4:27a

4:27 in Greek begins with the conjunction usually translated “for.” It indicates that this verse connects to the previous verse. The phrase “In fact” in the Berean Standard Bible also conveys that connection here.

In fact: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as In fact is literally “upon truth.” Here it indicates that what the believers described in 4:27 was a fulfillment of the prophecy in 4:26. Here are some other ways to translate this Greek phrase:

This is what has come true (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
These things really happened when (New Century Version)

If possible make it clear that the quotation from Psalm 2 has ended and the believers’ interpretation has begun. For example:

That Scripture was fulfilled when

this is the very city: This phrase refers here to Jerusalem (4:16). But the people praying would not need to tell God what city they were in.

Herod: This name refers here to Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great.

Pontius Pilate: He was the Roman governor of Judea at the time Jesus was killed.

conspired: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as conspired is the same Greek word translated “gather together” in 4:26. If possible translate it the same way here so the connection to 4:26 is clear.

Gentiles: This word is the same Greek word translated “nations” in 4:25. Here it clearly refers to nations other than Israel. For example:

non-Jewish people
-or-
those who are not Jews (New Century Version)

the people of Israel: The word people in Greek is plural (“peoples”), probably to match the plural “peoples” in 4:25. Here it probably refers to the twelve clans of Israel. Use what is natural in your language.

Israel: This is the name of the nation of the Jews. The founder of the nation was named Israel, who earlier was called Jacob. He was the grandson of Abraham.

In some languages people may not be familiar with the word Israel. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Use the name Israel in your translation and have a footnote with the more familiar word. Here is an example footnote:

This refers the Jews
-or-
This is the Judah people

• Use your usual name for all the Jews as a nation in your translation and have a footnote with the literal word. Here is an example footnote:

Literally: Israel

4:27b

against: The word against indicates that the leaders and peoples opposed Jesus. Here are some other ways to translate the Greek word:

and opposed
-or-
to stand against

holy: Here the word holy means “originating from God,” “divine,” or “sent from God.” It can also mean “to be pure” and “free from sin.” Here are some other ways to translate this word:

sacred
-or-
godly
-or-

⌊morally⌋ pure

servant: Here this word indicates that Jesus did all that God wanted him to do. In some languages a verb must be used. For example:

a man who served God
-or-
he did all that God commanded ⌊him to do⌋

whom You anointed: This clause tells the reader more about Jesus. It does not separate Jesus from other men named Jesus. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word whom. For example:

You anointed him.

anointed: The verb anointed has the same meaning as the event indicated in “Anointed One” in 4:26. Translate the meaning in a similar way here.

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