Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote MAT front intro sa9c 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the Book of Matthew

1. The birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of his ministry (1:1-4:25)
1. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:28)
1. Jesus illustrates the kingdom of God through acts of healing (8:1-9:34)
1. Jesus’ teaching about mission and the kingdom (9:35-10:42)
1. Jesus’ teaching about the gospel of the kingdom of God. The beginning of opposition to Jesus. (11:1-12:50)
1. Jesus’ parables about the kingdom of God (13:1-52)
1. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:53-17:57)
1. Jesus’ teaching about life in the kingdom of God (18:1-35)
1. Jesus ministers in Judea (19:1-22:46)
1. Jesus’ teaching about the final judgment and salvation (23:1-25:46)
1. The crucifixion of Jesus, his death and resurrection (26:1-28:19)

### What is the book of Matthew about?

The Gospel of Matthew is one of four books in the New Testament that describe some of the life of Jesus Christ. The authors of the gospels wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. Matthew showed that Jesus was the Messiah, and God would save Israel through him. Matthew often explained that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This may indicate that he expected most of his first readers to be Jewish. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])

### How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Gospel of Matthew,” or “The Gospel according to Matthew.” Or they may choose a title that may be clearer, such as, “The Good News about Jesus that Matthew wrote.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

### Who wrote the Book of Matthew?

The book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the author was the Apostle Matthew.

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What is the “kingdom of heaven?”

Matthew spoke of the kingdom of heaven in the same way that other gospel writers spoke of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of heaven represents God ruling over all people and all creation everywhere. Those whom God accepts into his kingdom will be blessed. They will live with God forever.

### What were Jesus’ teaching methods?

The people regarded Jesus as a rabbi. A rabbi is a teacher of God’s law. Jesus taught in similar ways as other religious teachers in Israel. He had students who followed him wherever he went. These students were called disciples. He often told parables. Parables are stories that teach moral lessons. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/parable]])

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### What are the Synoptic Gospels?

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they have many similar passages. The word “synoptic” means to “see together.”

The texts are considered “parallel” when they are the same or almost the same among two or three gospels. When translating parallel passages, translators should use the same wording and make them as similar as possible.

### Why does Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man”?

In the gospels, Jesus calls himself the “Son of Man.” It is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. In this passage there is a person described as a “son of man.” That means the person was someone who looked like a human being. God gave authority to the son of man to rule over the nations forever. And all the people will worship him forever.

Jews of Jesus’ time did not use “Son of Man” as a title for anyone. Therefore, Jesus used it for himself to help them understand who he truly was. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]])

Translating the title “Son of Man” can be difficult in many languages. Readers may misunderstand a literal translation. Translators can consider alternatives, such as “The Human One.” It may also be helpful to include a footnote to explain the title.

### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Matthew?

The following verses are found in older versions of the Bible but are not included in most modern versions:
* “Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you” (5:44)
* “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (6:13)
* “But this kind of demon does not go out except with prayer and fasting” (17:21)
* “For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost” (18:11)
* “Many are called, but few are chosen” (20:16)
* “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you devour widows’ houses, while you make a show of long prayers. You will therefore receive greater condemnation.” (23:14)

Translators are advised not to include these passages. However, if in the translators’ region, there are older versions of the Bible that include one or more of these passages, the translators can include them. If they are included, they should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to Matthew’s Gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) MAT 1 intro y7kk 0 # Matthew 1 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set a quotation from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this for the quoted material in 1:23.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Genealogy

A genealogy is a list that records a person’s ancestors or descendants. Jews used genealogies to choose the right man to become king. They did this because only a son of a king could become king. Most important people had records of their genealogies.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Use of the passive voice

Matthew uses the passive voice very purposefully in this chapter to indicate that Mary did not have a sexual relationship with anyone. She became pregnant with Jesus because the Holy Spirit performed a miracle. Many languages do not have a passive voice, so translators in those languages must find other ways to present the same truths. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 1 1 ava1 0 General Information: The author begins with Jesus’ genealogy in order to show that he is a descendant of King David and of Abraham. The genealogy continues through [Matthew 1:17](../01/17.md). MAT 1 1 y31w βίβλος γενέσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ You could translate this as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “This is the list of the ancestors of Jesus Christ” MAT 1 1 vpg1 Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, υἱοῦ Δαυεὶδ, υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ 1 of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham There were many generations between Jesus, David, and Abraham. Here the word **son** means “descendant.” Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was a descendant of Abraham” MAT 1 1 tka3 υἱοῦ Δαυεὶδ 1 son of David Sometimes the phrase **son of David** is used as a title, but here it seems to be used only to identify Jesus’ ancestry. MAT 1 2 ejp6 Ἀβραὰμ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰσαάκ 1 Abraham became the father of Isaac “Abraham had a son Isaac” or “Abraham had a son named Isaac.” There are different ways you could translate this. Whichever way you translate it here, it would be best to translate it the same way throughout the list of Jesus’ ancestors. MAT 1 3 g8y6 translate-names Φαρὲς…Ζάρα…Ἑσρώμ…Ἀράμ 1 of Perez … Zerah … of Hezron … of Ram These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 1 5 q5bd Βόες…ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωβὴδ ἐκ τῆς Ῥούθ 2 Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth “Boaz was the father of Obed, and Obed’s mother was Ruth” or “Boaz and Ruth were the parents of Obed” MAT 1 6 bp35 τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου 1 the wife of Uriah “the widow of Uriah.” Solomon was born after Uriah died. MAT 1 10 bh7r τὸν Ἀμώς 1 Amon Sometimes this is translated “Amos.” MAT 1 11 dk1j Ἰωσίας…ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰεχονίαν 1 Josiah became the father of Jechoniah A more specific term for **father** can also be used, particularly if the word **father** would only be used for someone who lived before one’s grandparents. Alternate translation: “Josiah was a grandfather of Jechoniah” MAT 1 11 rj7p ἐπὶ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος 1 at the deportation to Babylon “when they were forced to move to Babylon” or “when the Babylonians conquered them and made them go live in Babylon.” If your language needs to specify who went to **Babylon**, you could say “the Israelites” or “the Israelites who lived in Judah.” MAT 1 11 v2im Βαβυλῶνος 1 to Babylon Here this means the country of **Babylon**, not just the city of Babylon. MAT 1 12 y7cx μετὰ…τὴν μετοικεσίαν Βαβυλῶνος 1 after the deportation to Babylon Use the same wording you used in [Matthew 1:11](../01/11.md). MAT 1 12 tx6g Σαλαθιὴλ…ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ζοροβαβέλ 1 Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel **Shealtiel** was Zerubbabel’s grandfather. MAT 1 15 lqk9 0 Connecting Statement: The author concludes Jesus’ genealogy, which began in [Matthew 1:1](../01/01.md). MAT 1 16 b3bm figs-activepassive Μαρίας, ἐξ ἧς ἐγεννήθη Ἰησοῦς 1 of Mary, by whom Jesus was born You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Mary, who gave birth to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 1 16 z2rg figs-activepassive ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός 1 who is called Christ You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom people call Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 1 17 jzq4 translate-numbers δεκατέσσαρες 1 were 14 “were fourteen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 1 17 z5xw τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος 1 the deportation to Babylon Use the same wording you used in [Matthew 1:11](../01/11.md). MAT 1 18 gnl6 0 General Information: This begins a new part of the story in which the author describes the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. MAT 1 18 cqt1 figs-explicit μνηστευθείσης τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας τῷ Ἰωσήφ 1 His mother, Mary, having been engaged to marry Joseph “His mother, Mary, was going to marry Joseph.” Parents normally arranged the marriages of their children. Alternate translation: “The parents of Mary, the mother of Jesus, had promised her in marriage to Joseph” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 1 18 e4ur figs-explicit μνηστευθείσης τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας 1 His mother, Mary, having been engaged Translate in a way that makes it clear that Jesus was not already born when **Mary** was engaged to Joseph. Alternate translation: “Mary, who would be the mother of Jesus, was engaged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 1 18 xvk1 figs-euphemism πρὶν…συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς 1 before they came together “before they got married.” This may refer to Mary and Joseph sleeping together. Alternate translation: “before they had slept together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 1 18 in4a figs-activepassive εὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα 1 was found having in the womb You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they realized that she was going to have a baby” or “it happened that she was pregnant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 1 18 a71d ἐκ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου 1 by the Holy Spirit The power of the **Holy Spirit** had enabled Mary to have a baby before she had slept with a man. MAT 1 19 j8eb figs-explicit Ἰωσὴφ…ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς 1 Joseph, her husband **Joseph** had not married Mary yet, but when a man and woman promised to marry each other, Jews considered them **husband** and wife though they did not live together. Alternate translation: “Joseph, who was supposed to marry Mary” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 1 19 pu3p ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν 1 to divorce her “to cancel their plans to get married” MAT 1 20 iip4 αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος 1 when he had thought “after Joseph thought” MAT 1 20 fb7e κατ’ ὄναρ ἐφάνη αὐτῷ 1 appeared to him in a dream “came to Joseph while he was dreaming” MAT 1 20 lc8r υἱὸς Δαυείδ 1 son of David Here, **son** means “descendant.” MAT 1 20 va5e figs-activepassive τὸ…ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ Πνεύματός ἐστιν Ἁγίου 1 the one who has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit caused Mary to become pregnant with this child” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 1 21 j38f τέξεται…υἱὸν 1 she will bear a son Because God sent the angel, the angel knew the baby was a boy. MAT 1 21 glq8 καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 you will call his name “you must name him” or “you must give him the name.” This is a command. MAT 1 21 bf5z αὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει 1 for he will save Translator may add a footnote that says “The name ‘Jesus’ means ‘the Lord saves.’” MAT 1 21 em9q τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ 1 his people This refers to the Jews. MAT 1 22 p47i writing-background 0 General Information: The author quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus’ birth was according to scripture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 1 22 p9la τοῦτο…ὅλον γέγονεν 1 all this happened The angel is no longer speaking. Matthew is now explaining the importance of what the angel said. MAT 1 22 c1vw figs-activepassive τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ Κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου 1 what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what the Lord told the prophet to write long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 1 22 p39k figs-explicit τοῦ προφήτου 1 the prophet There were many prophets. Matthew was speaking of Isaiah. Alternate translation: “the prophet Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 1 23 q19h ἰδοὺ, ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόν, καὶ καλέσουσιν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἐμμανουήλ 1 Behold, the virgin will have in her womb and bear a son, and they will call his name Immanuel Here Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah. MAT 1 23 dw7z ἰδοὺ, ἡ παρθένος 1 Behold, the virgin “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: the virgin” MAT 1 23 sln1 translate-names Ἐμμανουήλ 1 Immanuel This is a male name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 1 23 lm6t ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον, μεθ’ ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός 1 which is translated, “God with us.” This is not in the book of Isaiah. Matthew is explaining the meaning of the name “Immanuel.” You could translate it as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “This name means ‘God with us.’” MAT 1 24 iue3 0 Connecting Statement: The author concludes his description of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. MAT 1 24 iz4r ὡς προσέταξεν…ὁ ἄγγελος Κυρίου 1 as the angel of the Lord commanded The **angel** had told Joseph to take Mary as his wife and to name the child Jesus. MAT 1 24 nr5e παρέλαβεν τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ 1 he took her as his wife “he married Mary” MAT 1 25 i7p5 figs-euphemism οὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν αὐτὴν 1 he did not know her This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “he did not have sexual relations with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 1 25 dlm9 υἱόν 1 a son “a male baby” or “her son.” Make sure it is clear that Joseph is not portrayed as the actual father. MAT 1 25 jtz8 καὶ ἐκάλεσεν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, Ἰησοῦν 1 And he called his name Jesus “And Joseph named the child Jesus” MAT 2 intro dz1c 0 # Matthew 2 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in verses 6 and 18, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “His star”

These words probably refer to a star that the learned men believed to be the sign of a new king of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sign]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “Learned men”

English translations use many different words to translate this phrase. These words include “magi” and “wise men.” These men could have been scientists or astrologers. If you can, you should translate this with the general word “learned men.” MAT 2 1 j9yn 0 General Information: A new part of the story begins here and continues through the end of the chapter. Matthew tells about Herod’s attempt to kill the new King of the Jews. MAT 2 1 k518 Βηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας 1 Bethlehem of Judea “the town of Bethlehem in the province of Judea” MAT 2 1 id55 ἐν…ἡμέραις Ἡρῴδου τοῦ βασιλέως 2 in the days of Herod the king “when Herod was king there” MAT 2 1 kf5g Ἡρῴδου 1 of Herod This refers to **Herod** the Great. MAT 2 1 p6gc μάγοι ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν 1 learned men from the east “men from the east who studied the stars” MAT 2 1 ft22 ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν 1 from the east “from a country far east of Judea” MAT 2 2 v5t4 ποῦ ἐστιν ὁ τεχθεὶς Βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων? 1 Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? The men knew from studying the stars that the one who would become king had been born. They were trying to learn where he was. Alternate translation: “A baby who will become the king of the Jews has been born. Where is he?” MAT 2 2 zj7c αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα 1 his star They were not saying that the baby was the rightful owner of the **star**. Alternate translation: “the star that tells about him” or “the star that is associated with his birth” MAT 2 2 a7y9 ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ 1 in the east “as it came up in the east” or “while we were in our country” MAT 2 2 v248 προσκυνῆσαι 1 to worship This could mean: (1) They intended to **worship** the baby as divine. (2) They wanted to honor him as a human king. If your language has a word that includes both meanings, you should consider using it here. MAT 2 3 p5rw ἐταράχθη 1 became troubled “he was worried.” Herod was worried that this baby would replace him as king. MAT 2 3 qu3d figs-metonymy πᾶσα Ἱεροσόλυμα 1 all Jerusalem Here, **Jerusalem** refers to the people.Alternate translation: “all the people in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 2 3 mc1r figs-hyperbole πᾶσα Ἱεροσόλυμα 1 all Jerusalem Here, **all** means “many.” Matthew is exaggerating to emphasize how many people were worried. Alternate translation: “many of the people in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 2 4 ne4v 0 General Information: In verse 6, the chief priests and scribes of the people quote the prophet Micah to show that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem. MAT 2 5 w68n ἐν Βηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας 1 In Bethlehem of Judea “In the town of Bethlehem in the province of Judea” MAT 2 5 z2i4 figs-activepassive οὕτως…γέγραπται διὰ τοῦ προφήτου 1 thus it has been written through the prophet You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this is what the prophet wrote long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 2 6 kmw7 figs-apostrophe σύ Βηθλέεμ 1 you, Bethlehem Micah was speaking to the people of Bethlehem as if they were with him but they were not. Alternate translation: “you, people of Bethlehem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]]) MAT 2 6 c2cl figs-litotes οὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμόσιν Ἰούδα 1 are by no means the least among the leaders of Judah The phrase “are by no means the least” can be translated with a positive phrase. Alternate translation: “your town is among the most important towns in Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) MAT 2 6 tg5d figs-metaphor ὅστις ποιμανεῖ τὸν λαόν μου τὸν Ἰσραήλ 1 who will shepherd my people Israel Micah speaks of this ruler as a shepherd. This means he will lead and care for the people. Alternate translation: “who will lead my people Israel as a shepherd leads his sheep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 2 7 b487 Ἡρῴδης λάθρᾳ καλέσας τοὺς μάγους 1 Herod, having secretly called the learned men This means that Herod talked to the learned men without other people knowing. MAT 2 7 tax3 figs-quotations ἠκρίβωσεν παρ’ αὐτῶν τὸν χρόνον τοῦ φαινομένου ἀστέρος 1 inquired from them the time of the appearing of the star You can translate this as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “men, and he asked them, ‘When exactly did this star appear?’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 2 7 vng3 figs-explicit τὸν χρόνον τοῦ φαινομένου ἀστέρος 1 the time of the appearing of the star It is implied that the learned men told him when the star appeared. Alternate translation: “what time the star had appeared. The learned men told Herod when the star first appeared” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 2 8 v7y2 τοῦ παιδίου 1 the young child This refers to Jesus. MAT 2 8 t4u1 ἀπαγγείλατέ μοι 1 report to me “let me know” or “tell me” or “report back to me” MAT 2 8 jtw7 προσκυνήσω αὐτῷ 1 might worship him See how you translated this in [Matthew 2:2](../02/02.md). MAT 2 9 h1zx οἱ δὲ ἀκούσαντες 1 And they, having heard “And the learned men, after they heard” MAT 2 9 wl4r εἶδον ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ 1 they saw in the east “they had seen come up in the east” or “they had seen in their country” MAT 2 9 hy1i προῆγεν αὐτούς 1 was going before them “guided them” or “led them” MAT 2 9 jp2j ἐστάθη ἐπάνω 1 it stood over “it stopped over” MAT 2 9 w3v1 οὗ ἦν τὸ παιδίον 1 where the young child was “the place where the young child was staying” MAT 2 11 pv3r 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to the house where Mary, Joseph, and the young Jesus were living. MAT 2 11 tu5s ἐλθόντες 1 having gone “after he learned men went” MAT 2 11 d41d translate-symaction πεσόντες προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ 1 having fallen down, they worshiped him “they knelt down and put their faces close to the ground.” They did this to honor Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 2 11 r452 figs-metonymy τοὺς θησαυροὺς αὐτῶν 1 their treasures Here, **treasures** refers to the boxes or bags they used to carry their treasures. Alternate translation: “the containers that held their treasures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 2 12 zyq6 χρηματισθέντες 1 having been warned “when God warned the learned men.” God knew that Herod wanted to harm the child. MAT 2 12 dr1p figs-quotations κατ’ ὄναρ μὴ ἀνακάμψαι πρὸς Ἡρῴδην 1 through a dream not to return to Herod You can translate this as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “through a dream, saying, ‘Do not go back to King Herod’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 2 13 brp5 0 General Information: In verse 15, Matthew quotes the prophet Hosea to show that the Christ would spend time in Egypt. MAT 2 13 iw8p ἀναχωρησάντων…αὐτῶν 1 after they had departed “when the learned men had departed” MAT 2 13 zwj5 φαίνεται κατ’ ὄναρ τῷ Ἰωσὴφ 1 appears to Joseph in a dream “came to Joseph while he was dreaming” MAT 2 13 u4a4 figs-you ἐγερθεὶς, παράλαβε…φεῦγε…ἴσθι…σοι 1 Get up, take … flee … remain … you God is speaking to Joseph, so these should all be singular forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 2 13 v88f figs-explicit ἕως ἂν εἴπω σοι 1 until I tell you The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “until I tell you it is safe to come back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 2 13 g3t7 εἴπω σοι 1 I tell you Here, **I** refers to God. The angel is speaking for God. MAT 2 15 ft3a figs-explicit ἦν 1 he was It is implied that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus remained in Egypt. Alternate translation: “they remained” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 2 15 d11g ἕως τῆς τελευτῆς Ἡρῴδου 1 until the death of Herod Herod does not die until [Matthew 2:19](../02/19.md). This statement describes the length of their stay in Egypt, and it does not say that Herod died at this time. MAT 2 15 d5wl ἐξ Αἰγύπτου ἐκάλεσα τὸν Υἱόν μου 1 Out of Egypt I called my son “I have called my son out of Egypt” MAT 2 15 dr9b τὸν Υἱόν μου 1 my son In Hosea this refers to the people of Israel. Matthew quoted it to say that this was true of God’s Son, Jesus. Translate it using a word for son that could refer to the only **son** or the first son. MAT 2 16 s2la figs-events 0 General Information: These events happen before Herod’s death, which Matthew mentioned in [Matthew 2:15](../02/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) MAT 2 16 yq7p 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts back to Herod and tells what he did when he learned that the learned men had deceived him. MAT 2 16 g513 figs-activepassive ἐνεπαίχθη ὑπὸ τῶν μάγων 1 he had been mocked by the learned men You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the learned men had embarrassed him by tricking him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 2 16 d8d5 figs-explicit ἀποστείλας, ἀνεῖλεν πάντας τοὺς παῖδας 1 having sent forth, he killed all the male children Herod did not kill the children himself. Alternate translation: “he gave orders for his soldiers to kill all the boys” or “he sent soldiers there to kill all the boy babies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 2 16 nkr1 translate-numbers διετοῦς καὶ κατωτέρω 1 two years and under “2 years old and younger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 2 16 dr3r κατὰ τὸν χρόνον 1 according to the time “based on the time” MAT 2 17 q1y9 0 General Information: Matthew quotes the prophet Jeremiah to show that the death of all of the male children in the region of Bethlehem was according to scripture. MAT 2 17 l8g5 figs-activepassive τότε ἐπληρώθη 1 Then was fulfilled You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This fulfilled” or “Herod’s actions fulfilled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 2 17 v6a1 figs-activepassive τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἰερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου 1 what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what the Lord spoke long ago through the prophet Jeremiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 2 18 p9gk φωνὴ…ἠκούσθη…οὐκ εἰσίν 1 A voice was heard … they are no more Matthew is quoting the prophet Jeremiah. MAT 2 18 k91t figs-activepassive φωνὴ…ἠκούσθη 1 A voice was heard You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “People heard a voice” or “There was a loud sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 2 18 zm17 Ῥαχὴλ κλαίουσα τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς 1 Rachel weeping for her children **Rachel** lived many years before this time. This prophecy shows Rachel, who has died, weeping for her descendants. MAT 2 18 rgg1 figs-activepassive οὐκ ἤθελεν παρακληθῆναι 1 not willing to be comforted You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one could comfort her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 2 18 p9ri figs-euphemism ὅτι οὐκ εἰσίν 1 because they are no more “because the children were gone and would never return.” Here, **are no more** is a mild way of saying they are dead. Alternate translation: “because they were dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 2 19 kt2i 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to Egypt, where Joseph, Mary, and the young Jesus are living. MAT 2 19 r4yu ἰδοὺ 1 behold This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 2 20 hz2m figs-euphemism οἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παιδίου 1 those who seek the life of the child Here, **seek the life of the child** is a way of saying they wanted to kill the child. Alternate translation: “those who were looking for the child in order to kill him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 2 20 y6r6 οἱ ζητοῦντες 1 those who seek This refers to King Herod and his advisors. MAT 2 22 kg7u 0 Connecting Statement: This is the end of the part of the story that began in [Matthew 2:1](../02/01.md) about Herod’s attempt to kill the new King of the Jews. MAT 2 22 uq8p ἀκούσας δὲ 1 But having heard “But when Joseph heard” MAT 2 22 h4cq translate-names Ἀρχέλαος 1 Archelaus This is the name of Herod’s son. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 2 22 zk37 ἐφοβήθη 1 he was afraid “Joseph was afraid” MAT 2 23 dx5i figs-activepassive τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν 1 what had been spoken through the prophets You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what the Lord spoke long ago through the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 2 23 hc8g translate-names Ναζωραῖος κληθήσεται 1 he will be called a Nazarene Here, **he** refers to Jesus. The prophets before the time of Jesus would have referred to him as the Messiah or the Christ. Alternate translation: “people would say that the Christ is a Nazarene” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 3 intro a6h3 0 # Matthew 3 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted material in verse 3.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Bear fruit worthy of repentance”

Fruit is a common picture word in the scriptures. Writers use it to describe the results of either good or bad behavior. In this chapter, good fruit is the result of living as God commands. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “The kingdom of heaven is near”

No one knows for sure whether the “kingdom of heaven” was present or still coming when John spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase “at hand,” but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phrases “is coming near” and “has come near.” MAT 3 1 xp3z 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of the ministry of John the Baptist. In verse 3, Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that John the Baptist was God’s appointed messenger to prepare for Jesus’ ministry. MAT 3 1 d74m ἐν…ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις 1 in those days This is many years after Joseph and his family left Egypt and went to Nazareth. This is probably near the time that Jesus begins his ministry. Alternate translation: “some time later” or “some years later” MAT 3 2 w7e9 figs-you μετανοεῖτε 1 Repent This is plural in form. John is speaking to the crowds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 3 2 hvx8 figs-metonymy ἤγγικεν…ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the kingdom of the heavens is near The phrase **the kingdom of the heavens** refers to God ruling as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use the word “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “our God in heaven will soon show himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 3 3 fl4v figs-activepassive οὗτος γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ῥηθεὶς διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος 1 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For Isaiah the prophet was speaking of John the Baptist when he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 3 3 hxb6 φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ 1 The voice of one calling out in the wilderness This can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: “The voice of one calling out in the wilderness is heard” or “They hear the sound of someone calling out in the wilderness” MAT 3 3 yhe7 figs-parallelism ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ 1 Make ready the way of the Lord … make his paths straight These two phrases mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 3 3 y8b5 figs-metaphor ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου 1 Make ready the way of the Lord “Get the road ready for the Lord.” Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lord’s message when he comes. Alternate translation: “Prepare to hear the Lord’s message when he comes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 3 3 j99i figs-explicit ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου 1 Make ready the way of the Lord People prepare for the Lord by repenting of their sins. Alternate translation: “Repent and be ready for the Lord to come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 3 4 j647 writing-background αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Ἰωάννης εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ, ἡ δὲ τροφὴ ἦν αὐτοῦ ἀκρίδες καὶ μέλι ἄγριον 1 Now this John had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey The word **Now** is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew tells background information about John the Baptist. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 3 4 x7f3 translate-symaction εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ 1 had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist This **clothing** symbolizes that John is a prophet like the prophets from long ago. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 3 4 su9d figs-explicit εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ 1 had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist John was especially like the prophet Elijah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 3 5 j8ke figs-metonymy Ἱεροσόλυμα, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος 1 Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around The words **Jerusalem**, **Judea**, and **the region** are metonyms for the people from those areas. The word “all” is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many people went out. Alternate translation: “very may people from Jerusalem, Judea, and that region” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 3 5 zys1 figs-hyperbole Ἱεροσόλυμα, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος 1 Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around The word “all” is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many people went out. Alternate translation: “very may people from Jerusalem, Judea, and that region” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 3 6 v5xn figs-activepassive ἐβαπτίζοντο…ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 being baptized by him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as John baptized them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 3 6 gi4r ἐβαπτίζοντο 1 being baptized This refers to the people coming from Jerusalem, Judea, and the region around the Jordan River. MAT 3 7 b2br 0 General Information: John the Baptist begins to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees. MAT 3 7 fjl3 figs-metaphor γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν, τίς 1 You offspring of vipers, who This is a metaphor. Here, **offspring** means “having the characteristic of” and **vipers** are a kind of dangerous snakes and represent evil. You can state this as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “You evil poisonous snakes! Who” or “You are evil like poisonous snakes! Who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 3 7 c4cl figs-rquestion τίς ὑπέδειξεν ὑμῖν φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς? 1 who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? John uses a question to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees because they were asking him to baptize them so that God would not punish them, but they did not want to stop sinning. Alternate translation: “you cannot flee from God’s wrath like this.” or “do not think that you can escape God’s wrath just because I baptize you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 3 7 h7ac figs-metonymy φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς 1 to flee from the coming wrath The word **wrath** is being used to refer to God’s punishment because his wrath precedes it. Alternate translation: “run away from the punishment that is coming” or “escape because God is about to punish you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 3 8 s8ac figs-metaphor ποιήσατε οὖν καρπὸν ἄξιον τῆς μετανοίας 1 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance The phrase **produce fruit** is a metaphor referring to a person’s actions. Alternate translation: “Let your actions show that you have truly repented” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 3 9 q7b1 figs-explicit πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ 1 We have Abraham for our father “Abraham is our ancestor” or “We are descendants of Abraham.” The Jewish leaders thought that God would not punish them since they were descendants of **Abraham**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 3 9 r29p λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν 1 For I say to you This adds emphasis to what John is about to say. MAT 3 9 k843 ὁ Θεὸς ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων ἐγεῖραι τέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ 1 God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones “God is able to make physical descendants even out of these stones and give them to Abraham” MAT 3 10 ls7m 0 Connecting Statement: John the Baptist continues to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees. MAT 3 10 ke4s figs-metaphor ἤδη δὲ ἡ ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων κεῖται; πᾶν οὖν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται 1 But already the ax is placed against the root of the trees. So every tree not producing good fruit is chopped down and is thrown into the fire This metaphor means God is ready to punish sinners. Alternate translation: “As a person gets his axe ready to cut down and burn a tree that grows bad fruit, God is ready to punish you for your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 3 10 d4j5 figs-activepassive ἤδη δὲ ἡ ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων κεῖται; πᾶν οὖν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται 1 But already the ax is placed against the root of the trees. So every tree not producing good fruit is chopped down and is thrown into the fire. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has his axe and he is ready to cut down and burn any tree that grows bad fruit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 3 11 lx69 εἰς μετάνοιαν 1 for repentance “to show that you have repented” MAT 3 11 mc2r ὁ δὲ ὀπίσω μου ἐρχόμενος 1 But he who comes after me Jesus is the person who comes after John. MAT 3 11 c1xf ἰσχυρότερός μού ἐστιν 1 is mightier than I “is more important than I am” MAT 3 11 gtm7 figs-metaphor αὐτὸς ὑμᾶς βαπτίσει ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ καὶ πυρί 1 He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire This metaphor compares John’s baptism with water to the future baptism with **fire**. This means John’s baptism only symbolically cleanses people of their sins. The baptism by **Holy Spirit** and **fire** will truly cleanse people of their sins. If possible, use the word **baptize** in your translation to keep the comparison to John’s baptism. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 3 12 gcq8 figs-metaphor οὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ; καὶ διακαθαριεῖ τὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ 1 whose winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clear off his threshing floor This metaphor compares the way Christ will separate the righteous people from the unrighteous people to the way a man separates wheat grain from chaff. Alternate translation: “and Christ is like a man whose winnowing fork is in his hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 3 12 sq4p figs-idiom οὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ 1 whose winnowing fork is in his hand Here, **in his hand** means the person is ready to act. Alternate translation: “and Christ is holding a winnowing fork because he is ready” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 3 12 b5m4 translate-unknown τὸ πτύον 1 winnowing fork This is a tool for tossing wheat up into the air to separate the wheat grain from the chaff. The heavier grain falls back down and the unwanted chaff is blown away by the wind. It is similar in shape to a pitchfork but with wide tines made of wood. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 3 12 yw29 διακαθαριεῖ τὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ 1 he will thoroughly clear off his threshing floor Christ is like a man with a winnowing fork who is ready to clear off his threshing floor. MAT 3 12 r2ua τὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ 1 his threshing floor “his ground” or “the ground where he separates the grain from the chaff” MAT 3 12 av8l figs-metaphor συνάξει τὸν σῖτον αὐτοῦ εἰς τὴν ἀποθήκην…τὸ…ἄχυρον κατακαύσει πυρὶ ἀσβέστῳ 1 gather his wheat into the storehouse … he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire This is a metaphor showing how God will separate righteous people from evil people. The righteous will go to heaven like **wheat** into a farmer’s **storehouse**, and God will **burn up** the people who are like **chaff** with a **fire** that will never be put out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 3 12 bdb7 figs-activepassive πυρὶ ἀσβέστῳ 1 unquenchable fire You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “fire that will never burn out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 3 13 vl93 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to a later time when John the Baptist baptizes Jesus. MAT 3 13 zbj9 figs-activepassive βαπτισθῆναι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 to be baptized by him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so John could baptize him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 3 14 cl7t figs-rquestion ἐγὼ χρείαν ἔχω ὑπὸ σοῦ βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ σὺ ἔρχῃ πρός με? 1 I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me? John uses a question to show his surprise at Jesus’ request. Alternate translation: “You are more important than I am. I should not baptize you. You should baptize me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 3 15 h6ca figs-exclusive ἡμῖν 1 for us Here, **us** refers to Jesus and John. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) MAT 3 16 n8bk 0 Connecting Statement: This is the end of the part of the story about John the Baptist. It describes what happened after he baptized Jesus. MAT 3 16 inf6 figs-activepassive βαπτισθεὶς δὲ 1 But having been baptized You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But after John baptized Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 3 16 sf5w ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. MAT 3 16 jh1v figs-activepassive ἀνεῴχθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ οὐρανοί 1 the heavens were opened to him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus saw the sky open” or “God opened the heavens to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 3 16 e3na figs-simile καταβαῖνον ὡσεὶ περιστερὰν 1 coming down like a dove This could mean: (1) Matthew is simply saying that the Spirit was in the form of a **dove**. (2) This is a simile that compares the Spirit coming down upon Jesus gently, the way a **dove** would. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 3 17 m2wk figs-metonymy φωνὴ ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν λέγουσα 1 a voice from the heavens saying “Jesus heard a voice from heaven saying.” Here, **voice** refers to God speaking. Alternate translation: “God spoke from heaven saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 3 17 myz8 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱός μου 1 my Son This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 4 intro hgw2 0 # Matthew 4 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in verses 6, 15 and 16, which are words from the Old Testament.

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quotation in verse 10.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “the kingdom of heaven has come near”

No one knows for use whether the “kingdom of heaven” was present or still coming when Jesus spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase “at hand,” but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phase “is coming near” and “has come near.”

### “If you are the Son of God”

The reader should not understand these words in verses 3 and 6 to mean that Satan did not know whether Jesus was the Son of God. God had already said that Jesus was his Son ([Matthew 3:17](../../mat/03/17.md)), so Satan knew who Jesus was. He also knew that Jesus could make stones become bread and could throw himself off of high places and not be hurt. He was trying to make Jesus do these things and so disobey God and obey Satan. These words can be translated as “Because you are the Son of God” or “You are the Son of God. Show me what you can do.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/satan]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofgod]]) MAT 4 1 k51m 0 General Information: Here Matthew begins a new part of the story in which Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness, where Satan tempts him. In verse 4, Jesus rebukes Satan with a quotation from Deuteronomy. MAT 4 1 aq3s figs-activepassive ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνήχθη…ὑπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματος 1 Jesus was led up by the Spirit You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the Spirit led Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 4 1 wy4b figs-activepassive πειρασθῆναι ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου 1 to be tempted by the devil You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so the devil could tempt Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 4 2 iw2i νηστεύσας…ἐπείνασεν 1 having fasted … he was hungry These refer to Jesus. MAT 4 2 cft7 translate-numbers ἡμέρας τεσσεράκοντα καὶ νύκτας τεσσεράκοντα 1 40 days and 40 nights “forty days and forty nights.” This refers to 24-hour periods. Alternate translation: “40 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 4 3 vl86 ὁ πειράζων 1 the tempter These words refer to the same being as “the devil” (verse 1). You may have to use the same word to translate both. MAT 4 3 l1lk εἰ Υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰπὲ 1 If you are the Son of God, speak It is best to assume that Satan knew that Jesus is the **Son of God**. This could mean: (1) This is a temptation to do miracles for Jesus’ own benefit. Alternate translation: “You are the Son of God, so you can command” (2) This is a challenge or accusation. Alternate translation: “Prove that you are the Son of God by speaking” MAT 4 3 c1ac guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 4 3 m1va figs-quotations εἰπὲ ἵνα οἱ λίθοι οὗτοι ἄρτοι γένωνται 1 speak so that these stones might become bread You could translate this with a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “say to these stones, ‘Become bread.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 4 3 t3xm figs-synecdoche ἄρτοι 1 bread Here, **bread** refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 4 4 fd67 figs-activepassive γέγραπται 1 It is written You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Moses wrote this in the scriptures long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 4 4 rld7 οὐκ ἐπ’ ἄρτῳ μόνῳ ζήσεται ὁ ἄνθρωπος 1 Man will not live by bread alone This implies that there is something more important to life than food. MAT 4 4 jl6f figs-metonymy ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ παντὶ ῥήματι ἐκπορευομένῳ διὰ στόματος Θεοῦ 1 but by every word that comes through the mouth of God Here, **word** and **mouth** refer to what God says. Alternate translation: “but by listening to everything that God says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 4 5 r4a5 0 General Information: In verse 6, Satan quotes from the Psalms in order to tempt Jesus. MAT 4 6 fa8l εἰ Υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, βάλε σεαυτὸν κάτω 1 If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down It is best to assume that Satan knew that Jesus is the **Son of God**. This could mean: (1) This is a temptation to do a miracle for Jesus’ own benefit. Alternate translation: “Since you are truly the Son of God, you can throw yourself down” (2) This is a challenge or accusation. Alternate translation: “Prove that you are truly the Son of God by throwing yourself down” MAT 4 6 x2vg guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 4 6 c5kr βάλε σεαυτὸν κάτω 1 throw yourself down “let yourself fall to the ground” or “jump down” MAT 4 6 a5h2 figs-activepassive γέγραπται γὰρ 1 for it is written You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for the writer wrote in the scriptures” or “for it says in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 4 6 ebc9 figs-quotations τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ ἐντελεῖται περὶ σοῦ, καὶ 1 ‘He will command his angels to take care of you,’ and “God will command his angels to take care of you, and” You can translate this with a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “God will say to his angels, ‘Take care of him,’ and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 4 6 f1mm ἀροῦσίν σε 1 They will lift you up “The angels will hold you” MAT 4 7 j6cb 0 General Information: In verse 7, Jesus rebukes Satan with another quotation from Deuteronomy. MAT 4 7 u5jp figs-ellipsis πάλιν γέγραπται 1 Again it is written It is understood that Jesus is quoting scripture again. Alternate translation: “Again, it is written in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 4 7 fn07 figs-activepassive πάλιν γέγραπται 1 Again it is written You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Again, I will tell you what Moses wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 4 7 c7t5 οὐκ ἐκπειράσεις 1 You will not test Here, **You** refers to anyone. Alternate translation: “One must not test” or “No person should test” MAT 4 8 d12q πάλιν…ὁ διάβολος 1 Again, the devil “Next, the devil” MAT 4 9 bq1u εἶπεν αὐτῷ 1 he said to him “the devil said to Jesus” MAT 4 9 al72 ταῦτά σοι πάντα δώσω 1 All these things I will give you “I will give you all these things.” The tempter is emphasizing here that he will give **All these things**, not just some of them. MAT 4 9 eas8 translate-symaction πεσὼν 1 having fallen down “putting your face near the ground.” This was a common action to show that a person was worshiping. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 4 10 s91r 0 General Information: In verse 10, Jesus rebukes Satan with another quotation from Deuteronomy. MAT 4 10 h8fd 0 Connecting Statement: This is the end of the part of the story about how Satan tempted Jesus. MAT 4 10 k49q figs-activepassive γέγραπται γάρ 1 For it is written You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For Moses also wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 4 10 rig8 figs-you προσκυνήσεις…λατρεύσεις 1 You will worship … you will serve Both instances of “you” are singular, a command to everyone who hears it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 4 11 s49z ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the important new information that follows. MAT 4 12 v7p4 writing-background 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story in which Matthew describes the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. These verses explain how Jesus came to be in Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 4 12 wib2 δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 4 12 d1vi figs-activepassive Ἰωάννης παρεδόθη 1 John had been arrested You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the king had arrested John” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 4 13 hpm4 figs-explicit ἐν ὁρίοις Ζαβουλὼν καὶ Νεφθαλείμ 1 in the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali **Zebulun** and **Naphtali** are the names of the tribes that lived in these territories many years earlier before foreigners took control of the land of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 4 14 n85z 0 General Information: In verses 15 and 16, Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus’ ministry in Galilee was a fulfillment of prophecy. MAT 4 14 tj7c figs-activepassive τὸ ῥηθὲν 1 what was spoken You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what God said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 4 15 egx6 γῆ Ζαβουλὼν καὶ γῆ Νεφθαλείμ…Γαλιλαία τῶν ἐθνῶν 1 The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali … Galilee of the Gentiles! These territories describe the same area. MAT 4 15 bmz6 ὁδὸν θαλάσσης 1 toward the sea Here, **sea** is the Sea of Galilee. MAT 4 16 e278 ὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος 1 The people who are sitting These words can be combined with the sentence beginning with “The land of Zebulun” (verse 15). Alternate translation: “In the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali … where many Gentiles live, the people who are sitting” MAT 4 16 h2xr figs-metaphor ὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος ἐν σκοτίᾳ φῶς εἶδεν μέγα 1 The people who are sitting in darkness have seen a great light Here, **darkness** is a metaphor for not knowing the truth about God. And **light** is a metaphor for God’s true message that saves people from their sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 4 16 nn1r figs-parallelism τοῖς καθημένοις ἐν χώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου, φῶς ἀνέτειλεν αὐτοῖς 1 to those who are sitting in the region and shadow of death, upon them has a light arisen This basically has the same meaning as the first part of the sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 4 16 x2qj figs-metaphor τοῖς καθημένοις ἐν χώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου, φῶς ἀνέτειλεν αὐτοῖς 1 o those who are sitting in the region and shadow of death, upon them has a light arisen Here, **those who sat in the region and shadow of death** is a metaphor. It represents those who did not know God. These people were in danger of dying and being separated from God forever. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 4 17 dku3 figs-metonymy ἤγγικεν…ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the kingdom of the heavens has come near The phrase **the kingdom of the heavens** refers to God ruling as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, include a word that means “heavens” in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 3:2](../03/02.md). Alternate translation: “our God in the heavens will soon show himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 4 18 yrx7 0 General Information: This begins a new scene within the part of the story about Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Here he begins to gather men to be his disciples. MAT 4 18 yfh5 figs-explicit βάλλοντας ἀμφίβληστρον εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν 1 casting a net into the sea The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “throwing a net into the water to catch fish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 4 19 y3zg δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου 1 Come after me Jesus invites Simon and Andrew to follow him, live with him, and become his disciples. Alternate translation: “Be my disciples” MAT 4 19 n9h3 figs-metaphor ποιήσω ὑμᾶς ἁλιεῖς ἀνθρώπων 1 I will make you fishers of men This metaphor means Simon and Andrew will teach people God’s true message, so others will also follow Jesus. Alternate translation: “I will teach you to gather men to me like you used to gather fish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 4 21 pcg6 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus calls more men to be his disciples. MAT 4 21 utn4 ἐκάλεσεν αὐτούς 1 he called them “Jesus called John and James.” This phrase also means that Jesus invited them to follow him, live with him, and become his disciples. MAT 4 22 dlk3 οἱ…εὐθέως ἀφέντες 1 immediately having left “at that moment they left” MAT 4 22 gr2i ἀφέντες τὸ πλοῖον…ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ 1 having left the boat … followed him It should be clear that this is a life change. These men are no longer going to be fishermen and are leaving the family business to follow Jesus for the rest of their lives. MAT 4 23 y3qe writing-endofstory 0 Connecting Statement: This is the end of the part of the story about the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. These verses summarize what he did and how the people responded. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]]) MAT 4 23 ztr8 διδάσκων ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς αὐτῶν 1 teaching in their synagogues “teaching in the synagogues of the Galileans” or “teaching in the synagogues of those people” MAT 4 23 jt3m figs-metonymy κηρύσσων τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας 1 preaching the gospel of the kingdom Here, **kingdom** refers to God’s reign as king. Alternate translation: “preaching the good news that God will show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 4 23 nr8m πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν 1 every disease and every sickness The words **disease** and **sickness** are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. A **disease** is what causes a person to be sick. MAT 4 23 uc55 μαλακίαν 1 sickness This is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease. MAT 4 24 i296 figs-activepassive δαιμονιζομένους 1 being possessed by demons You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom demons controlled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 4 24 p3nf figs-genericnoun σεληνιαζομένους 1 the epileptic This refers to anyone there who had epilepsy, not to a particular **epileptic**. Alternate translation: “those who sometimes have seizures” or “those who sometimes become unconscious and move uncontrollably” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) MAT 4 24 qk4c figs-genericnoun καὶ παραλυτικούς 1 and the paralytic This refers to anyone there who was paralyzed, not to a particular **paralytic**. Alternate translation: “and any who are paralyzed” or “and those who can not walk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) MAT 4 25 i9m7 translate-names Δεκαπόλεως 1 the Decapolis This name means “the Ten Towns.” This is the name of a region to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 5 intro awz8 0 # Matthew 5 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Many people call the words in Matthew 5-7 the Sermon on the Mount. This is one long lesson that Jesus taught. Bibles divide this lesson into three chapters, but this can sometimes confuse the reader. If your translation divides the text into sections, be sure that the reader understands that the whole sermon is one large section.

Matthew 5:3-10, known as the Beatitudes or Blessings, has been set apart by being set farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text, with each line beginning with the word “blessed.” This way of placing the words on the page highlights the poetic form of this teaching.

Jesus spoke about many different subjects in this sermon, so you may wish to help the reader by putting an empty line into the text whenever Jesus changed the subject.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “His disciples”

It is possible to refer to anyone who followed Jesus as a follower or disciple. Jesus selected twelve of his followers to become his closest disciples, “the twelve disciples.” They would later become known as the apostles. MAT 5 1 hz26 0 General Information: In verse 3, Jesus begins to describe the characteristics of people who are blessed. MAT 5 1 c5rq 0 Connecting Statement: This is the beginning of a new part of the story in which Jesus begins to teach his disciples. This part continues through the end of chapter 7 and is frequently called the Sermon on the Mount. MAT 5 2 q9mm figs-idiom ἀνοίξας τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ 1 having opened his mouth This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “when Jesus began to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 5 2 ji1p ἐδίδασκεν αὐτοὺς 1 he taught them The word **them** refers to his disciples. MAT 5 3 j7ct figs-idiom οἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι 1 the poor in spirit This means someone who is humble. Alternate translation: “those who know they need God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 5 3 wpi6 figs-metonymy ὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep **heavens** in your translation. Alternate translation: “for God in the heavens will be their king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 5 4 pgy8 οἱ πενθοῦντες 1 those who mourn This could mean: (1) They are sad for the sinfulness of the world. (2) They are sad for their own sins. (3) They are sad for the death of someone. Do not specify the reason for mourning unless your language requires it. MAT 5 4 lie5 figs-activepassive αὐτοὶ παρακληθήσονται 1 they will be comforted You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will comfort them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 5 mvb1 οἱ πραεῖς 1 the meek “the gentle” or “those who do not rely on their own power” MAT 5 5 iy1y αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσι τὴν γῆν 1 they will inherit the earth “God will give them the entire earth” MAT 5 6 bi1j figs-metaphor οἱ πεινῶντες καὶ διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην 1 those who hunger and thirst for righteousness This metaphor describes people who strongly desire to do what is right. Alternate translation: “those who desire to live right as much as they desire food and drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 5 6 hlq2 figs-activepassive αὐτοὶ χορτασθήσονται 1 they will be filled You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will fill them” or “God will satisfy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 8 s9gd figs-metonymy οἱ καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ 1 the pure in heart “people whose hearts are pure.” Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s inner being or intentions. Alternate translation: “those who only want to serve God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 5 8 t6ni αὐτοὶ τὸν Θεὸν ὄψονται 1 they will see God Here, **see** means they will be able to live in God’s presence. Alternate translation: “God will allow them to live with him” MAT 5 9 p1ez οἱ εἰρηνοποιοί 1 the peacemakers These are the people who help others to have peace with one another. MAT 5 9 tv19 figs-activepassive ὅτι αὐτοὶ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ κληθήσονται 1 for they will be called sons of God You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for God will call them his children” or “they will be children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 9 vcr2 υἱοὶ Θεοῦ 1 sons of God It is best to translate **sons** with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a human son or child. MAT 5 10 bqu7 figs-activepassive οἱ δεδιωγμένοι 1 those who have been persecuted You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those people whom others treat unfairly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 10 xnb6 ἕνεκεν δικαιοσύνης 1 for the sake of righteousness “because they do what God wants them to do” MAT 5 10 f3li figs-metonymy αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 theirs is the kingdom of the heavens Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep **heavens** in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:3](../05/03.md). Alternate translation: “for God in heaven will be their king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 5 11 jvm4 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes describing the characteristics of people who are blessed. MAT 5 11 t5kb figs-you μακάριοί ἐστε 1 Blessed are you The word **you** is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 11 rk69 εἴπωσιν πᾶν πονηρὸν καθ’ ὑμῶν ψευδόμενοι 1 may say every evil thing against you falsely “may say all kinds of evil lies about you” or “may say bad things about you that are not true” MAT 5 11 eez3 ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ 1 for my sake “because you follow me” or “because you believe in me” MAT 5 12 ssk9 figs-doublet χαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε 1 Rejoice and be very glad Here, **Rejoice** and **be very glad** mean almost the same thing. Jesus wanted his hearers not merely to rejoice but to do even more than rejoice if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) MAT 5 13 qp6l 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to teach about how his disciples are like salt and light. MAT 5 13 i3zp figs-metaphor ὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ ἅλας τῆς γῆς 1 You are the salt of the earth This could mean: (1) Just as **salt** makes food good, disciples of Jesus influence the people of the world so that they will be good. Alternate translation: “You are like salt for the people of the world” (2) Just as **salt** preserves food, disciples of Jesus keep people from becoming totally corrupt. Alternate translation: “As salt is for food, you are for the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 5 13 jv56 figs-metaphor ἐὰν…τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ 1 if the salt may have lost its taste This could mean: (1) The salt has lost its power to do things that salt does. (2) The salt has lost its flavor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 5 13 wp9g figs-rquestion ἐν τίνι ἁλισθήσεται? 1 with what can it be made salty again? “how can it be made useful again?” You can state this as a fact. Alternate translation: “there is no way for it to become useful again.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 5 13 yoif figs-metaphor ἐν τίνι ἁλισθήσεται? 1 with what might it be made salty again? Jesus uses a question to teach the disciples. Alternate translation: “a person who stops following Jesus cannot be made useful again.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 5 13 e7cz figs-activepassive εἰ μὴ βληθὲν ἔξω, καταπατεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 except to be thrown out to be trampled by men You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “except for people to throw it out into the road and walk on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 14 wgh5 figs-metaphor ὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου 1 You are the light of the world This means Jesus’ followers bring the message of God’s truth to all the people who do not know God. Alternate translation: “You are like a light for the people of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 5 14 bn28 figs-explicit οὐ δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους κειμένη 1 A city being set on a hill is not able to be hidden At night when it is dark, people can see the city lights shining. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 5 14 ny4h figs-activepassive οὐ δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους κειμένη 1 A city being set on top of a hill is not able to be hidden You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “During the night, no one can hide the lights that shine from a city on a hill” or “Everyone sees the lights of a city on a hill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 15 s5sb οὐδὲ καίουσιν λύχνον 1 Neither do they light a lamp “People do not light a lamp” MAT 5 15 c8el τιθέασιν αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον 1 put it under a basket “place the lamp under a basket.” This is saying it is foolish to create light only to hide it so people do not see the light of the lamp. MAT 5 16 qhp8 figs-metaphor λαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 Let your light shine before men This means a disciple of Jesus should live in such a way that others can learn about God’s truth. Alternate translation: “Let your lives be like a light that shines before people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 5 16 iiu8 τὸν Πατέρα ὑμῶν τὸν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς 1 your Father who is in the heavens It is best to translate **Father** with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. MAT 5 17 p63n 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. MAT 5 17 gg3k figs-metonymy τοὺς προφήτας 1 the prophets This refers to what the **prophets** wrote in the scriptures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 5 18 lky5 ἀμὴν,…λέγω ὑμῖν 1 truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 5 18 cv3m figs-merism ἕως ἂν παρέλθῃ ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ 1 until the heaven and the earth may pass away Here, **heaven** and **earth** refer to the entire universe. Alternate translation: “as long as the universe lasts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) MAT 5 18 ylz6 figs-explicit ἰῶτα ἓν ἢ μία κερέα 1 one jot or one tittle The **jot** was the smallest Hebrew letter, and the **tittle** was a small mark that was the difference between two Hebrew letters. Alternate translation: “the smallest written letter or the smallest part of a letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 5 18 m5pf figs-activepassive πάντα γένηται 1 all things might be accomplished You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “all things have happened” or “God causes all things to happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 18 n77j figs-explicit πάντα 1 all things The phrase **all things** refers to everything in the law. Alternate translation: “everything in the law” or “all that is written in the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 5 19 uxz2 ὃς ἐὰν…λύσῃ 1 whoever may break “whoever disobeys” or “whoever ignores” MAT 5 19 k9th μίαν τῶν ἐντολῶν τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων 1 one of the least of these commandments “any of these commandments, even the least important one” MAT 5 19 dv5c figs-activepassive διδάξῃ οὕτως τοὺς ἀνθρώπους…κληθήσεται 1 may teach men to do so will be called You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “teaches others to do so, God will call that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 19 bg2v figs-metonymy ἐλάχιστος…ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 least in the kingdom of the heavens The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. This phrase is found only in Matthew. If possible use “heavens” in your translation. Alternate translation: “the least important in his heavenly kingdom” or “the least important under the rule of our God in the heavens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 5 19 u5kp ποιήσῃ καὶ διδάξῃ 1 might do and might teach them “obeys all these commandments and teaches others to do the same” MAT 5 19 nk9n μέγας 1 great most important MAT 5 20 jwm9 λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν 1 For I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 5 20 vsc5 figs-you ὑμῖν…ὑμῶν 1 to you … your These are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 20 l3lv figs-doublenegatives ὅτι ἐὰν μὴ περισσεύσῃ ὑμῶν ἡ δικαιοσύνη…οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε 1 that unless your righteousness may abound … you may certainly not enter You can state this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “that your righteousness must exceed … Pharisees in order to enter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) MAT 5 21 x5vy figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The “you” is plural in “you have heard” and “I say to you.” The understood “you” is singular in “Do not kill,” but in some languages it may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 21 us5a 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about murder and anger. MAT 5 21 t6k5 figs-activepassive ἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις 1 it was said to the ancients This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: “God said to those who lived long ago” or “Moses said to your ancestors long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 21 mij2 figs-explicit ὃς…ἂν φονεύσῃ, ἔνοχος ἔσται τῇ κρίσει 1 Whoever may kill will be held for the judgment Here, **the judgment** implies that a judge will condemn the person to die. Alternate translation: “A judge will condemn anyone who kills another person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 5 21 y44x οὐ φονεύσεις…φονεύσῃ 1 Do not kill … may kill Both instances of the word **kill** refer to murder, not to all forms of killing. MAT 5 21 r2k4 figs-explicit ἔνοχος ἔσται τῇ κρίσει 1 will be held for the judgment It seems here Jesus is not referring to a human judge but rather to God condemning the person who is angry with his brother. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 5 22 e9gg ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω 1 But I say Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God’s word. The **I** is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. MAT 5 22 d5nl τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ 1 with his brother This refers to a fellow believer, not to a literal brother or a neighbor. MAT 5 22 w721 ῥακά…μωρέ 1 Fool … You fool These are insults for people who cannot think correctly. A **fool** is one who disobeys God. MAT 5 22 s89d Συνεδρίῳ 1 council This was likely a local council, not the main Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. MAT 5 23 msz4 figs-you προσφέρῃς τὸ δῶρόν σου ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον, κἀκεῖ μνησθῇς ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἔχει τι κατὰ σοῦ 1 you may be offering your gift at the altar and there may remember that your brother has something against you Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of **you** and **your** are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 23 r49y προσφέρῃς τὸ δῶρόν σου 1 you may be offering your gift “you may be giving your gift” or “you may be bringing your gift” MAT 5 23 chv4 figs-explicit ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον 1 at the altar It is implied that this is God’s **altar** at the temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “to God at the altar in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 5 23 dz75 κἀκεῖ μνησθῇς 1 and there may remember “and while you are standing at the altar you happen to remember” MAT 5 23 xvf5 ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἔχει τι κατὰ σοῦ 1 your brother has something against you “another person is angry with you because of something you did” MAT 5 24 z9m5 figs-activepassive πρῶτον διαλλάγηθι τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου 1 first, be reconciled with your brother You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “first, make peace with that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 25 x4ta figs-you ἴσθι εὐνοῶν τῷ ἀντιδίκῳ σου ταχὺ, ἕως ὅτου εἶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ; μήποτέ σε παραδῷ ὁ ἀντίδικος τῷ κριτῇ, καὶ ὁ κριτὴς τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ, καὶ εἰς φυλακὴν βληθήσῃ 1 Be in agreement with your accuser quickly while you are with him on the way, lest your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of **you** and **your** are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 25 sr9d τῷ ἀντιδίκῳ σου 1 with your accuser This is a person who blames someone for doing something wrong. He takes the wrongdoer to court to accuse him before a judge. MAT 5 25 x1tk figs-idiom σε παραδῷ…τῷ κριτῇ 1 may hand you over to the judge Here, **hand you over** means to give someone into the control of someone else. Alternate translation: “will let the judge deal with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 5 25 pq6d figs-ellipsis ὁ κριτὴς τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ 1 the judge to the officer Here “hand you over” is implied. Alternate translation: “the judge will give you over to the officer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 5 25 gcm5 τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ 1 to the officer a person who has authority to carry out the decisions of a judge MAT 5 25 pzh4 figs-activepassive εἰς φυλακὴν βληθήσῃ 1 you will be thrown into prison You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the officer will put you in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 26 gec9 ἀμὴν, λέγω σοι 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 5 26 eem5 ἐκεῖθεν 1 from there “from prison” MAT 5 27 c8dn figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The “you” is plural in “you have heard” and “I say to you.” The understood “you” is singular in “Do not commit adultery,” but in some languages it may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 27 mj3g 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about adultery and lust. MAT 5 27 jxg5 figs-activepassive ὅτι ἐρρέθη 1 that it was said You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that God said” or “that Moses said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 27 yn7m οὐ μοιχεύσεις 1 Do not commit adultery The word **commit** means to act out or do something. MAT 5 28 qfl6 ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω 1 But I say Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God’s word. The **I** is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:22](../05/22.md). MAT 5 28 glg9 figs-metaphor πᾶς ὁ βλέπων γυναῖκα πρὸς τὸ ἐπιθυμῆσαι αὐτὴν, ἤδη ἐμοίχευσεν αὐτὴν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ 1 everyone who looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart This metaphor indicates that a man who lusts after a **woman** is as guilty of **adultery** as a man who actually commits the act of adultery. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 5 28 k7sc πρὸς τὸ ἐπιθυμῆσαι αὐτὴν 1 to lust after her “and lusts after her” or “and desires to sleep with her” MAT 5 28 eqs8 figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ 1 in his heart Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “in his mind” or “in his thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 5 29 et3n figs-you εἰ δὲ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔξελε αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ; συμφέρει γάρ σοι ἵνα ἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μελῶν σου, καὶ μὴ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου βληθῇ εἰς Γέενναν 1 But if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for you that one of your members should perish, and your whole body should not be thrown into hell Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All instances of **you** and **your** are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 29 ikp5 figs-metonymy εἰ…ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε 1 if your right eye causes you to stumble Here, **eye** refers to what a person sees. Alternate translation: “if what you see causes you to stumble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 5 29 y0f2 figs-metaphor εἰ…ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε 1 if your right eye causes you to stumble Here, **stumble** is a metaphor for “sin.” Alternate translation: “if you want to sin because of what you see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 5 29 mb58 figs-idiom ὁ ὀφθαλμός…ὁ δεξιὸς 1 right eye This means the most important **eye**, as opposed to the left eye. You may need to translate **right** as “better” or “stronger.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 5 29 v6jr figs-hyperbole ἔξελε αὐτὸν 1 pluck it out This is an exaggerated command for a person to do whatever he needs to do to stop sinning. It means “forcefully remove it” or “destroy it.” If the right eye is not specifically mentioned, you may need to translate this “destroy your eyes.” If eyes have been mentioned, you may need to translate this “destroy them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 5 29 zg1v βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ 1 throw it away from you “get rid of it” MAT 5 29 im6u ἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μελῶν σου 1 one of your members should perish “you should lose one part of your body” MAT 5 29 v1cn figs-activepassive καὶ μὴ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου βληθῇ εἰς Γέενναν 1 and your whole body should not be thrown into hell You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “than for God to throw your whole body into hell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 30 zx8x figs-metonymy εἰ ἡ δεξιά σου χεὶρ σκανδαλίζει σε 1 if your right hand causes you to stumble In this metonymy, the **hand** stands for the actions of the whole person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 5 30 hk9z figs-idiom ἡ δεξιά σου χεὶρ 1 your right hand This means the most important **hand**, as opposed to the left hand. You may need to translate **right** as “better” or “stronger.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 5 30 qs74 figs-hyperbole ἔκκοψον αὐτὴν 1 cut it off This is an exaggerated command for a person to do whatever he needs to do to stop sinning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 5 31 fdr8 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about divorce. MAT 5 31 dh23 figs-activepassive ἐρρέθη 1 it has been said You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God also said” or “Moses also said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 31 quq9 figs-euphemism ἀπολύσῃ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ 1 sends his wife away This is a euphemism for divorce. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 5 31 tp9l δότω 1 let him give “he must give” MAT 5 32 q6aq ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω 1 But I say Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God’s word. The **I** is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:22](../05/22.md). MAT 5 32 j2aq ποιεῖ αὐτὴν μοιχευθῆναι 1 makes her to commit adultery It is the man who divorces the woman improperly who “makes her to commit adultery.” In many cultures it would be normal for her to remarry, but if the divorce is improper, such a remarriage is adultery. MAT 5 32 zai7 figs-activepassive ἀπολελυμένην 1 she who has been divorced You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “her after her husband has divorced her” or “the divorced woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 33 i5ak figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The “you” is plural in “you have heard” and “I say to you.” The “you” and “your” are singular in “Do not swear” and “carry out your oaths,” but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 33 dg2a 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about swearing oaths. MAT 5 33 vv1e πάλιν ἠκούσατε 1 Again, you have heard “Also, you have heard” or “Here is another example. You have heard” MAT 5 33 fk86 figs-activepassive ἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις 1 it was said to the ancients This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: “God said to those who lived long ago” or “Moses said to your ancestors long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 33 tk9y οὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις, ἀποδώσεις δὲ τῷ Κυρίῳ τοὺς ὅρκους σου 1 Do not swear a false oath, but carry out your oaths to the Lord. “Do not swear that you will do something and then not do it. Instead do whatever you have sworn to the Lord that you will do” MAT 5 34 mpk1 ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω 1 But I tell Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God’s word. The **I** is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:22](../05/22.md). MAT 5 34 u7su figs-metaphor θρόνος ἐστὶν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 it is the throne of God Because God reigns from heaven, Jesus speaks of heaven as if it were a **throne**. Alternate translation: “it is from here that God rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 5 35 c8lx 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes his words from verse 34, telling the people not to swear. MAT 5 35 v2hf μήτε ἐν τῇ γῇ…πόλις ἐστὶν τοῦ μεγάλου Βασιλέως 1 nor by the earth … it is the city of the great King Here Jesus means that when people make a promise or when they say that something is true, they must not swear by anything. Some people were teaching that if a person swears by God that he will do something, then he must do it, but if he swears by something else, such as by heaven or **earth**, then it is less offensive if he does not do what he swore to do. Jesus says that swearing by heaven or earth or Jerusalem is just as serious as swearing by God because those things all belong to God. MAT 5 35 e7z8 figs-metaphor ὑποπόδιόν ἐστιν τῶν ποδῶν αὐτοῦ 1 it is the footstool for his feet This metaphor means the earth also belongs to God. Alternate translation: “it is like a footstool where a king rests his feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 5 35 e6zn ὅτι πόλις ἐστὶν τοῦ μεγάλου Βασιλέως 1 for it is the city of the great King “for it is the city that belongs to God, the great King” MAT 5 36 kr2d 0 General Information: Previously Jesus told his hearers that God’s throne, footstool, and earthly home are not theirs to swear by. Here he says that they may not swear even by their own heads. MAT 5 36 l9c8 figs-you μήτε ἐν τῇ κεφαλῇ σου ὀμόσῃς, ὅτι οὐ δύνασαι μίαν τρίχα λευκὴν ποιῆσαι ἢ μέλαιναν 1 Neither may you swear by your head, for you are not able to make one hair white or black Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of the words **you** and **your** are singular, but you may have to translate them as plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 36 z5vu ὀμόσῃς 1 may you swear This refers to taking an oath. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:34](../05/34.md). MAT 5 37 tke6 ἔστω…ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν, ναὶ ναί, οὒ οὔ 1 let your word be ‘Yes, yes,’ or ‘No, no.’ “if you mean ‘yes,’ say ‘yes,’ and if you mean ‘no,’ say ‘no.’” MAT 5 38 quy6 figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The “you” is plural in “you have heard” and “I say to you.” The “you” in “whoever strikes you” and the understood “you” in “turn to him” are both singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 38 s39u 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about retaliating against an enemy. MAT 5 38 zar1 figs-activepassive ὅτι ἐρρέθη 1 that it was said You can state this in active form. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:27](../05/27.md). Alternate translation: “that God said” or “that Moses said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 38 w53l ὀφθαλμὸν ἀντὶ ὀφθαλμοῦ καὶ ὀδόντα ἀντὶ ὀδόντος 1 An eye in exchange for an eye, and a tooth in exchange for a tooth The law of Moses allowed a person to harm a person in the same way he had harmed him, but he could not harm him worse. MAT 5 39 x2y9 ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω 1 But I tell Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God’s word. The **I** is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. MAT 5 39 qrx1 τῷ πονηρῷ 1 the evil person “an evil person” or “someone who harms you” MAT 5 39 ec5y ῥαπίζει…τὴν δεξιὰν σιαγόνα 1 strikes … your right cheek To strike the side of a man’s face was an insult in Jesus’ culture. As with the eye and the hand, the **right cheek** is the more important one, and striking that cheek was a terrible insult. MAT 5 39 d5xg ῥαπίζει 1 strikes hits with the back of an open hand MAT 5 39 wz54 στρέψον αὐτῷ καὶ τὴν ἄλλην 1 turn to him the other also “let him hit your other cheek also” MAT 5 40 gr2x figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” are singular, including the understood “you” in the commands “let,” “go,” “give,” and “do not turn away.” In some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 40 t9f4 τὸν χιτῶνά…ἱμάτιον 1 coat … cloak The **coat** was worn close to the body, like a heavy shirt or a sweater. The **cloak**, the more valuable of the two, was worn over the **coat** for warmth and also used as a blanket for warmth at night. MAT 5 40 p5m2 ἄφες αὐτῷ καὶ τὸ ἱμάτιον 1 let him also have your cloak “give also to that person your cloak” MAT 5 41 i867 figs-explicit ὅστις 1 whoever “anyone who.” The context implies that he is speaking about a Roman soldier. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 5 41 i86s μίλιον ἕν 1 one mile This is one thousand paces, which is the distance a Roman soldier could legally force someone to carry something for him. If **mile** is confusing, it can be translated as “one kilometer” or “a distance.” MAT 5 41 n8r4 μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 with him This refers to the one who compels you to go. MAT 5 41 zv6i ὕπαγε μετ’ αὐτοῦ δύο 1 go with him two “go the mile he forces you to go, and then go another mile.” If “mile” is confusing, you can translate it as “two kilometers” or “twice as far.” MAT 5 42 pe6x μὴ ἀποστραφῇς 1 do not turn away from “do not refuse to lend to.” You can state this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “lend to” MAT 5 43 cyz3 figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The “you” is plural in “you have heard” and “I say to you.” The “you” and “your” are singular in “You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy,” but in some languages they may need to be plural. All occurrences of “you” and “your” after that are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 43 xf8l 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about loving enemies. MAT 5 43 fp6x figs-activepassive ὅτι ἐρρέθη 1 that it was said You can state this in active form. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:27](../05/27.md). Alternate translation: “that God said” or “that Moses said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 5 43 tqj3 figs-genericnoun τὸν πλησίον σου 1 your neighbor Here the word **neighbor** does not refer to a specific neighbor, but to any members of one’s community or people group. These are people whom one usually desires to treat kindly or at least believes he ought to treat kindly. Alternate translation: “your countrymen” or “those who belong to your people group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) MAT 5 44 f9lp ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω 1 But I say Jesus agrees with God and his word, but he does not agree with the way the religious leaders have applied God’s word. The **I** is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:22](../05/22.md). MAT 5 45 my3d γένησθε υἱοὶ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν 1 you may be sons of your Father It is best to translate **sons** with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to human sons or children. MAT 5 45 jzu9 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Πατρὸς ὑμῶν 1 of your Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 5 46 g5t7 figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 5 46 sf7k 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes teaching about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. This section began in [Matthew 5:17](../05/17.md). MAT 5 46 se4k figs-rquestion τίνα μισθὸν ἔχετε? 1 what reward do you have? Jesus uses this question to teach the people that loving those who love them is not something special that God will reward them for. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternative translation: “you will get no reward.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 5 46 cb77 figs-rquestion οὐχὶ καὶ οἱ τελῶναι τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν? 1 Do not even the tax collectors do the same thing? This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternative translation: “Even the tax collectors do the same thing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 5 47 ba6e figs-rquestion τί περισσὸν ποιεῖτε? 1 what do you do more? This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “you do nothing more than others.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 5 47 ben5 ἀσπάσησθε 1 you might greet This is a general term for showing a desire for the well-being of the hearer. MAT 5 47 elw9 figs-rquestion οὐχὶ καὶ οἱ ἐθνικοὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν? 1 Do not even the Gentiles do the same thing? This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Even the Gentiles do the same thing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 5 48 l6pa guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Πατὴρ 1 Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 6 intro jrj2 0 # Matthew 6 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Matthew 6 continues Jesus’ extended teaching known as “The Sermon on the Mount.”

You may wish to set apart the prayer in 6:9-11 by placing it farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.

Jesus spoke about many different subjects in this sermon, so you may wish to help the reader by putting an empty line into the text whenever Jesus changed the subject. MAT 6 1 zvn1 figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 6 1 at4q 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach his disciples in his Sermon on the Mount, which began in [Matthew 5:3](../05/03.md). In this section, Jesus addresses the “acts of righteousness” of alms, prayer, and fasting. MAT 6 1 bgc7 figs-explicit ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι αὐτοῖς 1 before men to be seen by them It is implied that those who see the person will honor him. Alternate translation: “in front of people to be seen by them so they will give you honor for what you have done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 6 1 vvm4 figs-activepassive ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι αὐτοῖς 1 before men to be seen by them You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “in front of people just so that they can see you and honor you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 6 1 juj5 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τῷ Πατρὶ 1 Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 6 2 d8kw figs-metaphor μὴ σαλπίσῃς ἔμπροσθέν σου 1 do not sound a trumpet before yourself This metaphor means to do something that purposefully gets people’s attention. Alternate translation: “do not draw attention to yourself like someone who plays a loud trumpet in a crowd” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 2 dk6u ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 6 3 z4c1 figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 6 3 te4n 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach his disciples about alms. MAT 6 3 vca2 figs-metaphor μὴ γνώτω ἡ ἀριστερά σου τί ποιεῖ ἡ δεξιά σου 1 do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing This is a metaphor for total secrecy. Just as hands usually work together and each can be said to **know** what the other is **doing** at all times, you should not let even those closest to you know when you are giving to the poor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 4 h4we figs-activepassive ᾖ σου ἡ ἐλεημοσύνη ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ 1 your gift may be in secret You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you can give to the poor without other people knowing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 6 5 m54u figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” in verses 5 and 7 are plural; in verse 6 they are singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 6 5 a7z4 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to teach about prayer. MAT 6 5 e12v figs-explicit ὅπως φανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις 1 so that they may be seen by men It is implied that those who see them will give them honor. Alternate translation: “so that they will be seen and people will honor them for what they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 6 5 rzpj figs-activepassive ὅπως φανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις 1 so that they may be seen by men You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that people will see them and give them honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 6 5 z3h6 ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 6 6 dqv4 εἴσελθε εἰς τὸ ταμεῖόν σου καὶ κλείσας τὴν θύραν σου 1 enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door “go to a private place” or “go where you can be alone” MAT 6 6 vdr7 τῷ Πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ 1 to your Father who is in secret This could mean: (1) No one can see God. Alternate translation: “to your Father, who is invisible” (2) God is in that private place with the praying person. Alternate translation: “to your Father, who is with you in private” MAT 6 6 kkn7 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τῷ Πατρί σου 1 to your Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 6 6 eb6r ὁ Πατήρ σου, ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ 1 your Father who sees in secret “your Father will see what you do in private and” MAT 6 7 d1t2 μὴ βατταλογήσητε 1 do not make useless repetitions This could mean: (1) The **repetitions** are **useless**. Alternate translation: “do not keep uselessly saying things over and over again” (2) The words or sentences are meaningless. Alternate translation: “do not keeping repeating meaningless words” MAT 6 7 a8ai figs-activepassive εἰσακουσθήσονται 1 they will be heard You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “their false gods will hear them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 6 8 fr1d figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about how they as individuals should pray. The words **you** and **your** are plural in the first sentence. Within the prayer, the words **you** and **your** are singular and refer to God, “Our Father in heaven.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 6 8 nv9i guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατὴρ 1 Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 6 9 ad6l Πάτερ ἡμῶν, ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς 1 Our Father who is in heaven This is the beginning of the prayer and how Jesus teaches the people to address God. MAT 6 9 mq4x figs-metonymy ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου 1 let your name be sanctified Here, **your name** refers to God himself. Alternate translation: “make everyone honor you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 6 10 n67c figs-metonymy ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου 1 Let your kingdom come Here, **kingdom** refers to God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “May you rule over everyone and everything completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 6 10 pdc5 figs-activepassive γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς 1 Let your will also be done on earth as it is in heaven You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “May everything on earth happen in accordance with your will just as everything in heaven does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 6 11 njr9 figs-exclusive 0 General Information: This is part of a prayer that Jesus was teaching the people. All instances of “we,” “us,” and “our” refer only to those who would pray this prayer. Those words do not also refer to God, to whom they would be praying. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) MAT 6 11 dft8 figs-synecdoche τὸν ἄρτον…τὸν ἐπιούσιον 1 daily bread Here, **bread** refers to food in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 6 12 yi9s figs-metaphor τὰ ὀφειλήματα 1 debts A debt is what one person owes another. This is a metaphor for sins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 12 i8fq figs-metaphor τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν 1 our debtors A **debtor** is a person who owes a debt to another person. This is a metaphor for those who have sinned against us. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 13 l8u6 figs-abstractnouns μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν 1 do not bring us into temptation The word **temptation**, an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “Do not let anything tempt us” or “Do not let anything cause us to desire to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 6 14 ns3m figs-you 0 General Information: All instances of “you” and “your” are plural. However, Jesus is telling them what will happen to them as individuals if each person does not forgive others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 6 14 z79a figs-abstractnouns τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν 1 their trespasses The abstract noun **trespasses** can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “when they trespass against you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 6 14 v7ne guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατὴρ 1 Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 6 15 pi3z figs-abstractnouns τοῖς ἀνθρώποις…τὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν 1 those of men … your trespasses The abstract noun **trespasses** can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “men when they trespass against you … when you trespass against God” or “men when they do things that harm you … when you do things that make your Father angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 6 16 j7xg figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. In verse 16 all occurences of “you” are plural. In verses 17 and 18 where Jesus teaches them how to behave when they fast, all occurrences of “you” and “your” are singular. In some languages those occurences of “you” may also need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 6 16 q19r 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to teach about fasting. MAT 6 16 xv6b ἀφανίζουσιν…τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν 1 they disfigure their faces The hypocrites would not wash their faces or comb their hair. They did this purposely to draw attention to themselves so that people would see them and give them honor for fasting. MAT 6 16 ix6h ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 6 17 k283 ἄλειψαί σου τὴν κεφαλὴν 1 anoint your head “put oil in your hair” or “groom your hair.” To **anoint** the **head** here is to take normal care of one’s hair. It has nothing to do with “Christ” meaning “anointed one.” Jesus means that people should look the same whether they are fasting or not. MAT 6 18 d27s τῷ Πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυφαίῳ 1 to your Father who is in secret This could mean: (1) No one can see God. Alternate translation: “Father, who is invisible” (2) God is with that person who fasts secretly. Alternate translation: “Father, who is with you in private” See how you translated this in [Matthew 6:6](../06/06.md). MAT 6 18 m56a guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τῷ Πατρί σου 1 to your Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 6 18 tby8 ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυφαίῳ 1 who sees in secret “who sees what you do in private.” See how you translated this in [Matthew 6:6](../06/06.md). MAT 6 19 afg9 figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All occurrences of “you” and “your” are plural, except in verse 21, where they are singular. In some languages these occurrences of “you” and “your” may also need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 6 19 z3jx 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to teach about money and possessions. MAT 6 19 tqp1 θησαυροὺς 1 treasures riches, the things to which a person gives the most value MAT 6 19 z9wd ὅπου σὴς καὶ βρῶσις ἀφανίζει 1 where moth and rust destroy “where moth and rust ruin treasures” MAT 6 19 tqc9 σὴς 1 moth a small, flying insect that destroys cloth MAT 6 19 enl6 βρῶσις 1 rust a brown substance that forms on metals MAT 6 20 v5tn figs-metaphor θησαυρίζετε…ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐν οὐρανῷ 1 store up for yourselves treasures in heaven This is a metaphor that means do good things on earth so God will reward you in **heaven**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 21 b74q figs-metonymy ἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία σου 1 there will your heart be also Here, **heart** means a person’s thoughts and interests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 6 22 g215 figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of “you” and “your” are all singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 6 22 sbl1 figs-metaphor ὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός…φωτεινὸν ἔσται 1 The eye is the lamp of the body … is full of light This compares healthy eyes that allow a person to see to diseased eyes that cause a person to be blind. This is a metaphor referring to spiritual health. Often Jewish people used the phrase “bad eye” to refer to greed. The meaning is that if a person is completely devoted to God and sees or considers things the way God does, then he is doing what is right. If a person is greedy for more, then he is doing what is evil. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 22 r4d1 figs-metaphor ὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός 1 The eye is the lamp of the body This metaphor means the eyes allow a person to see just as a **lamp** helps a person see in the dark. Alternate translation: “Like a lamp, the eye allows you to see things clearly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 22 u47q ὀφθαλμός 1 eye You may have to translate this as plural, “eyes.” MAT 6 23 dl86 figs-metaphor ἐὰν δὲ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου…τὸ σκότος πόσον 1 But if your eye … how great is that darkness This compares healthy eyes that allow a person to see to diseased eyes that cause a person to be blind. This is a metaphor referring to spiritual health. Often Jewish people used the phrase “bad eye” to refer to greed. The meaning is that if a person is completely devoted to God and sees or considers things the way God does, then he is doing what is right. If a person is greedy for more, then he is doing what is evil. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 23 p231 figs-metaphor ἐὰν…ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρὸς ᾖ 1 if your eye is evil This does not refer to magic. Jewish people often used this as a metaphor for someone who is greedy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 23 n42m εἰ…τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος, ἐστίν τὸ σκότος πόσον 1 if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “if that which is supposed to cause light in your body causes darkness, then your body is in complete darkness” MAT 6 24 ijn3 figs-parallelism ἢ γὰρ τὸν ἕνα μισήσει καὶ τὸν ἕτερον ἀγαπήσει, ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται καὶ τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει 1 for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and will despise the other Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that a person cannot love and be devoted both to God and money at the same time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 6 24 zt2u οὐ δύνασθε Θεῷ δουλεύειν καὶ μαμωνᾷ 1 You are not able to serve God and wealth “You cannot love God and money at the same time” MAT 6 25 s5uy figs-you 0 General Information: Here the instances of “you” and “your” are all plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 6 25 wcz4 λέγω ὑμῖν 1 I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 6 25 xdu1 ὑμῖν 1 to you Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. MAT 6 25 nt96 figs-rquestion οὐχὶ ἡ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστι τῆς τροφῆς, καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος? 1 Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “Obviously life is more than what you eat, and your body is more than what you wear.” or “Clearly there are things in life that are more important than food, and there are things concerning the body that are more important than clothes.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 6 26 p11z ἀποθήκας 1 barns places to store crops MAT 6 26 a9w6 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατὴρ 1 Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 6 26 nbm5 figs-rquestion οὐχ ὑμεῖς μᾶλλον διαφέρετε αὐτῶν? 1 Are you not more valuable than them? Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “Obviously you are more valuable than birds.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 6 27 cm6a figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. All instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 6 27 fr8g figs-metaphor τίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα? 1 But which one from you, being anxious, are able to add one cubit to his lifespan? Here to **add one cubit to his lifespan** is a metaphor for adding time to how long a person will live. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 27 ivmg figs-rquestion τίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα? 1 But which one from you, being anxious, are able to add one cubit to his lifespan? Here to **add one cubit to his lifespan** is a metaphor for adding time to how long a person will live. Alternate translation: “None of you can, just by worrying, add years to your life. You cannot add even one minute to your life! So you should not worry about things you need.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 6 27 kub4 translate-bdistance πῆχυν ἕνα 1 one cubit A **cubit** is a measure of a little less than half a meter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) MAT 6 28 erj8 figs-rquestion περὶ ἐνδύματος τί μεριμνᾶτε? 1 why are you anxious about clothing? Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “you should not be worried about what you will wear.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 6 28 him2 figs-personification τὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ πῶς αὐξάνουσιν; οὐ κοπιῶσιν οὐδὲ νήθουσιν 1 the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil, nor do they spin cloth Jesus speaks about the **lilies** as if they were people who wore clothes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) MAT 6 28 xnvg figs-metaphor τὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ πῶς αὐξάνουσιν; οὐ κοπιῶσιν οὐδὲ νήθουσιν 1 the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil, nor do they spin cloth The **lilies** being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 28 t16l translate-unknown κρίνα 1 lilies A lily is a kind of wild flower. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 6 29 n75l figs-personification οὐδὲ Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων 1 not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these Jesus speaks about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) MAT 6 29 u7fd figs-metaphor οὐδὲ Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων 1 not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 29 np9e λέγω…ὑμῖν 1 I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 6 29 sqg8 figs-activepassive περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων 1 was clothed like one of these You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “did not wear clothes that are as beautiful as these lilies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 6 30 z5lh figs-personification τὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ…οὕτως ἀμφιέννυσιν 1 thus clothes the grass of the fields Jesus continues to speak about the lilies as if they were people who wore clothes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) MAT 6 30 xykl figs-metaphor τὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ…οὕτως ἀμφιέννυσιν 1 thus clothes the grass of the field The lilies being clothed is a metaphor for the plants having beautiful and colorful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 6 30 uf36 χόρτον 1 grass If your language has a word that includes **grass** and the word you used for “lilies” in the previous verse, you can use it here. MAT 6 30 m23l figs-activepassive εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον 1 is thrown into the oven The Jews at that time used grass in their fires to cook their food. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone throws it into a fire” or “someone burns it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 6 30 ym2c figs-ellipsis οὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον 1 will he not much more The verb **clothe** is implied from earlier in the sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 6 30 cd8w figs-rquestion οὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι? 1 will he not much more, you of little faith? Jesus uses this question to teach the people that God will provide what they need. Alternate translation: “he will certainly clothe you even better, you of little faith.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 6 30 ic18 ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι 1 you of little faith “you who have such little faith.” Jesus addresses the people this way because their anxiety about clothing shows they have little faith in God. MAT 6 31 jps3 οὖν 1 Therefore “Because of all of this” MAT 6 31 pd6x figs-synecdoche τί περιβαλώμεθα 1 What will we wear In this sentence, what people wear is a synecdoche for material possessions. Alternate translation: “What possessions will we have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 6 32 j77y πάντα γὰρ ταῦτα τὰ ἔθνη ἐπιζητοῦσιν 1 For the Gentiles seek all these things “For the Gentiles are concerned about what they will eat, drink, and wear” MAT 6 32 ecb9 οἶδεν…ὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος ὅτι χρῄζετε τούτων ἁπάντων 1 your heavenly Father knows that you need all of these things Jesus is implying that God will make sure their basic needs are met. MAT 6 32 unz1 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατὴρ 1 Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 6 33 ep2c figs-metonymy ζητεῖτε…πρῶτον τὴν βασιλείαν καὶ τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ 1 seek first his kingdom and his righteousness Here, **kingdom** refers to God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “concern yourselves with serving God, who is your king, and doing what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 6 33 ak39 figs-activepassive ταῦτα πάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν 1 all these things will be added to you You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will provide all these things for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 6 34 qm2a οὖν 1 Therefore “Because of all this” MAT 6 34 xdg7 figs-personification ἡ…αὔριον μεριμνήσει ἑαυτῆς 1 tomorrow will be anxious for itself Jesus speaks of **tomorrow** as if it were a person who could worry. Jesus means that a person will have enough to worry about when the next day comes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) MAT 7 intro bz7e 0 # Matthew 7 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Jesus spoke about many different subjects in this sermon, so you may wish to help the reader by putting an empty line into the text whenever Jesus changed the subject.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Matthew 5-7

Many people call the words in Matthew 5-7 the Sermon on the Mount. This is one long lesson that Jesus taught. Bibles divide this lesson into three chapters, but this can sometimes confuse the reader. If your translation divides the text into sections, be sure that the reader understands that the whole sermon is one large section.

### “By their fruits you will know them”

Fruit is a common image in the scriptures. It is used to describe the results of either good or bad actions. In this chapter, good fruit is the result of living as God commands. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]]) MAT 7 1 jav3 figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should and should not do. The instances of “you” and the commands are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 7 1 f4fe 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach his disciples in his Sermon on the Mount, which began in [Matthew 5:3](../05/03.md). MAT 7 1 xk6w figs-explicit μὴ κρίνετε 1 Do not judge It is implied here that **judge** has the strong meaning of “condemn harshly” or “declare guilty.” Alternate translation: “Do not condemn people harshly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 7 1 bk8y figs-activepassive μὴ κριθῆτε 1 you may not be judged You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not condemn you harshly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 7 2 f9nb γὰρ 1 For Be sure the reader understands the statement in 7:2 is based on what Jesus said in 7:1. MAT 7 2 kj24 figs-activepassive ἐν ᾧ…κρίματι κρίνετε, κριθήσεσθε 1 with the judgment you judge, you will be judged You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will condemn you in the same way you condemn others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 7 2 mt3d ᾧ μέτρῳ 1 the measure This could mean: (1) This is the amount of punishment given. (2) This is the standard used for judgment. MAT 7 2 wgh2 figs-activepassive μετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν 1 it will be measured out to you You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will measure it out to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 7 3 hzb4 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of “you” and “your” are all singular, but in some languages they may need to be plural. MAT 7 3 em5r figs-rquestion τί δὲ βλέπεις τὸ κάρφος…τὴν δὲ ἐν τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν οὐ κατανοεῖς? 1 Why do you look at the speck … but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Jesus uses this question to rebuke the people for paying attention to other people’s sins and ignoring their own. Alternate translation: “You look at the speck … but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye.” or “Do not look at the speck … and ignore the log that is in your own eye.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 7 3 ctb3 figs-metaphor τὸ κάρφος τὸ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου 1 the speck that is in the eye of your brother This is a metaphor that refers to the less important faults of a fellow believer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 3 r9jf κάρφος 1 speck “splinter” or “bit of dust.” Use a word for the smallest thing that commonly falls into a person’s eyes. MAT 7 3 d2qc τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου 1 of your brother All occurrences of **brother** in 7:3-5 refer to a fellow believer, not to a literal brother or a neighbor. MAT 7 3 q1z4 figs-metaphor τὴν…ἐν τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν 1 the log that is in your own eye This is a metaphor for a person’s most important faults. A **log** could not literally go into a person’s eye. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 3 xdcg figs-hyperbole τὴν…ἐν τῷ σῷ ὀφθαλμῷ δοκὸν 1 the log that is in your own eye Jesus is exaggerating to emphasize that a person should pay attention to his own more important faults before he deals with another person’s less important faults. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 7 3 cgc6 δοκὸν 1 the log the largest part of a tree that someone has cut down MAT 7 4 k58h figs-rquestion ἢ πῶς ἐρεῖς τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου, ἄφες ἐκβάλω τὸ κάρφος ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ σου, καὶ ἰδοὺ, ἡ δοκὸς ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ σοῦ? 1 Or how will you say to your brother, ‘Let me take out the speck from your eye,’ while behold, the log is in your own eye? Jesus asks this question to challenge the people to pay attention to their own sins before they pay attention to another person’s sins. Alternate translation: “You should not say to your brother, ‘Let me take out the speck from your eye,’ while behold, the log is in your own eye.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 7 6 av85 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of “you” and “your” are all plural. MAT 7 6 arm9 figs-metaphor τοῖς κυσίν…τῶν χοίρων 1 to the dogs … the pigs Jews considered these animals to be dirty, and God told the Jews not to eat them. They are metaphors for wicked people who do not value holy things. It would be best to translate these words literally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 6 xy2e figs-metaphor τοὺς μαργαρίτας 1 pearls These are similar to round, valuable stones or beads. They are a metaphor for the knowledge of God or precious things in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 6 vt72 καταπατήσουσιν 1 they will trample “the pigs will trample” MAT 7 6 y5mm στραφέντες ῥήξωσιν ὑμᾶς 1 having turned, they may tear you to pieces “the dogs may then turn and tear you apart” MAT 7 7 j1qa figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of “you” and “your” are all plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 7 7 ut6i figs-metaphor αἰτεῖτε…ζητεῖτε…κρούετε 1 Ask … Seek … Knock These are metaphors for praying to God. The verb form shows that we are to keep praying until he answers. If your language has a form for continuing to do something over and over, use it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 7 fh57 αἰτεῖτε 1 Ask request things from someone, in this case God MAT 7 7 tv49 figs-activepassive δοθήσεται ὑμῖν 1 it will be given to you You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will give you what you need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 7 7 cs5b ζητεῖτε 1 Seek look for someone, in this case God MAT 7 7 rt8g κρούετε 1 Knock To knock on a door was a polite way to request that the person inside the house or room open the door. If knocking on a door is impolite or not done in your culture, use the word that describes how people politely ask for doors to be opened. Alternate translation: “Tell God you want him to open the door” MAT 7 7 zxs3 figs-activepassive ἀνοιγήσεται ὑμῖν 1 it will be opened to you You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will open it for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 7 9 mq14 figs-rquestion ἢ τίς ἐστιν ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃν αἰτήσει ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἄρτον, μὴ λίθον ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ? 1 Or what man is there from among you, of whom his son will ask for bread—he will not give him a stone, will he? Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “There is not one person among you, of whom his son will ask for bread, and he will give him a stone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 7 9 n5s1 figs-synecdoche ἄρτον 1 for bread This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “for some food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 7 9 cq8h λίθον 1 a stone This noun should be translated literally. MAT 7 10 ht1m ἰχθὺν…ὄφιν 1 a fish … a snake These nouns should be translated literally. MAT 7 10 y9q5 figs-ellipsis ἢ καὶ ἰχθὺν αἰτήσει, μὴ ὄφιν ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ? 1 Or he will also ask for a fish—he will not give him a snake, will he? It is understood that Jesus is still referring to a man and his son. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 7 10 t19o figs-rquestion ἢ καὶ ἰχθὺν αἰτήσει, μὴ ὄφιν ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ? 1 Or he will also ask for a fish—he will not give him a snake, will he? Jesus asks another question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “And there is not one person among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 7 11 h3k6 figs-you 0 General Information: Jesus is talking to a group of people about what they as individuals should or should not do. The instances of “you” and “your” are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 7 11 pk31 figs-rquestion πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς δώσει ἀγαθὰ τοῖς αἰτοῦσιν αὐτόν? 1 how much more will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those who ask him? Jesus uses a question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “then your Father in heaven will most certainly give good things to those who ask him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 7 11 z8zr guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατὴρ 1 Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 7 12 wr93 ὅσα ἐὰν θέλητε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι 1 whatever you might want that men would do to you “whatever way you want others to act toward you” MAT 7 12 b1x2 figs-metonymy οὗτος γάρ ἐστιν ὁ νόμος καὶ οἱ προφῆται 1 for this is the law and the prophets Here, **law** and **prophets** refer to what Moses and the prophets wrote. Alternate translation: “for this is what Moses and the prophets teach in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 7 13 uhb3 0 General Information: This image of walking through a wide gate to destruction or a narrow gate to life represents how people live and the results of how they live. When you translate, use appropriate words for “wide” and “broad” that are as different as possible from “narrow” in order to emphasize the differences between the two sets of gates and ways. MAT 7 13 dgr2 figs-metaphor εἰσέλθατε διὰ τῆς στενῆς πύλης…πολλοί εἰσιν οἱ εἰσερχόμενοι δι’ αὐτῆς 1 Enter through the narrow gate … there are many who are entering through it This is an image of people traveling on a road and going through a **gate** into a kingdom. One kingdom is easy to enter; the other is hard to enter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 13 j8xn εἰσέλθατε διὰ τῆς στενῆς πύλης 1 Enter through the narrow gate You may need to move this to the end of verse 14: “Therefore, enter through the narrow gate.” MAT 7 13 y9ru τῆς στενῆς πύλης…ἡ ὁδὸς 1 the narrow gate … the way This could mean: (1) The **way** refers to the road that leads to the **gate** of a kingdom. (2) The **gate** and **way** both refer to the entrance to the kingdom. MAT 7 13 zv24 figs-abstractnouns εἰς τὴν ἀπώλειαν 1 to destruction This abstract noun can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “to the place where people die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 7 14 x8u9 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to speak of people choosing how they are going to live as if they are choosing whether to go on one path or another. MAT 7 14 wlr9 figs-abstractnouns εἰς τὴν ζωήν 1 to life The abstract noun **life** can be translated using the verb “live.” Alternate translation: “to the place where people live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 7 15 s91c προσέχετε ἀπὸ 1 Beware of “Be on guard against” MAT 7 15 lj5v figs-metaphor οἵτινες ἔρχονται πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐν ἐνδύμασι προβάτων, ἔσωθεν δέ εἰσιν λύκοι ἅρπαγες 1 who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves This metaphor means that false prophets will pretend they are good and want to help people, but they are really evil and will do people harm. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 16 pul5 figs-metaphor ἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς 1 By their fruits you will know them This metaphor refers to a person’s actions. Alternate translation: “Just as you know a tree by the fruit that grows on it, you will know false prophets by how they act” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 16 nve4 figs-rquestion μήτι συλλέγουσιν ἀπὸ ἀκανθῶν σταφυλὰς, ἢ ἀπὸ τριβόλων σῦκα? 1 they do not gather grapes from a thornbush or figs from thistles, do they? Jesus uses a question to teach the people. The people would have known that the answer is no. Alternate translation: “People do not gather grapes from a thornbush or figs from thistles.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 7 17 a9tn figs-metaphor πᾶν δένδρον ἀγαθὸν καρποὺς καλοὺς ποιεῖ 1 every good tree produces good fruit Jesus continues to use the metaphor of **fruit** to refer to good prophets who produce **good** works or words. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 17 f5l3 figs-metaphor τὸ…σαπρὸν δένδρον καρποὺς πονηροὺς ποιεῖ 1 the rotten tree produces bad fruit Jesus continues to use the metaphor of fruit to refer to bad prophets who produce evil works. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 19 aeg4 figs-metaphor πᾶν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται 1 Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire Jesus continues to use **fruit** trees as a metaphor to refer to false prophets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 19 xwrm figs-explicit πᾶν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται 1 Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire Here, he only states what will happen to the bad trees. It is implied that the same thing will happen to the false prophets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 7 19 g7fs figs-activepassive ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται 1 is cut down and thrown into the fire You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people cut down and burn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 7 20 x87m figs-metaphor ἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς 1 you will recognize them from their fruits The word **their** can refer to either the prophets or the trees. This metaphor implies that the fruit of trees and the deeds of prophets both reveal whether they are good or bad. If possible, translate this in a way so that it can refer to both trees and prophets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 7 21 rj2v figs-metonymy εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 will enter into the kingdom of the heavens Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heavens” in your translation. Alternate translation: “will live with God in the heavens when he shows himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 7 21 rq5h ὁ ποιῶν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς 1 the one who does the will of my Father who is in the heavens “whoever does what my Father in the heavens desires” MAT 7 21 c6yz guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 of my Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 7 22 mp6e figs-explicit ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ 1 in that day Jesus said **that day** knowing his hearers would understand he was referring to the day of judgment. You should include “the day of judgment” only if your readers would not understand otherwise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 7 22 m9py figs-rquestion οὐ τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι ἐπροφητεύσαμεν, καὶ τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι δαιμόνια ἐξεβάλομεν, καὶ τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι δυνάμεις πολλὰς ἐποιήσαμεν? 1 did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty deeds? The people use a question to emphasize that they did these things. Alternate translation: “we prophesied in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name did many mighty deeds.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 7 22 t5j7 figs-exclusive οὐ…ἐπροφητεύσαμεν 1 did we not prophesy This **we** does not include Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) MAT 7 22 hg17 figs-metonymy τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι 1 in your name This could mean: (1) This refers to his authority or power. (2) This means they were doing what he wanted them to do. or (3) This means they were asking him for the power to do it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 7 22 p67f δυνάμεις 1 mighty deeds “miracles” MAT 7 23 d4y5 figs-idiom οὐδέποτε ἔγνων ὑμᾶς 1 I never knew you This means the person does not belong to Jesus. Alternate translation: “You are not my follower” or “I have nothing to do with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 7 24 fg9k οὖν 1 Therefore “For that reason” MAT 7 24 hbd7 figs-metonymy μου τοὺς λόγους τούτους 1 these words of mine Here, **words** refers to what Jesus says. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 7 24 qjh9 figs-simile ὁμοιωθήσεται ἀνδρὶ φρονίμῳ, ὅστις ᾠκοδόμησεν αὐτοῦ τὴν οἰκίαν ἐπὶ τὴν πέτραν 1 will be compared to a wise man who built his house upon the rock Jesus compares those who obey his words to a person who builds his **house** where nothing can harm it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 7 24 dy1f πέτραν 1 rock This is the bedrock below the topsoil and clay, not a large stone or boulder above the ground. MAT 7 25 bv81 figs-activepassive τεθεμελίωτο 1 it had been founded You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he had built it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 7 26 asf4 0 Connecting Statement: This is the end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which began in [Matthew 5:3](../05/03.md). MAT 7 26 nw97 figs-simile ὁμοιωθήσεται ἀνδρὶ μωρῷ, ὅστις ᾠκοδόμησεν αὐτοῦ τὴν οἰκίαν ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον 1 will be compared to a foolish man who built his house upon the sand Jesus continues the simile from the previous verse. He compares those who do not obey his words to **foolish** house-builders. Only a fool would build a **house** on a sandy place where rain, floods, and wind can sweep the sand away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 7 27 a7mj ἔπεσεν 1 it fell Use the general word in your language that describes what happens when a house falls down. MAT 7 27 k4hi ἦν ἡ πτῶσις αὐτῆς μεγάλη 1 its destruction was great The rain, floods, and wind completely destroyed the house. MAT 7 28 jrh7 writing-endofstory 0 General Information: These verses describe how the people in the crowds reacted to Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]]) MAT 7 28 hu6z καὶ ἐγένετο, ὅτε 1 And it came about that when This phrase shifts the story from Jesus’ teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “And when” or “Now after” MAT 7 28 b321 ἐξεπλήσσοντο…ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ 1 were astonished by his teaching It is clear in 7:29 that they were amazed not just at what Jesus taught but also the way he taught it. Alternate translation: “were amazed by the way he taught” MAT 8 intro f33a 0 # Matthew 8 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a new section.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Miracles

Jesus performed miracles to show that he could control things that no other people could control. He also showed that it is proper to worship him because he performed miracles. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/authority]]) MAT 8 1 qb1d writing-newevent 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story that contains several accounts of Jesus healing people. This theme continues through [Matthew 9:35](../09/35.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) MAT 8 1 clf8 καταβάντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄρους, ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ ὄχλοι πολλοί 1 Now when he had come down from the hill, large crowds followed him “After Jesus came down from the hill, a large crowd followed him.” The crowd may have included both people who had been with him on the mountain and people who had not been with him. MAT 8 2 vas8 ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 8 2 q4x2 λεπρὸς 1 a leper “a man who had leprosy” or “a man who had a skin disease” MAT 8 2 n77q translate-symaction προσεκύνει αὐτῷ 1 bowed before him This is a sign of humble respect before Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 8 2 yc3f ἐὰν θέλῃς 1 if you would be willing “if you want to” or “if you desire.” The leper knew that Jesus had the power to heal him, but he did not know if Jesus would want to touch him. MAT 8 2 yjn2 figs-idiom δύνασαί με καθαρίσαι 1 you are able to make me clean Here, **clean** means to be healed and to be able to live in the community again. Alternate translation: “you can heal me” or “please heal me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 8 3 kg7e figs-imperative καθαρίσθητι 1 Be clean By saying this, Jesus healed the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) MAT 8 3 eht7 εὐθέως ἐκαθαρίσθη 1 immediately he was cleansed “at that moment he was cleansed” MAT 8 3 lj1x figs-activepassive ἐκαθαρίσθη αὐτοῦ ἡ λέπρα 1 he was cleansed of his leprosy The result of Jesus saying “Be clean” was that the man was healed. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “he was well” or “the leprosy left him” or “the leprosy ended” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 4 gzy6 αὐτῷ 1 to him This refers to the man that Jesus just healed. MAT 8 4 gt5s ὅρα μηδενὶ εἴπῃς 1 See that you may tell no one “Do not say anything to anyone” or “Do not tell anyone I healed you” MAT 8 4 zi3a figs-explicit σεαυτὸν, δεῖξον τῷ ἱερεῖ 1 show yourself to the priest Jewish law required that the person **show** his healed skin **to the priest**, who would then allow him or her to return to the community, to be with other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 8 4 tq9l figs-explicit προσένεγκον τὸ δῶρον ὃ προσέταξεν Μωϋσῆς, εἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς 1 offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them The law of **Moses** required that someone healed of leprosy give a thanksgiving offering to the priest. When the priest accepted the gift, people would know that the man had been healed. Lepers were ostracized, banned from the community, until they had proof of their healing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 8 4 rj8u figs-pronouns αὐτοῖς 1 to them This could mean: (1) This refers to the priests. (2) This refers to all the people. (3) This refers to the critics of Jesus. If possible, use a pronoun that could refer to any of these groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]]) MAT 8 5 sxz8 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to a different time and place and tells of Jesus healing another person. MAT 8 5 vzb9 προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ…παρακαλῶν αὐτὸν 1 came to him, begging him Here both instances of **him** refer to Jesus. MAT 8 6 cr8h παραλυτικός 1 paralyzed unable to move because of disease or stroke MAT 8 7 b9br λέγει αὐτῷ 1 Jesus says to him “Jesus said to the centurion” MAT 8 7 r3sx ἐγὼ ἐλθὼν, θεραπεύσω αὐτόν 1 I, when I have come, will heal him “I will come to your house and make your servant well” MAT 8 8 p7p4 figs-idiom μου ὑπὸ τὴν στέγην 1 under my roof This is an idiom that refers to inside the house. Alternate translation: “into my house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 8 8 hig7 figs-metonymy εἰπὲ λόγῳ 1 speak a word Here, **word** represents a command. Alternate translation: “give the command” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 8 8 rk1z figs-activepassive ἰαθήσεται 1 will be healed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “will become well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 9 ds2m figs-activepassive ἐγὼ ἄνθρωπός εἰμι ὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν, τασσόμενος ἔχων ὑπ’ ἐμαυτὸν στρατιώτας 1 I … am a man under authority, having soldiers placed under me You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I … am a man who is under the authority of someone else, and I have been given authority over a group of soldiers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 9 da25 figs-idiom ὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν…ὑπ’ ἐμαυτὸν 1 under authority … under me To be **under** someone means to be less important and to obey the commands of someone more important. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 8 10 rc1h ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 8 10 c7y6 figs-explicit παρ’ οὐδενὶ τοσαύτην πίστιν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ εὗρον 1 I have found such great faith from no one in Israel Jesus’ hearers would have thought that the Jews in **Israel**, who claim to be children of God, would have greater **faith** than anyone. Jesus is saying they are wrong and that the centurion’s faith was greater. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 8 11 xee4 figs-you ὑμῖν 1 you Here, **you** is plural and refers to “those who were following him” in [Matthew 8:10](../08/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 8 11 mt2i figs-merism ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ δυσμῶν 1 from east and west Using the opposites **east** and **west** is a way of saying “everywhere.” Alternate translation: “from everywhere” or “from far away in every direction” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) MAT 8 11 u4sj figs-metonymy ἀνακλιθήσονται 1 they will recline at table People in that culture would lie down beside the **table** while eating. This phrase indicates that all those at the table are family and close friends. The joy in the kingdom of God is frequently spoken of as if the people there were feasting. Alternate translation: “live as family and friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 8 11 qmc7 figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 in the kingdom of of the heavens Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heavens” in your translation. Alternate translation: “when our God in the heavens shows that he is king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 8 12 ks3b figs-activepassive οἱ…υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας ἐκβληθήσονται 1 the sons of the kingdom will be thrown out You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will throw out the sons of the kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 12 aug7 figs-metonymy οἱ δὲ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας 1 But the sons of the kingdom The phrase **sons of** is a metonym, referring to the unbelieving Jews of the kingdom of Judea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 8 12 pf26 figs-irony οἱ δὲ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας 1 But the sons of the kingdom There is irony here because the **sons** will be thrown out while the strangers will be welcomed. Alternate translation: “those who should have allowed God to rule over them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) MAT 8 12 liu4 figs-metonymy τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον 1 the outer darkness Here, **outer darkness** is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. Alternate translation: “the dark place away from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 8 12 gww4 translate-symaction ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων 1 weeping and grinding of teeth Here, **grinding of teeth** is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. Alternate translation: “weeping and showing their extreme suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 8 13 ki92 figs-activepassive γενηθήτω σοι 1 let it be done for you You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so I will do it for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 13 sdn6 figs-activepassive ἰάθη ὁ παῖς 1 the servant was healed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed the servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 13 ln7p ἐν τῇ ὥρᾳ ἐκείνῃ 1 at that very hour “at the exact time Jesus said he would heal the servant” MAT 8 14 s6g4 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to a different time and place and tells of Jesus healing another person. MAT 8 14 ja31 ἐλθὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς 1 when Jesus had come The disciples were probably with Jesus, but the focus of the story is on what Jesus said and did, so introduce the disciples only if needed to avoid wrong meaning. MAT 8 14 ynh8 τὴν πενθερὰν αὐτοῦ 1 his mother-in-law “the mother of Peter’s wife” MAT 8 15 w7nh figs-personification ἀφῆκεν αὐτὴν ὁ πυρετός 1 the fever left her If your language would understand this personification to mean that the fever could think and act on its own, You can translate this as “she became better” or “Jesus healed her.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) MAT 8 15 r9lt ἠγέρθη 1 she got up “she got out of bed” MAT 8 16 bpx7 0 General Information: In verse 17, Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus’ healing ministry was a fulfillment of prophecy. MAT 8 16 b7cx 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to later that evening and tells of Jesus healing more people and casting out demons. MAT 8 16 yv9y figs-explicit ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης 1 Now evening having come Because Jews did not work or travel on the Sabbath, **evening**may imply after the Sabbath. They waited until evening to bring people to Jesus. You do not need to mention the Sabbath unless you need to avoid wrong meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 8 16 pwr4 figs-activepassive δαιμονιζομένους πολλούς 1 many being possessed by demons You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “many people whom demons possessed” or “many people whom demons controlled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 16 f1cv figs-metonymy ἐξέβαλεν τὰ πνεύματα λόγῳ 1 he cast out the spirits with a word Here, **word** stands for a command. Alternate translation: “he commanded the spirits to leave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 8 17 r3dc figs-activepassive πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου 1 might be fulfilled that which had been spoken by Isaiah the prophet You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus fulfilled the prophecy that the prophet Isaiah had spoken to the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 17 eyu9 figs-parallelism αὐτὸς τὰς ἀσθενείας ἡμῶν ἔλαβεν καὶ τὰς νόσους ἐβάστασεν 1 He himself took our weaknesses and bore our diseases Matthew is quoting the prophet Isaiah. These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he healed all of **our diseases**. Alternate translation: “healed those who were sick and made them well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 8 18 h8bx 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts and tells about Jesus’ response to some people who wanted to follow him. MAT 8 18 dqh1 δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 8 18 a2pn ἐκέλευσεν 1 commanded “told his disciples” MAT 8 19 e1b7 ὅπου ἐὰν 1 wherever to any place MAT 8 20 pqp6 writing-proverbs αἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν καὶ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις 1 Foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky, nests Jesus answers with this proverb. This means even wild animals have somewhere to rest. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 8 20 ub5o figs-explicit αἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν καὶ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις 1 Foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky, nests Jesus assumes that his hearers know what **foxes** are and what they use the **holes** for. If it would be clearer in your language, you could make this information explicit. Alternate translation: “Foxes have their holes in the ground to sleep in, and flying birds have their nests to sleep in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 8 20 tp9s translate-unknown αἱ ἀλώπεκες 1 Foxes **Foxes** are animals like dogs. They eat nesting birds and other small animals. If foxes are unknown in your area, use a general term for wild dog-like creatures that burrow in the ground. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 8 20 rrb5 φωλεοὺς 1 holes Foxes make **holes** in the ground to live in. Use the appropriate word for the place where the animal you use for “foxes” lives. MAT 8 20 qqvq figs-ellipsis τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις 1 the birds of the sky, nests Jesus leaves out the verb “have” in this sentence. You can supply it. Alternate translation: “the birds of the sky have nests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 8 20 qvm5 figs-123person ὁ…Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 2 the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 8 20 yl4s figs-idiom οὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ 1 does not have where he might lay his head This refers to a place to sleep. Alternate translation: “has no place of his own to sleep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 8 21 hlx9 ἐπίτρεψόν μοι πρῶτον ἀπελθεῖν καὶ θάψαι τὸν πατέρα μου 1 permit me first to go away and to bury my father It is unclear whether the man’s **father** has died and he will **bury** him immediately, or if the man wants to stay for a longer amount of time until his father dies so he can bury him then. The main point is that the man wants to do something else first before he follows Jesus. MAT 8 22 h7fb figs-metaphor ἄφες τοὺς νεκροὺς θάψαι τοὺς ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς 1 allow the dead to bury their own dead Jesus does not mean literally that dead people will bury other dead people. Here, **the dead** could mean: (1) It is a metaphor for those who will soon die. (2) It is a metaphor for those who do not follow Jesus and are spiritually dead. The main point is that a disciple must not let anything delay him from following Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 8 23 us1s 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to the account of Jesus calming a storm as he and his disciples cross the Sea of Galilee. MAT 8 23 e8k1 καὶ ἐμβάντι αὐτῷ εἰς πλοῖον 1 And when he had entered into a boat “And when he got into a boat” MAT 8 23 sl7v ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ 1 his disciples followed him Try to use the same words for **disciples** and **followed** that you used in ([Matthew 8:21-22](../08/21.md)). MAT 8 24 j55j ἰδοὺ 1 behold This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of showing this. Alternate translation: “suddenly” or “without warning” MAT 8 24 x7k1 figs-activepassive σεισμὸς μέγας ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ 1 a great storm happened on the sea You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a powerful storm arose on the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 24 m6w8 figs-activepassive ὥστε τὸ πλοῖον καλύπτεσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων 1 so that the boat was covered by the waves You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that the waves covered the boat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 25 k2hd ἤγειραν αὐτὸν λέγοντες, Κύριε, σῶσον, ἀπολλύμεθα! 1 they woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” This could mean: (1) They first woke Jesus and then they said, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” (2) As they were waking Jesus up, they were saying “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” MAT 8 25 b2wh figs-exclusive Κύριε, σῶσον, ἀπολλύμεθα! 1 Save us, Lord; we are perishing! If you need to translate these words as inclusive or exclusive, then inclusive is best. The disciples probably meant they wanted Jesus to save the disciples and himself from drowning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) MAT 8 25 xf5d ἀπολλύμεθα 1 we are perishing “we are about to die” MAT 8 26 jmt8 αὐτοῖς 1 to them “to the disciples” MAT 8 26 g8p7 figs-rquestion τί δειλοί ἐστε, ὀλιγόπιστοι 1 Why are you cowardly, you of little faith? Jesus was rebuking the disciples with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “You should not be cowardly, you of little faith!” or “There is nothing for you to be afraid of, you who have little faith!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 8 26 r5ve ὀλιγόπιστοι 1 you of little faith “you who have such little faith.” Jesus addresses his disciples this way because their anxiety about the storm shows they have little faith in him to control it. See how you translated this in [Matthew 6:30](../06/30.md). MAT 8 27 u2qh figs-rquestion ποταπός ἐστιν οὗτος, ὅτι καὶ οἱ ἄνεμοι καὶ ἡ θάλασσα αὐτῷ ὑπακούουσιν? 1 What sort of is he, that even the winds and the sea obey him? “Even the winds and the sea obey him! What sort of man is this?” This rhetorical question shows that the disciples were surprised. Alternate translation: “This man is unlike any man we have ever seen! Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 8 27 k5mk figs-personification καὶ οἱ ἄνεμοι καὶ ἡ θάλασσα αὐτῷ ὑπακούουσιν 1 even the winds and the sea obey him For people or animals to obey or disobey is not surprising, but for wind and water to obey is very surprising. This personification describes the natural elements as being able to hear and respond like people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) MAT 8 28 g6mr 0 Connecting Statement: Here the author returns to the theme of Jesus healing people. This begins an account of Jesus healing two demon-possessed men. MAT 8 28 iy7a εἰς τὸ πέραν 1 to the other side “to the other side of the Sea of Galilee” MAT 8 28 yzi6 translate-names τὴν χώραν τῶν Γαδαρηνῶν 1 the country of the Gadarenes The **Gadarenes** were named after the town of Gadara. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 8 28 hz5n figs-activepassive δύο δαιμονιζόμενοι 1 two men … being possessed by demons You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “two men … whom demons possessed” or “two men … whom demons were controlling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 28 ylu6 χαλεποὶ λείαν ὥστε μὴ ἰσχύειν τινὰ παρελθεῖν διὰ τῆς ὁδοῦ ἐκείνης 1 very violent, so that no one was strong enough to pass through that road The demons that were controlling these two men were so dangerous that no one could go through that area. MAT 8 29 v9mp ἰδοὺ 1 behold This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of showing this. MAT 8 29 gr2p figs-rquestion τί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί, Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ? 1 What to us and to you, Son of God? The demons use a question but they are being hostile toward Jesus. Alternate translation: “Do not bother us, Son of God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 8 29 jcq6 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God This is an important title for Jesus, which describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 8 29 u4jr figs-rquestion ἦλθες ὧδε πρὸ καιροῦ βασανίσαι ἡμᾶς 1 Have you come here to torment us before the set time? Again, the demons use a question in a hostile way. Alternate translation: “You should not disobey God by punishing us before the specific time God has set when he will punish us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 8 30 v91c writing-background δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew tells background information about a herd of pigs that had been there before Jesus arrived. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 8 31 tf32 figs-explicit εἰ ἐκβάλλεις ἡμᾶς 1 If you cast us out It is implied that the demons knew that Jesus was going to cast them out. Alternate translation: “Because you are going to cast us out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 8 31 cgf7 figs-exclusive ἡμᾶς 1 us This is exclusive, meaning the demons only. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) MAT 8 32 h86e αὐτοῖς 1 to them This refers to the demons inside the men. MAT 8 32 gtx2 οἱ…ἐξελθόντες ἀπῆλθον εἰς τοὺς χοίρους 1 the demons, having come out, went away to the pigs “the demons left the man and entered the pigs” MAT 8 32 qa1i ἰδοὺ 1 behold This alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. MAT 8 32 lhn7 ὥρμησεν…κατὰ τοῦ κρημνοῦ 1 rushed down the steep hill “ran quickly down the steep slope” MAT 8 32 zk2p ἀπέθανον ἐν τοῖς ὕδασιν 1 they died in the water “they fell into the water and drowned” MAT 8 33 qmc5 0 Connecting Statement: This concludes the account of Jesus healing two demon-possessed men. MAT 8 33 v39w οἱ…βόσκοντες 1 those who had been feeding the pigs “those who had been taking care of the pigs” MAT 8 33 ev2w figs-activepassive τὰ τῶν δαιμονιζομένων 1 the things concerning the men who were possessed by demons You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what Jesus did to help the men whom demons had controlled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 8 34 b2hp ἰδοὺ 1 behold This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of showing this. MAT 8 34 j6sp figs-metonymy πᾶσα ἡ πόλις 1 the whole city The word **city** is a metonym for the people of the city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 8 34 xb5x figs-hyperbole πᾶσα ἡ πόλις 1 the whole city The word **whole** is probably an exaggeration to emphasize how very many people came out. Not necessarily every person came out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 8 34 bsf4 τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν 1 their region “their region” MAT 9 intro tg41 0 # Matthew 9 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Sinners”

When the people of Jesus’ time spoke of “sinners,” they were talking about people who did not obey the law of Moses and instead committed sins like stealing or sexual sins. When Jesus said that he came to call “sinners,” he meant that only people who believe that they are sinners can be his followers. This is true even if they are not what most people think of as “sinners.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Passive voice

Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. You may have to translate the sentence so that it tells the reader who performed the action. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

### Rhetorical questions

Speakers in this chapter asked questions to which they already knew the answer. They asked the questions to show that they were not happy with the hearers or to teach them or to get them to think. Your language may have another way of doing this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

### Proverbs

Proverbs are very short sentences that use words that are easy to remember to tell about something that is generally true. People who understand proverbs usually have to know much about the language and culture of the speaker. When you translate the proverbs in this chapter, you may have to use many more words than the speakers used so that you can add information that the hearers knew but your reader do not know. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 9 1 nl8w 0 Connecting Statement: Matthew returns to the theme, which he began in [Matthew 8:1](../08/01.md), of Jesus healing people. This begins an account of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. MAT 9 1 cs8l πλοῖον 1 a boat This is probably the same boat as in [Matthew 8:23](../08/23.md). You only need to specify this if needed to avoid confusion. MAT 9 1 lje9 εἰς τὴν ἰδίαν πόλιν 1 into his own city “to the town where he lived.” This refers to Capernaum. MAT 9 2 i6xp ἰδοὺ 1 behold This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of showing this. MAT 9 2 szd4 προσέφερον 1 they were bringing “some men from the city were bringing” MAT 9 2 k5eh τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν 1 their faith This refers to the faith of the men and may also include the faith of the paralyzed man. MAT 9 2 k9qq τέκνον 1 Child The man was not Jesus’ real son. Jesus was speaking to him politely. If this is confusing, it can also be translated “My friend” or “Young man” or even omitted. MAT 9 2 iys2 figs-activepassive ἀφίενταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι 1 Your sins are forgiven You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I have forgiven your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 3 a35d ἰδού 1 behold This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 9 3 f88r ἐν ἑαυτοῖς 1 among themselves This could mean: (1) Each one was thinking to himself. (2) They were speaking among themselves. MAT 9 3 mq8v βλασφημεῖ 1 blasphemes Jesus was claiming to be able to do things the scribes thought only God can do. MAT 9 4 u643 ἰδὼν…τὰς ἐνθυμήσεις αὐτῶν 1 having known their thoughts Jesus knew what they were thinking either supernaturally or because he could see them talking to each other. MAT 9 4 n4yl figs-rquestion ἵνα τί ἐνθυμεῖσθε πονηρὰ ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν? 1 For what reason do you think evil in your hearts? Jesus used this question to rebuke the scribes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 9 4 qg52 πονηρὰ 1 evil This is moral evil or wickedness, not simply error in fact. MAT 9 4 d499 figs-metonymy ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν 1 in your hearts Here, **hearts** refers to their minds or their thoughts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 9 5 j716 figs-rquestion τί γάρ ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει? 1 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? Jesus uses this question to make the scribes think about what might prove whether or not he could really forgive **sins**. Alternate translation: “I just said ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ You may think that it is harder to say ‘Get up and walk,’ because the proof of whether or not I can heal the man will be shown by whether or not he gets up and walks.” or “You may think that it is easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven’ than it is to say ‘Get up and walk.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 9 5 mk14 figs-quotations τί…ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει? 1 which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? The quotes can be translated as indirect quotes. Alternate translation: “which is easier, to tell someone that his sins are forgiven, or to tell him to get up and walk?” or “you may think that it is easier to tell someone that his sins are forgiven than to tell him to get up and walk.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 9 5 g88p figs-you ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι 1 Your sins have been forgiven Here, **Your** is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 9 5 x05v figs-activepassive ἀφέωνται σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι 1 Your sins have been forgiven You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I have forgiven your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 6 gk68 figs-you ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε 1 But in order that you may know “But I will prove to you.” The “you” is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 9 6 n5sf figs-you σου τὴν κλίνην…τὸν οἶκόν σου 1 your mat … your house Here, **you** and **your** are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 9 6 td1z ὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου 1 go to your house Jesus is not forbidding the man to go elsewhere. He is giving the man the opportunity to go home. MAT 9 7 uwq4 0 Connecting Statement: This concludes the account of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. Jesus then calls a tax collector to be one of his disciples. MAT 9 8 u8qu τὸν δόντα 1 who had given “because he had given” MAT 9 8 x71s ἐξουσίαν τοιαύτην 1 such authority This refers to the **authority** to declare sins forgiven. MAT 9 9 fkr2 καὶ παράγων ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐκεῖθεν 1 And as Jesus passes on from there This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. MAT 9 9 g4r4 παράγων 1 as … passes on “as … was leaving” or “as … was going” MAT 9 9 jc18 Μαθθαῖον…αὐτῷ…ἠκολούθησεν 1 Matthew … to him … he followed Church tradition says that this Matthew is the author of this Gospel, but the text gives no reason to change the pronouns from “him” and “he” to “me” and “I.” MAT 9 9 t5ip λέγει αὐτῷ 1 he says to him “Jesus says to Matthew” MAT 9 9 q438 ἀναστὰς, ἠκολούθησεν αὐτῷ 1 having gotten up, he followed him “Matthew got up and followed Jesus.” This means Matthew became Jesus’ disciple. MAT 9 10 h7u9 0 General Information: These events occur at the house of Matthew the tax collector. MAT 9 10 ksr5 τῇ οἰκίᾳ 1 the house This is probably Matthew’s **house**, but it could also be Jesus’ house. Specify only if needed to avoid confusion. MAT 9 10 c751 ἰδοὺ 1 behold This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 9 10 f9lh ἁμαρτωλοὶ 1 sinners people who did not obey the law of Moses but committed what others thought were very bad sins MAT 9 11 ge2u καὶ ἰδόντες, οἱ Φαρισαῖοι 1 And the Pharisees, having seen this “And the Pharisees, when they saw that Jesus was eating with the tax collectors and sinful people” MAT 9 11 z4h5 figs-rquestion διὰ τί μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίει ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν? 1 For what reason does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? The Pharisees use this question to criticize what Jesus is doing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 9 12 xz13 0 General Information: These events occur at the house of Matthew the tax collector. MAT 9 12 m7fm ὁ δὲ ἀκούσας 1 But he, having heard this Here, **this** refers to the question the Pharisees asked about Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners. MAT 9 12 tl42 writing-proverbs οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν οἱ ἰσχύοντες ἰατροῦ, ἀλλὰ οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες 1 Those who are strong in body do not have need of a physician, but those who have sickness Jesus answers with a proverb. He means that he eats with these kinds of people because he has come to help sinners. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 9 12 uhc5 οἱ ἰσχύοντες 1 Those who are strong in body “People who are healthy” MAT 9 12 h5pg ἰατροῦ 1 of a physician a doctor MAT 9 12 n33c figs-ellipsis οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες 1 those who have sickness The phrase “need a physician” is understood. Alternate translation: “people who are sick need a physician” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 9 13 fu2r πορευθέντες δὲ, μάθετε τί ἐστιν 1 But having gone, learn what is Jesus is about to quote the scriptures. Alternate translation: “You should go and learn the meaning of what God said in the scriptures” MAT 9 13 tqr3 ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν 1 I desire mercy and not sacrifice Jesus is quoting what the prophet Hosea wrote in the scriptures. Here, **I** refers to God. MAT 9 13 djt7 οὐ γὰρ ἦλθον 1 For I did not come Here, **I** refers to Jesus. MAT 9 13 a886 figs-irony δικαίους 1 the righteous Jesus is using irony. He does not think there are any people who are **righteous** and do not need to repent. Alternate translation: “those who think they are righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) MAT 9 14 aa3c 0 Connecting Statement: The disciples of John the Baptist question the fact that Jesus’ disciples do not fast. MAT 9 14 k8vc οὐ νηστεύουσιν 1 do not fast “continue to eat regularly” MAT 9 15 r8if figs-rquestion μὴ δύνανται οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος πενθεῖν, ἐφ’ ὅσον μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐστιν ὁ νυμφίος? 1 The sons of the bridal chamber are not able to mourn while the bridegroom is still with them, are they? Jesus uses a question to answer John’s disciples. They all knew that people do not mourn and fast at a wedding celebration. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 9 15 xnp8 writing-proverbs μὴ δύνανται οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος πενθεῖν, ἐφ’ ὅσον μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐστιν ὁ νυμφίος? 1 The sons of the bridal chamber are not able to mourn while the bridegroom is still with them, are they? Jesus uses this proverb to show that his disciples do not **mourn** because he is still there with them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 9 15 iz9s ἐλεύσονται δὲ ἡμέραι ὅταν 1 But the days will come when This is a way of referring to some time in the future. Alternate translation: “But the time will come when” or “But someday” MAT 9 15 p6hz figs-activepassive ἀπαρθῇ ἀπ’ αὐτῶν ὁ νυμφίος 1 the bridegroom may be taken away from them You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the bridegroom will not be able to be with them any longer” or “someone will take the bridegroom away from them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 15 u8er ἀπαρθῇ 1 may be taken away Jesus is probably referring to his own death, but this should not be made explicit here in the translation. To maintain the imagery of a wedding, it is best to just state that the bridegroom will not be there any longer. MAT 9 16 v4a1 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to answer the question that the disciples of John had asked. He did this by giving two examples of old things and new things that people do not put together. MAT 9 16 yf98 οὐδεὶς δὲ ἐπιβάλλει ἐπίβλημα ῥάκους ἀγνάφου ἐπὶ ἱματίῳ παλαιῷ 1 But no one puts a patch of new cloth on an old garment “But no one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment” or “But people do not sew a piece of new cloth as a patch an old garment” MAT 9 16 bk47 ἱματίῳ παλαιῷ…τοῦ ἱματίου 1 an old garment … the garment “old clothing … the clothing” MAT 9 16 x752 αἴρει…τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱματίου 1 his patch tears away from the garment If someone were to wash the **garment**, the **patch** of new cloth would shrink, but the old garment would not shrink. This would tear the patch off the garment and leave a bigger hole. MAT 9 16 rem6 τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτοῦ 1 his patch “the piece of new cloth.” This is the piece of cloth used to cover a hole in the old garment. MAT 9 16 t71t figs-activepassive χεῖρον σχίσμα γίνεται 1 a worse tear happens You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this will make the tear worse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 17 q9wh 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to answer the question that disciples of John had asked. MAT 9 17 s13y οὐδὲ βάλλουσιν οἶνον νέον εἰς ἀσκοὺς παλαιούς 1 Neither do they put new wine into old wineskins Jesus uses another proverb to answer John’s disciples. This means the same as the proverb in [Matthew 9:16](../09/16.md). MAT 9 17 fbl3 οὐδὲ βάλλουσιν 1 Neither do they put “Neither does anyone pour” or “People never put” MAT 9 17 h26e translate-unknown οἶνον νέον 1 new wine This refers to **wine** that has not fermented yet. If grapes are unknown in your area, use the general term for fruit. Alternate translation: “grape juice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 9 17 dpv4 ἀσκοὺς παλαιούς 1 old wineskins This refers to **wineskins** that have stretched and dried out because they were already used for fermenting wine. MAT 9 17 v4x2 ἀσκοὺς 1 wineskins “wine bags” or “skin bags.” These were bags made out of animal skins. MAT 9 17 hv8f figs-activepassive ὁ οἶνος ἐκχεῖται καὶ οἱ ἀσκοὶ ἀπόλλυνται 1 the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are destroyed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this will ruin the wineskins and spill the wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 17 tg2k ῥήγνυνται οἱ ἀσκοί 1 the wineskins are burst When the new wine ferments and expands, the skins tear open because they can no longer stretch out. MAT 9 17 cid7 ἀσκοὺς καινούς 1 fresh wineskins “new wineskins” or “new wine bags.” This refers to **wineskins** that no one has used. MAT 9 17 i8v4 figs-activepassive ἀμφότεροι συντηροῦνται 1 both are preserved You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this will keep safe both the wineskins and the wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 18 a7ax 0 Connecting Statement: This begins an account of Jesus bringing to life the daughter of a Jewish official after she had died. MAT 9 18 mj4x ταῦτα 1 these things This refers to the answer Jesus gave John’s disciples about fasting. MAT 9 18 eqp1 ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 9 18 n1i6 translate-symaction προσεκύνει αὐτῷ 1 bowed down to him This is a way someone would show respect in Jewish culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 9 18 in6t ἐλθὼν ἐπίθες τὴν χεῖρά σου ἐπ’ αὐτήν καὶ ζήσεται 1 having come, lay your hand on her, and she will live This shows that the Jewish official believed Jesus had the power to bring his daughter back to life. MAT 9 19 z99m οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ 1 his disciples “Jesus’ disciples” MAT 9 20 ai7a 0 Connecting Statement: This describes how Jesus healed another woman while he was on the way to the Jewish official’s house. MAT 9 20 etd3 ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 9 20 gv15 figs-euphemism αἱμορροοῦσα 1 suffering from a discharge of blood “who had been bleeding” or “who frequently had a flow of blood.” She was probably bleeding from her womb even when it was not the normal time for it. Some cultures may have a polite way of referring to this condition. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 9 20 na37 translate-numbers δώδεκα ἔτη 1 for 12 years “for twelve years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 9 20 m9zq τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ 1 of his garment “of his robe” or “of what he was wearing” MAT 9 21 eb6t figs-events ἔλεγεν γὰρ ἐν ἑαυτῇ, ἐὰν μόνον ἅψωμαι τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ, σωθήσομαι. 1 for she was saying to herself, “If only I might touch his garments, I will be made well.” She said this to herself before she touched Jesus’ garment. This tells why she touched Jesus’ garment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) MAT 9 21 ukb8 figs-explicit ἐὰν μόνον ἅψωμαι τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ 1 If only I might touch his garments According to Jewish law, because she was bleeding she was not supposed to **touch** anyone. She touches his clothes so that Jesus’ power would heal her and yet (she thought) he would not know that she touched him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 9 22 vi84 ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς 1 But Jesus “The woman was hoping she could touch him secretly, but Jesus” MAT 9 22 x398 θύγατερ 1 Daughter The woman was not Jesus’ real daughter. Jesus was speaking to her politely. If this is confusing, it can also be translated “Young woman” or even omitted. MAT 9 22 q6ca ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε 1 your faith has saved you “because you believed in me, I will heal you” MAT 9 22 zv2n figs-activepassive ἐσώθη ἡ γυνὴ ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης 1 the woman was healed from that very hour You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed her at that moment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 23 tu2c 0 Connecting Statement: This returns to the account of Jesus bringing the daughter of the Jewish official back to life. MAT 9 23 jae1 τοὺς αὐλητὰς καὶ τὸν ὄχλον θορυβούμενον 1 the flute players and the crowd being stirred up This was a common way to mourn for someone who has died. MAT 9 23 gy7g τοὺς αὐλητὰς 1 the flute players “people playing flutes” MAT 9 24 v1st ἀναχωρεῖτε 1 Go away Jesus was speaking to many people, so use the plural command form if your language has one. MAT 9 24 pc1m figs-euphemism οὐ…ἀπέθανεν τὸ κοράσιον, ἀλλὰ καθεύδει 1 the girl has not died, but sleeps Jesus is using a play on words. It was common in Jesus’ day to refer to a dead person as one who **sleeps**. But here the dead girl will get up, as though she had only been sleeping. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 9 25 iy6x 0 General Information: Verse 26 is a summary statement that describes the result of Jesus raising this girl from the dead. MAT 9 25 utu3 0 Connecting Statement: This completes the account of Jesus bringing the daughter of the Jewish official back to life. MAT 9 25 nqs6 figs-activepassive ὅτε δὲ ἐξεβλήθη ὁ ὄχλος 1 But when the crowd had been put outside You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But after Jesus had sent the crowd outside” or “But after the family had sent the people outside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 25 mm3q ἠγέρθη 1 was raised up “got out of bed.” This is the same meaning as in [Matthew 8:15](../08/15.md). MAT 9 26 rxs4 καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἡ φήμη αὕτη εἰς ὅλην τὴν γῆν ἐκείνην 1 And this report went out into all that region “And the people of that whole region heard about it” or “And the people who saw that the girl was alive started telling everyone in the whole area about it” MAT 9 27 b1h6 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus healing two blind men. MAT 9 27 a8nm καὶ παράγοντι ἐκεῖθεν τῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 And when Jesus was departing from there As Jesus was leaving the region MAT 9 27 nwe9 παράγοντι…τῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 when Jesus had departed “when Jesus was leaving” or “as Jesus was going” MAT 9 27 suc1 ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ 1 followed him This means they were walking behind Jesus, not necessarily that they had become his disciples. MAT 9 27 d8bu figs-explicit ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς 1 Have mercy on us It is implied that they wanted Jesus to heal them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 9 27 dh5d Υἱὲ Δαυείδ 1 Son of David Jesus was not David’s literal son, so this may be translated as “Descendant of David.” However, **Son of David** is also a title for the Messiah, and the men were probably calling Jesus by this title. MAT 9 28 yr4h ἐλθόντι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν 1 But when he had come into the house This could be either Jesus’ own **house** or the house in [Matthew 9:10](../09/10.md). MAT 9 28 e81f figs-ellipsis ναί, Κύριε 1 Yes, Lord The full content of their answer is not stated, but it is understood. Alternate translation: “Yes, Lord, we believe you can heal us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 9 29 b3rl ἥψατο τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν λέγων 1 he touched their eyes, saying It is not clear whether **he touched** both men’s eyes at the same time or used only his right hand to touch one then the other. As the left hand was customarily used for unclean purposes, it is most likely that he used only his right hand. It is also not clear whether he spoke as he was touching them or touched them first and then spoke to them. MAT 9 29 w92e figs-activepassive κατὰ τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν γενηθήτω ὑμῖν 1 Let it happen to you according to your faith You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I will do as you have believed” or “Because you believe, I will heal you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 30 uk2a figs-idiom ἠνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί 1 their eyes were opened This means they were able to see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 9 30 qa39 figs-activepassive ἠνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί 1 their eyes were opened You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God healed their eyes” or “the two blind men were able to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 30 t6p8 figs-idiom ὁρᾶτε μηδεὶς γινωσκέτω 1 See that no one knows about this Here, **See** means “be sure.” Alternate translation: “Be sure no one finds out about this” or “Do not tell anyone that I healed you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 9 31 y574 οἱ δὲ 1 But they “But the two men did not do what Jesus told them to do. They” MAT 9 31 y4b2 διεφήμισαν αὐτὸν 1 reported it “told many people what had happened to them” MAT 9 32 tya1 0 Connecting Statement: This is the account of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man who could not speak and how people responded. MAT 9 32 v9tr ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 9 32 sh32 κωφὸν 1 mute not able to talk MAT 9 32 n6fs figs-activepassive ἄνθρωπον κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον 1 a mute, demon-possessed man You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a man who was mute and whom a demon had possessed” or “a man whom a demon was controlling and making him mute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 33 d6zs figs-activepassive ἐκβληθέντος τοῦ δαιμονίου 1 when the demon had been cast out You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “after Jesus had forced the demon out” or “after Jesus had commanded the demon to leave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 33 r8ce ἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός 1 the mute man spoke “the mute man began to speak” or “the man who had been mute spoke” or “the man, who was no longer mute, spoke” MAT 9 33 d1lf ἐθαύμασαν οἱ ὄχλοι 1 the crowds were astonished “the people were amazed” MAT 9 33 y4l5 figs-activepassive οὐδέποτε ἐφάνη οὕτως 1 Such as this has never been seen You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This has never happened before” or “No one has ever done anything like this before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 9 34 z2r7 ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια 1 he casts out the demons “he forces demons to leave” MAT 9 34 q623 ἐκβάλλει 1 he casts out The pronoun **he** refers to Jesus. MAT 9 35 z6ya 0 General Information: Verse 36 begins a new part of the story where Jesus teaches his disciples and sends them to preach and heal as he has done. MAT 9 35 xpp4 writing-endofstory 0 Connecting Statement: Verse 35 is the end of the part of the story that began in [Matthew 8:1](../08/01.md) about Jesus’ healing ministry in Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]]) MAT 9 35 x9ck figs-hyperbole τὰς πόλεις πάσας 1 all the cities The word **all** is an exaggeration to emphasize how very many cities Jesus went to. He did not necessarily go to every one of them. Alternate translation: “many of the cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 9 35 ehx5 πόλεις…κώμας 1 cities … villages “large villages … small villages” or “large towns … small towns” MAT 9 35 uz5e figs-abstractnouns τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας 1 the gospel of the kingdom Here, **kingdom** refers to God’s rule as king. See how you translated this in [Matthew 4:23](../04/23.md). Alternate translation: “preaching the good news that God will show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 9 35 e7at πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν 1 every disease and every sickness “every disease and every sickness.” The words **disease** and **sickness** are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. **Disease** is what causes a person to be sick. **Sickness** is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease. MAT 9 36 t47i figs-simile ὡσεὶ πρόβατα μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα 1 like sheep not having a shepherd This simile means they did not have a leader to take care of them. Alternate translation: “as people without a leader” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 9 37 q95i 0 General Information: Jesus uses a proverb about harvesting to tell his disciples how they should respond to the needs of the crowds mentioned in the previous section. MAT 9 37 mur4 writing-proverbs ὁ μὲν θερισμὸς πολύς, οἱ δὲ ἐργάται ὀλίγοι 1 The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few Jesus uses a proverb to respond to what he is seeing. Jesus means there are a lot of people who are ready to believe God but only few people to teach them God’s truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 9 37 m6ke ὁ μὲν θερισμὸς πολύς 1 The harvest is plentiful “There is plenty of ripe food for someone to collect” MAT 9 37 h3a2 ἐργάται 1 laborers “workers” MAT 9 38 vz8y δεήθητε…τοῦ Κυρίου τοῦ θερισμοῦ 1 beg the Lord of the harvest “pray to God, because he is in charge of the harvest” MAT 10 intro m5iu 0 # Matthew 10 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The sending of the twelve disciples

Many verses in this chapter describe how Jesus sent the twelve disciples out. He sent them to tell his message about the kingdom of heaven. They were to tell his message only in Israel and not to share it with the Gentiles.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### The twelve disciples

The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:

In Matthew:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.

In Mark:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.

In Luke:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.

Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.

### “The kingdom of heaven has come near”

No one knows for sure whether the “kingdom of heaven” was present or still coming when John spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase “at hand,” but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phrases “is coming near” and “has come near.” MAT 10 1 nhp2 0 Connecting Statement: This begins an account of Jesus sending out his twelve disciples to do his work. MAT 10 1 gjs9 translate-numbers προσκαλεσάμενος τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ 1 having summoned his 12 disciples “having summoned his twelve disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 10 1 x1er ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν 1 he gave them authority Be sure that the text clearly communicates meaning of this **authority**: (1) Jesus gave it to them to drive out unclean spirits. (2) Jesus gave it to them to heal disease and sickness. MAT 10 1 pq8k ὥστε ἐκβάλλειν αὐτὰ 1 so as to cast them out “in order to make the unclean spirits leave” MAT 10 1 x29j πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν 1 every disease and every sickness. “every disease and every sickness.” The words **disease** and **sickness** are closely related but should be translated as two different words if possible. **Disease** is what causes a person to be sick. **Sickness** is the physical weakness or affliction that results from having a disease. MAT 10 2 yt7a 0 General Information: Here the author provides the names of the twelve apostles as background information. MAT 10 2 t59v writing-background δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew tells background information about the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 10 2 f1vu τῶν…δώδεκα ἀποστόλων 1 of the 12 apostles This is the same group as the “12 disciples” in [Matthew 10:1](../10/01.md). MAT 10 2 sc7b translate-ordinal πρῶτος 1 first This is first in order, not in rank. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 10 3 g6eg Μαθθαῖος ὁ τελώνης 1 Matthew the tax collector “Matthew, who was a tax collector” MAT 10 4 n4st ὁ Καναναῖος 1 the Zealot This could mean: (1) The word **Zealot** is a title that shows that he was part of the group of people who wanted to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. Alternate translation: “the patriot” or “the nationalist” (2) The word **Zealot** is a description that shows that he was zealous for God to be honored. Alternate translation: “the zealous one” or “the passionate one” MAT 10 4 kmp2 ὁ καὶ παραδοὺς αὐτόν 1 who also betrayed him “who would betray Jesus” MAT 10 5 sn9v figs-events 0 General Information: Although verse 5 begins by saying that he sent out the twelve, Jesus gave these instructions before he sent them out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) MAT 10 5 aw5h 0 Connecting Statement: Here Jesus begins to give instructions to his disciples about what they should do and expect when they go to preach. MAT 10 5 c46d τούτους τοὺς δώδεκα ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς 1 These Twelve Jesus sent out “Jesus sent out these twelve men” or “It was these twelve men whom Jesus sent out” MAT 10 5 yix4 ἀπέστειλεν 1 sent out Jesus sent them out for a particular purpose. MAT 10 5 ryl4 παραγγείλας αὐτοῖς 1 having instructed them “having told them what they needed to do” or “having commanded them” MAT 10 6 q1pb figs-metaphor τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ 1 the lost sheep of the house of Israel This is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of **Israel** to **sheep** who have strayed from their shepherd. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 10 6 b6i2 figs-metonymy οἴκου Ἰσραήλ 1 of the house of Israel This refers to the nation of **Israel**. Alternate translation: “of the people of Israel” or “of the descendants of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 7 uff2 figs-you πορευόμενοι 1 as you are going Here, **you** is plural and refers to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 7 w59i figs-metonymy ἤγγικεν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 The kingdom of the heavens has come near The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God ruling as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use the word **heavens** in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 3:2](../03/02.md). Alternate translation: “Our God in the heavens will soon show himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 8 e13x 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about what they should do when they go to preach. MAT 10 8 v5sp figs-you θεραπεύετε…ἐγείρετε…καθαρίζετε…ἐκβάλλετε…ἐλάβετε…δότε 1 Heal … raise … cleanse … and cast out … you have received … give These verbs and pronouns are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 8 bb4d figs-idiom νεκροὺς ἐγείρετε 1 raise the dead This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cause the dead to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 10 8 ilj9 figs-ellipsis δωρεὰν ἐλάβετε, δωρεὰν δότε 1 Freely you have received, freely give Jesus did not state what the disciples had received or were to give. Some languages may require this information in the sentence. Here, **Freely** means that there was no payment. Alternate translation: “Freely you have received these things, freely give them to others” or “You received these things without paying, so give them to others without making them pay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 10 8 ls6j figs-metaphor δωρεὰν ἐλάβετε, δωρεὰν δότε 1 Freely you have received, freely give Here, **received** is a metaphor that represents being made able to do things, and **give** is a metaphor that represents doing things for others. Alternate translation: “Freely you have received the ability to do these things, freely do them for others” or “Freely I have made you able to do these things, freely do them for others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 10 9 dw4i figs-you ὑμῶν 1 your This refers to the twelve apostles and so is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 9 a4xx figs-metonymy χρυσὸν, μηδὲ ἄργυρον, μηδὲ χαλκὸν 1 gold, or silver, or copper These are metals out of which coins were made. This list is a metonym for money, so if the metals are unknown in your area, translate the list as “money.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 9 b4m7 τὰς ζώνας 1 purses This means “belts” or “money belts,” but it can refer to whatever might be used to carry money. A belt is a long strip of cloth or leather worn around the waist. It was often wide enough that it could be folded and used to carry money. MAT 10 10 kia9 πήραν 1 a bag This could either be any bag used to carry things on a journey, or a bag used by someone to collect food or money. MAT 10 10 i2ex δύο χιτῶνας 1 two tunics Use the same word you used for “tunic” in [Matthew 5:40](../05/40.md). MAT 10 10 ei4d ὁ ἐργάτης 1 a laborer a worker MAT 10 10 m97h figs-synecdoche τῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ 1 of his food Here, **food** refers to anything a person needs. Alternate translation: “of what he needs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 10 11 dk1r 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about what they should do when they go out to preach. MAT 10 11 b7ig εἰς ἣν δ’ ἂν πόλιν ἢ κώμην εἰσέλθητε 1 But whatever city or village you might enter into “But whenever you enter a city or village” or “But when you go into any city or village” MAT 10 11 p4ln πόλιν…κώμην 1 city … village “large village … small village” or “large town … small town.” See how you translated this in [Matthew 9:35](../09/35.md). MAT 10 11 r7kj figs-you εἰσέλθητε 1 you might enter This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 11 c3uf ἄξιός 1 worthy A **worthy** person is a person who is willing to welcome the disciples. MAT 10 11 a41d figs-explicit κἀκεῖ μείνατε ἕως ἂν ἐξέλθητε 1 and stay there until you might leave The full meaning of the statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and stay in that person’s house until you leave the town or village” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 10 12 n6cm figs-metonymy εἰσερχόμενοι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν, ἀσπάσασθε αὐτήν 1 But entering into the house, greet it The phrase **greet it** means greet the **house**. A common greeting in those days was “Peace be to this house!” Here, **house** represents the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “As you enter the house, greet the people who live in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 12 k1xk figs-you εἰσερχόμενοι 1 entering This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 13 qip2 figs-you ὑμῶν…ὑμῶν 1 your … your These are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 13 kc9m figs-metonymy μὲν ᾖ ἡ οἰκία ἀξία…μὴ ᾖ ἀξία 1 the house might be worthy … it might not be worthy Here, **the house** represents those who live in the house. A **worthy** person is a person who is willing to welcome the disciples. Jesus compares this person to one who is not worthy, a person who does not welcome the disciples. Alternate translation: “the people who live in that house receive you well” or “the people who live in that house treat you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 13 q75a figs-metonymy ἐλθάτω ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν ἐπ’ αὐτήν 1 let your peace come upon it The word **it** refers to the house, which represents the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “let them receive your peace” or “let them receive the peace that you greeted them with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 13 ha8f figs-metonymy ἐὰν…μὴ ᾖ ἀξία 2 if it might not be worthy The word **it** means the house, and “house” refers to the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “if they do not receive you well” or “if they do not treat you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 13 my3y ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐπιστραφήτω 1 let your peace return to you This could mean: (1) If the household was not worthy, then God would hold back peace or blessings from that household. (2) If the household was not worthy, then the apostles were supposed to do something, such as asking God not to honor their greeting of peace. If your language has a similar meaning of taking back a greeting or its effects, that should be used here. MAT 10 14 yn9k 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about what they should do when they go to preach. MAT 10 14 m8e9 καὶ ὃς ἂν μὴ δέξηται ὑμᾶς, μηδὲ ἀκούσῃ 1 And whoever might not receive you nor listen to “And if no people in that house or city will receive you or listen to” MAT 10 14 w5py figs-you ὑμᾶς…ὑμῶν 1 you … your This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 14 z826 figs-metonymy ἀκούσῃ τοὺς λόγους ὑμῶν 1 listen to your words Here, **words** refers to what the disciples say. Alternate translation: “listen to your message” or “listen to what you have to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 14 hi3i πόλεως 1 city You should translate this the same way you did in [Matthew 10:11](../10/11.md). MAT 10 14 i5mc translate-symaction ἐκτινάξατε τὸν κονιορτὸν τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν 1 shake off the dust from your feet “shake the dust off your feet as you leave.” This is a sign that God has rejected the people of that house or city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 10 15 pk4f ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 10 15 d6ib ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται 1 it will be more tolerable “the suffering will be less” MAT 10 15 sg3c figs-metonymy γῇ Σοδόμων καὶ Γομόρρων 1 for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah This refers to the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 15 zmm2 figs-metonymy τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ 1 for that city This refers to the people in the **city** that does not receive the apostles or listen to their message. Alternate translation: “for the people of the city that does not receive you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 16 lf4i 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples. Here he begins to tell them about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach. MAT 10 16 ggp6 ἰδοὺ 1 Behold The word **Behold** here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.” MAT 10 16 c9bi ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω ὑμᾶς 1 I send you out Jesus is sending them out for a particular purpose. MAT 10 16 b262 figs-simile ὡς πρόβατα ἐν μέσῳ λύκων 1 as sheep in the midst of wolves Sheep are defenseless animals that **wolves** often attack. Jesus is stating that people may harm the disciples. Alternate translation: “as sheep among people who are like dangerous wolves” or “as sheep among people who act the way dangerous animals act” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 10 16 s21a figs-simile γίνεσθε…φρόνιμοι ὡς οἱ ὄφεις καὶ ἀκέραιοι ὡς αἱ περιστεραί 1 be wise as the serpents and harmless as the doves Jesus is telling the disciples they must be cautious and harmless among the people. If comparing the disciples to **serpents** or **doves** is confusing, it might be better not to state the similes. Alternate translation: “act with understanding and caution, as well as with innocence and virtue” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 10 17 a55q grammar-connect-words-phrases προσέχετε δὲ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων; παραδώσουσιν γὰρ ὑμᾶς 1 But watch out for men, for they will deliver you up You can translate with “because” to show how these two statements relate. Alternate translation: “But watch out for people because they will deliver you up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) MAT 10 17 csc4 παραδώσουσιν…ὑμᾶς εἰς 1 they will deliver you up to “they will put you under the control of” MAT 10 17 fct4 συνέδρια 1 councils local religious leaders or elders who together keep peace in the community MAT 10 17 gs2d μαστιγώσουσιν ὑμᾶς 1 they will whip you “beat you with a whip” MAT 10 18 pe3d figs-activepassive καὶ…ἀχθήσεσθε 1 you will even be brought You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they will even bring you” or “they will even drag you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 10 18 p74k ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ 1 for my sake “because you belong to me” or “because you follow me” MAT 10 18 u5wc αὐτοῖς καὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν 1 to them and to the Gentiles The pronoun **them** refers either to the “governors and kings” or to the Jewish accusers. MAT 10 19 ksi4 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach. MAT 10 19 e5t6 ὅταν δὲ παραδῶσιν ὑμᾶς 1 But when they may deliver you up “But when people take you to the councils.” Here, **they** are the same people as in [Matthew 10:17](../10/17.md). MAT 10 19 qcs3 figs-you ὑμᾶς…μὴ μεριμνήσητε…λαλήσητε…δοθήσεται…ὑμῖν…λαλήσητε 1 you … you should not be anxious about … you should speak … you should say will be given to you All instances of **you** are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 19 qzd2 μὴ μεριμνήσητε 1 you should not be anxious about “you should not worry about” MAT 10 19 ien3 figs-hendiadys πῶς ἢ τί λαλήσητε 1 how or what you should speak “how you are to speak or what you are to say.” The two ideas may be combined: “what you are to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) MAT 10 19 l7rb figs-activepassive δοθήσεται γὰρ ὑμῖν ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ τί λαλήσητε 1 for what you should say will be given to you in that hour You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for at that time, the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 10 19 cm7h figs-metonymy ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ 1 in that hour Here, **hour** means “right then.” Alternate translation: “right then” or “at that time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 20 yuk1 figs-you ὑμεῖς…ὑμῶν…ὑμῖν 1 you … your … you These are plural and refer to the twelve apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 20 v9tm τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν 1 the Spirit of your Father If necessary, You can translate this as “the Spirit of God your heavenly Father” or a footnote can be added to make it clear that this refers to God the Holy Spirit and not to the spirit of an earthly father. MAT 10 20 k3xr guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν 1 of your Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 10 20 zxd8 ἐν ὑμῖν 1 in you “through you” MAT 10 21 i8q5 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach. MAT 10 21 p9ms παραδώσει δὲ ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον 1 Brother will deliver up brother to death “But a brother will deliver up his own brother to death” or “But brothers will deliver up their brothers to death.” Jesus speaks of something that will happen many times. MAT 10 21 lh6z figs-abstractnouns παραδώσει…ἀδελφὸν εἰς θάνατον 1 will deliver up brother to death The abstract noun **death** can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “hand brother over to authorties who will execute him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 10 21 p8w9 figs-ellipsis πατὴρ τέκνον 1 a father his child These words can be translated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “fathers will deliver up their children to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 10 21 xja9 ἐπαναστήσονται…ἐπὶ 1 will rise up against “will rebel against” or “will turn against” MAT 10 21 xf2d θανατώσουσιν αὐτούς 1 put them to death “have them put to death” or “have the authorities execute them” MAT 10 22 sp6p figs-activepassive ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων 1 you will be hated by everyone You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone will hate you” or “all people will hate you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 10 22 va6i figs-you ἔσεσθε 1 you will be This is plural and refers to the twelve disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 22 n3xn figs-metonymy διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 because of my name Here, **name** refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you trust in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 22 k5w9 ὁ…ὑπομείνας 1 the one who endures “whoever stays faithful” MAT 10 22 j71i εἰς τέλος 1 to the end It is not clear whether the **end** means when a person dies, when the persecution ends, or the end of the age when God shows himself to be king. The main point is that they endure as long as necessary. MAT 10 22 qn7j figs-activepassive οὗτος σωθήσεται 1 he will be saved You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will deliver that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 10 23 m42z ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ 1 in this city Here, **this** does not refer to a specific city. Alternate translation: “in one city” MAT 10 23 jjd4 φεύγετε εἰς τὴν ἑτέραν 1 flee to the next “flee to the next city” MAT 10 23 gk1s ἀμὴν…λέγω ὑμῖν 1 truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 10 23 dk4u figs-123person Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 10 23 tm8z ἔλθῃ 1 may come “arrives” MAT 10 24 uv9r 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach. MAT 10 24 p8mr writing-proverbs οὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον, οὐδὲ δοῦλος ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον αὐτοῦ 1 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master Jesus is using a proverb to teach his disciples a general truth. Jesus is emphasizing that the disciples should not expect people to treat them any better than the people treat Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 10 24 syb2 οὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον 1 A disciple is not above his teacher “A disciple is always less important than his teacher” or “A teacher is always more important than his disciple” MAT 10 24 nc3e οὐδὲ δοῦλος ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον αὐτοῦ 1 nor a slave above his master “and a slave is always less important than his master” or “and a master is always more important than his slave” MAT 10 25 e2ae ἀρκετὸν τῷ μαθητῇ ἵνα γένηται ὡς ὁ διδάσκαλος αὐτοῦ 1 It is enough for the disciple that he might be like his teacher “The disciple should be satisfied to become like his teacher” MAT 10 25 t7jp figs-explicit γένηται ὡς ὁ διδάσκαλος αὐτοῦ 1 he might be like his teacher If necessary, you can make explicit how the disciple becomes like the **teacher**. Alternate translation: “he might know as much as his teacher knows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 10 25 e6z3 figs-explicit ὁ δοῦλος ὡς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ 1 the slave like his master If necessary, you can make explicit how the slave becomes like the master. Alternate translation: “the slave should be satisfied to become only as important as his master” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 10 25 u355 εἰ τὸν οἰκοδεσπότην Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐπεκάλεσαν, πόσῳ μᾶλλον τοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ 1 If they called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much worse the members of his household Again Jesus is emphasizing that since people have mistreated him, his disciples should expect people to treat them the same or worse. MAT 10 25 bg2l πόσῳ μᾶλλον τοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ 1 how much worse the members of his household “the names that they call the members of his household will certainly be much worse” or “they will certainly call the members of his household much worse names” MAT 10 25 cp96 εἰ…ἐπεκάλεσαν 1 If they called “Since people have called” MAT 10 25 pu5y figs-metaphor τὸν οἰκοδεσπότην 1 the master of the house Jesus is using this as a metaphor for himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 10 25 y5md Βεελζεβοὺλ 1 Beelzebul This name can either translated as follows: (1) It can be transcribed directly as “Beelzebul.” (2) It can be translated with its original, intended meaning of “Satan.” MAT 10 25 r5ll figs-metaphor τοὺς οἰκιακοὺς αὐτοῦ 1 the members of his household This is a metaphor for Jesus’ disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 10 26 zb2j 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go out to preach. MAT 10 26 twv2 μὴ…φοβηθῆτε αὐτούς 1 do not fear them Here, **them** refers to the people who mistreat followers of Jesus. MAT 10 26 x4o8 figs-parallelism οὐδὲν…ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται 1 there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and hidden, that will not be made known Both of these statements mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 10 26 xqs4 figs-metaphor οὐδὲν…ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται 1 there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and hidden, that will not be made known Being concealed or hidden represents being kept secret, and being revealed represents being made known. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 10 26 j86e figs-activepassive οὐδὲν…ἐστιν κεκαλυμμένον ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται 1 there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and hidden, that will not be made known Jesus is emphasizing that God will make all things known. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will reveal the things that people hide” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 10 27 fa1s figs-parallelism ὃ λέγω ὑμῖν ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτί; καὶ ὃ εἰς τὸ οὖς ἀκούετε, κηρύξατε ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων 1 What I tell you in the darkness, say in the daylight, and what you hear in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops Both of these statements mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that the disciples should tell everyone what he tells the disciples in private. Alternate translation: “Tell people in the daylight what I tell you in the darkness, and proclaim upon the housetops what you hear softly in your ear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 10 27 kw75 figs-metonymy ὃ λέγω ὑμῖν ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτί 1 What I tell you in the darkness, say in the daylight Here, **darkness** is a metonym for “night” which is a metonym for “private.” Here, **daylight** is a metonym for “public.” Alternate translation: “What I tell you privately at night, say in public in the day light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 27 fc49 figs-idiom ὃ εἰς τὸ οὖς ἀκούετε 1 what you hear in your ear This is a way of referring to whispering. Alternate translation: “what I whisper to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 10 27 t9u9 figs-metonymy κηρύξατε ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων 1 proclaim upon the housetops Housetops where Jesus lived were flat, and people far away could hear anyone speaking with a loud voice. Here, **housetops** refers to any place where all people can hear. Alternate translation: “speak loudly in a public place for all to hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 28 s6wq 0 General Information: Here Jesus also begins to give reasons why his disciples should not be afraid of the persecution they might experience. MAT 10 28 p3fn 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the persecution they will endure when they go to preach. MAT 10 28 fb29 figs-distinguish μὴ φοβεῖσθε ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποκτεννόντων τὸ σῶμα, τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν μὴ δυναμένων ἀποκτεῖναι 1 do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul This is not distinguishing between people who cannot kill the soul and people who can **kill the soul**. No person can kill the soul. Alternate translation: “do not be afraid of people. They can kill the body, but they cannot kill the soul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) MAT 10 28 lc56 τῶν ἀποκτεννόντων τὸ σῶμα 1 those who kill the body This means to cause physical death. If these words are awkward, they can be translated as “those who kill you” or “those who kill people.” MAT 10 28 ei7y τὸ σῶμα 1 the body the part of a person that can be touched, as opposed to the soul or spirit MAT 10 28 e4de τὴν…ψυχὴν…ἀποκτεῖναι 1 to kill the soul This means to harm people after they have physically died. MAT 10 28 e76n τὴν…ψυχὴν 1 the soul the part of a person that cannot be touched and that lives on after the physical body dies MAT 10 28 pk7k grammar-connect-words-phrases φοβεῖσθε δὲ μᾶλλον τὸν δυνάμενον 1 But instead, fear the one who is able You can add “because” to clarify why people should fear God. Alternate translation: “But instead, fear God because he is able” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) MAT 10 29 tm3s writing-proverbs οὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται? 1 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? Jesus states this proverb. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 10 29 glbl figs-rquestion οὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται? 1 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? Jesus uses this question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: “Think about the sparrows. They have so little value that you can buy two of them for only one small coin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 10 29 q22l translate-unknown στρουθία 1 sparrows These are very small, seed-eating birds. Alternate translation: “small birds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 10 29 i399 ἀσσαρίου 1 for an assarion This is often translated as the least valuable coin available in your country. It refers to a copper coin worth about one-sixteenth of a day’s wage for a laborer. Alternate translation: “very little money” MAT 10 29 wxt4 figs-doublenegatives ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ πεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, ἄνευ τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν 1 not one of them will fall to the ground without the knowledge of your Father You can state this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “your Father knows when even one sparrow dies and falls to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) MAT 10 29 fe8z guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν 1 of your Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 10 30 cih3 figs-activepassive ὑμῶν…καὶ αἱ τρίχες τῆς κεφαλῆς πᾶσαι ἠριθμημέναι εἰσίν 1 even the hairs of your head are all numbered You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God knows even how many hairs are on your head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 10 30 nb7b ἠριθμημέναι 1 numbered “counted” MAT 10 31 n2tz πολλῶν στρουθίων διαφέρετε ὑμεῖς 1 you are more valuable than many sparrows “God values you more than many sparrows” MAT 10 32 jtw9 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience. MAT 10 32 ntt9 πᾶς…ὅστις ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοὶ…ὁμολογήσω κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ 1 everyone who confesses in me … I will also confess in him “whoever confesses me … I will also confess” or “if anyone confesses me … I will also confess him” MAT 10 32 yj44 ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοὶ ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 will confess in me before men “tells others that he is my disciple” or “acknowledges before other people that he is loyal to me” MAT 10 32 j4dh figs-ellipsis ὁμολογήσω κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς 1 I will also confess in him before my Father who is in the heavens You can make explicit the information that is understood. Alternate translation: “I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in the heavens that that person belongs to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 10 32 kdd2 τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς 1 my Father who is in the heavens “my heavenly Father” MAT 10 32 n1nb guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 my Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 10 33 sx8g ὅστις…ἂν ἀρνήσηταί με…ἀρνήσομαι κἀγὼ αὐτὸν 1 whoever would deny me … I will also deny him “whoever denies me … I will also deny” or “if anyone denies me … I will also deny him” MAT 10 33 d15s ἂν ἀρνήσηταί με ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 would deny me before men “denies to other people that he is loyal to me” or “refuses to acknowledge to others that he is my disciple” MAT 10 33 cnu3 figs-ellipsis ἀρνήσομαι κἀγὼ αὐτὸν ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς 1 I will also deny him before my Father who is in the heavens You can make explicit the information that is understood. Alternate translation: “I will deny before my Father who is in the heavens that this person belongs to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 10 34 bx73 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience. MAT 10 34 rrp3 μὴ νομίσητε 1 Do not think “Do not suppose” or “You must not think” MAT 10 34 l5ad figs-metonymy ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν 1 upon the earth This refers to the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: “to the people of the earth” or “to people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 34 jq6d figs-metonymy μάχαιραν 1 a sword This refers to division, fighting, and killing among people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 35 xx5m διχάσαι ἄνθρωπον κατὰ 1 to set a man against “to cause a man to fight against” MAT 10 35 k18y ἄνθρωπον κατὰ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ 1 a man against his father “a son against his father” MAT 10 36 lhc2 ἐχθροὶ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου 1 the enemies of a man “a person’s enemies” or “a person’s worst enemies” MAT 10 36 g166 οἱ οἰκιακοὶ αὐτοῦ 1 will be those of his own household “will be the members of his own family” MAT 10 37 ju1k 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience. MAT 10 37 az6t ὁ φιλῶν 1 The one loving The word **loving** here refers to “brotherly love” or “love from a friend.” Alternate translation: “The one caring for” or “The one who is devoted to” or “The one who is fond of” MAT 10 37 fb3p μου ἄξιος 1 worthy of me “deserve to belong to me” or “worthy to be my disciple” MAT 10 38 ye95 figs-metonymy οὐ λαμβάνει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀκολουθεῖ ὀπίσω μου 1 does not take up his cross and follow after me “does not carry his cross and follow me.” The **cross** represents suffering and death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 10 38 xesp figs-metaphor οὐ λαμβάνει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀκολουθεῖ ὀπίσω μου 1 does not take up his cross and follow after me Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: “obey me even to the point of suffering and dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 10 38 ai2r οὐ λαμβάνει 1 does not take up “does not pick up and carry” MAT 10 39 u4jh writing-proverbs ὁ εὑρὼν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἀπολέσει αὐτήν; καὶ ὁ ἀπολέσας τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ εὑρήσει αὐτήν 1 The one who found his life will lose it, and the one who lost his life for my sake will find it Jesus uses a proverb to teach his disciples. This should be translated with as few words as possible. Alternate translation: “Those who find their lives will lose them. But those who lose their lives for my sake will find them” or “If you find your life you will lose it. But if you lose your life because of me, you will find it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 10 39 jwf2 figs-metaphor ὁ εὑρὼν 1 The one who found This is a metaphor for “keeps” or “saves.” Alternate translation: “The one who tried to keep” or “The one who tried to save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 10 39 pbf3 figs-metaphor ἀπολέσει αὐτήν 1 will lose it This does not mean the person will die. It is a metaphor that means the person will not experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: “will not have true life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 10 39 i3x4 figs-metaphor ὁ ἀπολέσας τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ 1 the one who lost his life This does not mean to die. It is a metaphor that means a person considers obeying Jesus more important than his own life. Alternate translation: “the one who denied himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 10 39 hz7r ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ 1 for my sake “because he trusts me” or “on my account” or “because of me.” This is the same idea as “for my sake” in [Matthew 10:18](../10/18.md). MAT 10 39 g2c8 figs-metaphor εὑρήσει αὐτήν 1 will find it This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: “will find true life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 10 40 u2wq 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to instruct his disciples about the reasons why they should not be afraid of the persecution that they might experience. MAT 10 40 asg3 ὁ δεχόμενος 1 The one receiving “Whoever receives” or “Anyone who receives” or “The one who welcomes” MAT 10 40 c77e ὁ δεχόμενος 1 The one receiving This means to receive someone as a guest. MAT 10 40 ir49 figs-you ὑμᾶς 1 you This is plural and refers to the twelve apostles to whom Jesus is speaking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 10 40 pf1j ὁ δεχόμενος ὑμᾶς ἐμὲ δέχεται 1 The one receiving you receives me Jesus means that when someone receives you, it is like receiving him. Alternate translation: “When someone receives you, it is like he is receiving me” or “If someone welcomes you, it is as if he were welcoming me” MAT 10 40 y9ck ὁ ἐμὲ δεχόμενος δέχεται τὸν ἀποστείλαντά με 1 the one receiving me receives the one who sent me This means that when someone receives Jesus, it is like receiving God. Alternate translation: “when someone receives me, it is like he is receiving God the Father who sent me” or “if someone welcomes me, it is as if he were welcoming God the Father who sent me” MAT 10 41 f9pv εἰς ὄνομα προφήτου 1 in the name of a prophet “because he is a prophet” MAT 10 41 yj1q μισθὸν προφήτου 1 a reward of a prophet This refers to the **reward** that God gives the **prophet**, not to the reward that a prophet gives to another person. MAT 10 41 x483 εἰς ὄνομα δικαίου 1 in the name of a righteous man “because he is a righteous man” MAT 10 41 qfv7 μισθὸν δικαίου 1 a reward of a righteous man This refers to the **reward** God gives to **a righteous** person, not a reward that a righteous person gives to another person. MAT 10 42 wx4a 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes instructing his disciples about what they should do and expect when they go to preach. MAT 10 42 v6jg ὃς ἐὰν ποτίσῃ 1 whoever might give … to drink “anyone who gives … to drink” MAT 10 42 z8tk ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων 1 to one of these little ones “to one of these lowly ones” or “to the least important of these.” The phrase **one of these** here refers to one of Jesus’ disciples. MAT 10 42 lza6 εἰς ὄνομα μαθητοῦ 1 in the name of a disciple “because he is my disciple” MAT 10 42 wx29 ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 10 42 y1ie οὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ τὸν μισθὸν αὐτοῦ 1 he may certainly not lose his reward Here, **he** and **his** refer to the one who is giving. MAT 10 42 d61l οὐ μὴ ἀπολέσῃ 1 he may certainly not lose “God will not deny him.” This has nothing to do with having a possession taken away. You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “God will certainly give him” MAT 11 intro puf4 0 # Matthew 11 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted material in 11:10.

Some scholars believe that [Matthew 11:20](../../mat/11/20.md) begins a new stage in the ministry of Christ because of Israel’s rejection of him.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Hidden revelation

After [Matthew 11:20](../../mat/11/20.md), Jesus begins to reveal information about himself and about the plans of God the Father, while hiding this information from those who reject him ([Matthew 11:25](../../mat/11/25.md)).

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “The kingdom of heaven is near”

No one knows for sure whether the “kingdom of heaven” was present or still coming when John spoke these words. English translations often use The phrase **at hand**, but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phrases “is coming near” and “has come near.” MAT 11 1 z2y7 writing-newevent 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of how Jesus responded to disciples of John the Baptist. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) MAT 11 1 dr3u καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε 1 It came about that when This phrase shifts the story from Jesus’ teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “And when” or “After” MAT 11 1 ki7f ἐτέλεσεν…διατάσσων 1 had finished giving orders “had finished teaching” or “had finished commanding” MAT 11 1 m6h5 translate-numbers τοῖς δώδεκα μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ 1 to his 12 disciples This refers to the 12 chosen apostles of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 11 1 ju1q ἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν αὐτῶν 1 in their cities Here, **their** refers to all the Jews in general. MAT 11 2 n2dc δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 11 2 f3j7 ὁ…Ἰωάννης, ἀκούσας ἐν τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ 1 John, having heard in the prison about “John, who was in prison, heard about” or “someone told John, who was in prison, about.” Even though Matthew has not yet told the readers that King Herod put **John** the Baptist in jail, the original audience would have been familiar with the story and understood the implicit information here. Matthew will give more information later about John the Baptist, so it is probably best not to make it explicit here. MAT 11 2 xre1 πέμψας διὰ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ 1 having sent through his disciples John the Baptist sent his own **disciples** with a message to Jesus. MAT 11 3 w2im εἶπεν αὐτῷ 1 said to him The pronoun **him** refers to Jesus. MAT 11 3 q89t σὺ εἶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 Are you the one coming “Are you the one whom we are expecting to come.” This is another way to refer to the Messiah or Christ. MAT 11 3 hrk5 ἕτερον προσδοκῶμεν? 1 are we expecting another? “should we be expecting someone else?” The pronoun **we** refers to all Jews, not only John’s disciples. MAT 11 4 a66r ἀπαγγείλατε Ἰωάννῃ 1 report to John “tell John” MAT 11 5 sd6c figs-activepassive λεπροὶ καθαρίζονται 1 lepers are cleansed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I am healing lepers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 5 v274 figs-idiom νεκροὶ ἐγείρονται 1 the dead are raised Here to raise is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “people who have died are being caused to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 11 5 k796 figs-activepassive νεκροὶ ἐγείρονται 1 the dead are raised You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I am causing those who have died to become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 5 g3k4 figs-activepassive πτωχοὶ εὐαγγελίζονται 1 the poor are being told the gospel You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I am preaching good news to the poor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 5 l443 figs-nominaladj πτωχοὶ 1 the poor This nominalized adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 11 7 g2q8 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist. MAT 11 7 ysq6 figs-rquestion τί ἐξήλθατε εἰς τὴν ἔρημον θεάσασθαι? κάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον? 1 What did you go out in the wilderness to see—a reed being shaken by the wind? Jesus uses a question to cause the people to think about what kind of person John the Baptist is. Alternate translation: “Surely you did not go out to the wilderness to see a reed being shaken by the wind!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 11 7 pc6c figs-metaphor κάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον 1 a reed being shaken by the wind This could mean: (1) Jesus be referring the literal plants by the Jordan River. (2) Jesus is using a metaphor to mean a kind of person. Alternate translation: “a man who easily changes his mind and is like a reed blowing back and forth in the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 11 7 w269 figs-activepassive ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον 1 being shaken by the wind You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “swaying in the wind” or “blowing in the wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 8 n5hx figs-rquestion ἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε ἰδεῖν? ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον? 1 But what did you go out to see—a man dressed in soft clothing? Jesus uses a question to cause the people to think about what kind of person John the Baptist is. Alternate translation: “And, surely you did not go out to the desert to see a man dressed in soft clothing!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 11 8 y24r ἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον 1 dressed in soft clothing “wearing expensive clothing.” Rich people wore this kind of **clothing**. MAT 11 8 tmb9 ἰδοὺ 1 Behold This word adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed” MAT 11 8 v9k2 τοῖς οἴκοις τῶν βασιλέων 1 the houses of kings “kings’ palaces” MAT 11 9 cgm4 0 General Information: In verse 10, Jesus quotes the prophet Malachi to show that the life and ministry of John the Baptist fulfilled prophecy. MAT 11 9 w9su 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist. MAT 11 9 gm97 figs-rquestion ἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε? προφήτην ἰδεῖν 1 But what did you go out to see—a prophet? Jesus uses a question to make the people think about what kind of man John the Baptist is. Alternate translation: “But surely you went out to the desert to see a prophet!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 11 9 nkd4 ναί, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Yes, I say to you “I say to you yes,” MAT 11 9 fb75 figs-ellipsis περισσότερον προφήτου 1 much more than a prophet You can translate this as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “he is not an ordinary prophet” or “he is more important than a normal prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 11 10 de17 figs-activepassive οὗτός ἐστιν περὶ οὗ γέγραπται 1 This is he concerning whom it has been written You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This is what the prophet Malachi wrote long ago about John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 10 ql5h ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου 1 I am sending my messenger The pronouns **I** and **my** refer to God. Malachi is quoting what God said. MAT 11 10 fi5e figs-you πρὸ προσώπου σου 1 before your face Here, **your** is singular, because God was speaking to the Messiah in the quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 11 10 hay7 figs-synecdoche πρὸ προσώπου σου 1 before your face Here, **face** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in front of you” or “to go ahead of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 11 10 kva7 figs-metaphor κατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου 1 will prepare your way before you This is a metaphor that means the messenger **will prepare** the people to receive the Messiah’s message. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 11 11 c7pp 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist. MAT 11 11 j7gw ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 11 11 z5yq figs-idiom ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν 1 among those born of women Even though Adam was not born of a women, this is a way of referring to all humans. Alternate translation: “out of all people who have ever lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 11 11 q2kp οὐκ ἐγήγερται…μείζων Ἰωάννου τοῦ Βαπτιστοῦ 1 there has not arisen one greater than John the Baptist You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist is the greatest” or “John the Baptist is the most important” MAT 11 11 cag4 figs-metonymy ὁ…μικρότερος ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the least important in the kingdom of the heavens Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in Matthew. If possible, try to keep “heavens” in your translation. Alternate translation: “the least important person under the rule of our God in the heavens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 11 11 p5ir μείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστιν 1 is greater than he “is more important than John is” MAT 11 12 mb4v ἀπὸ δὲ τῶν ἡμερῶν Ἰωάννου τοῦ Βαπτιστοῦ 1 But from the days of John the Baptist “But from the time John began preaching his message.” The word **days** probably refers here to a period of months or even years. MAT 11 12 inr2 ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν βιάζεται, καὶ βιασταὶ ἁρπάζουσιν αὐτήν 1 the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force There are various possible interpretations of this verse. The UST assumes that it means that some people want to use God’s kingdom for their own selfish purposes, and that they are willing to use **force** against other people to accomplish this. Other versions assume a positive interpretation, that the call to enter the kingdom of God has become so urgent, that people must act in an extreme manner in order to answer that call and to resist the temptation to sin further. A third interpretation is that violent people are harming God’s people and trying to stop God from ruling. MAT 11 13 v3el 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist. MAT 11 13 g1i6 figs-metonymy πάντες…οἱ προφῆται καὶ ὁ νόμος ἕως Ἰωάννου ἐπροφήτευσαν 1 all the prophets and the law have prophesied until John Here, **the prophets and the law** refer to the things that the prophets and Moses wrote in scripture. Alternate translation: “these are the things that the prophets and Moses have prophesied through the scriptures until the time of John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 11 14 yg2f figs-you εἰ θέλετε 1 if you are willing Here, **you** is plural and refers to the crowd. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 11 14 e68u αὐτός ἐστιν Ἠλείας, ὁ μέλλων ἔρχεσθαι 1 he is Elijah who is about to come The word **he** refers to John the Baptist. This does not mean John the Baptist is literally **Elijah**. Jesus means John the Baptist fulfills the prophecy about Elijah, “who is about to come” or the next Elijah. Alternate translation: “when the prophet Malachi said that Elijah would return, he was speaking about John the Baptist” MAT 11 15 z97x figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω 1 The one having ears to hear, let him hear Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase **ears to hear** here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 11 15 w4cc figs-123person ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω 1 The one having ears to hear, let him hear Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 11 16 q1s5 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist. MAT 11 16 mp8g figs-rquestion τίνι δὲ ὁμοιώσω τὴν γενεὰν ταύτην? 1 But to what will I compare this generation? Jesus uses a question to introduce a comparison between the people of that day and what children might say in the marketplace. Alternate translation: “But this is what this generation is like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 11 16 yat1 τὴν γενεὰν ταύτην 1 this generation “the people living now” or “these people” or “you people of this generation” MAT 11 16 l7km ταῖς ἀγοραῖς 1 the marketplace a large, open-air area where people buy and sell items MAT 11 17 wn37 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues the parable that begins with the words “It is like” in verse 16. MAT 11 17 ai4e figs-parables λέγουσιν…οὐκ ἐκόψασθε 1 saying … you did not weep Jesus uses a parable to describe the people who were alive at that time. He compares them to a group of children who are trying to get the other children to play with them. However, no matter way they do, the other children will not join them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 11 17 rbzf figs-simile λέγουσιν…οὐκ ἐκόψασθε 1 saying … you did not weep Jesus means that it does not matter if God sends someone like John the Baptist, who lives in the desert and fasts, or someone like Jesus, who celebrates with sinners and does not fast. The people, most specifically the Pharisees and religious leaders, still remain stubborn and refuse to accept God’s truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 11 17 d916 figs-you ηὐλήσαμεν ὑμῖν 1 We played a flute for you **We** refers to the children sitting in the marketplace. Here, **you** is plural and refers to the other group of children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 11 17 j5jd καὶ οὐκ ὠρχήσασθε 1 and you did not dance “but you did not dance to the happy music” MAT 11 17 t723 figs-explicit ἐθρηνήσαμεν 1 We mourned This means they sang sad songs like women did at funerals. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 11 17 f87l καὶ οὐκ ἐκόψασθε 1 and you did not weep “but you did not cry with us” MAT 11 18 svc9 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus concludes talking to the crowds about John the Baptist. MAT 11 18 qe7y figs-explicit μήτε ἐσθίων μήτε πίνων 1 neither eating nor drinking This does not mean that John never ate food. It means he fasted often, and when he ate, he did not eat good, expensive food. Alternate translation: “frequently fasting and not drinking alcohol” or “not eating fancy food and not drinking wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 11 18 p4ql figs-quotations λέγουσιν, δαιμόνιον ἔχει. 1 they say, ‘He has a demon.’ You can translate this as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “they say that he has a demon” or “they accuse him of having a demon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 11 18 kd4q λέγουσιν 1 they say All occurrences of **they** refer to the people of that generation, and most specifically to the Pharisees and religious leaders. MAT 11 19 iwk8 figs-123person ἦλθεν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 The Son of Man came Jesus is referring to himself. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, came” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 11 19 gs6z ἦλθεν…ἐσθίων καὶ πίνων 1 came eating and drinking This is the opposite of John’s behavior. This means more than just consuming the normal amount of food and drink. It means Jesus celebrated and enjoyed good food and drink like other people did. MAT 11 19 x4ec figs-quotations λέγουσιν, ἰδοὺ, ἄνθρωπος, φάγος καὶ οἰνοπότης, τελωνῶν φίλος καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν! 1 they say, ‘Behold a man, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ You can translate this as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “they say that he is a gluttonous man and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” or “they accuse him of eating and drinking too much and of being a friends of tax collectors and sinners.” Alternate translation: “they say that I am a gluttonous man and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 11 19 cqv7 figs-123person λέγουσιν, ἰδοὺ, ἄνθρωπος, φάγος καὶ οἰνοπότης, τελωνῶν φίλος καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν! 1 they say, ‘Behold a man, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! If you translated “The Son of Man” as “I, the Son of man,” you can state this as an indirect statement and use the first person. Alternate translation: “they say that I am a gluttonous man and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 11 19 d6gu ἄνθρωπος, φάγος 1 a man, a glutton “he is a greedy eater” or “he continually eats too much food” MAT 11 19 pv4n οἰνοπότης 1 a drunkard “a drunk” or “he continually drinks too much alcohol” MAT 11 19 vwk4 writing-proverbs καὶ ἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς 1 But wisdom has been justified by her children This is a proverb that Jesus applies to this situation, because the people who rejected both him and John were not being wise. Jesus and John the Baptist are the wise ones, and the results of their deeds prove it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 11 19 dz3c figs-personification ἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς 1 wisdom has been justified by her children Here, **wisdom** is described as a woman who is proven to be right by what she does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) MAT 11 19 o3zh figs-activepassive ἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς 1 wisdom has been justified by her children Jesus means that the results of a wise person’s actions prove that he is truly wise. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the results of a wise person’s deeds prove that he is wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 20 bwq8 0 General Information: Jesus begins to rebuke the people of the cities where he previously did miracles. MAT 11 20 w4g8 figs-metonymy ὀνειδίζειν τὰς πόλεις 1 to rebuke the cities Here, **the cities** refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “rebuke the people of the cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 11 20 fxs4 πόλεις 1 cities “towns” MAT 11 20 t51a figs-activepassive ἐν αἷς ἐγένοντο αἱ πλεῖσται δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ 1 in which most of his miracles were done You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “in which he did most of his miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 20 wh1g αἱ…δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ 1 his miracles “his mighty works” or “his works of power” MAT 11 21 xxb3 figs-apostrophe οὐαί σοι, Χοραζείν! οὐαί σοι, Βηθσαϊδάν! 1 Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! Jesus speaks as if the people of the cities of **Chorazin** and **Bethsaida** were there listening to him, but they were not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]]) MAT 11 21 tv81 figs-you οὐαί σοι 1 Woe to you “How terrible it will be for you.” Here, **you** is singular and refers to the city. If it is more natural to refer to the people instead of a city, you could translate with a plural “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 11 21 y9d3 figs-metonymy Χοραζείν…Βηθσαϊδάν…Τύρῳ…Σιδῶνι 1 Chorazin … Bethsaida … Tyre … Sidon The names of these cities are used as metonyms for the people living in these cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 11 21 lh46 figs-hypo εἰ…αἱ δυνάμεις…πάλαι ἂν ἐν σάκκῳ καὶ σποδῷ 1 if the miracles … they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation that could have happened in the past, but it did not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) MAT 11 21 tm59 figs-activepassive εἰ ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἐγένοντο αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν 1 if the miracles had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you You can translate this with active forms. Alternate translation: “if I had done the mighty deeds among the people of Tyre and Sidon that I have done among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 21 k3in figs-you αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν 1 which were done in you Here the **you** is plural and refers to Chorazin and Bethsaida. If it is more natural for your language, you could use a dual **you** to refer to the two cities, or a plural **you** to refer to the people of the cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 11 21 bqi8 πάλαι…μετενόησαν 1 they would have repented long ago The pronoun **they** refers to the people of Tyre and Sidon. MAT 11 21 qx9m μετενόησαν 1 they would have repented “they would have shown they were sorry for their sins” MAT 11 22 mr18 figs-metonymy Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως ἢ ὑμῖν 1 it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you Here, **Tyre and Sidon** refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “God will show more mercy to the people of Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than to you” or “God will punish you more severely at the day of judgment than the people of Tyre and Sidon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 11 22 ab14 figs-you ἢ ὑμῖν 1 than for you Here the **you** is plural and refers to Chorazin and Bethsaida. If it is more natural for your language, you could use a dual “you” to refer to the two cities, or a plural “you” to refer to the people of the cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 11 22 ibpo figs-explicit ἢ ὑμῖν 1 than for you The implied information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “than for you, because you did not repent and believe in me, even though you saw me do miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 11 23 udw1 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to rebuke the people of the cities where he previously did miracles. MAT 11 23 vpz6 figs-you καὶ σύ, Καφαρναούμ, μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ? ἕως ᾍδου καταβήσῃ; ὅτι εἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί, ἔμεινεν ἂν μέχρι τῆς σήμερον 1 And you, Capernaum, you will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until today The pronoun **you** is singular and refers to Capernaum throughout this verse and the next. If it is more natural to refer to the people of the city, you could translate with a plural “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 11 23 l8h3 figs-apostrophe σύ, Καφαρναούμ 1 you, Capernaum Jesus now speaks to the people in the city of **Capernaum** as if they were listening to him, but they were not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]]) MAT 11 23 fj7d figs-metonymy Καφαρναούμ…Σοδόμοις 1 Capernaum … Sodom The names of these cities refer to the people living in Capernaum and in Sodom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 11 23 aa7t figs-activepassive μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ? 1 you will not be exalted to heaven, will you? “do you think you will be raised up to heaven?” You can state this in active form: Alternate translation: “God will not raise you up to heaven, will he?” or “the praise of other people will not raise you up to heaven, will it?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 23 nddz figs-rquestion μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ? 1 you will not be exalted to heaven, will you? Jesus uses a rhetorical question to rebuke the people of Capernaum for their pride. You can state this in active form: Alternate translation: “God will not bring you up to heaven like you think he will!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 11 23 d54d figs-activepassive ἕως ᾍδου καταβήσῃ 1 You will be brought down to Hades You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will send you down to Hades” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 23 vk57 figs-hypo ὅτι εἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί, ἔμεινεν ἂν μέχρι τῆς σήμερον 1 For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until today Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation that could have happened in the past, but it did not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) MAT 11 23 z279 figs-activepassive εἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί 1 if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Sodom You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if I had done the miracles among the people of Sodom that I have done among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 23 e2t7 δυνάμεις 1 miracles “mighty works” or “works of power” MAT 11 23 yih1 ἔμεινεν 1 it would have remained The pronoun **it** refers to the city of Sodom. MAT 11 24 y1e3 λέγω ὑμῖν 1 I say to you This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 11 24 e3pa figs-metonymy γῇ Σοδόμων ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως ἢ σοί 1 it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you Here, **land of Sodom** refer to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “God will show more mercy to the people of Sodom in the day of judgment than to you” or “God will punish you more severely in the day of judgment than the people of Sodom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 11 24 yk3z figs-explicit ἢ σοί 1 than for you The implicit information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “than for you, because you did not repent and believe in me, even though you saw me do miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 11 25 f57a 0 General Information: In verses 25 and 26, Jesus prays to his heavenly Father while still in the presence of the crowd. In verse 27, he begins to address the people again. MAT 11 25 h5x4 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Πάτερ 1 Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 11 25 u9cy figs-merism Κύριε τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς 1 Lord of heaven and earth “Lord who rules over heaven and earth.” The phrase **heaven and earth** is a merism that refers to all people and things in the universe. Alternate translation: “Lord who rules over the whole universe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) MAT 11 25 p1gl ἔκρυψας ταῦτα…καὶ ἀπεκάλυψας αὐτὰ 1 you concealed these things … and revealed them It is not clear what is meant by **these things**. If your language needs to specify what is meant, an alternative translation might be best. Alternate translation: “you concealed these truths … and revealed them” MAT 11 25 lk8f ἔκρυψας ταῦτα ἀπὸ 1 you concealed these things from “you hid these things from” or “you have not made these things known to.” The verb **concealed** is the opposite of “revealed.” MAT 11 25 qw5c figs-nominaladj ἀπὸ σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν 1 from the wise and discerning These nominal adjectives can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “from people who are wise and who discern” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 11 25 las9 figs-irony σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν 1 the wise and discerning Jesus is using irony. He does not think these people are really **wise and discerning**. Alternate translation: “people who think they are wise and discerning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) MAT 11 25 uwu5 ἀπεκάλυψας αὐτὰ 1 revealed them “made them known.” The pronoun **them** refers to “these things” earlier in this verse. MAT 11 25 b6w5 figs-metaphor νηπίοις 1 to little children Jesus compares ignorant people to **little children**. Jesus is emphasizing that many of those who believe him either are not well educated or do not think of themselves as wise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 11 26 qp7t figs-metonymy ὅτι οὕτως εὐδοκία ἐγένετο ἔμπροσθέν σου 1 for thus it was well-pleasing in your sight The phrase **in your sight** is a metonym that stands for how a person considers something. Alternate translation: “for you considered it good to do this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 11 27 yk5w figs-activepassive πάντα μοι παρεδόθη ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 All things have been entrusted to me from my Father You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “My Father has entrusted all things to me” or “My Father has given everything over to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 11 27 gd67 πάντα 1 All things This could mean: (1) God the Father has revealed everything about himself and his kingdom to Jesus. (2) God has given all authority to Jesus. MAT 11 27 j3vk guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 my Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 11 27 s1as οὐδεὶς ἐπιγινώσκει τὸν Υἱὸν, εἰ μὴ ὁ Πατήρ 1 no one knows the Son except the Father “only the Father knows the Son” MAT 11 27 rt5b οὐδεὶς ἐπιγινώσκει 1 no one knows The word **knows** here means more than just being acquainted with someone. It means knowing somoene intimately because of having a special relationship with him. MAT 11 27 esp4 figs-123person τὸν Υἱὸν 1 the Son Jesus was referring to himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 11 27 l8xe guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Υἱὸν 1 the Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 11 27 w6yq οὐδὲ τὸν Πατέρα τις ἐπιγινώσκει, εἰ μὴ ὁ Υἱὸς 1 no one knows the Father except the Son “only the Son knows the Father” MAT 11 28 q9x1 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes speaking to the crowd. MAT 11 28 x978 figs-you πάντες οἱ κοπιῶντες καὶ πεφορτισμένοι, κἀγὼ ἀναπαύσω ὑμᾶς 1 all you who are laboring and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest Both occurrences of **you** are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 11 28 t2jj figs-metaphor οἱ κοπιῶντες καὶ πεφορτισμένοι 1 who are laboring and are heavy burdened Jesus speaks of people being discouraged in their attempts to obey all the laws as if those laws were **heavy** burdens and the people were **laboring** to carry them. Alternate translation: “who are discouraged from trying so hard” or “who are discouraged from trying so hard to obey the laws perfectly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 11 28 f1w4 κἀγὼ ἀναπαύσω ὑμᾶς 1 and I will give you rest “and I will allow you to rest from your labor and burden” MAT 11 29 q1ya figs-metaphor ἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς 1 Take my yoke on you Jesus continues the metaphor. Jesus is inviting the people to become his disciples and follow him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 11 29 t1rh figs-doublet πραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ 1 I am gentle and humble in heart Here, **gentle** and **humble in heart** mean basically the same thing. Jesus combines them to emphasize that he will be much kinder than the religious leaders. Alternate translation: “I am gentle and humble” or “I am very gentle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) MAT 11 29 i3qs figs-metonymy ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ 1 humble in heart Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s inner being. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 11 29 s0tr figs-idiom ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ 1 humble in heart The phrase **humble in heart** is an idiom that means “humble.” Alternate translation: “humble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 11 29 i3ls figs-synecdoche εὑρήσετε ἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν 1 you will find rest for your souls Here, **souls** refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “you will find rest for yourselves” or “you will be able to rest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 11 30 ynf1 figs-parallelism ὁ γὰρ ζυγός μου χρηστὸς καὶ τὸ φορτίον μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν 1 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light Both of these phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that it is easier to obey him than it is the Jewish law. Alternate translation: “For what I place on you, you will be able to carry because it is light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 11 30 tc2g τὸ φορτίον μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν 1 my burden is light The word **light** here is the opposite of heavy, not the opposite of dark. MAT 12 intro y7z6 0 # Matthew 12 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 12:18-21, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The Sabbath

This chapter has much to say about how God’s people are to obey the Sabbath. Jesus said that the rules that the Pharisees made up did not help people obey the Sabbath the way God wanted them to. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]])

### “Blasphemy against the Spirit”

No one knows for sure what actions people perform or what words they say when they commit this sin. However, they probably insult the Holy Spirit and his work. Part of the Holy Spirit’s work is to make people understand that they are sinners and that they need to have God forgive them. Therefore, anyone who does not try to stop sinning is probably committing blasphemy against the Spirit. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/blasphemy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Brothers and sisters

Most people call those who have the same parents “brother” and “sister” and think of them as the most important people in their lives. Many people also call those with the same grandparents “brother” and “sister.” In this chapter Jesus says that the most important people to him are those who obey his Father in heaven. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/brother]]) MAT 12 1 u1f2 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of growing opposition to Jesus’ ministry. Here, the Pharisees criticize his disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. MAT 12 1 m2n1 ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ 1 At that time This marks a new part of the story. Alternate translation: “A little later” MAT 12 1 tvt9 translate-unknown τῶν σπορίμων 1 the grainfields This is a place to plant grain. If wheat is unknown and “grain” is too general, then you can use “fields of the plant they made bread from.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 12 1 yrf8 τίλλειν στάχυας καὶ ἐσθίειν 1 to pluck heads of grain and to eat them Picking grain in others’ fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether one could do this otherwise lawful activity on the Sabbath. MAT 12 1 zz4r τίλλειν στάχυας καὶ ἐσθίειν 1 to pluck heads of grain and to eat them “to pick some of the wheat and to eat it” or “to pick some of the grain and to eat it” MAT 12 1 y5vr στάχυας 1 heads of grain This is the topmost part of the wheat plant. It holds the mature grain or seeds of the plant. MAT 12 2 swl7 ποιοῦσιν ὃ οὐκ ἔξεστιν ποιεῖν ἐν Σαββάτῳ 1 do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath Picking grain in others’ fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether one could do this otherwise lawful activity on the Sabbath. MAT 12 2 mch7 οἱ…Φαρισαῖοι 1 the Pharisees This does not mean all of **the Pharisees**. Alternate translation: “some Pharisees” MAT 12 2 nh12 ἰδοὺ, οἱ μαθηταί σου 1 Behold, your disciples “Look, your disciples.” The Pharisees use this word to draw attention to what the disciples are doing. MAT 12 3 mzn1 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ criticism. MAT 12 3 et11 αὐτοῖς 1 to them “to the Pharisees” MAT 12 3 d712 figs-rquestion οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε τί ἐποίησεν Δαυεὶδ, ὅτε ἐπείνασεν καὶ οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 Have you never read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him— This begins a question that continues into the next verse. Jesus uses the question to respond to the criticism of the Pharisees. Jesus is challenging them to think about the meaning of the scriptures they have read. Alternate translation: “I know you have read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him—” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 12 4 blm5 τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the house of God During the time of David there was no temple yet. Alternate translation: “the tabernacle” or “the place for worshiping God” MAT 12 4 ue7l figs-explicit τοὺς ἄρτους τῆς Προθέσεως 1 the loaves of the presence This is sacred bread that priests placed before God in the tabernacle. Alternate translation: “bread that the priest placed before God” or “the sacred bread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 12 4 c6a8 τοῖς μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 for those with him “for the men who were with David” MAT 12 4 lkx9 εἰ μὴ τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν μόνοις 1 except only for the priests “but, according to the law, only the priests could eat it” MAT 12 5 tjh3 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees. MAT 12 5 f79q figs-rquestion οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε ἐν τῷ νόμῳ, ὅτι τοῖς Σάββασιν οἱ ἱερεῖς ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ τὸ Σάββατον βεβηλοῦσιν, καὶ ἀναίτιοί εἰσιν? 1 have you not read in the law that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, but are innocent? Jesus uses a question to respond to the criticism of the Pharisees. Jesus is challenging them to think about the meaning of what they have read in the scriptures. Alternate translation: “Surely you have read in the law of Moses that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, but are innocent.” or “You should know that the law teaches that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, but are innocent.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 12 5 dqe9 τὸ Σάββατον βεβηλοῦσιν 1 profane the Sabbath “do on the Sabbath what they would do on any other day” MAT 12 5 i6y9 ἀναίτιοί εἰσιν 1 are innocent “God will not punish them” or “God does not consider them guilty” MAT 12 6 ji7a λέγω…ὑμῖν 1 I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 12 6 k4mn figs-123person τοῦ ἱεροῦ μεῖζόν 1 greater than the temple “someone who is more important than the temple.” Jesus was referring to himself as the one who is **greater**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 12 7 rh53 0 General Information: In verse 7, Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea to rebuke the Pharisees. MAT 12 7 vye2 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees. MAT 12 7 ypj7 figs-explicit εἰ δὲ ἐγνώκειτε τί ἐστιν, ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν, οὐκ ἂν κατεδικάσατε τοὺς ἀναιτίους 1 But if you had known what this is, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent Here Jesus quotes scripture. Alternate translation: “The prophet Hosea wrote this long ago: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ If you had understood what this meant, you would not have condemned the innocent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 12 7 e1ju ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν 1 I desire mercy and not sacrifice In the law of Moses, God did command the Israelites to offer sacrifices. This means God considers **mercy** more important than the **sacrifice**. MAT 12 7 jw57 θέλω 1 I desire The pronoun **I** refers to God. MAT 12 7 s23l figs-nominaladj τοὺς ἀναιτίους 1 the innocent You can translate this as an adjective. Alternate translation: “those who are not guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 12 8 l7g3 figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is referring to himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 12 8 jx98 Κύριος…ἐστιν τοῦ Σαββάτου 1 is Lord of the Sabbath “rules over the Sabbath” or “makes the laws about what people can do on the Sabbath” MAT 12 9 i489 0 General Information: Here the scene shifts to a later time when the Pharisees criticize Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath. MAT 12 9 hns8 καὶ μεταβὰς ἐκεῖθεν 1 And having departed from there “After Jesus left the grain fields” or “When Jesus left from there” MAT 12 9 y4me τὴν συναγωγὴν αὐτῶν 1 their synagogue This could mean: (1) The word **their** refers to the Jews of that town. Alternate translation: “the synogogue” (2) The word **their** refers to the Pharisees that Jesus had just spoken to, and this was the synagogue that they and other Jews in that town attended. The word **their** does not mean that the Pharisees owned the synagogue. Alternate translation: “the synagogue that they attended” MAT 12 10 kjf6 ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 12 10 xb13 ἄνθρωπος χεῖρα ἔχων ξηράν 1 there was a man having a withered hand “there was a man who had a paralyzed hand” or “there was a man with a crippled hand” MAT 12 10 t948 ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν λέγοντες, εἰ ἔξεστι τοῖς Σάββασιν θεραπεύειν? ἵνα κατηγορήσωσιν αὐτοῦ 1 they questioned him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbaths?” so that they might accuse him “the Pharisees wanted to accuse Jesus of sinning, so they asked him, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?’” MAT 12 10 gdj6 εἰ ἔξεστι τοῖς Σάββασιν θεραπεύειν? 1 Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbaths? “According to the law of Moses, may a person heal another person on the Sabbaths?” MAT 12 10 c1cc figs-explicit ἵνα κατηγορήσωσιν αὐτοῦ 1 so that they might accuse him They did not just want to **accuse** Jesus in front of the people. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to give an answer that contradicted the law of Moses so they could take him before a judge and legally charge him with breaking the law. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 12 11 g98l 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ criticism. MAT 12 11 ng4j figs-rquestion τίς ἔσται ἐξ ὑμῶν ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἕξει πρόβατον ἕν, καὶ ἐὰν ἐμπέσῃ τοῦτο τοῖς Σάββασιν εἰς βόθυνον, οὐχὶ κρατήσει αὐτὸ καὶ ἐγερεῖ? 1 What man will there be among you, who, will have one sheep, and if it might fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, would not grasp hold of it and lift it out? Jesus uses a question to respond to the Pharisees. He is challenging them to think about what kind of work they do on the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “Every one of you, if you only had one sheep, and if it might fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, would grab the sheep and lift it out.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 12 12 s2tu πόσῳ οὖν διαφέρει ἄνθρωπος προβάτου? 1 How much more valuable, then, is a man than a sheep? The phrase **How much more** adds emphasis to the statement. Alternate translation: “Obviously, a man is much more valuable than a sheep!” or “Just think about how much more important a man is than a sheep.” MAT 12 12 a9ld ἔξεστιν τοῖς Σάββασιν καλῶς ποιεῖν 1 it is lawful to do good on the Sabbaths “those who do good on the Sabbaths are obeying the law” MAT 12 13 be8u figs-quotations τότε λέγει τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ, ἔκτεινόν σου τὴν χεῖρα. 1 Then he says to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” You can translate this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus commanded the man to stretch out his hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 12 13 ljl6 τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ 1 to the man “to the man with the paralyzed hand” or “to the man with the crippled hand” MAT 12 13 fm9r ἔκτεινόν σου τὴν χεῖρα 1 Stretch out your hand “Hold out your hand” or “Extend your hand” MAT 12 13 s5ep ἐξέτεινεν 1 he stretched it out “the man stretched it out” MAT 12 13 jry3 figs-activepassive ἀπεκατεστάθη, ὑγιὴς 1 it was restored to health You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “it was healthy again” or “it became well again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 12 14 w4zl συμβούλιον ἔλαβον κατ’ αὐτοῦ 1 took counsel against him “planned to harm Jesus” MAT 12 14 jdn2 ὅπως αὐτὸν ἀπολέσωσιν 1 so that they might put him to death “in order to find a way to kill Jesus” MAT 12 15 d4lk 0 General Information: This account explains how the actions of Jesus fulfilled one of the prophecies of Isaiah. MAT 12 15 d5l9 ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς γνοὺς, ἀνεχώρησεν 1 But Jesus, having perceived this, withdrew “But Jesus was aware of what the Pharisees were planning, so he withdrew” MAT 12 15 hw22 ἀνεχώρησεν ἐκεῖθεν 1 withdrew from there “departed from there” or “left that place” MAT 12 16 bk1n μὴ φανερὸν αὐτὸν ποιήσωσιν 1 they might not make him known “they would not to tell anyone else about him” MAT 12 17 dc7z ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν 1 so that what had been said You could start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “This was so that what had been said” MAT 12 17 mcd7 τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου 1 what had been said through Isaiah the prophet You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what God had said long ago through the prophet Isaiah” MAT 12 18 zkt7 0 Connecting Statement: Here Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that Jesus’ ministry fulfilled scripture. MAT 12 18 f5kz ἰδοὺ 1 Behold “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you” MAT 12 18 fjw6 μου…ᾑρέτισα…μου…μου…θήσω…μου 1 my … I have chosen … my … my … I will put … my All occurrences of these words refer to God. Isaiah is quoting what God said to him. MAT 12 18 yv4f ὁ ἀγαπητός μου εἰς ὃν εὐδόκησεν ἡ ψυχή μου 1 my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased “he is my beloved one, and I am very pleased with him” MAT 12 18 s6a4 figs-synecdoche εἰς ὃν εὐδόκησεν ἡ ψυχή μου 1 in whom my soul is well pleased Here, **soul** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “with whom I am very pleased” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 12 18 jh8p figs-explicit κρίσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπαγγελεῖ 1 he will announce justice to the Gentiles The means that God’s servant will tell the **Gentiles** that there will be **justice**. You can state this clearly that God is the one who will bring about justice. Alternate translation: “he will announce to the nations that God give them justice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 12 18 tum1 figs-abstractnouns κρίσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπαγγελεῖ 1 he will announce justice to the Gentiles The abstract noun **justice** can be expressed as “what is right.” Alternate translation: “he will announce to the nations that God will do for them what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 12 19 me7p 0 Connecting Statement: Matthew continues to quote the prophet Isaiah. MAT 12 19 hb2m figs-metonymy οὐδὲ ἀκούσει τις…τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ 1 neither will anyone hear his voice Here people not hearing **his voice** represents him not speaking loudly. Alternate translation: “he will not speak loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 19 gj1p οὐκ ἐρίσει…αὐτοῦ 1 He will not strive … his Both **He** and **his** refer to God’s chosen servant. MAT 12 19 jr87 figs-idiom ἐν ταῖς πλατείαις 1 in the streets This is an idiom that means “publicly.” Alternate translation: “in the cities and towns” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 12 20 ii4c οὐ κατεάξει, καὶ λίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει, ἕως ἂν ἐκβάλῃ εἰς νῖκος τὴν κρίσιν 1 He will not break … and he will not quench a smoking flax, until he may lead justice to victory All occurrences of **He** and **he** refer to God’s chosen servant. MAT 12 20 kbu9 figs-parallelism κάλαμον συντετριμμένον οὐ κατεάξει, καὶ λίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει 1 He will not break a bruised reed; and he will not quench a smoking flax Both of these statements mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 12 20 cdk2 figs-metaphor κάλαμον συντετριμμένον οὐ κατεάξει, καὶ λίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει 1 He will not break a bruised reed; and he will not quench a smoking flax Both of these statements are metaphors emphasizing that God’s servant will be gentle and kind. Both **bruised reed** and **smoking flax** represent weak and hurting people. If the metaphor is confusing, you could translate the literal meaning. Alternate translation: “He will be kind to weak people, and he will be gentle to those who are hurting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 20 m4uz κάλαμον συντετριμμένον 1 a bruised reed “a damaged plant” MAT 12 20 y8mn λίνον τυφόμενον οὐ σβέσει 1 he will not quench a smoking flax “he will not put out any smoking flax” or “he will not stop any smoking flax from burning” MAT 12 20 bjg2 λίνον τυφόμενον 1 a smoking flax This refers to a lamp wick after the flame has gone out and when it is only smoking. MAT 12 20 rer7 λίνον τυφόμενον…ἕως 1 a smoking flax, until You can translate this with a new sentence: “a smoking flax. This is what he will do until” MAT 12 20 b6tw figs-abstractnouns ἂν ἐκβάλῃ εἰς νῖκος τὴν κρίσιν 1 he may lead justice to victory Leading someone to **victory** represents causing him to be victorious. Causing justice to be victorious represents making things right that had been wrong. Alternate translation: “he makes everything right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 12 21 w3rq figs-synecdoche τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ 1 in his name Here, **name** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 12 22 nba2 0 General Information: Here the scene shifts to a later time when the Pharisees accuse Jesus of healing a man by the power of Satan. MAT 12 22 e1g4 figs-activepassive τότε προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ δαιμονιζόμενος, τυφλὸς καὶ κωφός 1 Then someone was brought to him, blind and mute, demon-possessed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then someone brought to Jesus a man who was blind and mute because a demon was controlling him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 12 22 k2vt προσηνέχθη αὐτῷ…τυφλὸς καὶ κωφός 1 someone was brought to him, blind and mute “a person was brought to him who could not see and could not talk” MAT 12 23 gy5z ἐξίσταντο πάντες οἱ ὄχλοι 1 all the crowds were amazed “all the people who had seen Jesus heal the man were greatly surprised” MAT 12 23 ink7 ὁ υἱὸς Δαυείδ 1 the Son of David This is a title for the Christ or Messiah. MAT 12 23 h8kf υἱὸς 1 Son Here this means “descendant of.” MAT 12 24 m2jr 0 General Information: In verse 25, Jesus begins to respond to the Pharisees’ accusation that he healed the man by the power of Satan. MAT 12 24 wmi1 ἀκούσαντες 1 having heard this The word **this** refers to the miracle of the healing of a blind, deaf, and demon-possessed man. MAT 12 24 p1mi figs-doublenegatives οὗτος οὐκ ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια, εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ Βεελζεβοὺλ 1 He does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul You can state this in a positive form. “Heis only able to cast out the demon because he is a servant of Beelzebul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) MAT 12 24 wj1y οὗτος 1 He The Pharisees avoid calling Jesus by name to show they reject him. MAT 12 24 cii4 ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων 1 the prince of the demons “the chief of the demons” MAT 12 25 i1sd writing-proverbs πᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται, καὶ πᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται 1 Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand Jesus uses a proverb to respond to the Pharisees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 12 25 ll42 figs-parallelism πᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται, καὶ πᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται 1 Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that it would not make sense for Beelzebul to use his power to fight other demons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 12 25 g9ec figs-metonymy πᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται 1 Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate Here, **kingdom** refers to those who live in the kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 25 rvzh figs-activepassive πᾶσα βασιλεία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς ἐρημοῦται 1 Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “A kingdom will not last when its people fight among themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 12 25 kn8c figs-metonymy πᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται 1 every city or house divided against itself will not stand Here, **city** refers to the people who live there, and **house** refers to a family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 25 xwob figs-metaphor πᾶσα πόλις ἢ οἰκία μερισθεῖσα καθ’ ἑαυτῆς οὐ σταθήσεται 1 every city or house divided against itself will not stand Being **divided against itself** represents its people fighting each other. Alternate translation: “it ruins a city or a family when the people fight each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 26 gm6j 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees’ accusation that he healed the man by the power of Satan. MAT 12 26 i42r figs-metonymy εἰ ὁ Σατανᾶς τὸν Σατανᾶν ἐκβάλλει 1 if Satan casts out Satan The second use of **Satan** refers to the demons that serve Satan. Alternate translation: “If Satan works against his own demons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 26 ah7t figs-rquestion πῶς οὖν σταθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ? 1 How then will his kingdom stand? Jesus uses this question to show the Pharisees that what they were saying was illogical. Alternate translation: “If Satan were divided against himself, his kingdom would not be able to stand!” or “If Satan were to fight against his own demons, his kingdom would not last!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 12 27 nvv9 Βεελζεβοὺλ 1 Beelzebul This name refers to the same person as “Satan” (verse 26). MAT 12 27 gee9 figs-rquestion οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν ἐν τίνι ἐκβάλλουσιν? 1 by whom do your sons cast them out? Jesus uses another question to challenge the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “then you must say your followers also cast out demons by the power of Beelzebul. But, you know this is not true.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 12 27 x9je figs-metaphor οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν 1 your sons Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees. The phrase **your sons** refers to their followers. This was a common way of referring to those who follow teachers or leaders. Alternate translation: “your followers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 27 jja2 διὰ τοῦτο, αὐτοὶ κριταὶ ἔσονται ὑμῶν 1 For this reason they will be your judges “Because your followers cast out demons by the power of God, they prove that you are wrong about me.” MAT 12 28 f3n7 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees. MAT 12 28 zb4d εἰ δὲ…ἐγὼ 1 But if I Here, **if** does not mean Jesus is questioning how he casts out demons. Here Jesus uses the word to introduce a true statement. Alternate translation: “But because I” MAT 12 28 r5dg figs-metonymy ἄρα ἔφθασεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 then the kingdom of God has come upon you “then the kingdom of God has arrived among you.” Here, **kingdom** refers to God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “this means God is establishing his rule among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 28 f1wj figs-you ἔφθασεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς 1 has come upon you Here, **you** is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 12 29 t4vu figs-parables πῶς δύναταί τις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ καὶ τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ἁρπάσαι, ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ τὸν ἰσχυρόν? καὶ τότε τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ διαρπάσει 1 how is anyone able to enter into the house of the strong man and steal his belongings unless first he might have tied up the strong man? And then he will plunder his house Jesus uses a parable to continue his response to the Pharisees. Jesus means he can drive out demons because he is more powerful than Satan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 12 29 w54c figs-rquestion πῶς δύναταί τις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν τοῦ ἰσχυροῦ καὶ τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ἁρπάσαι, ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ τὸν ἰσχυρόν? 1 how is anyone able to enter into the house of the strong man and steal his belongings unless first he might have tied up the strong man? Jesus uses a question to teach the Pharisees and the crowd. Alternate translation: “No one can enter into the house of the strong man and steal his belongings without tying up the strong man first.” or “If a person wants to enter into the house of the strong man and steal his belongings, he must first tie up the strong man.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 12 29 jb6x ἐὰν μὴ πρῶτον δήσῃ τὸν ἰσχυρόν? 1 unless first he might have tied up the strong man “without taking control of the strong man first” MAT 12 29 u6vu τότε τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ διαρπάσει 1 then he will plunder his house “then he can steal his possessions” MAT 12 30 ivp9 ὁ μὴ ὢν μετ’ ἐμοῦ 1 The one not being with me “The one who does not support me” or “The one who does not work with me” MAT 12 30 gyk8 κατ’ ἐμοῦ ἐστιν 1 is against me “opposes me” or “works against me” MAT 12 30 ek1h figs-metaphor ὁ μὴ συνάγων μετ’ ἐμοῦ σκορπίζει 1 the one not gathering with me scatters Jesus is using a metaphor that refers to a person either **gathering** the flock of sheep to a shepherd or making them scatter away from the shepherd. Jesus means that a person is either helping to make people become disciples of Jesus or he is making people reject Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 31 qwg4 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees. MAT 12 31 iy8l λέγω ὑμῖν 1 I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 12 31 q5hk figs-you λέγω ὑμῖν 1 I say to you Here, **you** is plural. Jesus is speaking directly to the Pharisees, but he is also teaching the crowd. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 12 31 hy38 figs-activepassive πᾶσα ἁμαρτία καὶ βλασφημία ἀφεθήσεται τοῖς ἀνθρώποις 1 every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will forgive every sin that people commit and every evil thing they say” or “God will forgive every person who sins or says evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 12 31 ezx8 figs-activepassive ἡ…τοῦ Πνεύματος, βλασφημία οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται 1 the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not forgive the person who speaks evil things about the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 12 32 gwx2 figs-metonymy ὃς ἐὰν εἴπῃ λόγον κατὰ τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 whoever might speak a word against the Son of Man Here, **word** refers to what someone says. Alternate translation: “If a person says anything bad about the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 32 h79z figs-123person τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 12 32 z3ma figs-activepassive ἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ 1 it will be forgiven him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will forgive a person for that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 12 32 hfs4 οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ 1 it will not be forgiven him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will not forgive that person” MAT 12 32 lw5j figs-metonymy οὔτε ἐν τούτῳ τῷ αἰῶνι οὔτε ἐν τῷ μέλλοντι 1 neither in this age, nor in the one coming Here, **this age** and **the one coming** refer to the present life and the next life. Alternate translation: “in this life or in the next life” or “now or ever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 33 d73d 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees. MAT 12 33 bi8z writing-proverbs ἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον καλὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ καλόν, ἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον σαπρὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ σαπρόν 1 Either make a tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad This could mean: (1) If you make a tree good, its fruit will be good, and if you make the tree bad, its fruit will be bad. (2) This is a proverb that means if you consider a tree to be good, it will be because its fruit is good, and if you consider it tree to be bad, it will be because its fruit is bad. People were to apply its truth to how they can know whether a person is good or bad. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 12 33 kl16 καλὸν…σαπρὸν 1 good … bad “healthy … diseased” MAT 12 33 kz12 figs-metaphor ἐκ γὰρ τοῦ καρποῦ, τὸ δένδρον γινώσκεται 1 for the tree is recognized by its fruit Here, **fruit** is a metaphor for what a person does. Alternate translation: “people know whether a person is good or bad by looking at the results of that person’s activities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 33 nx9n figs-activepassive ἐκ γὰρ τοῦ καρποῦ, τὸ δένδρον γινώσκεται 1 for the tree is recognized by its fruit You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people know whether a tree is good or bad by looking at its fruit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 12 34 r1uv figs-metaphor γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν 1 You offspring of vipers Here, **offspring** means “having the characteristic of.” The **vipers** are poisonous snakes that are dangerous and represent evil. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Matthew 3:7](../03/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 34 pl4g figs-you γεννήματα…δύνασθε 1 You offspring … are you able Both **You** and **you** are plural and refer to the Pharisees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 12 34 e7x3 figs-rquestion πῶς δύνασθε ἀγαθὰ λαλεῖν, πονηροὶ ὄντες? 1 being evil, how are you able to say good things? Jesus uses a question to rebuke the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “you cannot say good things because you are evil” or “you can only say evil things because you are evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 12 34 i7c6 figs-synecdoche ἐκ…τοῦ περισσεύματος τῆς καρδίας, τὸ στόμα λαλεῖ 1 out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks Here, **mouth** is a synecdoche that represents a person as a whole. Alternate translation: “what a person says comes from his heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 12 34 e9bg figs-metonymy ἐκ…τοῦ περισσεύματος τῆς καρδίας, τὸ στόμα λαλεῖ 1 out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks Here, **heart** is a metonym for the thoughts in a person’s mind. Alternate translation: “what a person says with his mouth reveals what is in his mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 35 r3uw figs-metaphor ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ θησαυροῦ ἐκβάλλει ἀγαθά; καὶ ὁ πονηρὸς ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ θησαυροῦ ἐκβάλλει πονηρά 1 The good man from his good treasure brings forth good things, and the evil man from his evil treasure brings forth evil things Jesus speaks about the **heart** as if it were a container that a person fills with good or evil things. This is a metaphor that means what a person says reveals what the person is truly like. If you want to keep this imagery, see the UST. You can also translate the literal meaning. Alternate translation: “A man who is truly good will speak good things, and the man who is truly evil will speak evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 36 jvg6 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus concludes his response to the Pharisees’ accusation that he healed the man by the power of Satan. MAT 12 36 era6 λέγω…ὑμῖν 1 I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 12 36 f1wh figs-metonymy πᾶν ῥῆμα ἀργὸν ὃ λαλήσουσιν 1 every idle word that they will speak Here, **word** refers to something that someone says. Alternate translation: “every harmful thing they will have said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 36 t2pj οἱ ἄνθρωποι, ἀποδώσουσιν περὶ αὐτοῦ λόγον 1 men will give an account concerning it “God will ask people about it” or “people will have to explain it to God” MAT 12 37 qw5e figs-activepassive δικαιωθήσῃ…καταδικασθήσῃ 1 you will be justified … you will be condemned You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will justify you … God will condemn you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 12 38 x4le 0 General Information: In verse 39, Jesus begins to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees. MAT 12 38 mec3 0 Connecting Statement: The dialogue in these verses happens immediately after Jesus responded to the Pharisees’ accusation that he healed a man by the power of Satan. MAT 12 38 aiu6 θέλομεν 1 we wish “we want” MAT 12 38 ikg2 figs-explicit ἀπὸ σοῦ σημεῖον ἰδεῖν 1 to see a sign from you You can make explicit why they want **to see a sign**. Alternate translation: “to see a sign from you that proves what you say is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 12 39 d8b9 figs-123person γενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς σημεῖον ἐπιζητεῖ, καὶ σημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ 1 An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given to it Jesus is speaking to his present generation. Alternate translation: “You are an evil and adulterous generation who demands signs from me, but no sign will be given to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 12 39 a5di figs-metaphor γενεὰ…μοιχαλὶς 1 An … adulterous generation Here, **adulterous** is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. Alternate translation: “An … unfaithful generation” or “A … godless generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 39 c6hy figs-activepassive σημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ 1 no sign will be given to it Jesus would not give them a **sign** because, though he had already performed many miracles, they refused to believe him. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I will not give it a sign” or “God will not give you a sign” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 12 39 j21p εἰ μὴ τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ τοῦ προφήτου 1 except the sign of Jonah the prophet “except the same sign God gave to Jonah the prophet” MAT 12 40 vh9i figs-merism τρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ τρεῖς νύκτας 1 three days and three nights Here, **days** and **nights** mean complete 24-hour periods. Alternate translation: “three complete days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) MAT 12 40 iuv8 figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 12 40 gg65 figs-idiom ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ τῆς γῆς 1 in the heart of the earth This means inside a physical grave. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 12 41 k3q6 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees. MAT 12 41 gnh1 ἄνδρες Νινευεῖται 1 The men of Nineveh “The citizens of Nineveh” MAT 12 41 b94i ἐν τῇ κρίσει 1 at the judgment “on judgment day” or “when God judges people” MAT 12 41 x8gm τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης 1 this generation This refers to the people living during the time Jesus was preaching. MAT 12 41 duz2 figs-metonymy κατακρινοῦσιν αὐτήν 1 will condemn it This could mean: (1) The word **condemn** here represents accusing. Alternate translation: “will accuse this generation of people” (2) God **will condemn** this generation of people because they did not repent as the people of Nineveh had. Alternate translation: “God will condemn this generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 41 qg29 καὶ ἰδοὺ 1 and behold “and look.” This emphasizes what Jesus says next. MAT 12 41 dbs3 πλεῖον 1 something greater “someone more important” MAT 12 41 zb6a figs-123person πλεῖον 1 something greater Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 12 41 a5p8 figs-explicit Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε 1 than Jonah is here You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Jesus’ statement. Alternate translation: “than Jonah is here, yet you still have not repented, which is why God will condemn you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 12 42 q8tb 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees. MAT 12 42 zwv7 translate-names βασίλισσα νότου 1 The Queen of the South This refers to the Queen of Sheba. Sheba is a land south of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 12 42 kku7 ἐγερθήσεται ἐν τῇ κρίσει 1 will rise up at the judgment “will stand up at the judgment” MAT 12 42 z46e ἐν τῇ κρίσει 1 at the judgment “on judgment day” or “when God judges people.” See how you translated this in [Matthew 12:41](../12/41.md). MAT 12 42 zc72 τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης 1 this generation This refers to the people living during the time Jesus was preaching. MAT 12 42 k4ls figs-metonymy κατακρινεῖ αὐτήν 1 condemn them See how you translated a similar statement in [Matthew 12:41](../12/41.md). This could mean: (1) The word **condemn** here represents accusing. Alternate translation: “will accuse this generation of people” (2) God will **condemn** this generation of people because they did not listen to wisdom as the Queen of the South had. Alternate translation: “God will condemn this generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 12 42 q8q8 figs-idiom ἦλθεν ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς 1 she came from the ends of the earth Here, **the ends of the earth** is an idiom that means “far away.” Alternate translation: “she came from very far away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 12 42 t521 grammar-connect-words-phrases ὅτι ἦλθεν ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς ἀκοῦσαι τὴν σοφίαν Σολομῶνος 1 for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon This statement explains why the Queen of the South will condemn the people of Jesus’ generation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) MAT 12 42 n99z καὶ ἰδοὺ 1 and behold “and look.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 12 42 aj1x πλεῖον 1 something greater “someone more important” MAT 12 42 uf5k figs-123person πλεῖον 1 something greater Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 12 42 yra5 figs-explicit Σολομῶνος ὧδε 1 than Solomon is here You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Jesus’ statement. Alternate translation: “than Solomon is here, yet you do not listen. That is why God will condemn you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 12 43 ve5x 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees. He begins to tell a parable. MAT 12 43 f5jr ἀνύδρων τόπων 1 waterless places “dry places” or “places where no people live” MAT 12 43 x2ur οὐχ εὑρίσκει 1 not finding it Here, **it** refers to rest. MAT 12 44 gey7 τότε λέγει, εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου ἐπιστρέψω ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον. 1 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I departed.’ You can translate this as a statement rather than a quotation. Alternate translation: “So, the unclean spirit decides to return to the house from which it departed” MAT 12 44 ty9b figs-metaphor εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου…ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον 1 to my house from which I departed This is a metaphor for the person in whom the unclean spirit was living. Alternate translation: “to the person I left” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 44 cd4f figs-activepassive εὑρίσκει σχολάζοντα σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον 1 it finds it empty, having been swept out and put in order You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the unclean spirit finds that someone has swept the house clean and has put everything in the house where it belongs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 12 44 s6jf figs-metaphor σχολάζοντα σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον 1 empty and swept out and put in order Here, **swept out and put in order** suggests that no one is living in the house. Jesus means when an unclean spirit leaves a person, the person must invite the Holy Spirit to live in him or else the demon will come back. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 45 nh6q 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes the parable that he began with the words **When an unclean spirit** in verse 43. MAT 12 45 bhb4 figs-parables τότε πορεύεται καὶ παραλαμβάνει μεθ’ ἑαυτοῦ ἑπτὰ ἕτερα πνεύματα πονηρότερα ἑαυτοῦ, καὶ εἰσελθόντα κατοικεῖ ἐκεῖ; καὶ γίνεται τὰ ἔσχατα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου χείρονα τῶν πρώτων. οὕτως ἔσται καὶ τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ πονηρᾷ 1 Then it goes and takes along with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and having entered, they live there. And the end of that man becomes worse than the first. It will be the same way also with this evil generation Jesus tells a parable to warn the people of the danger of not believing him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 12 45 jw1h οὕτως ἔσται καὶ τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ πονηρᾷ 1 It will be the same way also with this evil generation This means that if the people of Jesus’ generation do not believe him and become his disciples, they will be in a worse situation than they were before he came. MAT 12 46 qj8w 0 General Information: The arrival of Jesus’ mother and brothers becomes an opportunity for him to describe his spiritual family. MAT 12 46 ahx7 ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** alerts us to a new people in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 12 46 mh5f ἡ μήτηρ 1 his mother This is Mary, Jesus’ human mother. MAT 12 46 dq8m οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ 1 his brothers These are probably other children born to Mary, but it is possible that the word **brothers** here refers to Jesus’ cousins. MAT 12 46 z97j ζητοῦντες…λαλῆσαι 1 seeking to speak “wanting to speak” MAT 12 47 qd32 figs-quotations εἶπεν δέ τις αὐτῷ, ἰδοὺ, ἡ μήτηρ σου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί σου ἔξω ἑστήκασιν ζητοῦντές σοι λαλῆσαι. 1 Someone said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.” You can translate this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Someone told Jesus that his mother and brothers were outside and wanted to speak to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 12 48 q1cd 0 Connecting Statement: This is the end of the part of the story that began in [Matthew 12:1](../12/01.md), where Matthew tells of growing opposition to Jesus’ ministry. MAT 12 48 jm1y figs-ellipsis τῷ λέγοντι αὐτῷ 1 to the one speaking to him The details of the message the person told Jesus are understood and not repeated here. Alternate translation: “to the one who told Jesus that his mother and brothers wanted to speak to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 12 48 e535 figs-rquestion τίς ἐστιν ἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ τίνες εἰσὶν οἱ ἀδελφοί μου? 1 Who is my mother and who are my brothers? Jesus uses these questions to teach the people. Alternate translation: “I will tell you who are really my mother and brothers.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 12 49 gk62 ἰδοὺ 1 Behold “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you” MAT 12 49 rxe8 figs-metaphor ἡ μήτηρ μου καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοί μου 1 my mother and my brothers This is a metaphor that means Jesus’ disciples belong to Jesus’ spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 12 50 e25c ὅστις…ἂν ποιήσῃ 1 whoever may do “anyone who does” MAT 12 50 mq9r guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 of my Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 12 50 gn31 figs-metaphor αὐτός μου ἀδελφὸς, καὶ ἀδελφὴ, καὶ μήτηρ ἐστίν 1 he is my brother, and sister, and mother This is a metaphor meaning that those who obey God belong to Jesus’ spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 intro s3lu 0 # Matthew 13 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 13:14-15, which are words from the Old Testament.

