A descendant is literally “a root”; most translators either render literally or by “Scion” (New English Bible, Moffatt). It is doubtful that either “root” or “scion” conveys much meaning to the modern reader, and so another term must be sought. It is possible that in Isaiah the word “root” had come to be used in a technical sense as a reference to the Messiah, but a more general term seems preferable. It is known that the word “root” was used in a general sense of one’s descendants, and descendant seems best suited to the present context.

A descendant of Jesse may be rendered as “someone from the family of Jesse” or “someone from the lineage of Jesse.” At this point it may be useful to have some kind of marginal help indicating who Jesse was. At the least, a cross reference at this point is important to indicate that the Jesse referred to here was the father of David.

He will be raised (New English Bible “the one raised up”) is given an active force by most translations (Revised Standard Version “he who rises”). If this verb is translated with a passive force, it may be necessary to indicate the agent: “God will raise him.” In many instances the demands of English structure require that a pronoun be changed to a noun; in the present sentence the opposite is done: the pronoun they of the second line is literally “the Gentiles.”

They will put their hope in him is rendered in some languages as “they will hope because of him,” “he will cause them to hope,” or “… cause them to look forward to with confidence.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .