has heard your prayer ⌊and will answer it⌋
-or-
God will give you what you have prayed for

1:13c

This part of the verse tells what would happen as a result of 1:13b. Connect this part of the verse to 1:13b in a natural way in your language.

Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son: The phrase bear you a son is literally “will bear a son to/for you.” This indicates that Elizabeth would conceive a child by Zechariah and give birth to him. Some other ways to say this in English are:

Your wife Elizabeth will have a son (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Your wife, Elizabeth, will give birth to a son (New Century Version)
-or-
You and your wife Elizabeth are going to have a son

You should use an expression that is both natural and polite in your language.

1:13d

you are to give him the name John: In Greek, the verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you are to give functions as a command. It means “you must name him John.” In Jewish custom, the father was usually the person who decided what the names of his children would be.

John: The name John means “the Lord is gracious.” You may want to include this information in a footnote.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:14

1:14–17

In these verses, the angel talked about the joy that John’s birth would bring to many people. He also gave the reasons why they would be joyful. The verses are written in a poetic style. English versions differ in how they connect the clauses into sentences. For example, the Revised Standard Version and the New Jerusalem Bible have two long sentences, the New International Version has four sentences, and the Good News Translation has six sentences. Consider how to connect the clauses and begin new sentences in a way that is natural in your language.

1:14a

He will be a joy and delight to you: The two words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as joy and delight are a doublet. They mean approximately the same thing. But the second word is stronger and suggests a more intense emotion. Together the two words mean “immense joy.” For example:

He will give you great joy
-or-
He will make you very happy

to you: The pronoun you refers to Zechariah.

1:14b

many will rejoice at his birth: This clause indicates that many people would be happy that John was born. They would especially be happy because he was the person whom God sent to prepare people for the Messiah. The clause does not indicate that people would only be happy at the time of his birth. It indicates that they would be happy about his birth and life. Another way to say this is:

many will rejoice that he was born

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:15

1:15a

for: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for introduces the reasons why Zechariah and many other people would be happy about John’s birth (1:14). These reasons are given in 1:15–17. The main reason is that John would prepare the way for the Lord. Express these reasons in a natural way in your language.

he will be great in the sight of the Lord: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he will be great in the sight of the Lord is an idiom. It means that God would consider John to be a very important man. God would think highly of him. Some other ways to translate this are:

The Lord will consider him to be very great
-or-
He will be very important in the Lord’s estimation/view
-or-
The Lord will recognize/esteem him as a great man

in the sight of the Lord: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in the sight of the Lord is literally “before the Lord.” The phrase “before the Lord” or “before God” is used four other times in Luke 1 (1:17, 1:19, 1:75, 1:76).

Lord: For further discussion of the term Lord, see the Note at 1:6b. See also Lord, Context 2, in the Glossary.

1:15b

He shall never take wine or strong drink: This is a command. John must not drink wine or any other drink that could make him drunk. A requirement like this is described in Numbers 6:1–4. It would be a sign to that person and to others that he was dedicated to the Lord in a special way. In some translations it may be helpful to include a footnote about this. For example:

John was dedicated to the Lord to fulfill a very important purpose. As a sign of that dedication, the Lord commanded that John should not drink wine.

never: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as never means “definitely not.” The angel meant that John must not ever drink these things.

take: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as take is literally “drink.” Most English versions say “drink.”

wine or strong drink: The Jews had two basic terms for alcoholic drinks. The Berean Standard Bible translates these terms as wine and strong drink. In some languages it may be necessary to use one general term for all alcoholic drinks. For example:

all fermented/alcoholic drinks
-or-
any drink that causes someone/people to become drunk

wine: The word wine refers to an alcoholic drink. It is made from the juice of a fruit called grapes. When grape juice ferments, it becomes wine.

In some areas, people may not be familiar with grapes or with wine. If that is true in your area, some other ways to translate wine are:

• Use a specific term for another alcoholic drink made from fruit. For example:

pomegranate wine
-or-
palm wine

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

fermented fruit juice/water
-or-
grape juice
-or-
fermented grape juice

strong drink: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as strong drink refers to alcoholic beverages other than wine that the Jews made from either fruit or grain. The most common of these was beer made from barley or from barley and millet.

Some ways to translate this are:

• Use a term for an alcoholic drink made from grain, even if it is not made from barley or millet.

• Use a general term for alcoholic drinks.

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

other drinks that make (people) drunk

1:15c

he will be filled with the Holy Spirit: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as filled with the Holy Spirit is a common figure of speech in the New Testament. It implies that the Holy Spirit would guide or control John and give him the power to do all that God wanted him to do. Some ways to translate this are:

the Holy Spirit will guide/empower him
-or-
he will be full of the Holy Spirit
-or-
the power of the Holy Spirit will be with him (Contemporary English Version)

The verb will be filled is passive. Notice that the examples above do not use passive verbs. Translate the clause in a natural way in your language.

The context indicates that John would be “filled” during his entire life. This figure also occurs in 1:41b and 1:67a, but there the “filling” is momentary.

the Holy Spirit: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Holy Spirit refers to the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is God, together with God the Father and God the Son. The Holy Spirit is Spirit in the sense that he is a living being who does not have a physical body. He is Holy in the sense that he is divine. He is perfect in every way and is completely pure and sinless. Because of these qualities, he is worthy of awe.

Some ways to translate Holy Spirit are:

Spirit/Breath of God
-or-
Holy/Sacred Spirit

Do not imply that the Holy Spirit is like the ghost of a dead person or that God has died.

See holy, sense A2, in Key Biblical Terms.

even from his mother’s womb: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as even from his mother’s womb is literally “even from/out-of his mother’s womb/belly.” Scholars interpret the phrase “from his mother’s womb” in one of two ways:

(1) It refers to the time when John was in his mother’s womb. This means before he was born. For example:

while yet in his mother’s womb (New American Standard Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004))

(2) It refers to the time when John was born. For example:

From his very birth (Good News Translation)

(New International Version, Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

English versions that use the phrase “from his mother’s womb” are somewhat ambiguous (New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, Revised Standard Version). In some languages it may be possible to use a general expression that could be interpreted in either way. If that is true in your language, it is good to use that term. If you must choose one of the interpretations, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 1:16

1:16

the sons of Israel: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the sons of Israel does not refer only to males but to both male and female descendants of Israel.

Notice that Zechariah himself was a Jew, one of the people of Israel. So in some languages, you may need to say something like:

your(sing) people the Israelites

he will turn back: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he will turn back means “he will cause to return.” In this context it is used in a spiritual sense: John would persuade many people to repent from their sins and to obey God again. John would cause them to do this by telling them messages from God.

the Lord their God: Since Zechariah was himself an Israelite, in some languages it may be necessary to say:

the Lord your(plur) God

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 2013