This chapter begins a new section. It contains some of Jesus’ parables about the kingdom of heaven.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metonymy

Jesus often says The word **heaven** when he wants his hearers to think of God, who lives in heaven ([Matthew 13:11](../../mat/13/11.md)).

### Implicit information

Speakers usually do not say things that they think their hearers already understand. When Matthew wrote that Jesus “sat beside the sea” ([Matthew 13:1](../../mat/13/01.md)), he probably expected his hearers to know that Jesus was about to teach the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

### Metaphor

Speakers often use words for things that can be touched to speak of things that cannot be touched. Jesus spoke of a bird eating a seed to describe how Satan kept people from understanding Jesus’ message ([Matthew 13:19](../../mat/13/19.md)).

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Passive voice

Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. For example, “they were scorched” ([Matthew 13:6](../../mat/13/06.md)). You may have to translate the sentence so that it tells the reader who performed the action. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

### Parables

The parables were short stories that Jesus told so that people would easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. He also told the stories so that those who did not want to believe in him would not understand the truth ([Matthew 13:11-13](./11.md)). MAT 13 1 r4xv 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Jesus begins to teach the crowds, using parables, about the kingdom of heaven. MAT 13 1 vx5y ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ 1 On that day These events happened on the same day as those in the previous chapter. MAT 13 1 cy1t ἐξελθὼν…τῆς οἰκίας 1 having gone out of the house It is not mentioned at whose house Jesus was staying. MAT 13 1 zjb3 figs-explicit ἐκάθητο παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν 1 was sitting beside the sea It is implied that he sat down to teach the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 2 d16z figs-explicit ὥστε αὐτὸν εἰς πλοῖον ἐμβάντα καθῆσθαι 1 so that, having stepped into a boat, he sat down It is implied that Jesus got into a boat because it would make it easier to teach the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 2 jge7 translate-unknown πλοῖον 1 a boat This was probably an open, wooden fishing boat with a sail. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 13 3 e99p 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who sows seeds. MAT 13 3 f5mv καὶ ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς πολλὰ ἐν παραβολαῖς 1 And he spoke many things to them in parables “And Jesus told them many things in parables” MAT 13 3 w5p3 αὐτοῖς 1 to them “to the people in the crowd” MAT 13 3 m97r ἰδοὺ 1 Behold “Look” or “Listen.” This word calls attention to what is to be said next. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you” MAT 13 3 ur64 ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρων τοῦ σπείρειν 1 a sower went out to sow “a farmer went out to scatter seeds in a field” MAT 13 4 c6g6 καὶ ἐν τῷ σπείρειν αὐτὸν 1 And as he sowed “And as the farmer scattered the seed” MAT 13 4 v7r8 παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν 1 beside the road This refers to a path next to the field. The ground there would have been hard from people walking on it. MAT 13 4 qr2d κατέφαγεν αὐτά 1 devoured them “ate all the seeds” MAT 13 5 l2g6 τὰ πετρώδη 1 the rocky ground This is ground full of rocks with just a thin layer of soil on top of the rocks. MAT 13 5 ql87 καὶ εὐθέως ἐξανέτειλεν 1 And immediately they sprang up “And the seeds quickly sprouted and grew” MAT 13 6 qq5x figs-activepassive ἐκαυματίσθη 1 they were scorched You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the sun scorched the plants, and they became too hot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 6 az8l ἐξηράνθη 1 they were dried up “the plants became dry and died” MAT 13 7 dnm8 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes telling a parable about a person who sows seeds. MAT 13 7 ugc9 ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ τὰς ἀκάνθας 1 fell among the thorn plants “fell where plants with thorns grew” MAT 13 7 vt8z ἀπέπνιξαν αὐτά 1 choked them “choked the new sprouts.” Use your word for the way weeds prevent other plants from growing well. MAT 13 8 iwv2 ἐδίδου καρπόν 1 produced fruit “grew more seeds” or “gave fruit” MAT 13 8 e91e figs-ellipsis ὃ μὲν ἑκατὸν, ὃ δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ὃ δὲ τριάκοντα 1 some one 100 times as much, and some 60, and some 30 The words “seeds,” “produced,” and “crop” are understood from the previous phrase. These can be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: “some seeds produced 100 times as much crop, some seeds produced 60 times as much crop, and some seeds produced 30 times as much crop” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 13 8 ph2p translate-numbers ἑκατὸν…ἑξήκοντα…τριάκοντα 1 100 times as much … 60 … 30 “one hundred times as much … sixty … thirty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 13 9 q2e2 figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω 1 The one having ears, let him hear Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase **having ears** here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Matthew 11:15](../11/15.md). Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 9 gkv1 figs-123person ὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω 1 The one having ears, let him hear Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Matthew 11:15](../11/15.md). Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 13 10 p8yc 0 General Information: Jesus explains to his disciples why he teaches with parables. MAT 13 11 fc5n figs-activepassive ὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι τὰ μυστήρια τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν, ἐκείνοις δὲ οὐ δέδοται 1 To you has been given to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those it has not been given You can translate this with the active form. Alternate translation: “God has given to you to understand mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but God has not given it to these people” or “God has made you able to understand mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but he has not enabled these people to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 11 xq2v figs-explicit ὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι τὰ μυστήρια τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν, ἐκείνοις δὲ οὐ δέδοται 1 To you has been given to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those it has not been given The implied information expressed clearly. Alternate translation: “God has given you the privilege of understanding mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but God has not given it to these people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 11 rcd3 figs-you ὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι 1 To you has been given to understand The word **you** is plural here and refers to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 13 11 ah6u figs-metonymy τὰ μυστήρια τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** occurs only in the book of Matthew. If possible, try to keep it in your translation. Alternate translation: “the secrets about our God in heaven and his rule” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 12 j3rl ὅστις…ἔχει 1 whoever has “whoever has understanding” or “whoever receives what I teach” MAT 13 12 v61y figs-activepassive δοθήσεται 1 it will be given You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will give him more understanding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 12 xsr5 ὅστις…οὐκ ἔχει 2 whoever does not have “whoever does not have understanding” or “whoever does not receive what I teach” MAT 13 12 bl5s figs-activepassive καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 even what he has will be taken away from him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will take away even what he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 13 wc3u 0 General Information: In verse 14, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that the people’s failure to understand Jesus’ teaching is a fulfillment of prophecy. MAT 13 13 hm4t 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to explain to his disciples why he teaches in parables. MAT 13 13 v6pb αὐτοῖς…οὐ βλέπουσιν…οὐκ ἀκούουσιν 1 to them … they do not see … they do not hear All occurrences of **them** and **they** refer to the people in the crowd. MAT 13 13 uk7j figs-parallelism ὅτι βλέποντες οὐ βλέπουσιν, καὶ ἀκούοντες οὐκ ἀκούουσιν, οὐδὲ συνίουσιν 1 because seeing, they do not see; and hearing, they do not hear nor understand Jesus uses this parallelism to tell and emphasize to the disciples that the crowd refuses to understand God’s truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 13 13 ae8k βλέποντες 1 seeing This could mean: (1) This refers to them **seeing** what Jesus does. Alternate translation: “though they see what I do” (2) This refers to their ability to see. Alternate translation: “though they are able to see” MAT 13 13 nbi3 figs-metaphor οὐ βλέπουσιν 1 they do not see Here, **see** represents understanding. Alternate translation: “they do not understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 13 j4bg ἀκούοντες 1 hearing This could mean: (1) This refers to them **hearing** what Jesus teaches. Alternate translation: “though they hear what I say” (2) This refers to their ability to hear. Alternate translation: “though they are able to hear” MAT 13 13 gq65 figs-metaphor οὐκ ἀκούουσιν 1 they do not hear Here, **hear** represents listening well. Alternate translation: “they do not listen well” or “they do not pay attention” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 14 jz9n καὶ ἀναπληροῦται αὐτοῖς ἡ προφητεία Ἠσαΐου ἡ λέγουσα 1 And to them the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “And they are fulfilling what God said long ago through the prophet Isaiah” MAT 13 14 z2es figs-parallelism ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε; καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε 1 In hearing you will hear, but you may certainly not understand; and seeing, you will see, but you may certainly not perceive This begins a quote from the prophet Isaiah about the unbelieving people of Isaiah’s day. Jesus uses this quote to describe the very crowd that was listening to him. These statements are again parallel and emphasize that the people refused to understand God’s truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 13 14 a1im figs-explicit ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε 1 In hearing you will hear, but you may certainly not understand “You will hear things, but you will not understand them.” You can make explicit what the people will hear. Alternate translation: “You will hear what God says through the prophets, but you will not understand its true meaning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 14 emu1 figs-explicit βλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε 1 seeing, you will see, but you may certainly not perceive You can make explicit what the people will **see**. Alternate translation: “you will see what God does through the prophets, but you will not understand it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 15 e8r5 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes quoting the prophet Isaiah. MAT 13 15 lu8u figs-metaphor ἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν, καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν; μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν, καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν, καὶ ἐπιστρέψωσιν καὶ ἰάσομαι αὐτούς 1 For the heart of this people has become dull, and their ears heard with difficulty, and they closed their eyes, lest they might see with their eyes, and might hear with their ears, and might understand with their hearts, and they might turn back, and I will heal them In 13:15 God describes the people of Israel as if they have physical diseases that cause them to be unable to learn, to see, and to hear. God wants them to come to him so he will heal them. This is all a metaphor describing the people’s spiritual condition. It means the people are stubborn and refuse to receive and understand God’s truth. If they would, then they would repent and God would forgive them and welcome them back as his people. If the meaning is clear, keep the metaphor in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 15 fy7m figs-metonymy ἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου 1 For the heart of this people has become dull Here, **heart** refers to the mind. Alternate translation: “For these people’s minds are slow to learn” or “For these people can no longer learn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 15 q87m figs-metonymy τοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν 1 their ears heard with difficulty They are not physically deaf. Here, **heard with difficulty** means they refuse to listen and learn God’s truth. Alternate translation: “they refuse to use their ears to listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 15 y7t7 figs-metonymy τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν 1 they closed their eyes They have not literally **closed their eyes**. This means they refuse to understand. Alternate translation: “they refuse to use their eyes to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 15 fl93 μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν, καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν, καὶ ἐπιστρέψωσιν 1 lest they might see with their eyes, and might hear with their ears, and might understand with their hearts, and they might turn back “so that they are not able to see with their eyes, hear with their ears, or understand with their heart, and as a result turn again” MAT 13 15 sr25 figs-metonymy τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν 1 might understand with their hearts The word **hearts** here is a metonym for people’s innermost being. You may need to use the word in your language for the source of people’s thinking and feelings. Alternate translation: “understand with their minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 15 ps56 ἐπιστρέψωσιν 1 they might turn back “they might turn back to me” or “they might repent” MAT 13 15 q1h9 figs-metaphor ἰάσομαι αὐτούς 1 I will heal them “have me heal them.” This means God would **heal them** spiritually by forgiving their sins and receiving them again as his people. Alternate translation: “have me receive them again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 16 dc9t 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes explaining to his disciples why he teaches with parables. MAT 13 16 yhe4 figs-parallelism ὑμῶν δὲ μακάριοι οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ὅτι βλέπουσιν, καὶ τὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν ὅτι ἀκούουσιν 1 But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear Both of these statements mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that they have pleased God because they have believed what Jesus has said and done. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 13 16 glp8 figs-synecdoche ὑμῶν δὲ μακάριοι οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ὅτι βλέπουσιν 1 But blessed are your eyes, for they see Here, **eyes** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “You are blessed because your eyes are able to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 13 16 rlt3 figs-you ὑμῶν…ὑμῶν 1 your … your Both occurrences of **your** are plural and refer to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 13 16 jp32 figs-synecdoche τὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν ὅτι ἀκούουσιν 1 your ears, for they hear Here, **ears** refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you, for you hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 13 16 xczh figs-ellipsis τὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν ὅτι ἀκούουσιν 1 your ears, for they hear You can also make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “you are blessed because your ears are able to hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 13 17 mg58 ἀμὴν, γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν 1 For truly I say to you “For I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 13 17 bsj7 figs-you ὑμῖν…βλέπετε…ἀκούετε 1 to you … you see … you hear All occurrences of **you** are plural and refer to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 13 17 e6ci figs-explicit ἃ βλέπετε 1 the things you see You can make explicit what they have seen. Alternate translation: “the things you have seen me do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 17 q14w figs-explicit ἃ ἀκούετε 1 the things you hear You can make explicit what they have heard. Alternate translation: “the things you have heard me say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 18 w35t 0 Connecting Statement: Here Jesus begins to explain to his disciples the parable about a person who sows seeds, which he began in [Matthew 13:3](../13/03.md). MAT 13 19 v2d7 τὸν λόγον τῆς βασιλείας 1 the word of the kingdom “the message about God’s rule as king” MAT 13 19 a8nu figs-metaphor ἔρχεται ὁ πονηρὸς καὶ ἁρπάζει τὸ ἐσπαρμένον ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ 1 the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart Jesus speaks of Satan causing the person to forget what he has heard as if Satan were a bird snatching the seed from the ground. Alternate translation: “The evil one causes him to forget the message that he has heard just as a bird snatches away seed from the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 19 sb7u figs-explicit ὁ πονηρὸς 1 the evil one This refers to Satan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 19 pt4d ἁρπάζει 1 snatches away Try to use a word that means to grab something away from someone who is the rightful owner. MAT 13 19 r9u6 figs-activepassive τὸ ἐσπαρμένον ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ 1 what has been sown in his heart You can translate this in active form: Alternate translation: “the message that God sowed in his heart” or “the message that he heard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 19 xi8f figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ 1 in his heart Here, **heart** refers to the mind of the hearer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 19 wfd3 οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν σπαρείς 1 This is what was sown beside the road “This is the meaning of the seed that was sown beside the road” or “The road where seed was sown represents this person” MAT 13 19 xgz5 παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν 1 beside the road See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:4](../13/04.md). MAT 13 20 q3fp 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to explain to his disciples the parable about a person who sows seeds. MAT 13 20 l5iv figs-explicit ὁ δὲ ἐπὶ τὰ πετρώδη σπαρείς 1 Now that sown on the rocky ground The phrase **that sown** refers to seed that fell. Alternate translation: “Now the seed that fell on rocky ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 20 w4f9 ὁ δὲ ἐπὶ τὰ πετρώδη σπαρείς, οὗτός ἐστιν 1 Now that sown on rocky ground, this is “Now the rocky ground where seed was sown represents” or “Now the rocky ground where seed fell represents” MAT 13 20 e3hm ὁ τὸν λόγον ἀκούων 1 the one hearing the word In the parable, the seed represents **the word**. MAT 13 20 cl6g figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον 1 the word This represents God’s message. Alternate translation: “the message” or “God’s teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 20 z76f figs-metaphor μετὰ χαρᾶς λαμβάνων αὐτόν 1 receiving it with joy Believing the word is spoken of as **receiving it**. Alternate translation: “joyfully believing it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 21 zg9q figs-metaphor οὐκ ἔχει δὲ ῥίζαν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, ἀλλὰ πρόσκαιρός ἐστιν 1 But he has no root in himself, but is temporary “Yet he has shallow roots and only lasts for a little while.” The **root** represents what makes a person continue to believe God’s message. Alternate translation: “But like a plant that does not grow deep roots, he only endures for a little while” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 21 lim9 figs-metaphor εὐθὺς σκανδαλίζεται 1 immediately he is caused to stumble Here, **is caused to stumble** means stops believing. Alternate translation: “he quickly stops believing the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 22 sis7 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to explain to his disciples the parable about a person who sows seeds. MAT 13 22 d4h5 figs-explicit ὁ…σπαρείς 1 that which has been sown This refers to seed that was **sown** or that fell. Alternate translation: “the seed that was sown” or “the seed that fell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 22 rcj8 ὁ δὲ εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας σπαρείς 1 Now that which has been sown among the thorn plants “Now the ground with the thorn plants where seed was sown” MAT 13 22 anm5 οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ 1 this is the one “this represents the person” MAT 13 22 a3u1 τὸν λόγον 1 the word “the message” or “God’s teaching” MAT 13 22 q2nh figs-metaphor ἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου καὶ ἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου συνπνίγει τὸν λόγον 1 the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word Jesus speaks about the **cares** of the world and the **deceitfulness of riches** distracting a person from obeying God’s word as if they were weeds that could wind around a plant and keep it from growing. Alternate translation: “as weeds prevent good plants from growing, the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches keep this person from listening to God’s word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 22 xa8r ἡ μέριμνα τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου 1 the cares of this age “the things in this world that people worry about” MAT 13 22 wwf5 figs-personification ἡ ἀπάτη τοῦ πλούτου 1 the deceitfulness of riches Jesus describes **riches** as if it were a person who could deceive someone. This means people think having more money will make them happy, but it will not. Alternate translation: “the love of money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) MAT 13 22 gn6z figs-metaphor ἄκαρπος γίνεται 1 it becomes unfruitful The person is spoken of as if he were a plant. Being **unfruitful** represents being unproductive. Alternate translation: “he becomes unproductive” or “he does not do what God wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 23 xw4b ὁ…ἐπὶ τὴν καλὴν γῆν σπαρείς 1 that which has been sown on the good soil “the good soil where seeds were sown” MAT 13 23 ptb8 figs-metaphor ὃς δὴ καρποφορεῖ καὶ ποιεῖ, ὃ 1 who indeed bears fruit, and some yield The person is spoken of as if he were a plant. Alternate translation: “like a healthy plant that is productive, some bears a crop of fruit that yields” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 23 wm3p figs-ellipsis ποιεῖ, ὃ μὲν ἑκατὸν, ὃ δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ὃ δὲ τριάκοντα 1 some yield 100 times, and some 60, and some 30 The phrase “as much as was planted” is understood following each of these numbers. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:8](../13/08.md). Alternate translation: “some people produce 100 times as much as was planted, some produce 60 times as much, and some produce 30 times as much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 13 24 l5yx figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Here Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 13 24 k8pu figs-simile ὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν, ἀνθρώπῳ 1 The kingdom of the heavens is like a man The translation should not equate the **kingdom of the heavens** to a man, but rather the **kingdom of the heavens** is like the situation described in the parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 13 24 f8j5 figs-metonymy ὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 The kingdom of the heavens is like Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in Matthew. if possible, use **heavens** in your translation. Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 24 u21k figs-explicit καλὸν σπέρμα 1 good seed “good food seeds” or “good grain seeds.” The audience probably thought that Jesus was talking about wheat. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 25 zn8v ἦλθεν αὐτοῦ ὁ ἐχθρὸς 1 his enemy came “his enemy came to the field” MAT 13 25 q4tv ζιζάνια 1 darnel The **darnel** that was sown looks like food plants when it is young, but its grain is poison. Alternate translation: “bad seed” or “weed seeds” MAT 13 26 lea1 ὅτε δὲ ἐβλάστησεν ὁ χόρτος 1 But when the blades sprouted “But when the wheat seeds sprouted” or “But after the plants came up” MAT 13 26 jgv9 καρπὸν ἐποίησεν 1 produced fruit “produced grain” or “produced the wheat crop” MAT 13 26 tu4q τότε ἐφάνη καὶ τὰ ζιζάνια 1 then the darnel became visible also “then people could see there were weeds in the field also” MAT 13 27 hz3q 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to tell a parable about a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it. MAT 13 27 h51x τοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου 1 of the landowner This is the same person who sowed good seed in his field. MAT 13 27 gr7d figs-rquestion οὐχὶ καλὸν σπέρμα ἔσπειρας ἐν τῷ σῷ ἀγρῷ? 1 did you not sow good seed in your field? The servants used a question to emphasize their surprise. Alternate translation: “you sowed good seed in your field!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 13 27 fb86 figs-metonymy οὐχὶ…ἔσπειρας 1 did you not sow The landowner probably had his servants plant the seeds. Alternate translation: “did we not sow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 28 r83z ὁ δὲ ἔφη αὐτοῖς 1 But he was saying to them “But the landowner said to the servants” MAT 13 28 num8 θέλεις οὖν 1 Therefore, do you want us The word **us** refers to the servants. MAT 13 29 shs3 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus concludes the parable about a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it. MAT 13 29 c9jc ὁ δέ φησιν 1 But he says “But the landowner said to his servants” MAT 13 30 z36a figs-quotations ἐρῶ τοῖς θερισταῖς, συλλέξατε πρῶτον τὰ ζιζάνια καὶ δήσατε αὐτὰ εἰς δέσμας πρὸς τὸ κατακαῦσαι αὐτά; τὸν δὲ σῖτον συναγάγετε εἰς τὴν ἀποθήκην μου. 1 I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the darnel and tie them in bundles to burn them up, but gather the wheat into my barn.” You can translate this as an indirect quote (AT): “I will tell the reapers to first gather up the darnel and tie them in bundles to burn them, and then gather the wheat into my barn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 13 30 ll14 τὴν ἀποθήκην 1 barn a farm building that can be used for storing grain MAT 13 31 tdf4 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a very small seed that grows into a very big plant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 13 31 jw7u figs-metonymy ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 The kingdom of the heavens is like Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in Matthew. if possible, use **heavens** in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24](../13/24.md). Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 31 qby8 translate-unknown κόκκῳ σινάπεως 1 a mustard seed a very small seed that grows into a large plant (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 13 32 gyi1 figs-explicit ὃ μικρότερον μέν ἐστιν πάντων τῶν σπερμάτων 1 which is indeed the smallest of all the seeds Mustard seeds were the **smallest** **seeds** known to the original hearers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 32 x65d ὅταν δὲ αὐξηθῇ 1 But when it may grow “But when the plant has grown” MAT 13 32 um9k μεῖζον…ἐστὶν 1 it is greater than “it is larger than” MAT 13 32 g6v8 γίνεται δένδρον 1 becomes a tree A mustard plant can grow about 2 to 4 meters tall. MAT 13 32 c9te τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 the birds of the sky “the birds” MAT 13 33 a1th figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about the effect that yeast has on flour. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 13 33 z94k figs-simile ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν ζύμῃ 1 The kingdom of heaven is like yeast The **kingdom** is not like the **yeast**, but the spread of the **kingdom** is like the spreading of the **yeast**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 13 33 w8sb figs-metonymy ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 The kingdom of the heavens is like Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in Matthew. if possible, use **heavens** in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24](../13/24.md). Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 33 r88g translate-bvolume ἀλεύρου σάτα τρία 1 three measures of flour Say “a large amount of flour” or use a term that your culture uses for measuring large amounts of flour. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]]) MAT 13 33 c35r figs-explicit γυνὴ ἐνέκρυψεν εἰς ἀλεύρου σάτα τρία, ἕως οὗ ἐζυμώθη ὅλον 1 a woman mixed with three measures of flour until it all was leavened The implied information is that the yeast and the three measures of flour were made into dough for baking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 34 f9gl 0 General Information: Here the author quotes from the Psalms to show that Jesus’ teaching in parables fulfilled prophecy. MAT 13 34 nt7u figs-parallelism ταῦτα πάντα ἐλάλησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐν παραβολαῖς τοῖς ὄχλοις, καὶ χωρὶς παραβολῆς οὐδὲν ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς 1 All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables; and he was speaking nothing to them without a parable Both sentences mean the same thing. They are combined to emphasize that Jesus taught **the crowds** only with **parables**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 13 34 n54e ταῦτα πάντα 1 All these things This refers to what Jesus taught beginning at [Matthew 13:1](../13/01.md). MAT 13 34 a5c7 figs-doublenegatives χωρὶς παραβολῆς οὐδὲν ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς 1 he was speaking nothing to them without a parable “he taught them nothing except by parables.” The double negative can be expressed in a positive way. Alternate translation: “everything he taught them he said in parables” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) MAT 13 35 ybq5 figs-activepassive πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος 1 what had been said through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what God told one of the prophets to write long ago might come true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 35 p3tb λέγοντος 1 saying “when the prophet said” MAT 13 35 n1pa figs-idiom ἀνοίξω…τὸ στόμα μου 1 I will open my mouth This is an idiom that means to speak. Alternate translation: “I will speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 13 35 yx6y figs-activepassive κεκρυμμένα 1 what has been hidden You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “things that God has kept hidden” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 35 th8t ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου 1 from the foundation of the world “since the beginning of the world” or “since God created the world” MAT 13 36 pq2h 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to the house where Jesus and his disciples were staying. Jesus begins to explain to them the parable of the field that had both wheat and weeds, which he told beginning in [Matthew 13:24](../13/24.md). MAT 13 36 x5w7 ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν 1 he went into the house “he went indoors” or “he went into the house where he was staying” MAT 13 37 aj8f ὁ σπείρων τὸ καλὸν σπέρμα 1 The one sowing the good seed “The one who sows the good seed” or “The sower of the good seed” MAT 13 37 xj4s figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is referring to himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 13 38 h9iz figs-idiom οἱ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας 1 the sons of the kingdom The idiom “sons of” refers to those who belong to or to have the same character as someone or something. Alternate translation: “the people who belong to the kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 13 38 eni3 figs-metonymy τῆς βασιλείας 1 of the kingdom Here, **kingdom** refers to God the king. Alternate translation: “of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 38 edu7 figs-idiom οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ πονηροῦ 1 the sons of the evil one The idiom “sons of” refers those who belong to or to have the same character as someone or something. Alternate translation: “the people who belong to the evil one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 13 39 sgx2 ὁ…ἐχθρὸς, ὁ σπείρας αὐτά 1 the enemy who sowed them “the enemy who sowed the weeds” MAT 13 40 ei3v 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes explaining to his disciples the parable of the field with both wheat and weeds. MAT 13 40 rn64 figs-activepassive ὥσπερ οὖν συλλέγεται τὰ ζιζάνια καὶ πυρὶ κατακαίεται 1 Therefore, just as the darnel are gathered up and burned with fire You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “Therefore, as people gather up weeds and burn them in the fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 41 fiy4 figs-123person ἀποστελεῖ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ 1 The Son of Man will send out his angels Here Jesus is speaking of himself. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, will send out my angels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 13 41 ptw9 τοὺς ποιοῦντας τὴν ἀνομίαν 1 those doing lawlessness “those who are lawless” or “evil people” MAT 13 42 d9md figs-metaphor τὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός 1 the furnace of fire This is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term **furnace** is not known, “oven” can be used. Alternate translation: “fiery furnace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 42 zu3j translate-symaction ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων 1 weeping and grinding of teeth Here, **Grinding of teeth** is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12](../08/12.md). Alternate translation: “weeping and showing that they are suffering very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 13 43 u6sm figs-simile ἐκλάμψουσιν ὡς ὁ ἥλιος 1 will shine as the sun If this simile is not understandable in your language, you can use: “will be as easy to see as the sun.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 13 43 sea2 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτῶν 1 of their Father **Father** is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 13 43 zxh2 figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω 1 The one having ears, let him hear Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase **having ears** here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Matthew 11:15](../11/15.md). Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 43 sak5 figs-123person ὁ ἔχων ὦτα, ἀκουέτω 1 The one having ears, let him hear Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this in [Matthew 11:15](../11/15.md). Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 13 44 n7nz figs-simile 0 General Information: In these two parables, Jesus uses two similes to teach his disciples what the kingdom of heaven is like. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 13 44 fjm1 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling two parables about people who sold their possessions to purchase something of great value. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 13 44 e9cv figs-metonymy ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 The kingdom of the heavens is like Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in Matthew. if possible, use **heavens** in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24](../13/24.md). Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 44 u9jq figs-activepassive ὁμοία ἐστὶν…θησαυρῷ κεκρυμμένῳ ἐν τῷ ἀγρῷ 1 is like a treasure hidden in a field You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “is like a treasure that someone had hidden in a field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 44 k9rh θησαυρῷ 1 a treasure a very valuable and precious thing or collection of things MAT 13 44 hu7f ἔκρυψεν 1 hid “covered it up” MAT 13 44 jtv2 figs-explicit πωλεῖ πάντα ὅσα ἔχει, καὶ ἀγοράζει τὸν ἀγρὸν ἐκεῖνον 1 sells everything, as much as he has, and buys that field The implied information is that the person **buys** the **field** to take possession of the hidden treasure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 45 c633 figs-explicit ὁμοία…ἀνθρώπῳ ἐμπόρῳ ζητοῦντι καλοὺς μαργαρίτας 1 like a man, a merchant, seeking fine pearls The implied information is that the man was looking for valuable **pearls** that he could buy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 45 khy6 ἀνθρώπῳ ἐμπόρῳ 1 a man, a merchant a trader or wholesale dealer who often obtains merchandise from distant places MAT 13 45 b88q translate-unknown καλοὺς μαργαρίτας 1 fine pearls A pearl is a smooth, hard, shiny, white or light-colored bead formed inside mollusks in the sea and highly prized as a gem or to make into valuable jewelry. Alternate translation: “fine valuable” or “beautiful pearls” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 13 47 vw24 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about fishermen who use a large net to catch fish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 13 47 g79n figs-simile ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν σαγήνῃ 1 the kingdom of the heavens is like a net The **kingdom** is not like the **net**, but the **kingdom** draws all kinds of people like a **net** catches all kinds of fish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 13 47 rjm4 figs-metonymy ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the kingdom of the heavens is like Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in Matthew. if possible, use **heavens** in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24](../13/24.md). Alternate translation: “When our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 47 vrp4 figs-activepassive ὁμοία…σαγήνῃ βληθείσῃ εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν 1 like a net having been cast into the sea You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “like a net that some fishermen cast into the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 47 kbz2 βληθείσῃ εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν 1 having been cast into the sea “that was thrown into the sea” MAT 13 47 t9v6 ἐκ παντὸς γένους συναγαγούσῃ 1 having gathered from every kind “having caught all kinds of fish” MAT 13 48 kf47 ἀναβιβάσαντες ἐπὶ τὸν αἰγιαλὸν 1 they drew up on the beach “they pulled the net up onto the beach” or “they pulled the net ashore” MAT 13 48 cnp7 τὰ καλὰ 1 the good things “the good fish” MAT 13 48 qi2z τὰ…σαπρὰ 2 the worthless things “the bad fish” or “the inedible fish” MAT 13 48 aqu2 ἔξω ἔβαλον 1 they threw away “they did not keep” MAT 13 49 nql6 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus explains the parable about fishermen who use a large net to catch fish. MAT 13 49 q1ms ἐξελεύσονται 1 will come “will come out” or “will go out” or “will come from heaven” MAT 13 49 ah2k figs-nominaladj τοὺς πονηροὺς ἐκ μέσου τῶν δικαίων 1 the wicked from among the righteous You can state the nominal adjectives **wicked** and **righteous** as adjectives. Alternate translation: “the wicked people from the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 13 50 hwv1 βαλοῦσιν αὐτοὺς 1 they will throw them “the angels will throw the wicked people” MAT 13 50 j8nf figs-metaphor τὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρός 1 the furnace of fire This is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term **furnace** is not known, “oven” can be used. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:42](../13/42.md). Alternate translation: “the fiery furnace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 13 50 mc8t translate-symaction ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων 1 weeping and grinding of teeth Here, **grinding of teeth** is a symbolic act, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12](../08/12.md). Alternate translation: “weeping and expressing their extreme suffering.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 13 51 d3wg 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven by telling a parable about a person who manages a household. This is the end of the part of the story about Jesus teaching the crowds about the kingdom of heaven through using parables. MAT 13 51 p5ej figs-quotations συνήκατε ταῦτα πάντα? λέγουσιν αὐτῷ, ναί. 1 Have you understood all these things?” They say to him, “Yes.” If necessary, both direct quotations can be translated as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: “Jesus asked them if they had understood all this, and they said that they did understand.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 13 52 g4dd figs-metonymy μαθητευθεὶς τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 who has been discipled for the kingdom of the heavens Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “has learned the truth about our God in heaven, who is king” or “has submitted himself to God’s rule” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 13 52 gr36 figs-parables ὅμοιός ἐστιν ἀνθρώπῳ οἰκοδεσπότῃ, ὅστις ἐκβάλλει ἐκ τοῦ θησαυροῦ αὐτοῦ καινὰ καὶ παλαιά 1 is like a man, an owner of a house, who draws out new things and old things from his treasure Jesus speaks another parable. He compares scribes, who know very well the scriptures that Moses and the prophets wrote, and who also now accept Jesus’ teachings, to a **house** **owner** who uses both **old** and **new** treasures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 13 52 g59c τοῦ θησαυροῦ αὐτοῦ 1 his treasure A **treasure** is a very valuable and precious thing or a collection of things. Here it may refer to the place where these things are stored, the “treasury” or “storeroom.” MAT 13 53 jwv2 καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε 1 And it happened that when This phrase shifts the story from Jesus’ teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “And then” or “And after” MAT 13 54 qnh9 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through [Matthew 17:27](../17/27.md), where Matthew tells of continued opposition to Jesus’ ministry and teaching about the kingdom of heaven. Here, the people of Jesus’ home town reject him. MAT 13 54 q3ml figs-explicit τὴν πατρίδα αὐτοῦ 1 his hometown This refers to the town of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 54 j6vb ἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ αὐτῶν 1 in their synagogue The pronoun **their** is referring to the people of the region. MAT 13 54 it1f ἐκπλήσσεσθαι αὐτοὺς 1 they were astonished “they were amazed” MAT 13 54 b3d2 figs-explicit πόθεν τούτῳ ἡ σοφία αὕτη καὶ αἱ δυνάμεις? 1 From where to this one is this wisdom and these miracles? The people believed that Jesus was just an ordinary man. Alternate translation: “How can an ordinary man like this be so wise and do such great miracles?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 13 54 etwp figs-rquestion πόθεν τούτῳ ἡ σοφία αὕτη καὶ αἱ δυνάμεις? 1 From where to this one is this wisdom and these miracles? The people use this question to express their amazement that he was so wise and was able to do miracles. Alternate translation: “It is strange that he is able to speak with such wisdom and do these miracles!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 13 55 rk5e figs-rquestion οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ τοῦ τέκτονος υἱός? οὐχ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ λέγεται Μαριὰμ, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ, Ἰάκωβος, καὶ Ἰωσὴφ, καὶ Σίμων, καὶ Ἰούδας? 1 Is not this the son of the carpenter? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Judas? The crowd uses these questions to express their belief that they know who Jesus is and that he is just an ordinary man. Alternate translation: “He is just the son of a carpenter. We know his mother Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 13 55 rpj9 ὁ τοῦ τέκτονος υἱός 1 the son of the carpenter A **carpenter** is someone who makes things with wood or stone. If **carpenter** is not known, “builder” can be used. MAT 13 56 m9pn figs-rquestion αἱ ἀδελφαὶ αὐτοῦ οὐχὶ πᾶσαι πρὸς ἡμᾶς εἰσιν? 1 are not all his sisters with us? The crowd uses this question to express their belief that they know who Jesus is and that he is just an ordinary man. Alternate translation: “all his sisters are with us, too.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 13 56 bnv1 figs-rquestion πόθεν οὖν τούτῳ ταῦτα πάντα? 1 From where therefore to this one are all these things? The crowd uses this question to show their understanding that Jesus must have gotten his abilities from somewhere. They were probably expressing their doubt that he got his abilities from God. Alternate translation: “He must have gotten his ability to do these things from somewhere!” or “We do not know where he got these abilities!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 13 56 pqf1 ταῦτα πάντα 1 all these things This refers to Jesus’ wisdom and ability to do miracles. MAT 13 57 f5md figs-activepassive ἐσκανδαλίζοντο ἐν αὐτῷ 1 they were offended by him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the people of Jesus’ hometown took offense at him” or “the people rejected Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 13 57 azn4 figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἔστιν προφήτης ἄτιμος 1 A prophet is not without honor You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “A prophet receives honor everywhere” or “People everywhere honor a prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) MAT 13 57 sq8j τῇ πατρίδι 1 his hometown “his own region” MAT 13 57 w4x8 ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτοῦ 1 in his own family “in his own home” MAT 13 58 e2cp οὐκ ἐποίησεν ἐκεῖ δυνάμεις πολλὰς 1 he did not do many miracles there “Jesus did not do many miracles in his own hometown” MAT 14 intro g5mc 0 # Matthew 14 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Verses 1 and 2 continue the account from chapter 13. Verses 3-12 stop the account and speak of things that happened earlier, possibly soon after Satan tempted Jesus (see [Matthew 4:12](../../mat/04/12.md)). Verse 13 continues the account from verse 2. Be sure to have words in verses 3-12 that tell the reader that Matthew has stopped his account to give new information before he continues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Passive voice

Many sentences in this chapter tell that a person had something happen to him without saying who caused that something to happen. For example, the writer does not tell who brought John’s head to Herodias’s daughter ([Matthew 14:11](../../mat/14/11.md)). You may have to translate the sentence so that it tells the reader who performed the action. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 14 1 zl7x figs-events 0 General Information: These verses explain Herod’s reaction when he heard about Jesus. This event happens some time after the events that follow in the narrative. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) MAT 14 1 q8h5 ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ 1 At that time “In those days” or “While Jesus was ministering in Galilee” MAT 14 1 l9ur ἤκουσεν…τὴν ἀκοὴν Ἰησοῦ 1 heard the news about Jesus “heard reports about Jesus” or “heard about the fame of Jesus” MAT 14 2 pd1b εἶπεν 1 he said “Herod said” MAT 14 2 nx7x ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν 1 has been raised from the dead The words **from the dead** speak of all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from the dead speaks of coming alive again. MAT 14 2 vve7 διὰ τοῦτο αἱ δυνάμεις ἐνεργοῦσιν ἐν αὐτῷ 1 because of this, miraculous powers are at work in him Some Jews at that time believed if a person came back from the dead he would have **powers** to do mighty things. MAT 14 3 y57m 0 General Information: Matthew recounts the story of John the Baptist’s death in order to show why Herod reacted the way he did when he heard about Jesus. MAT 14 3 zgp9 figs-events 0 Connecting Statement: Here the author begins to tell about how Herod had executed John the Baptist. These events occur some time before the event in the previous verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) MAT 14 3 h466 figs-metonymy ὁ γὰρ Ἡρῴδης κρατήσας τὸν Ἰωάννην, ἔδησεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ ἀπέθετο 1 For Herod, having arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison It says that **Herod** did these things because he ordered others to do them for him. Alternate translation: “Herod ordered his soldiers to arrest and bind John the Baptist and put him in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 14 3 lr92 translate-names τὴν γυναῖκα Φιλίππου 1 the wife of Philip **Philip** was Herod’s brother. Herod had taken Philip’s wife to be his own **wife**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 14 4 d3gp figs-events ἔλεγεν γὰρ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης, οὐκ ἔξεστίν σοι ἔχειν αὐτήν. 1 For John was saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” If needed, you can present the events of 14:3-4 in the order that they happened, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) MAT 14 4 n1t6 figs-quotations ἔλεγεν γὰρ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης, οὐκ ἔξεστίν σοι ἔχειν αὐτήν. 1 For John was saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” This can be expressed as an indirect quote, if needed. Alternate translation: “For John had said to Herod that it was not lawful for Herod to have Herodias as his wife.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 14 4 r8lh ἔλεγεν γὰρ αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰωάννης 1 For John was saying to him “For John had kept saying to Herod” MAT 14 4 nb2j figs-explicit οὐκ ἔξεστίν 1 It is not lawful Philip was still alive when Herod married Herodias. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 14 5 hg9f ἐφοβήθη 1 he feared “Herod feared” MAT 14 5 w7uv αὐτὸν εἶχον 1 they regarded him “they regarded John” MAT 14 6 fvs5 figs-explicit ἐν τῷ μέσῳ 1 in the midst You can make explicit the implicit information. Alternate translation: “in the midst of the guests attending the birthday celebration” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 14 8 rhk5 figs-activepassive ἡ δὲ προβιβασθεῖσα ὑπὸ τῆς μητρὸς αὐτῆς 1 But having being urged beforehand by her mother You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But after her mother instructed her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 14 8 wi8s ἡ δὲ προβιβασθεῖσα 1 But having being urged beforehand “But having been coached beforehand” MAT 14 8 ya5z φησίν 1 she said “the daughter of Herodias said to Herod” MAT 14 8 ruy4 πίνακι 1 a platter a very large plate MAT 14 9 s8zp figs-activepassive καὶ ἐλυπήθη ὁ βασιλεὺς 1 And the king, having been grieved You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “And although her request made the king very upset” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 14 9 a1er ὁ βασιλεὺς 1 The king “King Herod” MAT 14 9 j6nu figs-activepassive ἐκέλευσεν δοθῆναι 1 commanded it to be granted to her You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “ordered his men to do what she said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 14 10 nes5 0 Connecting Statement: This concludes the account of how Herod executed John the Baptist. MAT 14 11 nd5r figs-activepassive ἠνέχθη ἡ κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ πίνακι, καὶ ἐδόθη τῷ κορασίῳ 1 his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 14 11 pba6 πίνακι 1 a platter a very large plate MAT 14 11 lqb6 τῷ κορασίῳ 1 to the girl Use the word for a young, unmarried girl. MAT 14 12 fl47 οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ 1 his disciples “the disciples of John” MAT 14 12 ni1q τὸ πτῶμα 1 the corpse “the dead body” MAT 14 12 mq89 figs-explicit ἐλθόντες, ἀπήγγειλαν τῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 having come, they reported it to Jesus The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the disciples of John went and told Jesus what had happened to John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 14 13 id97 writing-background 0 General Information: These verses give background information about the miracle that Jesus is about to perform by feeding five thousand people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 14 13 ql1f 0 Connecting Statement: These verses describe how Jesus reacted when he heard that Herod had executed John the Baptist. MAT 14 13 ds5w δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 14 13 dvq4 ἀκούσας 1 having heard this “having heard what happened to John” or “having heard the news about John” MAT 14 13 ia39 figs-explicit ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνεχώρησεν 1 Jesus withdrew “Jesus left” or “Jesus went away from the crowd.” It is implied that Jesus’ disciples went with him. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples left” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 14 13 zlh8 ἐκεῖθεν 1 from there “from that place” MAT 14 13 i7uu καὶ ἀκούσαντες, οἱ ὄχλοι 1 And having heard of it, the crowds “And when the crowds heard where Jesus had gone, they” or “And when the crowds heard that he had left, they” MAT 14 13 u6nr οἱ ὄχλοι 1 the crowds “the crowds of people” or “the huge group of people” or “the people” MAT 14 13 ipm9 figs-idiom πεζῇ 1 on foot This means that the people in the crowd were walking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 14 14 d8n3 καὶ ἐξελθὼν 1 And having come out “And when Jesus came ashore” MAT 14 15 gcu9 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus feeding five thousand people with only five small loaves of bread and two small fish. MAT 14 15 xa7n προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ 1 the disciples came to him “Jesus’ disciples came to him” MAT 14 16 qwk1 οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν 1 They have no need “The people in the crowd have no need” MAT 14 16 r5gd figs-you δότε αὐτοῖς ὑμεῖς 1 You give them The word **You** is plural, referring to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 14 17 tm5t οἱ δὲ λέγουσιν αὐτῷ 1 But they say to him “But the disciples said to Jesus” MAT 14 17 ih48 πέντε ἄρτους 1 five loaves A loaf of bread is a lump of dough that is shaped and baked. MAT 14 18 szx6 φέρετέ μοι ὧδε αὐτούς 1 Bring them here to me “Bring the loaves and fish to me” MAT 14 19 yne5 0 Connecting Statement: This concludes the account of Jesus feeding five thousand people. MAT 14 19 vp7r ἀνακλιθῆναι 1 to recline “lie down.” Use the verb for the position people in your culture usually are in when they eat. MAT 14 19 u613 figs-idiom λαβὼν 1 he took “he held in his hands.” He did not steal them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 14 19 i34u κλάσας, ἔδωκεν…τοὺς ἄρτους 1 having broken it, he gave the loaves “after tearing the loaves into pieces, he gave them” MAT 14 19 bf1a τοὺς ἄρτους 1 the loaves “the pieces of the loaves of bread” MAT 14 19 t7ei ἀναβλέψας 1 Having looked up This could mean: (1) This refers to while they were looking up. (2) This refers to after they looked up. MAT 14 20 l2h8 figs-activepassive καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν 1 and were filled You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “until they were full” or “until they were no longer hungry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 14 20 p73g ἦραν 1 they took up “the disciples gathered up” or “some people gathered up” MAT 14 20 czj4 translate-numbers δώδεκα κοφίνους πλήρεις 1 12 baskets full “twelve baskets full” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 14 21 wv59 οἱ δὲ ἐσθίοντες 1 Now those eating “Now those who ate the bread and the fish” MAT 14 21 als7 translate-numbers ἄνδρες…πεντακισχίλιοι 1 5,000 men “five thousand men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 14 22 yp8l 0 General Information: These verses give background information about the miracle that Jesus is about to perform of walking on water. MAT 14 22 eaa8 0 Connecting Statement: The following verses describe events that happened right after Jesus fed the five thousand people. MAT 14 22 wt1t καὶ εὐθέως ἠνάγκασεν 1 And immediately he made “And as soon as Jesus had finished feeding all the people, he made” MAT 14 23 d27u ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης 1 Now evening having come about “Now late in the evening” or “Now when it became dark” MAT 14 24 vzd1 ἦν βασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων 1 was being tossed about by the waves “and the disciples could not control the boat because of the large waves” MAT 14 25 pmw8 τετάρτῃ δὲ φυλακῇ τῆς νυκτὸς 1 Now in the fourth watch of the night The fourth watch is between 3 a.m. and sunrise. Alternate translation: “Now just before dawn” MAT 14 25 t1vp περιπατῶν ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν 1 walking on the sea “walking on top of the water” MAT 14 26 q9qs ἐταράχθησαν 1 were greatly troubled “were very afraid” MAT 14 26 h7df φάντασμά 1 a ghost a spirit that has left the body of a person who has died MAT 14 28 w2pl ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ αὐτῷ, ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν 1 but answering him, Peter said “but Peter answered Jesus and said” MAT 14 30 sk3j figs-idiom βλέπων…τὸν ἄνεμον ἰσχυρὸν 1 seeing the strong wind Here, **seeing** the **wind** means he became aware of the wind. Alternate translation: “when Peter saw that the wind was tossing the waves back and forth” or “when he realized how strong the wind was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 14 31 bd2v ὀλιγόπιστε, εἰς τί 1 You of little faith, why “You who have such little faith, why.” Jesus addressed Peter this way because Peter became afraid. It can also be translated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have so little faith! Why” MAT 14 31 cr9i figs-rquestion εἰς τί ἐδίστασας 1 why did you doubt? Jesus uses a question to tell Peter that he should not have doubted. Alternate translation: “you should not have doubted.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 14 31 ia1d figs-explicit εἰς τί ἐδίστασας? 1 why did you doubt? You can make explicit what Peter should not have doubted. Alternate translation: “you should not have doubted that I could keep you from sinking.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 14 33 u8pu guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Θεοῦ Υἱὸς 1 the Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 14 34 r5lm 0 Connecting Statement: These verses describe what happened after Jesus walked on the water. They summarize how the people were responding to Jesus’ ministry. MAT 14 34 cv3f καὶ διαπεράσαντες 1 And having crossed over “And when Jesus and his disciples had crossed over the lake” MAT 14 34 x9nu translate-names Γεννησαρέτ 1 Gennesaret This is a small town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 14 35 xd7c ἀπέστειλαν 1 sent “sent messages” MAT 14 36 ql3y καὶ παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν 1 And they were begging him “And the sick people were begging him” MAT 14 36 x8jv τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ 1 of his garment “of his robe” or “of what he was wearing” MAT 14 36 mw8n figs-activepassive διεσώθησαν 1 were healed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “became well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 15 intro i9a5 0 # Matthew 15 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 15:8-9, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The “traditions of the elders”

The “traditions of the elders” were oral laws that the Jewish religious leaders developed because they wanted to make sure that everyone obeyed the law of Moses. However, they often worked harder to obey these rules than to obey the law of Moses itself. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for this, and they became angry as a result. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

### Jews and Gentiles

The Jews of Jesus’ time thought that only Jews could please God by the way they lived. Jesus healed a Canaanite Gentile woman’s daughter to show his followers that he would accept both Jews and Gentiles as his people.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Sheep

