13:23a

So: This verse concludes Jesus’ statement in 13:21–22. The Berean Standard Bible introduces it with the word So. Use a natural way in your language to connect this conclusion to the context.

be on your guard: In the Greek, this sentence begins with an emphatic form of the word “you,(plur)” which the Berean Standard Bible and the other versions do not translate. Here is the meaning:

as for you,
(plur) be on your guard

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as be on your guard means “be/remain watching.” This word also occurs in 13:5, 13:9a, and 13:33a. See how you translated it in 13:9a. Jesus was telling his disciples to be aware of future hardships and dangers. In some languages you may need to specify what to guard yourselves from. For example:

be(plur) on your guard about what will happen

13:23b

I have told you everything in advance: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as told…in advance means “warned” or “forewarned.” For example, the New Century Version says:

I have warned you about all this before it happens.

Some readers may wrongly think that Jesus was reminding the disciples of an earlier time when he warned them. However, he was referring to the warnings that he has just given. Try to make this clear in your language. For example:

I have just now told you everything ahead of time.
-or-
With these words I am telling you everything ahead of time.

General Comment on 13:23a–b

In some languages it may be more natural to place the conclusion of 13:23a after 13:23b. For example:

23bI have told you about all these events before they happen. 23aSo you, my disciples, must be on your guard.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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