Translation commentary on Luke 19:40

Exegesis:

legō humin ‘I tell you,’ cf. on 3.8.

ean houtoi siōpēsousin lit. ‘if they were silent, or, will be silent’ (preferably the latter), conditional clause in the future, equivalent to an aorist subjunctive and hence to be rendered in the present. siōpaō, cf. on 1.20.

Translation:

If these were silent, preferably, ‘if these are silent,’ ‘if these (people) say nothing, or, do not shout,’ ‘if these shut their mouth’ (Sranan Tongo).

The very stones, would cry out, preferably, ‘will cry out, or, shout.’ Emphasizers like ‘without-doubt’ (Bahasa Indonesia) are often added to bring out better the contrast with the preceding clause, as does “very” in the Revised Standard Version.

Quoted with permission from Reiling, J. and Swellengrebel, J.L. A Handbook on the Gospel of Luke. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1971. For this and other handbooks for translators see here . Make sure to also consult the Handbook on the Gospel of Mark for parallel or similar verses.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Luke 19:40

19:40a

In this verse, Jesus refused to do as the Pharisees asked him to do in 19:39. In some languages it may be natural to introduce the refusal in some way. This verse begins in Greek with a conjunction that the Contemporary English Version and New Century Version translate as “But” in order to show a contrast. Most English versions do not translate this conjunction. Begin the verse in a natural way in your language.

I tell you: Jesus often used the words I tell you to begin a statement that he wanted to emphasize. It indicates that the statement was important and people should listen carefully to it. Some other ways to translate this emphasis here are:

I assure you
-or-
Listen to this:
-or-
I can guarantee that (God’s Word)

If you have another way in your language to emphasize a statement or to alert people to listen with special attention, consider using it here.

He answered: In Greek the phrase He answered occurs at the beginning of the verse. It introduces Jesus’ response to the Pharisees. Place the phrase where it is natural in your language.

19:40b–c

if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out: This statement contains implied information. Jesus implied that it was necessary for his disciples to praise God and welcome him as the Messiah. Jesus said this to answer the Pharisees and tell them that the disciples were right. In some languages it may be necessary to make the meaning more explicit. For example:

⌊No, I will not ask them to be silent, for⌋ if they were quiet, then the stones would shout out ⌊in their place⌋.
-or-

⌊It is so right for them to do this, that⌋ if they did not, then the stones would cry out.
-or-

⌊You are wrong in what you ask.⌋ If my disciples stop shouting out praise, then the rocks will shout out.

the very stones will cry out: The clause the very stones will cry out is a figure of speech. The stones would not literally shout, and the disciples also would not be silent. In some languages there are special verb forms that are used to describe a hypothetical situation like this that will not really happen. For example:

If they kept quiet, the stones…would burst into cheers! (New Living Translation (2004))

cry out: Here the verb cry out describes glad shouts of praise such as the disciples were shouting. It does not refer to crying out because of distress or anger. Use an appropriate verb in your language. In some languages it may be necessary to make the meaning more explicit. For example:

…the stones…will call out praising me.

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