The Bible often speaks of people as if they were sheep because sheep need someone to take care of them. This is because they do not see well and they often go to where other animals can kill them easily. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 15 1 q6af writing-newevent 0 General Information: The scene shifts to events that occurred some time after events of the previous chapter. Here Jesus responds to the criticisms of the Pharisees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) MAT 15 2 j1b8 figs-rquestion διὰ τί οἱ μαθηταί σου παραβαίνουσιν τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων? 1 Why do your disciples violate the traditions of the elders? The Pharisees and scribes use this question to criticize Jesus and his disciples. Alternate translation: “Your disciples do not respect the rules that our ancestors have given us.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 15 2 yn6l τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν πρεσβυτέρων 1 the traditions of the elders This is not the same as the law of Moses. This refers to later teachings and interpretations of the law given by religious leaders after Moses. MAT 15 2 gfn6 figs-explicit οὐ…νίπτονται τὰς χεῖρας 1 they do not wash their hands This washing is not only to clean hands. This refers to a ceremonial washing according to the tradition of the elders. Alternate translation: “they do not wash their hands properly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 15 3 ia1e figs-rquestion διὰ τί καὶ ὑμεῖς παραβαίνετε τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ διὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν? 1 Why do you also violate the commandment of God because of your traditions? Jesus answers with a question to criticize what the religious leaders do. Alternate translation: “And I see that you refuse to obey God’s commands just so that you can follow what your ancestors taught you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 15 4 srz6 0 General Information: In verse 4, Jesus quotes twice from Exodus to show how God expects people to treat their parents. MAT 15 4 cz1q 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees. MAT 15 4 qmm7 θανάτῳ τελευτάτω 1 let him die the death “the people must surely execute him” MAT 15 5 ql75 figs-you ὑμεῖς δὲ λέγετε 1 But you say Here, **you** is plural and refers to the Pharisees and scribes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 15 6 b81c 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to rebuke the Pharisees. MAT 15 6 vr6y figs-quotesinquotes οὐ μὴ τιμήσει τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ 1 he will certainly not honor his father The words beginning with “But you say” (verse 5) have a quotation within a quotation. If necessary you can translate them as indirect quotations. “But you teach that a person does not need to honor his parents by giving them something that may help them if the person tells his parents that he has already given it as a gift to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) MAT 15 6 q3kt figs-explicit οὐ μὴ τιμήσει τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ 1 he will certainly not honor his father It is implied that **his father** means “his parents.” This means the religious leaders taught that a person does not need to show respect to his parents by taking care of them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 15 6 znt9 ἠκυρώσατε τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 you have made void the word of God Here, **word of God** refers specifically to his commands. Alternate translation: “you have treated the word of God as if it were invalid” or “you have ignored God’s commands” MAT 15 6 yq5a διὰ τὴν παράδοσιν ὑμῶν 1 because of your traditions “because you want to follow your traditions” MAT 15 7 t4fq 0 General Information: In verses 8 and 9, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to rebuke the Pharisees and scribes. MAT 15 7 tn3b 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus concludes his response to the Pharisees and scribes. MAT 15 7 wv77 καλῶς ἐπροφήτευσεν περὶ ὑμῶν Ἠσαΐας 1 Well did Isaiah prophesy about you “Isaiah told the truth in this prophecy about you” MAT 15 7 n4ti figs-explicit λέγων 1 saying It is implied that Isaiah is speaking what God told him. Alternate translation: “when he told what God said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 15 8 qw69 figs-metonymy ὁ λαὸς οὗτος τοῖς χείλεσίν με τιμᾷ 1 This people honors me with their lips Here, **lips** refers to speaking. Alternate translation: “These people say all the right things to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 15 8 bz91 με…ἐμοῦ 1 me … me Both occurrences of **me** refer to God. MAT 15 8 wuw3 figs-metonymy ἡ δὲ καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ 1 but their heart is far from me Here, **heart** refers to a person’s thoughts or emotions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 15 8 q7vm figs-idiom ἡ δὲ καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ 1 but their heart is far away from me This phrase is a way of saying the people are not truly devoted to God. Alternate translation: “but they do not really love me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 15 9 jf93 μάτην δὲ σέβονταί με 1 But they worship me in vain “But their worship means nothing to me” or “But they only pretend to worship me” MAT 15 9 vvb9 ἐντάλματα ἀνθρώπων 1 the commandments of men “the rules that people make up” MAT 15 10 ti4w 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to teach the crowd and his disciples about what defiles a person and why the Pharisees and scribes were wrong to criticize him. MAT 15 11 s28y figs-metonymy εἰσερχόμενον εἰς τὸ στόμα…ἐκπορευόμενον ἐκ τοῦ στόματος 1 enters into the mouth … what comes out of the mouth Jesus is contrasting what a person eats to what a person says. Jesus means that God is concerned with what a person says rather than what a person eats. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 15 12 l2uj figs-activepassive οἱ Φαρισαῖοι ἀκούσαντες τὸν λόγον ἐσκανδαλίσθησαν 1 the Pharisees, having heard this word, were offended You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this statement made the Pharisees angry” or “this statement offended the Pharisees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 15 13 n5ij figs-metaphor πᾶσα φυτεία ἣν οὐκ ἐφύτευσεν ὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος ἐκριζωθήσεται 1 Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted This is a metaphor. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not actually belong to God, so God will remove them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 15 13 j49e guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος 1 my heavenly Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 15 13 hs4t figs-activepassive ἐκριζωθήσεται 1 will be uprooted You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “my Father will uproot” or “he will take out of the ground” or “he will remove” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 15 14 r167 ἄφετε αὐτούς 1 Let them go! The word **them** refers to the Pharisees. MAT 15 14 ai9x figs-metaphor ὁδηγοί εἰσιν τυφλοί τυφλὸς, δὲ τυφλὸν ἐὰν ὁδηγῇ, ἀμφότεροι εἰς βόθυνον πεσοῦνται 1 They are blind guides. But if the blind might guide the blind, both will fall into a pit Jesus uses another metaphor to describe the Pharisees. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not understand God’s commands or how to please him. Therefore, they cannot teach others how to please God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 15 15 cje4 0 Connecting Statement: Peter asks Jesus to explain the parable that Jesus told in [Matthew 15:13-14](./13.md). MAT 15 15 shg6 ἡμῖν 1 to us “to us disciples” MAT 15 16 xr78 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus explains the parable that he told in [Matthew 15:13-14](./13.md). MAT 15 16 al9z figs-rquestion ἀκμὴν καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀσύνετοί ἐστε? 1 Are you also still without understanding? Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples for not understanding the parable. Also, the word **you** is emphasized. Jesus cannot believe his own disciples do not understand. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you, my disciples, still do not understand what I teach!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 15 17 l5nt figs-rquestion οὔπω νοεῖτε ὅτι πᾶν τὸ εἰσπορευόμενον εἰς τὸ στόμα, εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν χωρεῖ, καὶ εἰς ἀφεδρῶνα ἐκβάλλεται? 1 Do you not yet understand that everything that enters into the mouth passes into the stomach and is passed out into the latrine? Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples for not understanding the parable. Alternate translation: “Surely you that everything that enters into the mouth passes into the stomach and is passed out into the latrine.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 15 17 s833 εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν χωρεῖ 1 passes into the stomach “goes into the stomach” MAT 15 17 s9z6 ἀφεδρῶνα 1 the latrine This a polite term for the place where people bury body waste. MAT 15 18 e7mu 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to explain the parable that he told in [Matthew 15:13-14](./13.md). MAT 15 18 ca1w figs-metonymy τὰ…ἐκπορευόμενα ἐκ τοῦ στόματος 1 the things that proceed out from the mouth This refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “the words that a person says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 15 18 x14k figs-metonymy ἐκ τῆς καρδίας 1 from the heart Here, **heart** refers to a person’s mind or innermost being. Alternate translation: “from inside the person” or “from a person’s mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 15 19 rg59 φόνοι 1 murder the act of killing innocent people MAT 15 20 bme7 ἀνίπτοις χερσὶν φαγεῖν 1 to eat with unwashed hands This refers to eating without first ceremonially washing one’s **hands** according to the traditions of the elders. Alternate translation: “eating without first washing one’s hands” MAT 15 21 e5gv 0 General Information: This begins an account of Jesus healing the daughter of a Canaanite woman. MAT 15 21 t81u figs-explicit ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνεχώρησεν 1 Jesus withdrew It is implied that the disciples went with Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples went away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 15 22 x1wm ἰδοὺ, γυνὴ Χαναναία…ἐξελθοῦσα 1 behold, a Canaanite woman having come out The word **behold** alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. Alternate translation: “Now there was a Canaanite woman who came” MAT 15 22 jt94 γυνὴ Χαναναία ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων ἐκείνων ἐξελθοῦσα, ἔκραζεν 1 a Canaanite woman having come out from that region, was crying out “a woman who was from that region and who belonged to the group of people called Canaanites came and cried out.” The country of Canaan no longer existed by this time. She was a part of a people group that lived near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. MAT 15 22 f4k2 figs-explicit ἐλέησόν με 1 Have mercy on me This phrase implies that she is requesting that Jesus heal her daughter. Alternate translation: “Have mercy and heal my daughter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 15 22 xs64 Υἱὸς Δαυείδ 1 Son of David Jesus was not David’s literal son, so this may be translated as “Descendant of David.” However, **Son of David** is also a title for the Messiah, and the woman may have been calling Jesus by this title. MAT 15 22 j6rt figs-activepassive ἡ θυγάτηρ μου κακῶς δαιμονίζεται 1 My daughter is severely demon-possessed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “A demon is controlling my daughter terribly” or “A demon is tormenting my daughter severely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 15 23 hd2i figs-metonymy οὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῇ λόγον 1 did not answer her a word Here, **word** refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “said nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 15 24 t9ga figs-activepassive οὐκ ἀπεστάλην 1 I was not sent You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God did not send me to anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 15 24 u9t4 figs-metaphor εἰς τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ 1 to the lost sheep of the house of Israel This is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of **Israel** to **sheep** who have gone away from their shepherd. See how you translated this in [Matthew 10:6](../10/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 15 25 ch7c ἡ 1 she “the Canaanite woman” MAT 15 25 u3jj translate-symaction προσεκύνει αὐτῷ 1 bowed down to him This shows that the woman humbled herself before Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 15 26 ihz4 writing-proverbs οὐκ ἔστιν καλὸν λαβεῖν τὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων καὶ βαλεῖν τοῖς κυναρίοις 1 It is not good to take the bread of the children and to throw it to the little dogs Jesus responds to the woman with a proverb. The basic meaning is that it is not right to take what is supposed to belong to Jews and give it to non-Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 15 26 a5bc figs-synecdoche τὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων 1 the bread of the children Here, **bread** refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “the children’s food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 15 26 fe7n τοῖς κυναρίοις 1 to the little dogs The Jews considered **dogs** to be unclean animals. Here they are used as an image for non-Jews. MAT 15 27 yvw1 figs-metaphor καὶ…τὰ κυνάρια ἐσθίει ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τῶν κυρίων αὐτῶν 1 even the little dogs eat from the crumbs that fall from the tables of their masters The woman responds by using the same imagery as Jesus used in the proverb he just spoke. She means non-Jews should be able to have a small amount of the good things Jews are throwing away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 15 27 i5tt τὰ κυνάρια 1 the little dogs Use words here for **dogs** of any size that people keep as pets. See how you translated this in [Matthew 15:26](../15/26.md). MAT 15 28 tea2 figs-activepassive γενηθήτω 1 let it be done You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I will do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 15 28 n229 figs-activepassive ἰάθη ἡ θυγάτηρ αὐτῆς 1 her daughter was healed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus healed her daughter” or “her daughter became well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 15 28 wwq3 figs-idiom ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης 1 from that hour This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “at exactly the same time” or “immediately” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 15 29 np6e writing-background 0 General Information: These verses give background information about the miracle that Jesus is about to perform by feeding four thousand people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 15 30 c8td χωλούς, τυφλούς, κυλλούς, κωφούς 1 the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute “those who could not walk, those who could not see, those whose arms or legs did not function, those who could not talk” MAT 15 30 yf7i ἔρριψαν αὐτοὺς παρὰ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ 1 they laid them at his feet Apparently some of these sick or crippled people were unable to stand up, so when their friends brought them to Jesus, they placed them on the ground in front of him. Alternate translation: “the crowds placed the sick people on the ground in front of Jesus” MAT 15 31 pi52 figs-activepassive κυλλοὺς ὑγιεῖς 1 the crippled made well You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the crippled become well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 15 31 be52 figs-nominaladj κυλλοὺς…χωλοὺς…τυφλοὺς 1 the crippled … the lame … the blind You can state these nominal adjectives as adjectives. Alternate translation: “people who were crippled … people who were lame … people who were blind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 15 32 z28i 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus feeding four thousand people with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. MAT 15 32 efc2 νήστεις…μήποτε ἐκλυθῶσιν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ 1 hungry, lest they may faint on the way “without eating because they might faint on the way” MAT 15 33 uhi3 figs-rquestion πόθεν ἡμῖν ἐν ἐρημίᾳ, ἄρτοι τοσοῦτοι ὥστε χορτάσαι ὄχλον τοσοῦτον? 1 From where would be to us in a wilderness enough bread to satisfy so large a crowd? The disciples use a question to state that there is nowhere to get food for the **crowd**. Alternate translation: “There is nowhere in this wilderness where we can get enough bread for such a large crowd.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 15 34 k86l figs-ellipsis ἑπτά, καὶ ὀλίγα ἰχθύδια 1 Seven, and a few small fish The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Seven loaves of bread, and a few small fish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 15 35 x13q ἀναπεσεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν 1 to recline on the ground Use your language’s word for how people customarily eat when there is no table, whether sitting or lying down. MAT 15 36 x7kc ἔλαβεν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἄρτους καὶ τοὺς ἰχθύας 1 he took the seven loaves and the fish “Jesus held the seven loaves and the fish in his hands” MAT 15 36 dcr4 ἔκλασεν 1 he broke them “he broke the loaves” MAT 15 36 a9s4 ἐδίδου 1 was giving them “continued giving the bread and the fish” MAT 15 37 fc8g ἦραν 1 they took away “the disciples gathered up” or “some people gathered up” MAT 15 38 udk7 οἱ…ἐσθίοντες 1 those eating “the people who ate” MAT 15 38 z66m translate-numbers τετρακισχίλιοι ἄνδρες 1 4,000 men “four thousand men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 15 39 be43 τὰ ὅρια 1 the region “the area” MAT 15 39 m8dp translate-names Μαγαδάν 1 of Magadan This region is sometimes called “Magdala.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 16 intro za2k 0 # Matthew 16 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Yeast

Jesus spoke of the way people thought about God as if it were bread, and he spoke of what people taught about God as if it were the yeast that makes bread dough become larger and the baked bread taste good. He did not want his followers to listen to what the Pharisees and Sadducees taught. This was because if they did listen, they would not understand who God is and how he wants his people to live. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphor

Jesus told his people to obey his commands. He did this by telling them to “follow” him. It is as if he were walking on a path and they were walking after him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Background information

Matthew continues his account from chapter 15 in verses 1-20. The account stops in verse 21 so Matthew can tell the reader that Jesus told his disciples again and again that people would kill him after he arrived in Jerusalem. Then the account continues in verses 22-27 with what happened the first time Jesus told the disciples that he would die.

### Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” ([Matthew 16:25](../../mat/16/25.md)). MAT 16 1 t249 0 General Information: This begins an encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees and Sadducees. MAT 16 1 t7p5 πειράζοντες 1 testing him Here, **testing** is used in a negative sense. Alternate translation: “challenging him” or “wanting to trap him” MAT 16 4 jl3e figs-123person γενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς 1 An evil and adulterous generation Jesus is speaking to his present generation. Alternate translation: “You are an evil and adulterous generation” See how you translated this in [Matthew 12:39](../12/39.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 16 4 fhx6 figs-metaphor γενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς 1 An evil and adulterous generation Here, **adulterous** is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. See how you translated this in [Matthew 12:39](../12/39.md). Alternate translation: “An unfaithful generation” or “A godless generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 4 d9eq figs-activepassive σημεῖον…οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ 2 a sign will not be given to it Jesus would not give them **a sign** because, though he had already performed many miracles, they refused to believe him. You can state this in active form. See how you translated this in [Matthew 12:39](../12/39.md). Alternate translation: “I will not give it a sign” or “God will not give you a sign” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 16 4 dep2 εἰ μὴ τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ 1 except the sign of Jonah “except the same sign God gave to Jonah the prophet.” See how you translated this in [Matthew 12:39](../12/39.md). MAT 16 5 ii6j 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to a later time. Jesus uses an opportunity to warn his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees. MAT 16 5 si9k figs-ellipsis τὸ πέραν 1 the other side You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the other side of the lake” or “the other side of the Sea of Galilee” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 16 6 hfz2 figs-metaphor τῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων 1 the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees Here, **yeast** is a metaphor that refers to evil ideas and wrong teaching. Translate as **yeast** here and do not explain its meaning in your translation. This meaning will be made clear in 16:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 7 huw7 διελογίζοντο ἐν ἑαυτοῖς 1 were reasoning among themselves “were discussing this with each other” or “were thinking about this” MAT 16 8 mg8s ὀλιγόπιστοι 1 You of little faith “You who have such little faith.” Jesus addresses his disciples this way because their concern about not bringing bread shows they have **little faith** in Jesus to provide for them. See how you translated this in [Matthew 6:30](../06/30.md). MAT 16 8 zz4i figs-rquestion τί διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ὀλιγόπιστοι, ὅτι ἄρτους οὐκ ἔχετε? 1 why do you reason among yourselves that it is because you do not have bread? Jesus uses a question to rebuke his disciples for not understanding what he just said. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you think it was because you forgot to bring bread that I talked about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 16 9 k8lk 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to warn his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees. MAT 16 9 h5bg figs-rquestion οὔπω νοεῖτε, οὐδὲ μνημονεύετε τοὺς πέντε ἄρτους τῶν πεντακισχιλίων, καὶ πόσους κοφίνους ἐλάβετε? 1 Do you not yet perceive nor remember the five loaves of the 5,000, and how many baskets you gathered up? Jesus uses a question to rebuke the disciples. Alternate translation: “Surely you remember the five loaves of the 5,000, and how many baskets you gathered up!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 16 9 ux51 translate-numbers τῶν πεντακισχιλίων 1 of the 5,000 “of the five thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 16 10 ejm5 figs-rquestion οὐδὲ τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἄρτους τῶν τετρακισχιλίων, καὶ πόσας σπυρίδας ἐλάβετε? 1 Or the seven loaves of the 4,000, and how many baskets you took up? “Do you also not remember the seven loaves of the 4,000, and how many baskets you took up?” Jesus uses a question to rebuke his disciples. Alternate translation: “Surely you also remember the seven loaves of the 4,000, and how many baskets you took up!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 16 10 b11x translate-numbers τῶν τετρακισχιλίων 1 of the 4,000 “of the four thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 16 11 f42k 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to warn his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees. MAT 16 11 mb2z figs-rquestion πῶς οὐ νοεῖτε, ὅτι οὐ περὶ ἄρτων εἶπον ὑμῖν? 1 How do you not understand that I did not speak to you about bread? Jesus uses this question to rebuke the disciples. Alternate translation: “You should have understood that I was not really speaking about bread.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 16 11 i7x6 figs-metaphor τῆς ζύμης τῶν Φαρισαίων καὶ Σαδδουκαίων 1 the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees Here, **yeast** represents evil ideas and wrong teaching. Translate as “yeast” and do not explain the meaning in your translation. In 16:12 the disciples will understand the meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 12 f73l συνῆκαν 1 they understood This refer to the disciples. MAT 16 13 e5cm 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to a later time. Jesus asks his disciples if they understand who he is. MAT 16 13 pye3 δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line or to introduce a new person. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 16 13 e1jh figs-123person τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is referring to himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 16 16 n5wi guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος 1 the Son of the living God This is an important title for Jesus that shows his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 16 16 r1h7 τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος 1 of the living God Here, **living** contrasts the God of Israel to all the false gods and idols that people worshiped. Only the God of Israel is alive and has power to act. MAT 16 17 le6a translate-names Σίμων Βαριωνᾶ 1 Simon Bar Jonah “Simon son of Jonah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 16 17 dfw5 figs-synecdoche σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα οὐκ ἀπεκάλυψέν 1 flesh and blood did not reveal this Here, **flesh and blood** refers to a human being. Alternate translation: “a human did not reveal this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 16 17 wix3 οὐκ ἀπεκάλυψέν 1 did not reveal this Here, **this** refers to Peter’s statement that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the Living God. MAT 16 17 v5lw figs-ellipsis ἀλλ’ ὁ Πατήρ μου, ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς 1 but my Father who is in the heavens The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “but it was my Father in the heavens who revealed this to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 16 17 gi3l guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατήρ μου 1 my Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 16 18 z897 κἀγὼ δέ σοι λέγω 1 And I also say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 16 18 th3d figs-explicit σὺ εἶ Πέτρος 1 you are Peter The name Peter means “rock.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 16 18 x43d figs-metaphor ἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέτρᾳ οἰκοδομήσω μου τὴν ἐκκλησίαν 1 upon this rock I will build my church Here, **build my church** is a metaphor for uniting the people who believe in Jesus into a community. This could mean: (1) The phrase **this rock** represents Peter. (2) The phrase **this rock** represents the truth that Peter had just said in [Matthew 16:16](../16/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 18 vu9u figs-metonymy πύλαι ᾍδου οὐ κατισχύσουσιν αὐτῆς 1 the gates of Hades will not prevail against it Here, **Hades** represents death, and its “gates” represent its power. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 16 18 l6o0 figs-metaphor πύλαι ᾍδου οὐ κατισχύσουσιν αὐτῆς 1 the gates of Hades will not prevail against it Here, **Hades** is spoken of as if it were a city surrounded by walls with gates that keep dead people in and other people out. This could mean: (1) Jesus is saying the powers of death will not overcome his church. (2) Jesus is saying his church will break down the power of death the way an army breaks into a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 19 ysk8 figs-you δώσω σοι 1 I will give to you Here, **you** is singular and refers to Peter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 16 19 pp5d figs-metaphor τὰς κλεῖδας τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the keys of the kingdom of the heavens Keys are objects that are used to lock or unlock doors. Here they represent authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 19 kc3k figs-metonymy τῆς Βασιλείας τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the kingdom of the heavens This refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in the book of Matthew. if possible, use **heavens** in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 16 19 ef9c figs-metaphor ὃ ἐὰν δήσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς; καὶ ὃ ἐὰν λύσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς 1 whatever you may have bound on the earth will be bound in the heavens, and whatever you may have loosed on the earth will be loosed in the heavens Here, **bound** is a metaphor meaning to forbid something, and **loosed** is a metaphor meaning to allow something. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 19 dy4p figs-metonymy ὃ ἐὰν δήσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς; καὶ ὃ ἐὰν λύσῃς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς 1 whatever you may have bound on the earth will be bound in the heavens, and whatever you may have loosed on the earth will be loosed in the heavens Here, **in the heavens** is a metonym that represents God himself. Alternate translation: “God in heaven will approve whatever you forbid or allow on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 16 21 wl33 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus tells his disciples for the first time that he will die soon. MAT 16 21 es1l figs-idiom γραμματέων, καὶ ἀποκτανθῆναι καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι 1 scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised on the third day Here, **to be raised** is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 16 21 r5hj figs-activepassive γραμματέων, καὶ ἀποκτανθῆναι καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι 1 scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised on the third day You can state this in active form. The elders and chief priests would accuse Jesus so that others would kill him. Alternate translation: “scribes. People will then kill him, and on the third day God will make him become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 16 21 jjx5 translate-ordinal τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ 1 on the third day The word **third** is the ordinal form of “three.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 16 22 jie2 writing-background καὶ προσλαβόμενος αὐτὸν, ὁ Πέτρος 1 And having taken him aside, Peter Jesus tells them for the first time that he will die soon (verse 21). He will tell them the same thing many times after this first time. It is after this first time that **Peter** takes Jesus **aside**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 16 22 q31h προσλαβόμενος αὐτὸν, ὁ Πέτρος 1 having taken him aside, Peter “And Peter spoke to Jesus when no one else could hear them and” MAT 16 22 guz8 figs-idiom ἵλεώς σοι 1 Merciful to you This is an idiom that means “May God be merciful to you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 16 23 f28i figs-metaphor ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου, Σατανᾶ! σκάνδαλον εἶ ἐμοῦ 1 Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me Jesus means that Peter is acting like **Satan** because Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing what God sent him to do. Alternate translation: “Get behind me, because you are acting like Satan! You are a stumbling block to me” or “Get behind me, Satan! I call you Satan because you are a stumbling block to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 23 ax7x ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου 1 Get behind me “Get away from me” MAT 16 24 ck1a figs-metaphor ὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν 1 to come after me “to follow me.” To **come after** Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: “be my disciple” or “be one of my disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 24 pg9h ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν 1 let him deny himself “he must not give in to his own desires” or “he must forsake his own desires” MAT 16 24 h7ug figs-metaphor ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι 1 take up his cross, and follow me “carry his cross, and follow me.” To **take up** a **cross** represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: “obey me even to the point of suffering and dying” or “he must obey me even to the point of suffering and dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 24 v6n7 figs-metonymy ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι 1 take up his cross, and follow me The **cross** represents suffering and death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 16 24 x13v figs-metaphor καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι 1 and follow me To **follow** Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate translation: “and obey me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 25 y9kc figs-metaphor ἀπολέσει αὐτήν 1 will lose it This does not mean the person must necessarily die. It is a metaphor that means the person will consider obeying Jesus as being more important than his own life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 25 ie7t ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ 1 for my sake “because he trusts me” or “on my account” or “because of me” MAT 16 25 xz98 figs-metaphor εὑρήσει αὐτήν 1 will find it This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate translation: “will find true life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 16 26 eqe8 figs-rquestion τί γὰρ ὠφεληθήσεται ἄνθρωπος, ἐὰν τὸν κόσμον ὅλον κερδήσῃ, τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ζημιωθῇ? 1 For what will it profit a man if he would have gained the whole world but would have forfeited his life? Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: “It does not profit a man to gain the whole world if he forfeits his life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 16 26 q7x1 figs-hyperbole ἐὰν τὸν κόσμον ὅλον κερδήσῃ 1 if he would have gained the whole world The words **the whole world** are an exaggeration for great riches. Alternate translation: “if he would gain everything he desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 16 26 b34q τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ζημιωθῇ 1 but would have forfeited his life “but he would lose his life” MAT 16 26 eck5 figs-rquestion ἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ? 1 Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: “There is nothing that a person can give to regain his life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 16 27 iyu1 figs-123person μέλλει…ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…αὐτοῦ…ἀποδώσει 1 the Son of Man is about … his … he will repay Here Jesus refers to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of man, am about … my … I will repay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 16 27 ie16 μέλλει…ἔρχεσθαι ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ 1 is about to come in the glory of his Father “will come, having the same glory as his Father,” MAT 16 27 k4q4 figs-123person μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ 1 with his angels “and the angels will be with him.” If you translate the first part of the sentence with Jesus speaking in the first person, you can translate this as “and my Father’s angels will be with me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 16 27 vk5y guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρὸς αὐτοῦ 1 of his Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and the Son of Man, Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 16 27 i7rs κατὰ τὴν πρᾶξιν αὐτοῦ 1 according to his actions “according to what each person has done” MAT 16 28 ytr3 ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 16 28 k2d1 figs-you ὑμῖν 1 to you Here, **you** is plural and refers to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 16 28 wq13 figs-idiom οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου 1 may certainly not have tasted death Here, **tasted** means to experience. Alternate translation: “will not have experienced death” or “will still be alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 16 28 b2pb figs-metonymy ἕως ἂν ἴδωσιν τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενον ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ αὐτοῦ 1 until they may see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom Here, **his kingdom** represents him being King. Alternate translation: “until they see the Son of Man coming as King” or “until they see the evidence that the Son of Man is King” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 17 intro yb4k 0 # Matthew 17 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Elijah

The Old Testament prophet Malachi lived many years before Jesus was born. Malachi had said that before the Messiah came a prophet named Elijah would return. Jesus explained that Malachi had been talking about John the Baptist. Jesus said this because John the Baptist had done what Malachi had said that Elijah would do. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])

### “transfigured”

Scripture often speaks of God’s glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. Matthew says in this chapter that Jesus’ body shone with this glorious light so that his followers could see that Jesus truly was God’s Son. At the same time, God told them that Jesus was his Son. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fear]]) MAT 17 1 u6dw 0 General Information: This begins the account of Jesus’ transfiguration. MAT 17 1 nva7 τὸν Πέτρον, καὶ Ἰάκωβον, καὶ Ἰωάννην, τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ 1 Peter, James, and John his brother “Peter, James, and James’s brother John” MAT 17 2 xx8e μετεμορφώθη ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν 1 he was transfigured before them When they looked at him, his appearance was different from what it had been. MAT 17 2 kq4l figs-activepassive μετεμορφώθη 1 he was transfigured You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “his appearance had changed” or “he appeared very different” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 17 2 uxg3 ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν 1 before them “in front of them” or “so they could clearly him” MAT 17 2 i1mp figs-simile ἔλαμψεν τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος, τὰ δὲ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο λευκὰ ὡς τὸ φῶς 1 his face shone like the sun, and his garments became brilliant as the light These are similes that emphasize how bright Jesus’ appearance became. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 17 2 te1s τὰ…ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ 1 his garments “what he was wearing” MAT 17 3 axr5 ἰδοὺ 1 behold This word alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. MAT 17 3 n63y αὐτοῖς 1 to them This refers to Peter, James, and John. MAT 17 3 sde3 μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 with him “with Jesus” MAT 17 4 r41c ἀποκριθεὶς…ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν 1 answering, Peter said “Peter said.” Peter is not responding to a question. MAT 17 4 d231 figs-exclusive καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι 1 it is good for us to be here It is not clear whether **us** refers only to Peter, James, and John, or if it refers to everyone there, including Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. If you can translate so that both options are possible, do so. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) MAT 17 5 cek4 ἰδοὺ 1 behold This alerts the reader to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. MAT 17 5 an8j ἐπεσκίασεν αὐτούς 1 overshadowed them “came over them” MAT 17 5 kc8t figs-metonymy φωνὴ ἐκ τῆς νεφέλης 1 there was a voice from the cloud Here, **voice** refers to God speaking. Alternate translation: “God spoke to them from the cloud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 17 6 wd76 καὶ ἀκούσαντες, οἱ μαθηταὶ 1 And having heard that, the disciples “And when the disciples heard God speak, they” MAT 17 6 a87e figs-idiom ἔπεσαν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτῶν 1 fell on their face This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they fell forward, with their faces to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 17 9 w4w9 0 Connecting Statement: The following events happen immediately after the three disciples witness Jesus’ transfiguration. MAT 17 9 jz51 καὶ καταβαινόντων αὐτῶν 1 As as they were coming down “And as Jesus and the disciples were coming down” MAT 17 9 y9rq figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 17 10 nwt5 figs-explicit τί οὖν οἱ γραμματεῖς λέγουσιν ὅτι Ἠλείαν δεῖ ἐλθεῖν πρῶτον? 1 “Why then do the scribes say that it is necessary for Elijah to come first?” The disciples are referring to the belief that **Elijah** will come back to life and return to the people of Israel before the Messiah comes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 17 11 xbs2 ἀποκαταστήσει πάντα 1 will restore all things “will put things in order” or “will get the people ready to receive the Messiah” MAT 17 12 whp9 λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν 1 But I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 17 12 a4h7 ἐποίησαν…αὐτῶν 1 they did … them Here, **they** and **them** could mean: (1) These refer to the Jewish leaders. (2) These refer to all the Jewish people. MAT 17 12 i74i figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is referring to himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 17 14 t687 0 Connecting Statement: This begins an account of Jesus healing a boy who had an evil spirit. These events happen immediately after Jesus and his disciples descend from the mountain. MAT 17 15 ufb4 figs-explicit ἐλέησόν μου τὸν υἱόν 1 have mercy on my son It is implied that the man wants Jesus to heal his son. Alternate translation: “have mercy on my son and heal him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 17 15 hs55 σεληνιάζεται 1 he is epileptic This means that he sometimes had seizures. He would become unconscious and move uncontrollably. Alternate translation: “he has seizures” MAT 17 17 lyu5 ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη, ἕως πότε 1 O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long “O you generation that does not believe in God and does not know what is right or wrong. How long” MAT 17 17 su3r figs-rquestion ἕως πότε μεθ’ ὑμῶν ἔσομαι? ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν? 1 how long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? These questions show Jesus is unhappy with the people. Alternate translation: “I am tired of being with you! I am tired of your unbelief and corruption!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 17 18 i8kd figs-activepassive ἐθεραπεύθη ὁ παῖς 1 the boy was healed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the boy became well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 17 18 h2gc figs-idiom ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης 1 from that hour This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “immediately” or “at that moment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 17 19 pz9f figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς 1 we Here, **we** refers to the speakers but not the hearers and so is exclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) MAT 17 19 r9j7 διὰ τί ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό? 1 For what reason were we not able to cast it out? “Why could we not make the demon come out of the boy?” MAT 17 20 u5ll ἀμὴν, γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν 1 For I truly say to you “For I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 17 20 uy78 figs-simile ἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως 1 if you would have faith as a mustard seed Jesus compares the size of **a mustard seed** to the amount of **faith** needed to do a miracle. A mustard seed is very small, but it grows into a large plant. Jesus means it only takes a small amount of faith to do a great miracle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 17 20 x48i figs-litotes οὐδὲν ἀδυνατήσει ὑμῖν 1 nothing will be impossible for you You can state this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “you will be able to do anything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) MAT 17 22 r2cu 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts momentarily, and Jesus foretells his death and resurrection a second time. MAT 17 22 n2xs συστρεφομένων…αὐτῶν 1 as they are gathered together “as Jesus and his disciples were gathered together” MAT 17 22 ff8x figs-activepassive μέλλει ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοσθαι 1 The Son of Man is about to be delivered You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone will deliver the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 17 22 mmk2 figs-metonymy παραδίδοσθαι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων 1 to be delivered into the hands of men The word **hands** here is a metonym for the power that people use hands to exercise. Alternate translation: “to be taken and put under the power of people” or “to be taken and given to people who will control him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 17 22 i5rb figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 The Son of Man Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 17 23 hl6j figs-123person αὐτόν…ἐγερθήσεται 1 him … he will be raised up Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 17 23 b6g3 translate-ordinal τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ 1 on the third day The word **third** is the ordinal form of “three.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 17 23 fni4 figs-idiom ἐγερθήσεται 1 he will be raised up Here to be **raised up** is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 17 23 fjac figs-activepassive ἐγερθήσεται 1 he will be raised up You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will raise him up” or “God will cause him to become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 17 24 jli6 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts again to a later time when Jesus teaches Peter about paying the temple tax. MAT 17 24 t8qt ἐλθόντων…αὐτῶν 1 when they had come “when Jesus and his disciples had come” MAT 17 24 b953 figs-explicit τὰ δίδραχμα 1 the two-drachma tax This was a **tax** that Jewish men paid to support the temple in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the temple tax” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 17 24 cths translate-bmoney τὰ δίδραχμα 1 the two-drachma tax The **drachma** was equivalent to the “denarius,” which was worth about one day's wage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 17 25 y26n τὴν οἰκίαν 1 the house “the place where Jesus was staying” MAT 17 25 yp5h figs-rquestion τί σοι δοκεῖ, Σίμων? οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, ἀπὸ τίνων λαμβάνουσιν τέλη ἢ κῆνσον? ἀπὸ τῶν υἱῶν αὐτῶν ἢ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων? 1 What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive taxes or tolls? From their sons or from strangers? Jesus asks these questions to teach Simon, not to gain information for himself. Alternate translation: “Listen, Simon. We know that when kings collect taxes, they collect it from people who are not members of their own family.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 17 26 fb1c 0 General Information: This is the end of the part of the story that began in [Matthew 13:54](../13/54.md), where Matthew tells of continued opposition to Jesus’ ministry and teaching about the kingdom of heaven. MAT 17 26 j3g4 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach Peter about paying the temple tax. MAT 17 26 w75w figs-quotations εἰπόντος δέ, ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων, ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς 1 But when he said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him If you translated Jesus’ questions as statements in [Matthew 17:25](../17/25.md), you may need to give an alternate response here. You could also state it as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “But when Peter said, ‘Yes, that is true. Kings collect taxes from foreigners,’ Jesus said” or “But after Peter agreed with Jesus, Jesus said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 17 26 uh6y ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων 1 From strangers In modern times, leaders usually tax their own citizens. But, in ancient times, the leaders often taxed the people they had conquered rather than their own citizens. MAT 17 26 u6xx οἱ υἱοί 1 the sons people over whom a ruler or king rules MAT 17 27 mwa6 ἵνα δὲ μὴ σκανδαλίσωμεν αὐτούς, πορευθεὶς 1 But in order that we might not cause them to sin, having gone “But we do not want to make the tax collectors angry. So, go” MAT 17 27 uhk5 figs-explicit βάλε ἄγκιστρον 1 throw in a hook Fishermen tied **a hook** to the end of a line, then threw it in the water to catch fish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 17 27 ebj4 τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ 1 its mouth “the fish’s mouth” MAT 17 27 t9t8 translate-bmoney στατῆρα 1 a shekel a silver coin worth four days’ wages (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 17 27 ej3l ἐκεῖνον λαβὼν, δὸς 1 Having taken that, give it “Take the shekel and give it” MAT 17 27 km3v figs-you ἀντὶ ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ 1 on behalf of me and you Here, **you** is singular and refers to Peter. Each man had to pay a half shekel tax. So one shekel would be enough for Jesus and Peter to pay their taxes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 18 intro m4y6 0 # Matthew 18 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### What should Jesus’ followers do when other followers sin against them?

Jesus taught that his followers must treat each other well and not be angry with each other. They should forgive anyone who is sorry for his sin, even if he has committed the same sin before. If he is not sorry for his sin, Jesus’ followers should speak with him alone or in a small group. If he is still not sorry after that, then Jesus’ followers can treat him as guilty. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]]) MAT 18 1 f7zv 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through [Matthew 18:35](../18/35.md), where Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom of heaven. Here, Jesus uses a little child to teach the disciples. MAT 18 1 iri5 τίς ἄρα μείζων ἐστὶν 1 Who therefore is greatest “Who therefore is the most important” or “Who then among us will be the most important” MAT 18 1 pp31 figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 in the kingdom of the heavens The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. if possible, use **heavens** in your translation. Alternate translation: “in God’s kingdom” or “when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 18 3 qb44 ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 18 3 fs1e figs-doublenegatives ἐὰν μὴ στραφῆτε καὶ γένησθε ὡς τὰ παιδία, οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε 1 unless you would turn and would become like little children, you may certainly not enter You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “you must change and become like little children in order to enter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) MAT 18 3 ewj5 figs-simile γένησθε ὡς τὰ παιδία 1 would become like little children Jesus uses a simile to teach the disciples that they should not be concerned with who is most important. They should be concerned with becoming humble like a child. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 18 3 ch9p figs-metonymy οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 you may certainly not enter into the kingdom of the heavens The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. if possible, use **heavens** in your translation. Alternate translation: “you will certainly not enter God’s kingdom” or “you will never belong to our God in heaven when he establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 18 4 ta7z figs-simile 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues teaching the disciples that they need to be humble like a child if they want to be important in God’s kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 18 4 f9t5 ἐστιν ὁ μείζων 1 is the greatest “is the most important” or “will be the most important” MAT 18 4 gf8l figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 in the kingdom of the heavens The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. if possible, use **heavens** in your translation. Alternate translation: “in God’s kingdom” or “when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 18 5 dz1i figs-metonymy ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου 1 in my name Here, **my name** refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because he is my disciple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 18 5 ik3r ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, ἐμὲ δέχεται 1 in my name receives me Jesus means that it is the same as welcoming him. Alternate translation: “in my name, it is like he is welcoming me” or “in my name, it is as if he were welcoming me” MAT 18 6 ghp3 figs-activepassive ἵνα κρεμασθῇ μύλος ὀνικὸς περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ, καὶ καταποντισθῇ ἐν τῷ πελάγει τῆς θαλάσσης 1 that a millstone of a donkey would have been hung about his neck and he would have been sunk into the depth of the sea You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “if someone put a great millstone around his neck and threw him into the deep sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 18 6 w3uz μύλος 1 a millstone This is a large, heavy, circular stone used for grinding wheat grain into flour. Alternate translation: “a very heavy stone” MAT 18 7 cl5i 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to use a little child to teach the disciples and warns against the terrible consequences of causing children to sin. MAT 18 7 ees6 figs-metonymy τῷ κόσμῳ 1 to the world Here, **world** refers to people. Alternate translation: “to the people of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 18 7 y7vh figs-metaphor τῶν σκανδάλων…ἐλθεῖν τὰ σκάνδαλα…τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ δι’ οὗ τὸ σκάνδαλον ἔρχεται 1 the stumbling blocks … that those stumbling blocks come … to the man through whom those stumbling blocks come Here, **stumbling** is a metaphor for sin. Alternate translation: “things that cause people to sin … that things come that cause people to sin … to any person who causes others to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 18 8 vad7 figs-hyperbole εἰ δὲ ἡ χείρ σου ἢ ὁ πούς σου σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔκκοψον αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ 1 But if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you Jesus exaggerates here to emphasize that people must do anything necessary to remove from their lives what causes them to sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 18 8 gqi3 figs-you σου…σε…σοῦ…σοί 1 your … you … you … for you All occurrences of **your** and **you** are singular. Jesus is speaking to all people in general. It may be more natural for your language to translate with a plural “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 18 8 pc4d εἰς τὴν ζωὴν 1 into life “into eternal life” MAT 18 8 lhk9 figs-activepassive ἢ δύο χεῖρας ἢ δύο πόδας ἔχοντα, βληθῆναι εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον 1 than to be thrown into the everlasting fire having two hands or two feet You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “than to have both hands and feet when God throws you into the eternal fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 18 9 xad4 figs-hyperbole καὶ εἰ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου σκανδαλίζει σε, ἔξελε αὐτὸν καὶ βάλε ἀπὸ σοῦ 1 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you The command to destroy the **eye**, perhaps the most important part of the body, is probably an exaggeration for his hearers to do anything necessary to remove from their lives anything that causes them to sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 18 9 q7tw figs-metaphor σκανδαλίζει σε 1 causes you to stumble Here, **stumble** is a metaphor for sin. Alternate translation: “causes you to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 18 9 eii2 figs-you σου…σε…σοῦ…σοί 1 your … you … you … for you All occurrences of **your** and **you** are singular. Jesus is speaking to all people in general. It may be more natural for your language to translate with a plural “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 18 9 m8as εἰς τὴν ζωὴν 1 into life “into eternal life” MAT 18 9 r1ie figs-activepassive ἢ δύο ὀφθαλμοὺς ἔχοντα βληθῆναι εἰς τὴν Γέενναν τοῦ πυρός 1 than to be thrown into fiery hell having two eyes You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “than to have both eyes when God throws you into the eternal fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 18 10 qnc6 ὁρᾶτε 1 See that “Be careful that” or “Be sure that” MAT 18 10 e9uf μὴ καταφρονήσητε ἑνὸς τῶν μικρῶν τούτων 1 you would not despise one of these little ones “you do not think of these little ones as being unimportant.” You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “you show respect to these little ones” MAT 18 10 j4l5 λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν 1 For I say to you This add emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 18 10 xdl9 figs-explicit οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτῶν ἐν οὐρανοῖς, διὰ παντὸς βλέπουσι τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ Πατρός μου, τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς 1 in heaven their angels always look on the face of my Father who is in the heavens Jewish teachers taught that only the most important angels could be in God’s presence. Jesus means that the most important angels speak to God about these little ones. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 18 10 y6n9 figs-idiom διὰ παντὸς βλέπουσι τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 always look on the face of my Father This is an idiom that means they are in God’s presence. Alternate translation: “are always close to my Father” or “are always in the presence of my Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 18 10 iq8j guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 of my Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 18 12 xhq2 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to use a little child to teach the disciples and tells a parable to explain God’s care for people. MAT 18 12 idl5 figs-rquestion τί ὑμῖν δοκεῖ? 1 What do you think? Jesus uses this question to get people’s attention. Alternate translation: “Think about how people act.” or “Think about this.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 18 12 dm8u figs-you ὑμῖν 1 you This word is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 18 12 cv92 translate-numbers ἑκατὸν…ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα 1 100 … 99 “one hundred … ninety-nine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 18 12 t5h4 figs-rquestion οὐχὶ ἀφείς τὰ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα ἐπὶ τὰ ὄρη, καὶ πορευθεὶς ζητεῖ τὸ πλανώμενον? 1 having left the 99 on the hillside and having gone out, does he not seek the one wandering? Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: “he will always leave the 99 where they are and go out so seek the one that has gone astray.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 18 13 j5d8 figs-parables καὶ ἐὰν γένηται εὑρεῖν αὐτό, ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν, ὅτι χαίρει ἐπ’ αὐτῷ μᾶλλον ἢ ἐπὶ τοῖς ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα τοῖς μὴ πεπλανημένοις 1 And if he may happen to find it, truly I say to you that he rejoices over it more than over the 99 that have not gone astray This is the end of the parable that begins with the words “If anyone” in verse 12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 18 13 at4s figs-you ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. The word **you** is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 18 14 kcy2 οὐκ ἔστιν θέλημα ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρὸς ὑμῶν, τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς, ἵνα ἀπόληται ἓν τῶν μικρῶν τούτων 1 it is not the will before your Father who is in the heavens that one of these little ones would perish “your Father in heaven does not want any of these little ones to die” or “your Father in heaven does not want even one of these little ones to die” MAT 18 14 usa4 figs-you ὑμῶν 1 your This word is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 18 14 fmm2 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρὸς 1 Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 18 15 k6t7 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to teach his disciples about forgiveness and reconciliation. MAT 18 15 kpe2 ὁ ἀδελφός σου 1 your brother This refers to a fellow believer in God, not a physical brother. Alternate translation: “your fellow believer” MAT 18 15 yh3t ἐκέρδησας τὸν ἀδελφόν σου 1 you will have gained your brother “you will have made your relationship with your brother good again” MAT 18 16 i25x figs-metonymy ἵνα ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων ἢ τριῶν, σταθῇ πᾶν ῥῆμα 1 so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be verified Here, **mouth** and **word** refer to what a person says. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 18 16 xv1w figs-activepassive ἵνα ἐπὶ στόματος δύο μαρτύρων ἢ τριῶν, σταθῇ πᾶν ῥῆμα 1 so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be verified You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “so that two or three witnesses may verify that what you say about your brother is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 18 17 g3aj ἐὰν…παρακούσῃ αὐτῶν 1 if he might refuse to listen to them “if your fellow believer refuses to listen to the witnesses who came with you” MAT 18 17 kx28 τῆς ἐκκλησίας 1 the church “the whole community of believers” MAT 18 17 xf1a figs-explicit ἔστω σοι ὥσπερ ὁ ἐθνικὸς καὶ ὁ τελώνης 1 let him be to you even as the Gentile and the tax collector “treat him as you would treat a Gentile or tax collector.” This implies that they should remove him from the community of believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 18 18 u2kl ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 18 18 qzq7 figs-you ὑμῖν…δήσητε…λύσητε 1 to you … you may bind … you may release All occurrences of **you** are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 18 18 bu6i figs-metonymy ὅσα ἐὰν δήσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ ὅσα ἐὰν λύσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ 1 whatever you may bind on the earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you may release on the earth will be released in heaven Here, **in heaven** is a metonym that represents God himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 18 18 qrfh figs-metaphor ὅσα ἐὰν δήσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται δεδεμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ ὅσα ἐὰν λύσητε ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἔσται λελυμένα ἐν οὐρανῷ 1 whatever you may bind on the earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you may release on the earth will be released in heaven Here, **bind** is a metaphor meaning to forbid something, and **release** is a metaphor meaning to allow something. See how you translated similar phrases in [Matthew 16:19](../16/19.md). Alternate translation: “God in heaven will approve whatever you forbid or allow on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 18 18 l7na λέγω ὑμῖν 1 I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 18 19 cal4 figs-explicit ἐὰν δύο…ἐξ ὑμῶν 1 if two of you It is implied that Jesus means “if at least two of you” or “if two or more of you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 18 19 c3lf ἐὰν αἰτήσωνται…αὐτοῖς 1 they might ask … for them These refer to the “two of you.” Alternate translation: “you might ask … for you” MAT 18 19 gs8w guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 my Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 18 20 kv9z figs-explicit δύο ἢ τρεῖς 1 two or three It is implied that Jesus means “two or more” or “at least two.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 18 20 s5rx συνηγμένοι 1 gathered together “meeting together” MAT 18 20 l7vu figs-metonymy εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα 1 in my name Here, **name** refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because they are my disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 18 21 cys4 translate-numbers ἑπτάκις 1 seven times “7 times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 18 22 b19x translate-numbers ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά 1 seventy times seven This could mean: (1) This means 70 times 7. (2) This means 77 times. If using a number would be confusing, you can translate it as “more times than you can count” or “you must always forgive him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 18 23 n44s 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus uses a parable to teach about forgiveness and reconciliation. MAT 18 23 rqp1 figs-parables ὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the kingdom of the heavens may be compared to This introduces a parable. See how you translated a similar parable introduction in [Matthew 13:24](../13/24.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 18 23 bp72 συνᾶραι λόγον μετὰ τῶν δούλων αὐτοῦ 1 to settle accounts with his slaves “his slaves to pay him what they owed” MAT 18 24 d6ne figs-activepassive προσηνέχθη εἷς αὐτῷ 1 one was brought to him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone brought one of the king’s servants to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 18 24 w3nr translate-numbers μυρίων ταλάντων 1 of 10,000 talents “of ten thousand talents” or “more money than the servant could ever repay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 18 24 bihe translate-bmoney μυρίων ταλάντων 1 of 10,000 talents A *talent* was equal to one day's wage. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 18 25 nmz8 figs-activepassive ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος πραθῆναι, καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα, καὶ τὰ τέκνα, καὶ πάντα ὅσα εἶχεν, καὶ ἀποδοθῆναι 1 the master commanded him to be sold, together with his wife and children and everything that he had, and repayment to be made You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the king commanded his servants to sell the man along with his wife and children and everything that he had, and to pay the debt with the money from the sale” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 18 26 thl3 translate-symaction πεσὼν οὖν ὁ δοῦλος προσεκύνει 1 So the slave, having fallen down, was bowing down before This shows that the **slave** approached the king in the most humble way possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 18 26 cx5z προσεκύνει αὐτῷ 1 was bowing down before him “was bowing down before the king” MAT 18 27 j5vp σπλαγχνισθεὶς 1 having felt compassion “feeling compassion for the slave” MAT 18 27 vn7l ἀπέλυσεν αὐτόν 1 released him “let him go” MAT 18 28 d2tb figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable to his disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 18 28 a7jb translate-numbers ἑκατὸν δηνάρια 1 100 denarii “one hundred denarii” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 18 28 zyie translate-bmoney ἑκατὸν δηνάρια 1 one hundred denarii “one hundred days’ wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 18 28 uy32 κρατήσας αὐτὸν 1 having grasped him “when first slave had grasped his fellow slave” MAT 18 28 b7u9 κρατήσας 1 having grasped “having taken hold of” or “having seized” MAT 18 29 i21c translate-symaction πεσὼν 1 having fallen down This shows that the fellow slave approached the first slave in the most humble way possible. See how you translated this in [Matthew 18:26](../18/26.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 18 29 iv8y παρεκάλει αὐτὸν 1 begged him “implored him” MAT 18 30 fn3t figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable to his disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 18 30 t8wb ἀπελθὼν, ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακὴν 1 having gone out, he threw him into prison “the first slave went and threw his fellow slave into prison” MAT 18 31 w9n2 οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ 1 his fellow slaves “other slaves” MAT 18 31 nx9k διεσάφησαν τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν 1 they fully explained to their master “they told the king” MAT 18 32 pfc2 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable to his disciple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 18 32 txr7 τότε προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ 1 Then, having called him, his master “Then the king called the first slave and” MAT 18 32 wgs1 παρεκάλεσάς με 1 you begged me “you implored me” MAT 18 33 jw37 figs-rquestion οὐκ ἔδει καὶ σὲ ἐλεῆσαι τὸν σύνδουλόν σου, ὡς κἀγὼ σὲ ἠλέησα? 1 Was it not necessary for you to also have had mercy on your fellow slave, just as I also had mercy on you? The king uses a question to scold the first servant. Alternate translation: “You should have had mercy on your fellow slave, just as I also had mercy on you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 18 34 l7ks 0 General Information: This is the end of the part of the story that began in [Matthew 18:1](../18/01.md), where Jesus teaches about life in the kingdom of heaven. MAT 18 34 mkm7 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus concludes his parable about forgiveness and reconciliation. MAT 18 34 big9 ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ 1 his master “the king” MAT 18 34 e95u figs-explicit παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν 1 handed him over “gave him over.” Most likely the king himself did not take the first slave to the torturers. Alternate translation: “he ordered his slaves to give him over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 18 34 j7s3 τοῖς βασανισταῖς 1 to the torturers “to those who would torture him” MAT 18 34 e14m figs-activepassive τὸ ὀφειλόμενον 1 that is owed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that the first slave owed the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 18 35 pm1d guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατήρ μου ὁ οὐράνιος 1 my heavenly Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 18 35 q8p9 figs-you ὑμῖν…ἕκαστος…ὑμῶν 1 to you … each of you … your All occurrences of **you** and **your** are plural. Jesus is speaking to his disciples, but this parable teaches a general truth that applies to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 18 35 c4fw figs-metonymy ἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν 1 from your heart Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s inner being. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 18 35 mzn6 figs-idiom ἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν 1 from your heart The phrase **from your heart** is an idiom that means “sincerely.” Alternate translation: “sincerely” or “completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 19 intro ewl5 0 # Matthew 19 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Divorce

Jesus taught about divorce because the Pharisees wanted people to think Jesus’ teachings about divorce were wrong ([Matthew 19:3-12](./03.md)). Jesus talked about what God had first said about marriage when he created it.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metonymy

Jesus often says the word “heaven” when he wants his hearers to think of God, who lives in heaven ([Matthew 1:12](../../mat/01/12.md)). MAT 19 1 nj6t writing-background 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through [Matthew 22:46](../22/46.md), which tells of Jesus ministering in Judea. These verses provide background information of how Jesus came to be in Judea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 19 1 ap4g ἐγένετο, ὅτε 1 it happened that when This phrase shifts the story from Jesus’ teachings to what happened next. Alternate translation: “And when” or “And after” MAT 19 1 c5j9 figs-metonymy ἐτέλεσεν…τοὺς λόγους τούτους 1 had finished these words Here, **words** refers to what Jesus taught starting in [Matthew 18:1](../18/01.md). Alternate translation: “had finished teaching these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 19 3 kg12 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to teach about marriage and divorce. MAT 19 3 gl85 προσῆλθον αὐτῷ 1 approached him “came to Jesus” MAT 19 3 s8jq πειράζοντες αὐτὸν καὶ λέγοντες 1 testing him and saying Here, **testing** is used in a negative sense. Alternate translation: “and challenged him by asking him” or “and wanted to trap him by asking him” MAT 19 4 ncb6 figs-rquestion οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε, ὅτι ὁ ποιήσας ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς, ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ, ἐποίησεν αὐτοὺς 1 Have you not read that the one who made them from the beginning made them male and female, This rhetorical question continues to the end of the next verse. Jesus uses this question to remind the Pharisees of what the scripture says about men, women, and marriage. Alternate translation: “Surely you have read that in the beginning when God created people he made them male and female,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 19 5 n8zn 0 General Information: In verse 5, Jesus quotes from Genesis to show that a husband and wife should not divorce. MAT 19 5 xc7a figs-rquestion καὶ εἶπεν, ἕνεκα τούτου καταλείψει ἄνθρωπος τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ κολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν? 1 and said, ‘For the sake of this, a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh’? This verse is the second part of the rhetorical question that Jesus began in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 19 5 q71w figs-quotations καὶ εἶπεν, ἕνεκα τούτου καταλείψει ἄνθρωπος τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ κολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν? 1 and said, ‘For the sake of this, a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh’? The direct quotation can be expressed as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “and said that this is the reason that a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh’?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 19 5 phz3 ἕνεκα τούτου 1 For the sake of this This is a part of the quotation from Genesis story about Adam and Eve. In that context the reason a man will leave his father and mother is because God created a woman to be the man’s companion. MAT 19 5 af1r κολληθήσεται τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ 1 will be joined to his wife “will stay close to his wife” or “will live with his wife” MAT 19 5 m83j figs-metaphor ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν 1 the two will be one flesh This is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate translation: “they will become like one person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 19 6 m4b7 figs-metaphor ὥστε οὐκέτι εἰσὶν δύο, ἀλλὰ σὰρξ μία 1 So then, they are no longer two, but one flesh This is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate translation: “So a husband and wife are no longer like two persons, but they are like one person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 19 7 jxs2 λέγουσιν αὐτῷ 1 They say to him “The Pharisees said to Jesus” MAT 19 7 ugf4 Μωϋσῆς ἐνετείλατο 1 has Moses commanded us “has Moses command us Jews” MAT 19 7 xml9 βιβλίον ἀποστασίου 1 a certificate of divorce This is a document that legally ends the marriage. MAT 19 8 zu87 figs-metaphor πρὸς τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν 1 For your hardness of heart The phrase **hardness of heart** is a metaphor that means “stubbornness.” Alternate translation: “Because of your stubbornness” or “Because you are stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 19 8 ve9e figs-you τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν ὑμῶν…ἐπέτρεψεν ὑμῖν…τὰς γυναῖκας ὑμῶν 1 your hardness of heart … allowed you … your wives Here, **you** and **your** are plural. Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, but Moses gave this command many years earlier to their ancestors. Moses’ command applied to all Jewish men in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 19 8 mgx9 figs-metonymy ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς δὲ 1 but from the beginning Here, **beginning** refers to when God first created man and woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 19 9 eq8z λέγω…ὑμῖν 1 I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 19 9 yl3x figs-ellipsis γαμήσῃ ἄλλην 1 may marry another You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “may marry another woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 19 9 ps45 translate-textvariants καὶ ὁ ἀπολελυμένην γαμήσας μοιχᾶται 1 and the one having been divorced, having married, commits adultery Many early texts do not include these words. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) MAT 19 11 h3a3 figs-activepassive οἷς δέδοται 1 to whom it has been given You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God allows” or “those whom God enables” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 19 12 yvb8 figs-explicit εἰσὶν γὰρ εὐνοῦχοι, οἵτινες ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς ἐγεννήθησαν οὕτως 1 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb You can make explicit the implicit information. Alternate translation: “For there are different reasons that men do not marry. For instance, there are men who were born eunuchs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 19 12 m1r9 figs-activepassive εἰσὶν εὐνοῦχοι οἵτινες εὐνουχίσθησαν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “there are men whom other men have made eunuchs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 19 12 g4bw figs-metaphor εὐνοῦχοι οἵτινες εὐνούχισαν ἑαυτοὺς 1 eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs This could mean: (1) Jesus is referring to men who have made themselves eunuchs by removing their private parts. (2) Jesus is referring to men who choose to remain unmarried and sexually pure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 19 12 r78n figs-metonymy διὰ τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 for the sake of the kingdom of the heavens Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use **heavens** in your translation. Alternate translation: “so they can better serve our God in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 19 12 hqu1 χωρεῖν, χωρείτω 1 to accept this, let him accept it “to accept this teaching, let him accept it” MAT 19 13 wjb5 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus receives and blesses little children. MAT 19 13 wu52 figs-activepassive προσηνέχθησαν αὐτῷ παιδία 1 little children were brought to him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “some people brought little children to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 19 14 t6cm ἄφετε 1 Permit allow MAT 19 14 m219 μὴ κωλύετε αὐτὰ ἐλθεῖν πρός με 1 do not forbid them to come to me “do not stop them from coming to me” MAT 19 14 l1bq figs-metonymy τῶν γὰρ τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 for the kingdom of the heavens is of such as these Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use **heavens** in your translation. Alternate translation: “for when our God in heaven establishes his rule on earth, he will be king over such as these” or “for God will allow such as these into his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 19 14 za2g figs-simile τῶν…τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the kingdom of the heavens is of such as these “the kingdom of the heavens belongs to those who are like children.” This is a simile that means those who are humble like children will enter God’s kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 19 16 g9us 0 Connecting Statement: Here the scene shifts to a different time when Jesus explains to a rich man what it will cost to follow him. MAT 19 16 vj7t ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 19 16 bw9n ἀγαθὸν 1 good thing This means a thing that pleases God. MAT 19 17 sce3 figs-rquestion τί με ἐρωτᾷς περὶ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ? 1 Why do you ask me about what is good? Jesus uses this rhetorical question to encourage the man to think about his reason for asking Jesus about what is good. Alternate translation: “You ask me about what is good” or “Think about why you ask me about what is good.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 19 17 d4sh εἷς ἐστιν ὁ ἀγαθός 1 One is good “God alone is completely good” MAT 19 17 d7fd εἰς τὴν ζωὴν εἰσελθεῖν 1 to enter into life “to receive eternal life” MAT 19 19 zv5n ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου 1 love your neighbor The Jewish people believed that their neighbors were only other Jews. Jesus is extending that definition to include all people. MAT 19 21 m57c εἰ θέλεις 1 If you wish “If you want” MAT 19 21 zic9 figs-nominaladj πτωχοῖς 1 to the poor You can state this nominal adjective as an adjective. Alternate translation: “to those who are poor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 19 21 e4vs figs-metaphor ἕξεις θησαυρὸν ἐν οὐρανοῖς 1 you will have treasure in the heavens The phrase **treasure in the heavens** is a metaphor that refers to a reward from God. Alternate translation: “God will reward you in the heavens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 19 23 ass2 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus explains to his disciples the rewards of giving up material possessions and relationships to follow him. MAT 19 23 r93j ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 19 23 ean2 figs-metonymy εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 will enter … into the kingdom of the heavens Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. This phrase is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use **heavens** in your translation. Alternate translation: “to accept … our God in heaven as their king” or “to enter … into God’s kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 19 24 c8l5 figs-hyperbole ἐστιν κάμηλον διὰ τρήματος ῥαφίδος διελθεῖν ἢ πλούσιον εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ 1 it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God Jesus uses an exaggeration to illustrate how very difficult it is for **rich** people to enter the **kingdom of God**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 19 24 dip3 τρήματος ῥαφίδος 1 the eye of a needle the hole near one end of a needle, through which thread is passed MAT 19 25 sl38 figs-explicit ἐξεπλήσσοντο σφόδρα 1 they were very astonished “the disciples were amazed.” It is implied that they were astonished because they believed having riches was proof that God approved of someone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 19 25 d389 figs-rquestion τίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι? 1 Who then is able to be saved? The disciples use a question to emphasize their surprise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 19 25 x1at figs-activepassive τίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι? 1 Who then is able to be saved? You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then there is no one whom God will save!” or “Then there is no one who will receive eternal life!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 19 27 yp3h ἡμεῖς ἀφήκαμεν πάντα 1 we have left everything “we have left all our wealth” or “we have given up all our possessions” MAT 19 27 sp61 τί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμῖν? 1 What then will there be for us? “What good thing will God give us?” MAT 19 28 pm6v ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 19 28 j89c figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ παλιγγενεσίᾳ 1 in the renewal “in the new time.” This refers to when God restores all things. Alternate translation: “at the time when God makes all things new” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 19 28 gey2 figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 19 28 sx2j figs-metonymy καθίσῃ…ἐπὶ θρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ 1 may sit on his glorious throne Sitting on his throne represents ruling as a king. His throne being glorious represents his rule being glorious. Alternate translation: “may sit as king on his glorious throne” or “will rule gloriously as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 19 28 rx2u figs-metonymy καθήσεσθε καὶ…ἐπὶ δώδεκα θρόνους 1 will also sit upon 12 thrones Here sitting on **thrones** refers to ruling as kings. The disciples will not be equal to Jesus who is also on a throne. They will receive authority from him. Alternate translation: “will also sit as kings on 12 thrones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 19 28 ci3t figs-metonymy τὰς δώδεκα φυλὰς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ 1 the 12 tribes of Israel Here, **tribes** refers to people from those tribes. Alternate translation: “the people of the 12 tribes of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 19 29 gq8p figs-metonymy ἕνεκεν τοῦ ἐμοῦ ὀνόματός 1 for the sake of my name Here, **name** refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because he believes in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 19 29 bzt3 translate-numbers ἑκατονταπλασίονα λήμψεται 1 will receive 100 times as much “will receive from God one hundred times as many good things as they gave up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 19 29 z8wb figs-idiom ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσει 1 will inherit eternal life This is an idiom that means “God will bless them with eternal life” or “God will cause them to live forever.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 19 30 u8p3 πολλοὶ δὲ ἔσονται πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι, καὶ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι 1 But many who will be first will be last, and the last, first Here, **first** and **last** refer to people’s status or importance. Jesus is contrasting people’s status now with their status in the kingdom of heaven. Alternate translation: “But many who seem to be important now will be the least important, and many who seem to be unimportant now will be very important” MAT 20 intro z39h 0 # Matthew 20 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The parable of the landowner and his vineyard

Jesus tells this parable ([Matthew 20:1-16](./01.md)) to teach his disciples that what God says is right is different from what people say is right. MAT 20 1 k7sw 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who hires workers, to illustrate how God will reward those who belong to the kingdom of heaven. MAT 20 1 q9qc figs-parables ὁμοία γάρ ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 For the kingdom of heaven is like This is the beginning of a parable. See how you translated the introduction to the parable in [Matthew 13:24](../13/24.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 20 2 wd43 συμφωνήσας 1 After he had agreed “After the landowner had agreed” MAT 20 2 iwk5 translate-bmoney δηναρίου 1 a denarius This was the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: “one day’s wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 20 2 w9hq ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα αὐτοῦ 1 he sent them into his vineyard “he sent them to work in his vineyard” MAT 20 3 w9m2 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 20 3 s8ha καὶ ἐξελθὼν 1 He went out again “The landowner went out again” MAT 20 3 bki1 translate-ordinal τρίτην ὥραν 1 the third hour The third hour is around nine in the morning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 20 3 xk4i ἑστῶτας ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ ἀργούς 1 standing idle in the marketplace “standing in the marketplace not doing anything” or “standing in the marketplace with no work to do” MAT 20 3 q3b7 τῇ ἀγορᾷ 1 the marketplace a large, open-air area where people buy and sell food and other items MAT 20 5 g1s7 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 20 5 j3zh πάλιν ἐξελθὼν 1 Again he went out “Again the landowner went out” MAT 20 5 pip4 translate-ordinal περὶ ἕκτην καὶ ἐνάτην ὥραν 1 about the sixth hour and again the ninth hour The sixth hour is around noon. The ninth hour is around three in the afternoon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 20 5 y513 ἐποίησεν ὡσαύτως 1 did the same This means the landowner went to the marketplace and hired workers. MAT 20 6 t8uu translate-ordinal τὴν ἑνδεκάτην 1 the eleventh hour This is about five in the afternoon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 20 6 up1w ἑστῶτας 1 having stood “not doing anything” or “not having any work” MAT 20 8 hg2p figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 20 8 x6iv ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ τῶν ἐσχάτων ἕως τῶν πρώτων 1 having begun from the last to the first You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “beginning with the workers who started working last, then the workers who started working earlier, and finally the workers who started working first” or “first paying the workers I hired last, then paying the workers I hired earlier in the day, and finally paying the workers I hired first” MAT 20 9 p7q1 figs-activepassive οἱ 1 those hired You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom the landowner hired” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 20 10 d2bn translate-bmoney δηνάριον 1 a denarius This was the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: “one day’s wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 20 11 z2h5 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 20 11 z9sz λαβόντες 1 having received it “when the workers who had worked the longest had received a denarius” MAT 20 11 d6sy τοῦ οἰκοδεσπότου 1 the landowner “the vineyard owner” MAT 20 12 qpz4 ἴσους ἡμῖν αὐτοὺς ἐποίησας 1 you have made them equal to us “you have paid them the same amount of money as you paid us” MAT 20 12 vy87 figs-idiom τοῖς βαστάσασι τὸ βάρος τῆς ἡμέρας καὶ τὸν καύσωνα 1 who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat The phrase **borne the burden of the day** is an idiom that means “worked the entire day.” Alternate translation: “who have worked the entire day, even during the hottest part” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 20 13 w17c figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 20 13 r9f3 ἑνὶ αὐτῶν 1 to one of them “to one of the workers who had worked the longest” MAT 20 13 f5mb ἑταῖρε 1 Friend Use a word that one man would use to address another man whom he is politely rebuking. MAT 20 13 qbu1 figs-rquestion οὐχὶ δηναρίου συνεφώνησάς μοι 1 Did you not agree with me for a denarius? The landowner uses a question to rebuke the workers who were complaining. Alternate translation: “We already agreed that I would give you one denarius.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 20 13 qxn3 translate-bmoney δηναρίου 1 for a denarius This was the daily wage at that time. Alternate translation: “for one day’s wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 20 15 g5ii figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus concludes his parable about a landowner who hires workers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 20 15 h3uh figs-rquestion ἢ οὐκ ἔξεστίν μοι, ὃ θέλω ποιῆσαι ἐν τοῖς ἐμοῖς? 1 Or is it not lawful for me to do what I desire with what is mine? The landowner uses a question to correct the workers who were complaining. Alternate translation: “I can do what I want with my own possessions.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 20 15 dus3 figs-rquestion ἢ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρός ἐστιν, ὅτι ἐγὼ ἀγαθός εἰμι? 1 Or is your eye evil because I am good? The landowner uses a question to rebuke the workers who were complaining. Alternate translation: “Do not be jealous when I am generous to other people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 20 16 k5fe οὕτως ἔσονται οἱ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι, καὶ οἱ πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι 1 In the same way, the last will be first, and the first last Here, **first** and **last** refer to people’s status or importance. Jesus is contrasting people’s status now with their status in the kingdom of heaven. See how you translated a similar statement in [Matthew 19:30](../19/30.md). Alternate translation: “So those who seem to be unimportant now will be the most important, and those who seem to be the most important now will be the least important” MAT 20 16 bhr5 οὕτως ἔσονται οἱ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι 1 In the same way, the last will be first Here the parable has ended and Jesus is speaking. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said, ‘In the same way, the last will be first’” MAT 20 17 iu9d 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus foretells his death and resurrection a third time as he and his disciples travel to Jerusalem. MAT 20 17 b6ia ἀναβαίνων ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα 1 Jesus, going up to Jerusalem **Jerusalem** was on top of a hill, so people had to travel **up** to get there. MAT 20 18 d3ig ἰδοὺ, ἀναβαίνομεν 1 Behold, we are going up Jesus uses the word **Behold** to tell the disciples the must pay attention to what he is about to tell them. MAT 20 18 nf34 figs-exclusive ἀναβαίνομεν 1 we are going up Here, **we** refers to Jesus and the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) MAT 20 18 b2f2 figs-activepassive ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδοθήσεται 1 the Son of Man will be delivered You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone will deliver the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 20 18 rbl4 figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…αὐτὸν 1 the Son of Man … him Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate these in the first person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 20 18 s8uh κατακρινοῦσιν 1 they will condemn The chief priests and scribes will condemn Jesus. MAT 20 19 rjq7 καὶ παραδώσουσιν αὐτὸν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, εἰς τὸ ἐμπαῖξαι 1 and will deliver him to the Gentiles for them to mock The chief priests and scribes will deliver Jesus to the **Gentiles**, and the Gentiles will **mock** him. MAT 20 19 a9k5 μαστιγῶσαι 1 to flog “to whip him” or “to beat him with whips” MAT 20 19 pn84 translate-ordinal τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ 1 on the third day The word **third** is the ordinal form of “three.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 20 19 c6q1 figs-123person αὐτὸν…σταυρῶσαι…ἀναστήσεται 1 him … to crucify him … he will be raised up Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate these in the first person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 20 19 kr7a figs-activepassive ἀναστήσεται 1 he will be raised up The words **be raised up** are an idiom for “be made alive again.” You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will raise him up” or “God will make him alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 20 20 u67i 0 Connecting Statement: In response to the question that the mother of two of the disciples asks, Jesus teaches his disciples about authority and serving others in the kingdom of heaven. MAT 20 20 sx75 τῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου 1 of the sons of Zebedee This refers James and John. MAT 20 21 b8xs figs-metonymy ἐκ δεξιῶν…ἐξ εὐωνύμων σου 1 at your right hand … at your left hand These refer to having positions of power, authority, and honor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 20 21 i9n6 figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου 1 in your kingdom Here, **kingdom** refers to Jesus ruling as king. Alternate translation: “when you are king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 20 22 gx17 figs-you οὐκ οἴδατε 1 You do not know **You** is plural and refers to the mother and the sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 20 22 i8nx figs-you δύνασθε 1 Are you able Here, **you** is plural, but Jesus is only talking to the two sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 20 22 f9cy figs-idiom πιεῖν τὸ ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ μέλλω πίνειν 1 to drink the cup that I am about to drink To **drink the cup** or “drink from the cup” is an idiom that means to experience suffering. Alternate translation: “to suffer what I am about to suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 20 22 d4rf λέγουσιν 1 They say “The sons of Zebedee said” or “James and John said” MAT 20 23 m4d2 figs-idiom τὸ μὲν ποτήριόν μου πίεσθε 1 My cup you will drink To **drink** a **cup** or “drink from a cup” is an idiom that means to experience suffering. Alternate translation: “You will indeed suffer as I will suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 20 23 aq1v figs-metonymy δεξιῶν…εὐωνύμων 1 right hand … my left hand These refer to having positions of power, authority, and honor. See how you translated this in [Matthew 20:21](../20/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 20 23 sj51 figs-activepassive οἷς ἡτοίμασται ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 to those who have been prepared by my Father You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “my Father has prepared those places, and he will give them to whom he chooses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 20 23 x5f4 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 my Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 20 24 qxl4 ἀκούσαντες 1 having heard this “having heard what James and John had asked Jesus” MAT 20 24 la38 figs-explicit ἠγανάκτησαν περὶ τῶν δύο ἀδελφῶν 1 were very angry with the two brothers If necessary, you can make explicit why the ten disciples were angry. Alternate translation: “were very angry with the two brothers because each of them also wanted to sit in a place of honor next to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 20 25 uu67 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes teaching his disciples about authority and serving others. MAT 20 25 v2xq προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς 1 having called them to himself “having called the 12 disciples” MAT 20 25 x2ul οἱ ἄρχοντες τῶν ἐθνῶν κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν 1 the rulers of the Gentiles subjugate them “the Gentile kings forcefully rule over their people” MAT 20 25 gu83 οἱ μεγάλοι 1 the great ones “the important men among the Gentiles” MAT 20 25 nb3r κατεξουσιάζουσιν αὐτῶν 1 exercise authority over them “have control over the people” MAT 20 26 y4qw ὃς ἐὰν θέλῃ 1 whoever desires “whoever wants” MAT 20 27 j3ms εἶναι πρῶτος 1 to be first “to be important” MAT 20 28 m27d figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ 1 the Son of Man … his life Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If necessary, you can translate this in the first person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 20 28 iz71 figs-activepassive οὐκ ἦλθεν διακονηθῆναι 1 did not come to be served You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “did not come so that other people would serve him” or “did not come so that other people would serve me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 20 28 c7r9 figs-ellipsis ἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι 1 but to serve You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “but to serve other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 20 28 zh3k figs-metaphor καὶ δοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ λύτρον ἀντὶ πολλῶν 1 and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many Jesus’ **life** being a **ransom** is a metaphor for his being punished in order to set people free from being punished for their own sins. Alternate translation: “to give his life as a substitute for many” or “to give his life as a substitute to set many free” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 20 28 zv1p figs-idiom καὶ δοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ 1 and to give his life To give one’s **life** is an idiom meaning to die voluntarily, usually in order to help others. Alternate translation: “and to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 20 28 hgv7 figs-ellipsis ἀντὶ πολλῶν 1 in exchange for many You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “in exchange for many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 20 29 u6ad 0 Connecting Statement: This begins an account of Jesus healing two blind men. MAT 20 29 ev2t ἐκπορευομένων αὐτῶν 1 as they were proceeding This refers to the disciples and Jesus. MAT 20 29 b4tr ἠκολούθησεν αὐτῷ 1 followed him “followed Jesus” MAT 20 30 zz5f ἀκούσαντες 1 Having heard “When the two blind men heard” MAT 20 30 stz8 παράγει 1 is passing by “was walking by them” MAT 20 30 t577 Υἱὸς Δαυείδ 1 Son of David Jesus was not David’s literal son, so this may be translated as “Descendant of King David.” However, **Son of David** is also a title for the Messiah, and the men were probably calling Jesus by this title. MAT 20 32 f5mw ἐφώνησεν αὐτοὺς 1 called to them “called to the blind men” MAT 20 33 yb39 figs-metaphor ἵνα ἀνοιγῶσιν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν 1 that our eyes may be opened The men speak of becoming able to see as if their **eyes** were to **be opened**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 20 33 xdgl figs-ellipsis ἵνα ἀνοιγῶσιν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν 1 that our eyes may be opened Because of Jesus’ previous question, we understand that they were expressing their desire. Alternate translation: “we want you to open our eyes” or “we want to be able to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 20 34 q9iq σπλαγχνισθεὶς 1 having been moved with compassion “having compassion on them” or “feeling compassion for them” MAT 21 intro ni1x 0 # Matthew 21 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 21:5,16 and 42, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The donkey and the colt

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal. In this way he was like a king who came into a city after he had won an important battle. Also, the kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on a donkeys. Other kings rode on horses. So Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel and that he was not like other kings.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about this event. Matthew and Mark wrote that the disciples brought Jesus a donkey. John wrote that Jesus found a donkey. Luke wrote that they brought him a colt. Only Matthew wrote that there were both a donkey had a colt. No one knows for sure whether Jesus rode the donkey or the colt. It is best to translate each of these accounts as it appears in the ULT without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: [Matthew 21:1-7](../mat/21/01.md) and [Mark 11:1-7](../mrk/11/01.md) and [Luke 19:29-36](../luk/19/29.md) and [John 12:14-15](../jhn/12/14.md))

### Hosanna

This is what the people shouted to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. This word meant “Save us,” but people used it to praise God.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “The kingdom of God will be taken away from you”

No one knows for sure what this phrase means. No one knows if Jesus meant that God would someday give the kingdom back or not. MAT 21 1 f8fs 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Here he gives his disciples instructions about what they are to do. MAT 21 1 p3g6 translate-names Βηθφαγὴ 1 Bethphage This is a village near Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 21 2 wen2 figs-activepassive ὄνον δεδεμένην 1 a donkey tied up You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a donkey that someone has tied up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 21 2 pq2e figs-explicit δεδεμένην 1 tied up You can make explicit how the donkey is tied. Alternate translation: “tied up to a post” or “tied up to a tree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 21 2 ure7 πῶλον 1 a colt young male donkey MAT 21 4 lk67 0 General Information: Here the author quotes the prophet Zechariah to show that Jesus fulfilled prophecy by riding a donkey into Jerusalem. MAT 21 4 irw1 δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew explains how Jesus’ actions fulfill scripture. MAT 21 4 n979 figs-activepassive τοῦτο…γέγονεν, ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου 1 this had come about so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “this happened so that Jesus would fulfill what God spoke through the prophet long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 21 4 x3up figs-explicit διὰ τοῦ προφήτου 1 through the prophet There were many prophets. Matthew was speaking of Zechariah. Alternate translation: “the prophet Zechariah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 21 5 whn7 τῇ θυγατρὶ Σιών 1 the daughter of Zion The **daughter** of a city means the people of the city. Alternate translation: “the people of Zion” or “the people who live in Zion” MAT 21 5 jzz6 Σιών 1 of Zion This is another name for Jerusalem. MAT 21 5 fx3v ἐπὶ ὄνον καὶ ἐπὶ πῶλον, υἱὸν ὑποζυγίου 1 on a donkey—and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden The phrase **on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden** is explaining that the donkey is a young animal. Alternate translation: “on a young, male donkey” MAT 21 7 y6en τὰ ἱμάτια 1 cloaks These were outer clothing or long coats. MAT 21 8 t29s translate-symaction ὄχλος ἔστρωσαν ἑαυτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ; ἄλλοι δὲ ἔκοπτον κλάδους ἀπὸ τῶν δένδρων, καὶ ἐστρώννυον ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ 1 the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and were spreading them in the road These are ways to show honor to Jesus as he was entering Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 21 8 gbn8 figs-explicit ὄχλος ἔστρωσαν ἑαυτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ; ἄλλοι δὲ ἔκοπτον κλάδους ἀπὸ τῶν δένδρων, καὶ ἐστρώννυον ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ 1 the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and were spreading them in the road You can state clearly that they did this to honor Jesus. Alternate translation: “the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and were spreading them in the road in order to show honor to Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 21 9 ky4c ὡσαννὰ 1 Hosanna This word means “save us,” but it can also mean “praise God!” MAT 21 9 ysb9 τῷ Υἱῷ Δαυείδ 1 to the son of David Jesus was not David’s literal son, so this may be translated as “descendant of king David.” However, **Son of David** is also a title for the Messiah, and the crowd was probably calling Jesus by this title. MAT 21 9 q52t figs-metonymy ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου 1 in the name of the Lord Here, **in the name** means “in the power” or “as a representative.” Alternate translation: “in the power of the Lord” or “as the representative of the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 21 9 g73z figs-metonymy ὡσαννὰ ἐν τοῖς ὑψίστοις 1 Hosanna in the highest Here, **highest** refers to God who rules from the highest heaven. Alternate translation: “Praise God, who is in the highest heaven” or “Praise be to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 21 10 cb4h figs-metonymy ἐσείσθη πᾶσα ἡ πόλις 1 the whole the city was stirred Here, **city** refers to the people living there. Alternate translation: “many people from all over the city were stirred” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 21 10 nqb2 ἐσείσθη 1 was stirred “was excited” MAT 21 12 q41c 0 General Information: In verse 13, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to rebuke the vendors and money changers. MAT 21 12 mc5v 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus entering into the temple. MAT 21 12 y9j4 figs-explicit εἰσῆλθεν Ἰησοῦς εἰς τὸ ἱερόν 1 Jesus entered into the temple Jesus did not enter the actual **temple**. He entered the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 21 12 w7ac τοὺς πωλοῦντας καὶ ἀγοράζοντας 1 those who were buying and selling Merchants were **selling** animals and other items that travelers bought to offer the proper sacrifices at the temple. MAT 21 13 guy7 λέγει αὐτοῖς 1 he says to them “Jesus said to those who were changing money and buying and selling things” MAT 21 13 m1jl figs-activepassive γέγραπται 1 It is written You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The prophets wrote long ago” or “God said long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 21 13 z8gr figs-activepassive ὁ οἶκός μου…κληθήσεται 1 My house will be called You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “People should call my house” or “My house will be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 21 13 n9v8 ὁ οἶκός μου 1 My house Here, **My** refers to God and **house** refers to the temple. MAT 21 13 bd8x figs-idiom οἶκος προσευχῆς 1 a house of prayer This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “a place where people pray” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 21 13 c7l3 figs-metaphor σπήλαιον λῃστῶν 1 a den of robbers Jesus uses a metaphor to scold the people for buying and selling items in the temple. Alternate translation: “like a place where robbers hide” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 21 14 rpp3 figs-nominaladj τυφλοὶ καὶ χωλοὶ 1 the blind and the lame You can state these nominal adjectives as adjectives. Alternate translation: “those who were blind and those who were lame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 21 14 aku3 χωλοὶ 1 the lame those who have an injured foot or leg that makes walking difficult MAT 21 15 p7x2 0 General Information: In verse 16, Jesus quotes from the Psalms to justify how the people had responded to him. MAT 21 15 hft8 τὰ θαυμάσια 1 the marvelous things “the wonderful things” or “the miracles.” This refers to Jesus healing the blind and lame people in [Matthew 21:14](../21/14.md). MAT 21 15 fqr9 ὡσαννὰ 1 Hosanna This word means “save us” but can also mean “praise God!” See how you translated this in [Matthew 21:9](../21/09.md). MAT 21 15 c6k8 τῷ Υἱῷ Δαυείδ 1 the Son of David Jesus was not David’s literal son, so this may be translated as “descendant of king David.” However, “Son of David” is also a title for the Messiah, and the children were probably calling Jesus by this title. See how you translated this in [Matthew 21:9](../21/09.md). MAT 21 15 r3bs figs-explicit ἠγανάκτησαν 1 they became very angry It is implied that they were **angry** because they did not believe Jesus was the Christ and they did not want other people praising him. Alternate translation: “they became very angry because people were praising him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 21 16 zx4a figs-rquestion ἀκούεις τί οὗτοι λέγουσιν? 1 Do you hear what they are saying? The chief priests and scribes ask this question to rebuke Jesus because they are angry with him. Alternate translation: “You should not allow them to say these things about you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 21 16 luy1 figs-rquestion οὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε, ὅτι ἐκ στόματος νηπίων καὶ θηλαζόντων, κατηρτίσω αἶνον? 1 Have you never read, ‘From the mouths of little children and nursing infants you have prepared praise’? Jesus asks this question to remind the chief priests and scribes of what they had studied in the scriptures. Alternate translation: “I hear them, but you should remember what you read in the scriptures, ‘From the mouths of little children and nursing infants you have prepared praise’?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 21 16 qa9u figs-metonymy ἐκ στόματος νηπίων καὶ θηλαζόντων, κατηρτίσω αἶνον 1 From the mouths of little children and nursing infants you have prepared praise **From the mouths** refers to speaking. Alternate translation: “You caused little children and nursing infants to prepare to give praise to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 21 17 kag5 καταλιπὼν αὐτοὺς 1 having left them “after Jesus left the chief priests and scribes” MAT 21 18 l3bi 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus uses a fig tree to teach his disciples about faith and prayer. MAT 21 18 q488 δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew explains that Jesus is hungry and that is why he stops at the fig tree. MAT 21 19 h2la ἐξηράνθη 1 withered died and dried up MAT 21 20 q81g figs-rquestion πῶς παραχρῆμα ἐξηράνθη ἡ συκῆ? 1 How did the fig tree immediately wither away? The disciples use a question to emphasize how surprised they are. Alternate translation: “We are astonished that the fig tree has dried up so quickly!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 21 20 sk1g ἐξηράνθη 1 did … wither away “did … dry up and die” MAT 21 21 nd3y ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 21 21 mwl5 figs-doublet ἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν καὶ μὴ διακριθῆτε 1 if you have faith and would not doubt Jesus expresses the same idea both positively and negatively to emphasize that this faith must be genuine. Alternate translation: “if you truly believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) MAT 21 21 jf9h figs-quotations κἂν τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ εἴπητε, ἄρθητι καὶ βλήθητι εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν, 1 you may even say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and be thrown into the sea,’ You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “you will even be able to tell this mountain to be taken up and be thrown into the sea,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 21 21 erml figs-activepassive κἂν τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ εἴπητε, ἄρθητι καὶ βλήθητι εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν, 1 you may even say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and be thrown into the sea,’ You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “you will even be able to tell this mountain to get up and throw itself into the sea,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 21 23 yi7j 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of the religious leaders questioning Jesus’ authority. MAT 21 23 uge9 figs-explicit ἐλθόντος αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν 1 when he had come into the temple It is implied that Jesus did not enter the actual **temple**. He entered the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 21 23 s1w6 ταῦτα 1 these things This refers to Jesus teaching and healing in the temple. It probably also refers to Jesus driving out the buyers and sellers the previous day. MAT 21 25 dau4 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to respond to the religious leaders. MAT 21 25 k1a7 πόθεν ἦν? 1 from where was it? “where did he get the authority to do that?” MAT 21 25 vvt5 figs-quotesinquotes ἐὰν εἴπωμεν, ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ἐρεῖ ἡμῖν, διὰ τί οὖν οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ? 1 If we would say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ This has quotes within a quote. You could translate the direct quotations as an indirect quotations. Alternate translation: “If we say that we believe John received his authority from heaven, then Jesus will ask us why we did not believe John.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) MAT 21 25 xx3b figs-metonymy ἐξ οὐρανοῦ 1 From heaven Here, **heaven** refers to God. Alternate translation: “from God in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 21 25 jmg7 figs-rquestion διὰ τί οὖν οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ? 1 Why then did you not believe him? The religious leaders know that Jesus could scold them with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “Then you should have believed John the Baptist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 21 26 zxn4 figs-quotesinquotes ἐὰν δὲ εἴπωμεν, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων, 1 But if we would say, ‘From men,’ This is a quote within a quote. You could translate the direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “But if we say that we believe John received his authority from men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) MAT 21 26 vn6j φοβούμεθα τὸν ὄχλον 1 we fear the crowd “we fear what the crowd would think or even do to us” MAT 21 26 q1r1 πάντες…ὡς προφήτην ἔχουσιν τὸν Ἰωάννην 1 they all regard John as a prophet “they believe John is a prophet” MAT 21 28 u56n figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus tells a parable about two sons to rebuke the religious leaders and to illustrate their unbelief. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 21 28 iem2 figs-rquestion τί δὲ ὑμῖν δοκεῖ? 1 But what do you think? Jesus uses a question to challenge the religious leaders to think deeply about the parable he will tell them. Alternate translation: “Tell me what you think about what I am about to tell you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 21 29 b96z figs-metaphor μεταμεληθεὶς 1 having changed his mind This refers to the son reconsidering his thoughts and deciding to act differently from how he had said he would act. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 21 31 hl72 λέγουσιν 1 They say “The chief priests and elders said” MAT 21 31 au13 λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς 1 Jesus says to them “Jesus said to the chief priests and elders” MAT 21 31 er5s ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 21 31 ec9f figs-metonymy οἱ τελῶναι καὶ αἱ πόρναι προάγουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν Θεοῦ 1 the tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter into the kingdom of God before you Here, **kingdom of God** refers to God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “when God establishes his rule on earth, he will agree to bless the tax collectors and prostitutes by ruling over them before he agrees to do that for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 21 31 pd34 προάγουσιν ὑμᾶς 1 enter … before you This could mean: (1) God will accept the tax collectors and prostitutes sooner than he will accept the Jewish religious leaders. (2) God will accept the tax collectors and prostitutes instead of the Jewish religious leaders. MAT 21 32 a8z8 figs-you ἦλθεν…Ἰωάννης πρὸς ὑμᾶς 1 John came to you Here, **you** is plural and refers to all the people of Israel not just the religious leaders. Alternate translation: “John came to the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 21 32 n2ve figs-idiom ἐν ὁδῷ δικαιοσύνης 1 in the way of righteousness This is an idiom that means John showed the people the right way to live. Alternate translation: “and told you the way God wants you to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 21 32 c5t4 figs-you οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ 1 you did not believe him Here, **you** is plural and refers to the religious leaders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 21 33 nn9y figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: To rebuke the religious leaders and illustrate their unbelief, Jesus tells a parable about rebellious servants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 21 33 sx2y οἰκοδεσπότης 1 a landowner “a person who owned a piece of property” MAT 21 33 v39u φραγμὸν 1 a hedge “a wall” or “a fence made of bushes” MAT 21 33 lg79 ὤρυξεν ἐν αὐτῷ ληνὸν 1 dug a winepress in it “dug a hole in the vineyard in which to press the grapes” MAT 21 33 eu7x ἐξέδετο αὐτὸν γεωργοῖς 1 rented it out to vine growers The owner still owned the vineyard, but he allowed the **vine growers** to take care of it. When the grapes became ripe, they were to give some of them to the owner and keep the rest. MAT 21 33 vp8k γεωργοῖς 1 to vine growers These were people who knew how to take care of vines and grapes. MAT 21 35 hn3c figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 21 35 n1cq τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ 1 his servants “the landowner’s servants” MAT 21 38 a55y figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 21 40 x1ll grammar-connect-logic-result οὖν 1 Therefore The word **Therefore** indicates that what follows is the result of what has happened in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) MAT 21 41 ss2m λέγουσιν αὐτῷ 1 They say to him Matthew does not make clear who answered Jesus. If you need to specify an audience you can translate as “The people said to Jesus.” MAT 21 42 z9tm 0 General Information: Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to show that God will honor the one whom the religious leaders reject. MAT 21 42 x8zh 0 Connecting Statement: Here Jesus begins to explain the parable of the rebellious servants. MAT 21 42 kk7e λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς 1 Jesus says to them It is unclear to whom Jesus asks the following question. If you need to make **them** specific, use the same audience as you did in [Matthew 21:41](../21/41.md). MAT 21 42 me7g figs-rquestion οὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε ἐν ταῖς Γραφαῖς, λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας; παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη, καὶ ἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν? 1 Did you never read in the scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, this has become the head of the corner. This was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Jesus uses a question to make his audience think deeply about what this scripture means. Alternate translation: “Think about what you have read in the scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, this has become the head of the corner. This was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 21 42 mcm8 figs-metaphor λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας 1 The stone which the builders rejected, this has become the head of the corner Jesus is quoting from the Psalms. This is a metaphor that means the religious leaders, like builders, will reject Jesus, but God will make him the most important in his kingdom, like the cornerstone in a building. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 21 42 uid2 figs-activepassive ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας 1 has become the head of the corner You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “is now the cornerstone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 21 42 b1sr παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη 1 This was from the Lord “The Lord has caused this great change” MAT 21 42 el83 figs-metonymy ἔστιν θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν 1 it is marvelous in our eyes Here, **in our eyes** refers to seeing. Alternate translation: “it is wonderful to see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 21 43 s93a λέγω ὑμῖν 1 I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 21 43 c7pb figs-you ὑμῖν 1 to you Here, **you** is plural. Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders who had rejected him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 21 43 v89z figs-metonymy ἀρθήσεται ἀφ’ ὑμῶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ δοθήσεται ἔθνει 1 the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation Here, **kingdom of God** refers to God’s rule as king. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will reject you and he will be king over people from other nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 21 43 x9nq figs-activepassive ἀρθήσεται ἀφ’ ὑμῶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ δοθήσεται ἔθνει 1 the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will take his kingdom away from you and will give it to a nation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 21 43 cm2i figs-metaphor ποιοῦντι τοὺς καρποὺς αὐτῆς 1 producing its fruits Here, **fruits** is a metaphor for “results” or “outcomes.” Alternate translation: “that produces good results” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 21 44 r7up figs-metaphor ὁ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὸν λίθον τοῦτον, συνθλασθήσεται 1 the one having fallen on this stone will be broken to pieces Here, **this stone** is the same stone as in [Matthew 21:42](../21/42.md). This is a metaphor that means the Christ will destroy anyone who rebels against him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 21 44 e7qc figs-activepassive ὁ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὸν λίθον τοῦτον, συνθλασθήσεται 1 the one having fallen on this stone will be broken to pieces You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the stone will break into pieces anyone who falls on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 21 44 ghz2 figs-parallelism ἐφ’ ὃν δ’ ἂν πέσῃ, λικμήσει αὐτόν 1 but on whomever it may fall, it will crush him This means basically the same thing as the previous sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 21 44 fonh figs-metaphor ἐφ’ ὃν δ’ ἂν πέσῃ, λικμήσει αὐτόν 1 but on whomever it may fall, it will crush him This is a metaphor that means the Christ will have the final judgment and will destroy everyone who rebels against him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 21 45 gh8w 0 Connecting Statement: The religious leaders react to the parable that Jesus told. MAT 21 45 qpy9 τὰς παραβολὰς αὐτοῦ 1 his parables “Jesus’ parables” MAT 22 intro k5ze 0 # Matthew 22 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in verse 44, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Wedding Feast

In the parable of the wedding feast ([Matthew 22:1-14](./01.md)), Jesus taught that when God offers to save a person, that person needs to accept the offer. Jesus spoke of life with God as a feast that a king prepares for his son, who has just gotten married. In addition, Jesus emphasized that not everyone whom God invites will properly prepare themselves to come to the feast. God will throw these people out from the feast.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Implicit information

Speakers usually do not say things that they think their hearers already understand. When the king in the parable said, “My oxen and fattened calves have been killed” ([Matthew 22:4](../../mat/22/04.md)), he assumed that the hearers would understand that those who had killed the animals had also cooked them.

### Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. To the Jews, the ancestors were the masters of the descendants, but in one psalm David calls one of his descendants “Lord.” Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that this is a paradox, saying, “If David then calls the Christ ‘Lord,’ how is he David’s son?” ([Matthew 22:45](../../mat/22/45.md)). MAT 22 1 z8vz figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: To rebuke the religious leaders and to illustrate their unbelief, Jesus tells a parable about a marriage feast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 22 1 bc6y αὐτοῖς 1 to them “to the people” MAT 22 2 xps3 ὡμοιώθη ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 The kingdom of the heavens is like This is the beginning of a parable. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24](../13/24.md). MAT 22 3 wur1 figs-activepassive τοὺς κεκλημένους 1 those who had been invited You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the people the king had invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 22 4 l896 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 22 4 c7x4 figs-activepassive δούλους λέγων, εἴπατε τοῖς κεκλημένοις 1 servants, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “servants, saying, ‘Tell those whom I have invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 22 4 arqx figs-quotations δούλους λέγων, εἴπατε τοῖς κεκλημένοις 1 servants, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited You can state this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “servants, ordering them to tell those whom he invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 22 4 iq6y ἰδοὺ 1 Behold “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you” MAT 22 4 xu4t figs-activepassive οἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ τεθυμένα 1 My oxen and fattened calves have been killed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “My servants have killed my oxen and my fattened calves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 22 4 ro9h figs-explicit οἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ τεθυμένα 1 My oxen and fattened calves have been killed It is implied that the animals are cooked and ready to eat. Alternate translation: “My servants have killed and cooked my oxen and my fattened calves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 22 4 c48a οἱ ταῦροί μου καὶ τὰ σιτιστὰ 1 My oxen and fattened calves “My best oxen and calves for eating” MAT 22 5 e4fl figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 22 5 zu4c οἱ δὲ ἀμελήσαντες 1 But they, having paid no attention “But the guests the king invited, ignoring the invitation” MAT 22 7 la7s figs-explicit ἀπώλεσεν τοὺς φονεῖς ἐκείνους 1 he killed those murderers It is implied that the king’s soldiers killed the **murderers**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 22 8 u2ax figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 22 8 k98u figs-activepassive οἱ…κεκλημένοι 1 those who had been invited You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom I invited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 22 9 p48s τὰς διεξόδους τῶν ὁδῶν 1 the crossings of the roads “the crossroads” or “where the main roads of the city cross.” The king is sending the servants to the place where they are most likely to find people. MAT 22 10 uva7 πονηρούς τε καὶ ἀγαθούς 1 both evil and good “both the good people and the bad people” MAT 22 10 c6ph figs-activepassive καὶ ἐπλήσθη ὁ γάμος ἀνακειμένων 1 and the wedding hall was filled with those reclining at table You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “So the guests filled the wedding hall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 22 10 fy3a ὁ γάμος 1 the wedding hall a large room MAT 22 11 s8ga figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 22 12 c7iy figs-rquestion πῶς εἰσῆλθες ὧδε μὴ ἔχων ἔνδυμα γάμου? 1 how did you come in here, not having wedding clothes? The king uses a question to scold the guest. Alternate translation: “you are not wearing proper clothes for a wedding. You should not be here.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 22 12 w7vb ὁ…ἐφιμώθη 1 he was speechless “the man was silent” MAT 22 13 wt88 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus concludes his parable about a marriage feast. MAT 22 13 jmp4 δήσαντες αὐτοῦ πόδας καὶ χεῖρας 1 Having bound him foot and hand “After you have tied him up so that he cannot move his hands or feet” MAT 22 13 rpy8 figs-metonymy τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον 1 the outer darkness Here, **outer darkness** is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12](../08/12.md). Alternate translation: “the dark place away from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 22 13 s9ge translate-symaction ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων 1 the weeping and the grinding of teeth Here, **the grinding of teeth** is symbolic action, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12](../08/12.md). Alternate translation: “weeping and expressing their extreme suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 22 14 hy3a figs-activepassive πολλοὶ γάρ εἰσιν κλητοὶ, ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοί 1 For many are called, but few are chosen You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For God invites many people, but he only chooses a few” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 22 14 yz5f γάρ 1 For This marks a transition. Jesus has ended the parable and will now explain the point of the parable. MAT 22 15 y826 0 Connecting Statement: This begins an account of the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus with several difficult questions. Here the Pharisees ask him about paying taxes to Caesar. MAT 22 15 u2mj ὅπως αὐτὸν παγιδεύσωσιν ἐν λόγῳ 1 how they might entrap him in his words “how they could cause Jesus to say something wrong so they could arrest him” MAT 22 16 eae4 figs-explicit τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτῶν…τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν 1 their disciples … the Herodians The **disciples** of the Pharisees supported paying taxes only to Jewish authorities. The **Herodians** supported paying taxes to the Roman authorities. It is implied that the Pharisees believed that no matter what Jesus said, he would offend one of these groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 22 16 rf66 translate-names Ἡρῳδιανῶν 1 Herodians These were officials and followers of the Jewish king Herod. He was friends with Roman authorities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 22 16 t2qa οὐ γὰρ βλέπεις εἰς πρόσωπον ἀνθρώπων 1 for you do not look at the face of men “you do not show special honor to anyone” or “you do not consider anyone more important than anyone else” MAT 22 17 a9by figs-explicit δοῦναι κῆνσον Καίσαρι 1 to give a poll tax to Caesar People did not pay taxes directly to **Caesar** but to one of his **tax** collectors. Alternate translation: “to pay the taxes that Caesar requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 22 18 a2ti figs-rquestion τί με πειράζετε, ὑποκριταί? 1 Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Jesus uses a question to scold those who were trying to trap him. Alternate translation: “Do not test me, you hypocrites!” or “I know that you hypocrites are only trying to test me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 22 19 cie7 translate-bmoney δηνάριον 1 a denarius This was a Roman coin worth one day’s wages. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 22 20 ue7j αὐτοῖς 1 to them Here, **them** refers to the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees. MAT 22 20 dr3d figs-rquestion τίνος ἡ εἰκὼν αὕτη καὶ ἡ ἐπιγραφή? 1 Whose image and name inscription is this? Jesus uses a question to get the people to think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “Tell me whose image and name you see on this coin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 22 21 yd84 figs-ellipsis Καίσαρος 1 Caesar’s You can make clear the understood information in their response. Alternate translation: “The coin has Caesar’s image and name on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 22 21 i6g5 τὰ Καίσαρος 1 the things of Caesar “the things that belong to Caesar” MAT 22 21 l3dh τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the things of God’s “the things that belong to God” MAT 22 23 wqg2 0 Connecting Statement: The Sadducees try to trap Jesus by asking him a difficult question about marriage and the resurrection of the dead. MAT 22 24 xl5f figs-quotesinquotes Διδάσκαλε, Μωϋσῆς εἶπεν, ἐάν τις ἀποθάνῃ 1 Teacher, Moses said, ‘If someone may have died The religious leaders were asking Jesus about what **Moses** had written in the scriptures. If your language does not allow quotes within quotes, you could state this as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) MAT 22 24 u7dm ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ…τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ…τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ 1 his brother … his wife … for his brother Here, **his** refers to the dead man. MAT 22 25 kjf5 0 Connecting Statement: The Sadducees continue asking Jesus a question. MAT 22 25 ag5z translate-ordinal ὁ πρῶτος 1 the first “the oldest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 22 26 r6bq translate-ordinal ὁ δεύτερος…ὁ τρίτος…τῶν ἑπτά 1 the second … the third … the seventh “the next oldest … the next oldest … the youngest” or “his oldest younger brother … that brother’s oldest younger brother … the youngest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 22 27 t7md ὕστερον…πάντων 1 last of all “after every brother had died” MAT 22 28 wbd1 οὖν 1 Therefore Here the Sadducees shift from the story about the seven brothers to their actual question. MAT 22 28 s743 ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει 1 in the resurrection “when dead people come back to life” MAT 22 29 p1ae figs-explicit πλανᾶσθε 1 You have been led astray It is implied that Jesus means that they are mistaken about what they think about the resurrection. Alternate translation: “You are mistaken about the resurrection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 22 29 xkvg figs-activepassive πλανᾶσθε 1 You have been led astray You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “You are mistaken” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 22 29 dax6 τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the power of God “what God is able to do” MAT 22 30 ygr1 ἐν…τῇ ἀναστάσει 1 in the resurrection “when dead people rise back to life” MAT 22 30 uaj9 οὔτε γαμοῦσιν 1 they neither marry “people do not marry” MAT 22 30 qkv1 figs-activepassive οὔτε γαμίζονται 1 nor are given in marriage You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “nor will people give their children in marriage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 22 31 nx66 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins asking a question to show that people who have died will live again. MAT 22 31 b9sy figs-rquestion οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑμῖν ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ λέγοντος 1 have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying This is the first part of a rhetorical question that continues into the next verse. Jesus scolds the Sadducees by asking a question. He is not looking for an answer. Alternate translation: “I know you have read what was spoken to you by God. You know that he said,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 22 31 ljj7 figs-activepassive τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑμῖν ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 what was spoken to you by God You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “what God spoke to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 22 32 zb7a 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes asking the question he began in verse 31. MAT 22 32 qcq3 figs-rquestion ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰακώβ? 1 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? This is the end of the question that begins with the words **have you not read** in verse 31. Jesus asks this question to remind the religious leaders of what they know from scripture. “I know you have read it, but you do not seem to understand what … Jacob.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 22 32 zwbp figs-quotations ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ Θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς Ἰακώβ? 1 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? You can translate this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. “God, who said to Moses that he is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 22 32 t7lv figs-nominaladj νεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ ζώντων 1 of the dead, but of the living You can state these nominal adjectives as adjectives. Alternate translation: “of dead people, but he is the God of living people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 22 34 jnd7 0 Connecting Statement: A Pharisee who was an expert in the law tries to trap Jesus by asking him a difficult question about the greatest commandment. MAT 22 35 ud5r νομικὸς 1 a lawyer “an expert in the law.” This is a Pharisee who had special skill in understanding the law of Moses. MAT 22 37 vng8 0 General Information: Jesus quotes a verse from Deuteronomy as the greatest commandment. MAT 22 37 xl3e figs-doublet ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ διανοίᾳ σου 1 with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind These three phrases are used together to mean “completely” or “earnestly.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) MAT 22 37 g0mt figs-metonymy ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ διανοίᾳ σου 1 with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind Here, **heart** and **soul** are metonyms for a person’s inner being. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 22 38 q8j3 figs-doublet ἡ μεγάλη καὶ πρώτη ἐντολή 1 the great and first commandment Here, **great** and **first** mean the same thing. They emphasize that this is the most important commandment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) MAT 22 39 xk1k 0 General Information: Jesus quotes a verse from Leviticus as the second greatest commandment. MAT 22 39 yx7v τὸν πλησίον σου 1 your neighbor Here, **neighbor** means more than just those who live nearby. Jesus means a person must **love** all people. MAT 22 40 wpr8 figs-metonymy ἐν ταύταις ταῖς δυσὶν ἐντολαῖς, ὅλος ὁ νόμος κρέμαται καὶ οἱ προφῆται 1 On these two commandments hang the whole law and the prophets Here the phrase **the whole law and the prophets** refers to all of scripture. Alternate translation: “Everything that Moses and the prophets wrote in the scriptures is based on these two commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 22 41 r9ca 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus asks the Pharisees a difficult question in order to stop their attempts to trap him. MAT 22 41 pj4a δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story when Jesus asks the religious leaders a question. MAT 22 42 xlf8 υἱός 1 son Here, **son** means “descendant.” MAT 22 42 xhwj figs-ellipsis τοῦ Δαυείδ 1 Of David In this reply, it is understood that they are saying whose son the Christ will be. Alternate translation: “He is the son of David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 22 43 dpp5 0 General Information: Jesus quotes from the Psalms to show that the Christ is more than just “the son of David.” MAT 22 43 cu3h figs-rquestion πῶς οὖν Δαυεὶδ ἐν Πνεύματι καλεῖ Κύριον αὐτὸν 1 How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying Jesus begins to ask a question to make the religious leaders think deeply about the Psalm he is about to quote. The question continues into the next verse. Alternate translation: “Then, tell me why David in the Spirit calls him Lord, saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 22 43 yu5m Δαυεὶδ ἐν Πνεύματι 1 David in the Spirit “David, whom the Holy Spirit is inspiring.” This means the Holy Spirit is influencing what David says. MAT 22 43 dn9y καλεῖ…αὐτὸν 1 does … call him Here, **him** refers to the Christ, who is also the descendant of David. MAT 22 44 wy85 εἶπεν Κύριος 1 The Lord said Here, **Lord** refers to God the Father. MAT 22 44 k3f7 τῷ Κυρίῳ μου 1 to my Lord Here, **Lord** refers to the Christ. Also, **my** refers to David. This means the Christ is superior to David, because he is David’s “Lord.” MAT 22 44 dz2a translate-symaction κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου 1 Sit at my right hand To sit at the **right hand** of God is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “Sit in the place of honor beside me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 22 44 e59n figs-idiom ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν σου 1 until I put your enemies under your feet This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “until I conquer your enemies” or “until I make your enemies bow down before you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 22 45 l962 0 General Information: This is the end of the part of the story that began in [Matthew 19:1](../19/01.md), that tells of Jesus ministering in Judea. MAT 22 45 e2wd 0 Connecting Statement: This is the end of the account of the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus with several difficult questions. MAT 22 45 d8gl figs-rquestion εἰ οὖν Δαυεὶδ καλεῖ αὐτὸν, Κύριον, πῶς υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἐστιν? 1 If David therefore calls him ‘Lord,’ how is he his son? Jesus uses a question to make the religious leaders think deeply about what he is saying. Alternate translation: “David calls him ‘Lord,’ so the Christ has to be more than just a descendant of David.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 22 45 x9uh εἰ οὖν Δαυεὶδ καλεῖ αὐτὸν, Κύριον, 1 If David therefore calls him ‘Lord,’ **David** referred to Jesus as **Lord** because Jesus was not only a descendant of David, but he was also superior to him. MAT 22 46 n3hw figs-metonymy ἀποκριθῆναι αὐτῷ λόγον 1 to answer him a word Here, **word** refers to what people say. Alternate translation: “to answer him anything” or “to answer him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 22 46 c1f2 figs-explicit ἐπερωτῆσαι αὐτὸν οὐκέτι 1 to question him any longer It is implied that no one asked him the kind of questions that were intended to make him say something wrong so the religious leaders could arrest him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 23 intro m99i 0 # Matthew 23 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Hypocrites

Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites many times ([Matthew 23:13](../../mat/23/13.md)) and carefully tells what he means by doing that. The Pharisees made rules that no one could actually obey, and then they persuaded the ordinary people that they were guilty because they could not obey the rules. Also, the Pharisees obeyed their own rules instead of obeying God’s original commands in the law of Moses.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Name calling

In most cultures, it is wrong to insult people. The Pharisees took many of the words in this chapter as insults. Jesus called them “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” “fools,” and “serpents” ([Matthew 23:16-17](./16.md)). Jesus uses these words say that God would surely punish them because they were doing wrong.

### Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, “He who is greatest among you will be your servant” ([Matthew 23:11-12](./11.md)). MAT 23 1 skq4 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story that runs through [Matthew 25:46](../25/46.md), where Jesus teaches about salvation and the final judgment. Here he begins to warn the people about the scribes and Pharisees. MAT 23 2 dnu3 figs-metonymy ἐπὶ τῆς Μωϋσέως καθέδρας ἐκάθισαν 1 sit in Moses’ seat Here, **seat** represents the authority to rule and make judgments. Alternate translation: “have authority as Moses had” or “have authority to say what the law of Moses means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 23 3 q336 πάντα οὖν ὅσα ἐὰν…ποιήσατε, καὶ τηρεῖτε 1 Therefore whatever … do and observe these things “all the things … do them and observe them” or “everything … do it and observe it” MAT 23 4 xce6 figs-metaphor δεσμεύουσιν δὲ φορτία βαρέα καὶ δυσβάστακτα, καὶ ἐπιτιθέασιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους τῶν ἀνθρώπων; αὐτοὶ δὲ τῷ δακτύλῳ αὐτῶν οὐ θέλουσιν κινῆσαι αὐτά 1 They tie up heavy burdens that are difficult to carry, and then they put them on people’s shoulders. But they themselves will not move a finger to carry themThey tie up loads that are heavy and difficult to carry, and they put them on people’s shoulders. But they themselves are not willing to lift their finger to move them Here, **bind heavy burdens … put them on people’s shoulders** is a metaphor for the religious leaders making many difficult rules and making the people obey them. Alternate translation: “they make you obey many rules that are difficult to follow, but they do not lift a finger to help” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 4 xtr1 figs-idiom δεσμεύουσιν δὲ φορτία βαρέα καὶ δυσβάστακτα, καὶ ἐπιτιθέασιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους τῶν ἀνθρώπων; αὐτοὶ δὲ τῷ δακτύλῳ αὐτῶν οὐ θέλουσιν κινῆσαι αὐτά 1 And they tie up loads, heavy and difficult to carry, and they put them on the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing with their finger to move them Here, **will not move a finger** is an idiom that means the religious leaders will not help the people. Alternate translation: “they make you obey many rules that are difficult to follow. But they do nothing at all to help the people follow the rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 23 5 nw4y figs-activepassive πάντα δὲ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν, ποιοῦσιν πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι τοῖς ἀνθρώποις 1 They do all their deeds to be seen by people You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “They do all their deeds so that people can see what they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 23 5 ln6j figs-explicit πλατύνουσι γὰρ τὰ φυλακτήρια αὐτῶν καὶ μεγαλύνουσι τὰ κράσπεδα 1 For they make their phylacteries wide, and they enlarge the edges of their garments Both of these are things the Pharisees do to appear as if they honor God more than other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 23 5 gcv7 φυλακτήρια 1 phylacteries small leather boxes containing paper with scripture written on it MAT 23 5 h2qj μεγαλύνουσι τὰ κράσπεδα 1 they enlarge the edges of their garments The Pharisees made the tassels on the bottom of their robes especially long to show their devotion to God. MAT 23 6 i6ec 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues speaking to the crowds and disciples about the Pharisees. MAT 23 6 arf1 τὴν πρωτοκλισίαν…τὰς πρωτοκαθεδρίας 1 the chief places … the chief seats Both of these are the places where the most important people sit. MAT 23 7 cp2m ταῖς ἀγοραῖς 1 the marketplaces large, open-air areas where people buy and sell items MAT 23 7 cbe8 figs-activepassive καλεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, Ῥαββεί 1 to be called ‘Rabbi’ by people. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for people to call them ‘Rabbi.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 23 8 uk5v figs-activepassive ὑμεῖς δὲ μὴ κληθῆτε 1 But you must not be called You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But you must not let anyone call you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 23 8 ru2b figs-you ὑμεῖς 1 you All occurrences of “you” are plural and refer to all of Jesus’ followers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 23 8 s5du ὑμεῖς ἀδελφοί ἐστε 1 you are brothers Here, **brothers** means “fellow believers.” MAT 23 9 l33f figs-hyperbole Πατέρα μὴ καλέσητε ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς; 1 you should not call any of you on the earth ‘father,’ Jesus is using hyperbole to tell his hearers that they must not allow even the most important people to be more important to them than God is. Alternate translation: “do not call any man on earth your father” or “do not say that any man on earth is your father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 23 9 any8 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Πατὴρ ὁ οὐράνιος 1 heavenly Father **Father** here is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 23 10 b8ua figs-activepassive μηδὲ κληθῆτε 1 And you should not be called You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Also, do not let anyone call you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 23 10 lp5f figs-123person ὅτι καθηγητὴς ὑμῶν ἐστιν εἷς, ὁ Χριστός 1 for your teacher is one—the Christ When Jesus said **the Christ**, he was speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “for I, the Christ, am your only teacher” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 23 11 d62b ὁ…μείζων ὑμῶν 1 the greatest among you “the person who is most important among you” MAT 23 11 d9xw figs-you ὑμῶν 1 among you Here, **you** is plural and refers to Jesus’ followers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 23 12 x187 ὑψώσει ἑαυτὸν 1 will exalt himself “makes himself important” MAT 23 12 e81r figs-activepassive ταπεινωθήσεται 1 will be humbled You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will humble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 23 12 uz88 figs-activepassive ὑψωθήσεται 1 will be exalted You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will make important” or “God will honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 23 13 ts6z figs-metaphor 0 General Information: Jesus speaks of the **kingdom of the heavens** as if it were a house, the door into which the Pharisees have shut from the outside so that neither they nor anyone else can enter the house. If you do not keep the metaphor of the house, be sure to change all instances of “shut” and “enter.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 13 qjt2 figs-metonymy 0 General Information: The words **kingdom of the heavens**, which refer to God, who lives in heaven, occur only in Matthew, try to use your language’s word for “heaven” in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 23 13 aw49 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to rebuke the religious leaders because of their hypocrisy. MAT 23 13 i9dq οὐαὶ δὲ ὑμῖν 1 But woe to you “But how terrible it will be for you!” See how you translated this in [Matthew 11:21](../11/21.md). MAT 23 13 j4sd figs-metonymy κλείετε τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων; ὑμεῖς γὰρ οὐκ εἰσέρχεσθε, οὐδὲ τοὺς εἰσερχομένους ἀφίετε εἰσελθεῖν 1 you shut the kingdom of the heavens in front of men. For you do not enter in, nor do you permit those entering to enter The phrase **the kingdom of the heavens** refers to God ruling over his people. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use **heavens** in your translation. Alternate translation: “You prevent people from accepting God, who lives in heaven, as king, but you do not accept him as king, and you make it impossible for those about to accept him as king to do so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 23 13 xtjf figs-metaphor κλείετε τὴν Βασιλείαν τῶν Οὐρανῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων; ὑμεῖς γὰρ οὐκ εἰσέρχεσθε, οὐδὲ τοὺς εἰσερχομένους ἀφίετε εἰσελθεῖν 1 you shut the kingdom of the heavens in front of men. For you do not enter in, nor do you permit those entering to enter Jesus is speaking of the **kingdom of the heavens** as if it were a house, the door into which the Pharisees have shut from the outside so that neither they nor anyone else can enter the house. Alternate translation: “You make it impossible for people to enter the kingdom of heaven, but you do not enter it, and neither do you allow those about to enter to do so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 15 e4a8 figs-idiom περιάγετε τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ τὴν ξηρὰν 1 you go over the sea and the dry land This is an idiom that means they go to distant places. Alternate translation: “you travel great distances” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 23 15 xo45 figs-merism τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ τὴν ξηρὰν 1 the sea and the dry land The **sea** and the **dry land** represent the two extremes where people can go on earth. Alternate translation: “everywhere” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) MAT 23 15 iyl7 ποιῆσαι ἕνα προσήλυτον 1 to make one proselyte “to make one person accept your religion” MAT 23 15 bq91 figs-idiom υἱὸν Γεέννης 1 a son of hell Here, **son of** is an idiom that means “one belonging to.” Alternate translation: “person who belongs in hell” or “person who should go to hell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 23 16 r5k3 figs-metaphor ὁδηγοὶ τυφλοὶ 1 you blind guides The Jewish leaders were spiritually **blind**. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God’s truth. See how you translated “blind guides” in [Matthew 15:14](../15/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 16 qgh8 ἐν τῷ ναῷ, οὐδέν ἐστιν 1 by the temple, it is nothing “by the temple does not have to keep his oath” MAT 23 16 lni3 ὀφείλει 1 he is obligated “he is obligated by his oath” MAT 23 17 s7a8 figs-metaphor μωροὶ καὶ τυφλοί! 1 You fools and blind men! The Jewish leaders were spiritually **blind**. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God’s truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 17 f9zd figs-rquestion τίς γὰρ μείζων ἐστίν, ὁ χρυσὸς ἢ ὁ ναὸς ὁ ἁγιάσας τὸν χρυσόν? 1 For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold holy? Jesus uses this question to rebuke the Pharisees because they treated the **gold** as if it were more important than the **temple**. Alternate translation: “The temple that has dedicated the gold to God is more important than the gold!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 23 17 j6d5 ὁ ναὸς ὁ ἁγιάσας τὸν χρυσόν 1 the temple that has made the gold holy “the temple that makes the gold belong to God alone” MAT 23 18 lr61 figs-ellipsis καί 1 And The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “And you also say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 23 18 d331 οὐδέν ἐστιν 1 it is nothing “He does not have to do what he has sworn to do” or “He does not have to keep his oath” MAT 23 18 ngd2 τῷ δώρῳ 1 the gift This is an animal or grain that a person would bring to God by putting it on God’s altar. MAT 23 18 zg72 ὀφείλει 1 he is obligated “he is obligated by his oath” MAT 23 19 y6hk figs-metaphor τυφλοί 1 blind men The Jewish leaders were spiritually **blind**. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God’s truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 19 g7qr figs-rquestion τί γὰρ μεῖζον, τὸ δῶρον, ἢ τὸ θυσιαστήριον τὸ ἁγιάζον τὸ δῶρον? 1 For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift holy? Jesus uses this question to rebuke the Pharisees for treating the **gift** as if it were more important than the **altar**. Alternate translation: “The altar that makes the gift holy is greater than the gift!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 23 19 gt4d τὸ θυσιαστήριον τὸ ἁγιάζον τὸ δῶρον 1 the altar that makes the gift holy “the altar that makes the gift special to God” MAT 23 20 x4q4 ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ 1 by everything that is on it “by all the gifts that people have placed on it” MAT 23 21 m21b τῷ κατοικοῦντι αὐτόν 1 the one inhabiting it God the Father MAT 23 22 ejw9 τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ 1 the one sitting on it God the Father MAT 23 23 lg3r οὐαὶ ὑμῖν…ὑποκριταί! 1 Woe to you … hypocrites! “How terrible it will be for you … hypocrites!” See how you translated this in [Matthew 11:21](../11/21.md). MAT 23 23 n94y translate-unknown τὸ ἡδύοσμον, καὶ τὸ ἄνηθον, καὶ τὸ κύμινον 1 the mint and the dill and the cumin These are various leaves and seeds people used to make food taste good. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 23 23 hga6 ἀφήκατε 1 you have neglected “you have not obeyed” MAT 23 23 c8bb τὰ βαρύτερα 1 the weightier matters “the more important matters” MAT 23 23 m32j ταῦτα δὲ ἔδει ποιῆσαι 1 But it was necessary to do these “But you ought to have obeyed these more important laws” MAT 23 23 nn6q figs-doublenegatives κἀκεῖνα μὴ ἀφιέναι 1 and not to neglect those You can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “while also obeying the less important laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) MAT 23 24 y84y figs-metaphor ὁδηγοὶ τυφλοί! 1 You blind guides Jesus uses this metaphor to describe the Pharisees. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not understand God’s commands or how to please him. Therefore, they cannot teach others how to please God. See how you translated this metaphor in [Matthew 15:14](../15/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 24 l7fh figs-metaphor οἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα τὴν δὲ κάμηλον καταπίνοντες! 1 you who are straining out the gnat but swallowing the camel! Being careful to follow the less important laws and ignoring the more important laws is as foolish as being careful not to swallow the smallest unclean animal but eating the meat of the largest unclean animal. Alternate translation: “you are as foolish as a person who strains out a gnat that falls into his drink but swallows a camel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 24 g87t figs-hyperbole οἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα τὴν δὲ κάμηλον καταπίνοντες 1 you who are straining out the gnat but swallowing the camel Jesus understands that it is impossible for a man to swallow a **camel**. He is exaggerating in order to emphasize how foolish the scribes and Pharisees are to ignore the most important laws. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 23 24 xgoa figs-hyperbole οἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα τὴν δὲ κάμηλον καταπίνοντες! 1 you who are straining out the gnat but swallowing the camel! It is not possible for a person to swallow a camel. Jesus is exaggerating to emphasize how the Pharisees and scribes are ignoring thing that should be obvious to them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 23 24 sn3z οἱ διϋλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα 1 you who are straining out the gnat This means to pour a liquid through a cloth to remove a **gnat** from a drink. MAT 23 24 whk2 κώνωπα 1 gnat a small flying insect MAT 23 25 ns27 οὐαὶ ὑμῖν…ὑποκριταί! 1 Woe to you … hypocrites! “How terrible it will be for you … hypocrites!” See how you translated this in [Matthew 11:21](../11/21.md). MAT 23 25 ru45 figs-metaphor ὅτι καθαρίζετε τὸ ἔξωθεν τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος, ἔσωθεν δὲ γέμουσιν ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας 1 For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence This is a metaphor that means the scribes and Pharisees appear pure on the **outside** to others, but on the **inside** they are wicked. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 25 tz8h γέμουσιν ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς καὶ ἀκρασίας 1 they are full of greed and self-indulgence “they want what others have, and they act in the interest of the self” MAT 23 26 lb5j figs-metaphor Φαρισαῖε τυφλέ! 1 You blind Pharisee! The Pharisees were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God’s truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 26 f9p8 figs-metaphor καθάρισον πρῶτον τὸ ἐντὸς τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τῆς παροψίδος, ἵνα γένηται καὶ τὸ ἐκτὸς αὐτῶν καθαρόν 1 Clean first the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside of it may become clean also This is a metaphor that means that if they would become pure in their inner being, then the result is that they would be pure on the **outside** as well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 27 kry1 figs-simile παρομοιάζετε τάφοις κεκονιαμένοις…ἀκαθαρσίας 1 you are like whitewashed tombs … uncleanness This is a simile that means the scribes and Pharisees may appear to be pure on the outside, but they are wicked on the inside. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 23 27 ta1f figs-explicit τάφοις κεκονιαμένοις 1 whitewashed tombs “tombs that someone has painted white.” The Jews would paint **tombs** white so that people would easily see them and avoid touching them. Touching a tomb would make a person ceremonially unclean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 23 29 tse6 figs-nominaladj τῶν δικαίων 1 of the righteous You can state this nominal adjective as an adjective. Alternate translation: “of the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 23 30 kkf2 ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν 1 in the days of our fathers “during the time of our forefathers” MAT 23 30 nq82 οὐκ ἂν ἤμεθα κοινωνοὶ αὐτῶν 1 we would not have been partners with them “we would not have joined with them” MAT 23 30 x99m figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ αἵματι τῶν προφητῶν 1 in the blood of the prophets Here, **blood** is associated with the killing of the prophets. Alternate translation: “in the killing of the prophets” or “in the murder of the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 23 31 l7rl υἱοί ἐστε 1 you are sons Here, **sons** means “descendants.” MAT 23 32 bpz8 figs-metaphor καὶ ὑμεῖς πληρώσατε τὸ μέτρον τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν 1 And you fill up the measure of your fathers Jesus uses this as a metaphor meaning the Pharisees will complete the wicked behavior that their forefathers started when they killed the prophets. Alternate translation: “And you finish the sins your ancestors began” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 33 va5c figs-doublet ὄφεις, γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν 1 You serpents, you offspring of vipers Here, **serpents** and **vipers** both refer to poisonous snakes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) MAT 23 33 cfj3 figs-metaphor ὄφεις, γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν 1 You serpents, you offspring of vipers Here, **serpents** and **vipers** are dangerous creatures and often symbols of evil. Alternate translation: “You are as evil as dangerous and poisonous snakes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 33 blv6 γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν 1 you offspring of vipers Here, **offspring** means “having the characteristic of.” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Matthew 3:7](../03/07.md). MAT 23 33 vi6c figs-rquestion πῶς φύγητε ἀπὸ τῆς κρίσεως τῆς Γεέννης? 1 how might you escape from the judgment of hell? Jesus uses this question as a rebuke. Alternate translation: “there is no way for you to escape the judgment of hell!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 23 34 an97 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to rebuke the religious leaders because of their hypocrisy. MAT 23 34 rq8c ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω πρὸς ὑμᾶς προφήτας, καὶ σοφοὺς, καὶ γραμματεῖς 1 I am sending to you prophets and wise men and scribes Sometimes the present tense is used to show that someone will do something very soon. Alternate translation: “I will send prophets, wise men, and scribes to you” MAT 23 35 l7ya figs-idiom ἔλθῃ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς πᾶν αἷμα δίκαιον ἐκχυννόμενον ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 might come upon you all the righteous blood being shed on the earth The phrase **come upon you** is an idiom that means to receive punishment. Alternate translation: “God will punish you for all the righteous blood being shed on the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 23 35 h5n7 figs-metonymy ἔλθῃ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς πᾶν αἷμα δίκαιον ἐκχυννόμενον ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 might come upon you all the righteous blood being shed on the earth To shed **blood** is a metonym meaning to kill people, so “righteous blood that being shed on the earth” represents **righteous** people who are being killed. Alternate translation: “God will punish you for the murders of all the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 23 35 b3a7 figs-metonymy ἀπὸ τοῦ αἵματος…ἕως τοῦ αἵματος 1 from the blood … as far as the blood Here the word **blood** represents a person being killed. Alternate translation: “from the murder … to the murder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 23 35 z95g figs-merism Ἂβελ…Ζαχαρίου 1 of … Abel … of Zechariah **Abel** was the first righteous victim of murder, and **Zechariah**, who was murdered by Jews in the temple, was probably thought to be the last. These two men represent all the righteous people who have been murdered. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) MAT 23 35 cbq9 Ζαχαρίου 1 of Zechariah This **Zechariah** was not the father of John the Baptist. MAT 23 35 s11l ὃν ἐφονεύσατε 1 whom you killed Jesus does not mean the people to whom he is speaking actually **killed** Zechariah. He means their ancestors did. MAT 23 36 ut4l ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 23 37 w23t 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus mourns over the people of Jerusalem because they reject every messenger that God sends to them. MAT 23 37 vne9 figs-apostrophe Ἰερουσαλὴμ, Ἰερουσαλήμ 1 Jerusalem, Jerusalem Jesus speaks as if he were talking only to the city of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]]) MAT 23 37 xuj1 figs-metonymy Ἰερουσαλὴμ, Ἰερουσαλήμ 1 Jerusalem, Jerusalem Jesus speaks to the people of Jerusalem as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 23 37 tz4r figs-activepassive τοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν 1 those who have been sent to you You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God sends to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 23 37 t9y7 figs-metaphor τὰ τέκνα σου 1 your children Jesus is speaking to Jerusalem as if it is a woman and the people are her **children**. Alternate translation: “your people” or “your inhabitants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 23 37 xv4t figs-simile ὃν τρόπον ὄρνις ἐπισυνάγει τὰ νοσσία αὐτῆς ὑπὸ τὰς πτέρυγας 1 just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings This is a simile that emphasizes Jesus’ love for the people and how he wanted to take care of them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 23 37 as8p translate-unknown ὄρνις 1 a hen a female chicken. You can translate with any bird that protects her children under her wing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 23 38 r6ss ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν ἔρημος 1 your house is left to you desolate “God will leave your house, and it will be empty” MAT 23 38 ck2z figs-metonymy ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν 1 your house This could mean: (1) This refers to the city of Jerusalem. (2) This refers to the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 23 39 i14n λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν 1 For I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 23 39 ig61 figs-metonymy εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου! 1 Blessed is the one coming in the name of the Lord! Here, **in the name** means “in the power” or “as a representative.” See how you translated this in [Matthew 21:9](../21/09.md). Alternate translation: “He who comes in the power of the Lord is blessed” or “He who comes as the representative of the Lord will be blessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 intro h2a2 0 # Matthew 24 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Jesus begins to prophesy about the future from that time until he returns as king of everything. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “The end of the age”

In this chapter, Jesus gives an answer to his disciples when they ask how they will know when he will come again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

### The example of Noah

In the time of Noah, God sent a great flood to punish people for their sins. He warned them many times about this coming flood, but it actually began suddenly. In this chapter, Jesus draws a comparison between that flood and the last days. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “Let”

The ULT uses this word to begin several commands of Jesus, such as “let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (24:16), “let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house” (24:17), and “let him who is in the field not return to take his cloak” (24:18). There are many different ways to form a command. Translators must select the most natural ways in their own languages. MAT 24 1 dh7u 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to describe events that will happen before he comes again during the end times. MAT 24 1 ke79 figs-explicit ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱεροῦ 1 from the temple It is implied that Jesus was not in the **temple** itself. He was in the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 24 2 mh5y figs-rquestion οὐ βλέπετε ταῦτα πάντα? 1 Do you not see all these things? Jesus uses a question to make the disciples think deeply about what he will tell them. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you something about all these buildings.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 24 2 fnv8 ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 24 2 l45q figs-explicit οὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον, ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται 1 certainly stone upon stone may not be left here, that will not be torn down It is implied that enemy soldiers will tear down the stones. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 24 2 ecdz figs-activepassive οὐ μὴ ἀφεθῇ ὧδε λίθος ἐπὶ λίθον, ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται 1 certainly stone upon stone may not be left here, that will not be torn down You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when the enemy soldiers come, they will tear down every stone in these buildings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 3 e1is figs-explicit τί τὸ σημεῖον τῆς σῆς παρουσίας, καὶ συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος? 1 what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? Here, **your coming** refers to when Jesus will come in power, establishing God’s reign on earth and bringing this **age** to an end. Alternate translation: “what will be the sign that you are about to come and that the world is about to end” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 24 4 s64s figs-metaphor βλέπετε μή τις ὑμᾶς πλανήσῃ 1 Be careful that no one might lead you astray Here, **might lead you astray** is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “Be careful that no one deceives you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 24 5 lq71 figs-metonymy πολλοὶ…ἐλεύσονται ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου 1 many will come in my name Here, **in my name** refers to “in my authority” or “as my representative.” Alternate translation: “many will claim that they have come as my representative” or “many will say they speak for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 5 twh8 figs-metaphor πολλοὺς πλανήσουσιν 1 will lead many astray Here, **will lead many astray** is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “will deceive many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 24 6 hdz3 figs-activepassive ὁρᾶτε, μὴ θροεῖσθε 1 See that you are not troubled You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Do not let these things trouble you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 7 ygf2 figs-parallelism ἐγερθήσεται γὰρ ἔθνος ἐπὶ ἔθνος, καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν 1 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom Both of these mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that people everywhere will fight each other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 24 7 xuow figs-metonymy ἐγερθήσεται γὰρ ἔθνος ἐπὶ ἔθνος, καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν 1 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, Here, **nation** and **kingdom** represent the people within them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 8 q4gl figs-metaphor ἀρχὴ ὠδίνων 1 are the beginning of birth pains This refers to the **pains** a woman feels before giving **birth** to a child. This metaphor means these wars, famines, and earthquakes are just the **beginning** of the events that will lead to the end of the age. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 24 9 u5e6 παραδώσουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς θλῖψιν, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν ὑμᾶς 1 they will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you “people will give you over to the authorities, who will make you suffer and will kill you.” MAT 24 9 uw1i figs-metonymy ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν 1 you will be hated by all the nations Here, **nations** is a metonym, referring to the people of nations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 9 nsh3 figs-activepassive ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν 1 you will be hated by all the nations You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “People from every nation will hate you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 9 u2bd figs-metonymy διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 for the sake of my name Here, **name** refers to the complete person. Alternate translation: “because you believe in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 11 mi2e figs-idiom ἐγερθήσονται 1 will be raised up Here, **be raised up** is an idiom for “become established.” Alternate translation: “will come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 24 11 tjb3 figs-metaphor καὶ πλανήσουσιν πολλούς 1 and will lead many astray Here, **lead … astray** is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “and will deceive many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 24 12 w4af figs-abstractnouns τὸ πληθυνθῆναι τὴν ἀνομίαν 1 lawlessness will be increased The abstract noun **lawlessness** can be translated with the phrase “disobeying the law.” Alternate translation: “disobeying the law will increase” or “people will disobey God’s law more and more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 24 12 bu9b figs-idiom ψυγήσεται ἡ ἀγάπη τῶν πολλῶν 1 the love of many will grow cold This could mean: (1) Many people will no longer love other people. (2) Many people will no longer love God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 24 13 v3ex figs-activepassive ὁ…ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος, οὗτος σωθήσεται 1 the one who has endured to the end, he will be saved You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will save the person who endures to the end” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 13 l1pp ὁ δὲ ὑπομείνας 1 But the one who has endured “But the person who stays faithful” MAT 24 13 ht34 εἰς τέλος 1 to the end It is not clear whether **the end** refers to when a person dies or when the persecution ends or the end of the age when God shows himself to be king. The main point is that they endure as long as necessary. MAT 24 13 lra5 τέλος 1 the end “the end of the world” or “the end of the age” MAT 24 14 x3e6 figs-activepassive κηρυχθήσεται τοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας 1 this good news of the kingdom will be preached You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people will tell the good news of the kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 14 opuo figs-metonymy κηρυχθήσεται τοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας 1 this good news of the kingdom will be preached Here, **kingdom** refers to God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “people will tell the good news that God will rule” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 14 y65s figs-metonymy πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν 1 to all the nations Here, **nations** stands for people. Alternate translation: “to all people in all places” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 15 mf1b figs-activepassive τὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως, τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Δανιὴλ τοῦ προφήτου 1 the abomination of desolation, which has been spoken of by Daniel the prophet You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the shameful one who defiles the things of God, about whom Daniel the prophet wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 15 lz9p ὁ ἀναγινώσκων νοείτω 1 let the one reading understand This is not Jesus speaking. Matthew added this to alert the reader that Jesus was using words that they would need to think about and interpret. MAT 24 17 iv2j ὁ ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος 1 the one on the housetop A typical **housetop** where Jesus lived was flat, and people could stand on it. MAT 24 19 kq12 figs-euphemism ταῖς ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσαις 1 to those having in the womb This is a polite way to say “pregnant women.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 24 19 f533 ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις 1 in those days “at that time” MAT 24 20 u4jb ἵνα μὴ γένηται ἡ φυγὴ ὑμῶν 1 so that your flight may not occur “so that you will not have to flee” or “so that you will not have to run away” MAT 24 20 m6mx χειμῶνος 1 in winter “in the cold season” MAT 24 22 vd3z figs-doublenegatives εἰ μὴ ἐκολοβώθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι, οὐκ ἂν ἐσώθη πᾶσα σάρξ 1 unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved You can state this in positive and active form. Alternate translation: “If God does not shorten that time of suffering, everyone will die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) MAT 24 22 r9qw figs-synecdoche σάρξ 1 flesh “people.” Here, “flesh” is poetic way of referring to human beings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 24 22 p6m8 figs-activepassive κολοβωθήσονται αἱ ἡμέραι ἐκεῖναι 1 those days will be shortened You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will shorten the time of suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 23 avv5 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues speaking to his disciples. MAT 24 23 avm2 μὴ πιστεύσητε 1 you may not believe it “do not believe the false things they have said to you” MAT 24 24 n744 figs-metaphor ὥστε πλανῆσαι εἰ δυνατὸν καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς 1 so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect Here, **lead astray** is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. You can translate this as two sentences. Alternate translation: “so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect” or “so as to deceive people. If possible, they would even deceive the elect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 24 26 fmx1 figs-quotations ἐὰν…εἴπωσιν ὑμῖν, ἰδοὺ, ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ἐστίν, μὴ ἐξέλθητε 1 if they might say to you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ you may not go out there You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “if someone tells you that the Christ is in the wilderness, do not go out there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 24 26 zxg2 figs-quotations ἰδοὺ, ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις 1 Or, ‘Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’ You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Or, if someone tells you that the Christ is in the inner rooms,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 24 26 n2pt ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις 1 he is in the inner rooms “he is in a secret room” or “he is in secret places” MAT 24 27 j1w1 figs-simile ὥσπερ…ἡ ἀστραπὴ ἐξέρχεται ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ φαίνεται ἕως δυσμῶν, οὕτως ἔσται ἡ παρουσία 1 just as the lightning comes out from the east and shines as far as the west, in the same way will be the coming This means that the Son of Man will come very quickly and will be easy to see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 24 27 za8b figs-123person τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 of the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 24 28 mu35 writing-proverbs ὅπου ἐὰν ᾖ τὸ πτῶμα, ἐκεῖ συναχθήσονται οἱ ἀετοί 1 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will be gathered This is probably a proverb that the people of Jesus’ time understood. This could mean: (1) When the Son of Man comes, everyone will see him and know that he has come. (2) Wherever spiritually dead people are, false prophets will be there to tell them lies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 24 28 ivl8 οἱ ἀετοί 1 the vultures birds that eat the bodies of dead or dying creatures MAT 24 29 zmm6 εὐθέως…μετὰ τὴν θλῖψιν τῶν ἡμερῶν ἐκείνων, ὁ ἥλιος 1 immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun “as soon as the tribulation of those days has finished, the sun” MAT 24 29 l15m τὴν θλῖψιν τῶν ἡμερῶν ἐκείνων 1 the tribulation of those days “that time of suffering” MAT 24 29 zuk4 figs-activepassive ὁ ἥλιος σκοτισθήσεται 1 the sun will be darkened You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will make the sun dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 29 w1bi figs-activepassive αἱ δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν σαλευθήσονται 1 the powers of the heavens will be shaken You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will shake things in the sky and above the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 30 yc2x figs-123person τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 of the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 24 30 tld8 figs-metonymy πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ 1 all the tribes Here, **tribes** refers to people of different ethic groups. Alternate translation: “every people group” or “all the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 31 fl54 ἀποστελεῖ τοὺς ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ μετὰ σάλπιγγος μεγάλης 1 he will send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet “he will have a trumpet sounded and send his angels” or “he will have an angel blow a trumpet, and he will send his angels” MAT 24 31 rlb4 figs-123person ἀποστελεῖ…αὐτοῦ 1 he will send his Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 24 31 wi28 ἐπισυνάξουσιν 1 they will gather together “his angels will gather up” MAT 24 31 iq8c τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς αὐτοῦ 1 his elect These are the people whom the Son of Man has chosen. MAT 24 31 ibw7 figs-parallelism ἐκ τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων, ἀπ’ ἄκρων οὐρανῶν ἕως ἄκρων αὐτῶν 1 from the four winds, from the ends of the sky as far as the ends of it Both of these mean the same thing, and emphasize how far the angels will go to gather the elect. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 24 31 wp9t figs-idiom ἐκ τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων, ἀπ’ ἄκρων οὐρανῶν ἕως ἄκρων αὐτῶν 1 from the four winds, from the ends of the sky as far as the ends of it These phrases are idioms that mean “from everywhere.” Alternate translation: “from all over the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 24 33 cu5a figs-123person ἐγγύς ἐστιν 1 he is near Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “the time for me to come is near” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 24 33 cfz8 figs-metaphor ἐπὶ θύραις 1 at the gates “close to the gates.” Jesus uses the imagery of a king or important official getting close to the gates of a walled city. It is a metaphor meaning the time for Jesus to come is soon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 24 34 j8np ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 24 34 gld5 figs-euphemism οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη 1 this generation may certainly not pass away Here, **pass away** is a polite way of saying “die.” Alternate translation: “this generation will not all die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 24 34 y73t ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη 1 this generation This could mean: (1) This refers to the people alive when Jesus was speaking. (2) This refers to all people alive when these things Jesus has just described happen. Try to translate so that both interpretations are possible. MAT 24 34 fb4k ἕως ἂν πάντα ταῦτα γένηται 1 until all these things may have happened “until God causes all these things to happen” MAT 24 34 r6sk οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ 1 may certainly not pass away “will certainly not disappear” or “will certainly remain alive” MAT 24 35 i8vv figs-synecdoche ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ παρελεύσεται 1 The heaven and the earth will pass away The phrase **the heaven and the earth** is a synecdoche that includes everything that God has created, especially those things that seem permanent. Jesus is saying that his word, unlike these things, is permanent. Alternate translation: “Even the heaven and the earth will pass away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 24 35 e6bf figs-metonymy οἱ…λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρέλθωσιν 1 my words words may certainly not pass away Here, **words** refers to what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: “what I say will always be true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 36 q4pj figs-metonymy τῆς ἡμέρας ἐκείνης καὶ ὥρας 1 that day and hour Here, **day** and **hour** refer to the exact time that the Son of Man will return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 36 wq5r οὐδὲ ὁ Υἱός 1 nor the Son “not even the Son” MAT 24 36 p5vu guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱός 1 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 24 36 f4s2 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Πατὴρ 1 Father This is an important title for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 24 37 hf51 ὥσπερ γὰρ αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ Νῶε, οὕτως ἔσται ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 For just as the days of Noah were, thus will be the coming of the Son of Man “For at the time when the Son of Man comes, it will be like the time of Noah.” MAT 24 37 cpn8 figs-123person τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 of the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 24 39 ffa6 καὶ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν 1 and they did not know You can translate this as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “and the people did not realize anything was happening” MAT 24 39 ah5v ἦρεν ἅπαντας; οὕτως ἔσται καὶ ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 took them all away—thus also will be the coming of the Son of Man You can translate this as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “too them all away. This is how it will be when the Son of Man comes” MAT 24 40 ksk6 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to tell his disciples to be ready for his return. MAT 24 40 hth3 τότε 1 Then This is when the Son of Man comes. MAT 24 40 gt4l figs-activepassive εἷς παραλαμβάνεται, καὶ εἷς ἀφίεται 1 one is taken, and one is left This could mean: (1) The Son of Man will take one away to heaven and will leave the other on earth for punishment. (2) The angels will take one away for punishment and leave the other for blessing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 42 j83i οὖν 1 Therefore “Because what I have just said is true,” MAT 24 42 s6ir γρηγορεῖτε 1 be alert “pay attention” MAT 24 43 ak6a figs-parables εἰ ᾔδει ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης, ποίᾳ φυλακῇ ὁ κλέπτης ἔρχεται, ἐγρηγόρησεν ἂν, καὶ οὐκ ἂν εἴασεν διορυχθῆναι τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ 1 if the master of the house had known in what watch of night the thief is coming, he would have been alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into Jesus uses a parable of a **master** and a **thief** to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 24 43 ki5s figs-metaphor ὁ κλέπτης 1 the thief Jesus is saying he will come when people are not expecting him, not that he will come to steal. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 24 43 zs23 ἐγρηγόρησεν ἂν 1 he would have been alert “he would have guarded his house” MAT 24 43 lg7i figs-activepassive οὐκ ἂν εἴασεν διορυχθῆναι τὴν οἰκίαν αὐτοῦ 1 would not have allowed his house to be broken into You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “would not have allowed anyone to get into his house to steal things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 44 gd17 figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 24 45 jua3 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues his proverb of a master and servants to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return. MAT 24 45 f92d figs-rquestion τίς ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ πιστὸς δοῦλος καὶ φρόνιμος, ὃν κατέστησεν ὁ κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς οἰκετείας αὐτοῦ, τοῦ δοῦναι αὐτοῖς τὴν τροφὴν ἐν καιρῷ? 1 Who then is the faithful and wise slave whom his master has appointed over his household to give them their food at the proper time? Jesus uses this question to make his disciples think. Alternate translation: “So who is the faithful and wise servant? He is the one whom his has appointed over his household to give them their food at the proper time.” or “Be like the faithful and wise servant, whom his has appointed over his household to give them their food at the proper time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 24 45 lf8d τοῦ δοῦναι αὐτοῖς τὴν τροφὴν 1 to give them their food “to give the people in the master’s home their food” MAT 24 47 lin7 ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 24 48 ek9x writing-proverbs 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus concludes his proverb of a master and servants to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]]) MAT 24 48 f9ft figs-metonymy εἴπῃ…ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ 1 might say in his heart Here, **heart** refers to the mind. Alternate translation: “might think in his mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 24 48 per6 figs-activepassive χρονίζει μου ὁ κύριος 1 My master is delaying You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “My master is slow to return” or “My master will not return for a long time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 24 50 bz5k figs-parallelism ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ᾗ οὐ προσδοκᾷ, καὶ ἐν ὥρᾳ ᾗ οὐ γινώσκει 1 on a day that he does not expect and at an hour that he does not know Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that the master will come when the servant is not expecting him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 24 51 jj2z figs-idiom διχοτομήσει αὐτὸν 1 he will cut him in pieces This is an idiom that means to make the person suffer terribly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 24 51 pm18 τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ὑποκριτῶν θήσει 1 will assign his place with the hypocrites “will put him with the hypocrites” or “will send him to the place where hypocrites are sent” MAT 24 51 rwd5 translate-symaction ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων 1 there will be the weeping and the grinding of the teeth Here, **the grinding of the teeth** is a symbolic act, representing extreme suffering. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12](../08/12.md). Alternate translation: “people will weep and grind their teeth because of their suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 25 intro qe8a 0 # Matthew 25 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the teaching of the previous chapter.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The parable of the ten virgins

Jesus told the parable of the ten virgins ([Matthew 25:1-13](./01.md)) to tell his followers to be ready for him to return. His hearers could understand the parable because they knew Jewish wedding customs.

When the Jews arranged marriages, they would plan for the wedding to take place weeks or months later. At the proper time, the young man would go to his bride’s house, where she would be waiting for him. The wedding ceremony would take place, and then the man and his bride would travel to his home, where there would be a feast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]]) MAT 25 1 em28 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus tells a parable about wise and foolish virgins to illustrate that his disciples should be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 25 1 pg5i figs-metonymy ὁμοιωθήσεται ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the kingdom of the heavens will be compared to Here, **kingdom of the heavens** refers to God’s rule as king. The phrase **kingdom of the heavens** is used only in Matthew. if possible, use **heavens** in your translation. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:24](../13/24.md). Alternate translation: “when our God in heaven shows himself to be king, it will be like” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 25 1 uhj1 λαμπάδας 1 lamps This could mean: (1) It refers to **lamps**. (2) This refers to torches made by putting cloth around the end of a stick and wetting the cloth with oil. MAT 25 2 c8nf πέντε…ἐξ αὐτῶν 1 five of them “five of the virgins” MAT 25 3 b37a οὐκ ἔλαβον μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν ἔλαιον 1 did not take oil with themselves “took with them only the oil in their lamps” MAT 25 5 r458 δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Jesus starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 25 5 pvh4 figs-activepassive χρονίζοντος…τοῦ νυμφίου 1 while the bridegroom was delaying You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “while the bridegroom was taking a long time to arrive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 25 5 qf4b ἐνύσταξαν πᾶσαι 1 they all became sleepy “all ten virgins became sleepy” MAT 25 6 ufp2 κραυγὴ γέγονεν 1 there was a cry “someone shouted” MAT 25 7 a3mz figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 25 7 ni6u ἐκόσμησαν τὰς λαμπάδας ἑαυτῶν 1 trimmed their lamps “adjusted their lamps so they would burn brightly” MAT 25 8 tsh4 figs-nominaladj αἱ…μωραὶ ταῖς φρονίμοις εἶπον 1 the foolish said to the wise You can state these nominal adjectives as adjectives. Alternate translation: “the foolish virgins said to the wise virgins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 25 8 i1r7 figs-idiom αἱ λαμπάδες ἡμῶν σβέννυνται 1 our lamps are going out This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the fire in our lamps is about to burn out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 25 10 q6q9 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus concludes the parable about the ten virgins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 25 10 rfh6 ἀπερχομένων δὲ αὐτῶν 1 But while they were going away “But while the five foolish virgins went away” MAT 25 10 jej8 figs-ellipsis ἀγοράσαι 1 to buy You can state the understood information clearly. Alternate translation: “to buy more oil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 25 10 t229 αἱ ἕτοιμοι 1 the prepared These are the virgins who had extra oil. MAT 25 10 g29i figs-activepassive ἐκλείσθη ἡ θύρα 1 the door was shut You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the servants shut the door” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 25 11 e5pz figs-explicit ἄνοιξον ἡμῖν 1 open for us You can state this implicit information explicitly. Alternate translation: “open the door for us so we can come inside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 25 12 z5u1 ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what the master says next. MAT 25 12 h4a8 οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς 1 I do not know you “I do not know who you are.” This is the end of the parable. MAT 25 13 hn7w figs-metonymy οὐκ οἴδατε τὴν ἡμέραν, οὐδὲ τὴν ὥραν 1 you do not know the day nor the hour Here, **day** and **hour** refer to an exact time. Alternate translation: “you do not know the exact time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 25 13 xfdj figs-explicit οὐκ οἴδατε τὴν ἡμέραν, οὐδὲ τὴν ὥραν 1 you do not know the day nor the hour You can state the implied information explicitly. Alternate translation: “you do not know the exact time when the Son of Man will return” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 25 14 cn21 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus tells a parable about faithful and unfaithful servants to illustrate that his disciples should remain faithful during his absence and be prepared for his return. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 25 14 zqi2 ὥσπερ 1 it is like The word **it** here refers to the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 13:24](../13/24.md)). MAT 25 14 wv71 ἀποδημῶν 1 going to another country “was ready to go to another country” or “was to go soon to another country” MAT 25 14 vhw1 παρέδωκεν αὐτοῖς τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ 1 handed over to them his possessions “put them in charge of his wealth” MAT 25 14 fmb3 τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ 1 his possessions “his property” or “his wealth” MAT 25 15 i81u translate-bmoney πέντε τάλαντα 1 five talents “five talents of gold.” Avoid translating this into modern money. A **talent** of gold was worth twenty years’ wages. The parable is contrasting the relative amounts of five, two, and one, as well as the large amount of wealth involved. Alternate translation: “five bags of gold” or “five bags of gold, each worth 20 years’ wages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 25 15 vyj2 figs-ellipsis ᾧ δὲ δύο, ᾧ δὲ ἕν 1 and to one, two, and to one, one The word **talents** is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and to another he gave two talents of gold, and to another he gave one talent of gold” or “and to another he gave two bags of gold, and to another he gave one bag of gold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 25 15 d87u figs-explicit κατὰ τὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν 1 according to his own ability You can state the implicit information explicitly. Alternate translation: “according to each servant’s skill in managing wealth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 25 16 qkr2 ἐκέρδησεν ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα 1 gained another five talents “out of his investments, he earned another five talents” MAT 25 17 m2l8 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 25 17 u4vs ἐκέρδησεν ἄλλα δύο 1 gained another two “earned another two talents” MAT 25 19 ik5q figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling the parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 25 19 vc9p δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Jesus starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 25 20 adz4 πέντε τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα 1 I gained five talents “I have earned five more talents” MAT 25 20 ttf7 translate-bmoney τάλαντα 1 talents A “talent” was worth twenty years’ wages. Avoid translating this into modern money. See how you translated this in [Matthew 25:15](../25/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 25 21 l5mg εὖ 1 Well done “You have done well” or “You have done right.” Your culture might have an expression that a master (or someone in authority) would use to show that he approves of what his servant (or someone under him) has done. MAT 25 21 d2s9 figs-idiom εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου 1 Enter into the joy of your master The phrase **Enter into the joy** is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Come and be happy with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 25 21 u9od figs-123person εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου 1 Enter into the joy of your master The master is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 25 22 yhi1 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling the parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 25 22 n2xc δύο τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα 1 I have gained two talents “I have earned two more talents” MAT 25 23 hsb6 εὖ 1 Well done “You have done well” or “You have done right.” Your culture might have an expression that a master (or someone in authority) would use to show that he approves of what his servant (or someone under him) has done. See how you translated this in [Matthew 25:21](../25/21.md). MAT 25 23 plv7 figs-idiom εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου 1 Enter into the joy of your master The phrase **Enter into the joy** is an idiom. See how you translated this in [Matthew 25:21](../25/21.md). Alternate translation: “Come and be happy with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 25 23 b5k7 figs-123person εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου 1 Enter into the joy of your master The master is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 25 24 ial6 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling the parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 25 24 m8an figs-parallelism θερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας, καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας 1 reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter The words **reaping where you did not sow** and **gathering where you did not scatter** mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 25 24 xj4e figs-metaphor θερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας, καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας 1 reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter This refers to a farmer who gathers crops that other people have planted. The servant uses this metaphor to accuse the master of taking what rightfully belongs to others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 25 24 au9f οὐ διεσκόρπισας 1 you did not scatter “you did not scatter seed.” This refers to sowing seed by gently throwing handfuls of it onto the soil. MAT 25 25 wl5c ἴδε, ἔχεις τὸ σόν 1 Behold, you have what is yours “Look, here is what is yours” MAT 25 26 hj83 figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues telling a parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 25 26 l3jz πονηρὲ δοῦλε καὶ ὀκνηρέ! ᾔδεις 1 You wicked and lazy slave, you have known “You are a wicked slave who does not want to work. You knew” MAT 25 26 he3h figs-parallelism θερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα, καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα 1 I reap where I did not sow and harvest where I did not scatter The words **reap where I did not sow** and **harvest where I did not scatter** mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MAT 25 26 xtaj figs-metaphor θερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα, καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα 1 I reap where I did not sow and harvest where I did not scatter This refers to a farmer who gathers crops that people who work for him have planted. See how you translated this in [Matthew 25:24](../25/24.md), where the servant uses these words to accuse the farmer. The readers should understand that the farmer is acknowledging that he does indeed gather what others have planted but is saying that he is right to do so. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 25 27 rhg9 figs-ellipsis ἐκομισάμην ἂν τὸ ἐμὸν 1 I would have received back my money You can state the understood information clearly. Alternate translation: “I would have received back my own money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 25 27 n7jd τόκῳ 1 interest payment from the banker for the temporary use of the master’s money MAT 25 28 qm6x figs-parables 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus concludes the parable about the servants and the talents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]]) MAT 25 28 paw8 ἄρατε…τὸ τάλαντον 1 take away the talent The master is speaking to other servants. MAT 25 28 b1ge translate-bmoney τὸ τάλαντον 1 the talent A **talent** was worth twenty years’ wages. Avoid translating this into modern money. See how you translated this in [Matthew 25:15](../25/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) MAT 25 29 e5py figs-explicit τῷ…ἔχοντι 1 to the one having It is implied that the person who has something also uses it wisely. Alternate translation: “to the one who uses well what he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 25 29 r7lv καὶ περισσευθήσεται 1 even more abundantly “even much more” MAT 25 29 pcr5 figs-explicit τοῦ δὲ μὴ ἔχοντος 1 But from the one not having It is implied that the person does have something but he does not use it wisely. Alternate translation: “But from the one does not use well what he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 25 29 mdc1 figs-activepassive ἀρθήσεται 1 will be taken away You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God will take away” or “I will take away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 25 30 c2vb figs-metonymy τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον 1 the outer darkness Here, **outer darkness** is a metonym for the place where God sends those who reject them. This is a place that is completely separated from God forever. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12](../08/12.md). Alternate translation: “the dark place away from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 25 30 zy3k translate-symaction ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων 1 the weeping and grinding of teeth Here, **grinding of teeth** is symbolic action, representing extreme sadness and suffering. See how you translated this in [Matthew 8:12](../08/12.md). Alternate translation: “weeping and expressing their extreme suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 25 31 qtg6 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus begins to tell his disciples how he will judge people when he returns at the end time. MAT 25 31 e7um figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 25 32 f2w9 figs-activepassive καὶ συναχθήσονται ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 And before him will be gathered all the nations You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “And he will gather all the nations before himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 25 32 kd14 ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ 1 before him “in front of him” MAT 25 32 ndf5 figs-metonymy πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 all the nations Here, **nations** refers to people. Alternate translation: “all people from every country” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 25 32 nk18 figs-simile ὥσπερ ὁ ποιμὴν ἀφορίζει τὰ πρόβατα ἀπὸ τῶν ἐρίφων 1 just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats Jesus uses a simile to describe how he will separate the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 25 33 pbq9 figs-metaphor καὶ στήσει τὰ μὲν πρόβατα ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ, τὰ δὲ ἐρίφια ἐξ εὐωνύμων 1 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on his left This is a metaphor that means the Son of Man will separate all people. He will put the righteous people at his right side, and he will put the sinners at his left side. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 25 34 t8pp figs-123person ὁ Βασιλεὺς…αὐτοῦ 1 the King … his Here, “the King” is another title for the Son of Man. Jesus was referring to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “I, the King, … my right hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 25 34 ze81 figs-activepassive δεῦτε οἱ εὐλογημένοι τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 Come, you who have been blessed by my Father You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Come, you whom my Father has blessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 25 34 h2k9 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 my Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 25 34 b57r figs-activepassive κληρονομήσατε τὴν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν 1 inherit the kingdom prepared for you You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “inherit the kingdom that God has made ready for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 25 34 yj1p figs-metonymy κληρονομήσατε τὴν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν 1 inherit the kingdom prepared for you Here, **kingdom** refers to God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “receive the blessings of God’s rule that he has planned to give you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 25 34 cdi8 ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου 1 from the foundation of the world “since he first created the world” MAT 25 37 yh3p figs-nominaladj οἱ δίκαιοι 1 the righteous You can state this as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 25 37 cs5d figs-ellipsis ἢ διψῶντα 1 Or thirsty You can state the understood information clearly. Alternate translation: “Or when did we see you thirsty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 25 38 h52x figs-ellipsis ἢ γυμνὸν 1 Or naked This is the end of a series of questions that begins in verse 37. You can state the understood information clearly. Alternate translation: “Or when did we see you naked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 25 40 m6mi figs-123person ὁ Βασιλεὺς 1 the King This is another title for the Son of Man. Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 25 40 i2aq ἐρεῖ αὐτοῖς 1 will say to them “will say to those at his right hand” MAT 25 40 mhe2 ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This emphasizes what the King says next. MAT 25 40 acs3 ἑνὶ…τῶν ἐλαχίστων 1 for one of the least “for one of the least important” MAT 25 40 nh4y figs-gendernotations τούτων τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου 1 of these brothers of mine Here, **brothers** refers to anyone, male or female, who obeys the King. Alternate translation: “my brothers and sisters here” or “these who are like my brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) MAT 25 40 k4hb ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε 1 you did it for me “I consider that you did it for me” MAT 25 41 z1nh figs-123person τότε ἐρεῖ καὶ 1 Then he also will say “Then the King also will.” Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 25 41 pr8n κατηραμένοι 1 you cursed “you people whom God has cursed” MAT 25 41 hqf5 figs-activepassive τὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον, τὸ ἡτοιμασμένον 1 the everlasting fire that has been prepared You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the everlasting fire that God has prepared” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 25 41 g51u τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ 1 his angels Satan's helpers MAT 25 43 g6ec figs-ellipsis γυμνὸς καὶ οὐ περιεβάλετέ με 1 naked, and you did not clothe me The words **I was** preceding **naked** are understood. Alternate translation: “I was naked, but you did not give me clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 25 43 tq4x figs-ellipsis ἀσθενὴς καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ 1 sick and in prison The words “I was” preceding **sick** are understood. Alternate translation: “I was sick and in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 25 44 f3dc 0 General Information: This is the end of the part of the story that began in [Matthew 23:1](../23/01.md), where Jesus teaches about salvation and the final judgment. MAT 25 44 zyc5 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus finishes telling his disciples how he will judge people when he returns at the end time. MAT 25 44 hiy6 ἀποκριθήσονται καὶ αὐτοὶ 1 they will also answer “those on his left will also answer” MAT 25 45 nm2e ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων 1 for one of the least of these “for any of the least important ones of my people” MAT 25 45 whu5 οὐδὲ ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε. 1 you did not do it for me “I consider that you did not do it for me” or “I was really the one whom you did not help” MAT 25 46 m6me καὶ ἀπελεύσονται οὗτοι εἰς κόλασιν αἰώνιον 1 And these will go away into everlasting punishment “And the King will send these to a place where they will receive punishment that never ends” MAT 25 46 nj72 figs-ellipsis οἱ δὲ δίκαιοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 but the righteous into everlasting life The understood information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “but the King will send the righteous to the place where they will live forever with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 25 46 kq5b figs-nominaladj οἱ…δίκαιοι 1 the righteous You can state this nominative adjective as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the righteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 26 intro mtq8 0 # Matthew 26 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 26:31, which is words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Sheep

Sheep are a common image used in Scripture to refer to the people of Israel. In [Matthew 26:31](../../mat/26/31.md), however, Jesus used the words “the sheep” to refer to his disciples and to say that they would run away when he was arrested.

### Passover

The Passover festival was when the Jews would celebrate the day God killed the firstborn sons of the Egyptians but “passed over” the Israelites and let them live.

### The eating of the body and blood

[Matthew 26:26-28](./26.md) describes Jesus’ last meal with his followers. At this time, Jesus told them that what they were eating and drinking were his body and his blood. Nearly all Christian churches celebrate “the Lord’s Supper,” the “Eucharist”, or “Holy Communion” to remember this meal.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Judas’ kiss for Jesus

[Matthew 26:49](../../mat/26/49.md) describes how Judas kissed Jesus so the soldiers would know whom to arrest. The Jews would kiss each other when they greeted each other.

### “I am able to destroy the temple of God”

Two men accused Jesus of saying that he could destroy the temple in Jerusalem and then rebuild it “in three days” ([Matthew 26:61](../../mat/26/61.md)). They were accusing him of insulting God by claiming that God had given him the authority to destroy the temple and the power to rebuild it. What Jesus actually said was that if the Jewish authorities were to destroy this temple, he would certainly raise it up in three days ([John 2:19](../../jhn/02/19.md)). MAT 26 1 t5mz 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story that tells of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Here he tells his disciples how he will suffer and die. MAT 26 1 i35c καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε 1 And it happened that when “And after” or “Then, after.” This phrase shifts the story from Jesus’ teachings to what happened next. MAT 26 1 xiv4 πάντας τοὺς λόγους τούτους 1 all these words This refers to all that Jesus taught starting in [Matthew 24:3](../24/03.md). MAT 26 2 g4lh figs-activepassive ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς τὸ σταυρωθῆναι 1 the Son of Man is being delivered up to be crucified You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “some men will take the Son of Man to other people who will crucify him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 2 r9px figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 26 3 wew3 writing-background 0 Connecting Statement: These verses give background information about the Jewish leaders’ plot to arrest and kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 26 3 eps8 figs-activepassive συνήχθησαν 1 were gathered together You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “came together” or “met together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 4 hi4x δόλῳ 1 stealthily “secretly” MAT 26 5 u4fh figs-ellipsis μὴ ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ 1 Not during the festival What the leaders did not want to do during the festival can be made clearer. Alternate translation: “We should not kill Jesus during the festival” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 26 5 s9p7 ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ 1 the festival This is the yearly Passover festival. MAT 26 6 v2up 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of a woman pouring expensive oil on Jesus before his death. MAT 26 6 zq3j δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 26 6 hg3s figs-explicit Σίμωνος τοῦ λεπροῦ 1 of Simon the leper It is implied that this is a man whom Jesus had healed from leprosy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 26 7 ukb9 ἀνακειμένου 1 and he was reclining at table “and Jesus was lying on his side.” You can use your language’s word for the position people usually are in when they eat. MAT 26 7 yxf8 προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ γυνὴ 1 a woman came to him “a woman came to Jesus” MAT 26 7 bhs8 translate-unknown ἀλάβαστρον 1 an alabaster jar This is a costly container made of soft stone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MAT 26 7 yu67 μύρου βαρυτίμου 1 of very expensive ointment oil that has a pleasing smell MAT 26 7 ea5e κατέχεεν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ 1 she poured it upon his head The woman did this to honor Jesus. MAT 26 8 vit4 figs-rquestion εἰς τί ἡ ἀπώλεια αὕτη? 1 For what is this waste? The disciples ask this question out of their anger over the woman’s actions. Alternate translation: “This woman has done a bad thing by wasting this ointment!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 26 9 y83e figs-activepassive ἐδύνατο γὰρ τοῦτο πραθῆναι πολλοῦ καὶ δοθῆναι 1 For this was able to have been sold for a large amount and to be given You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For she could have sold this for a large amount of money and given the money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 9 f76h figs-nominaladj πτωχοῖς 1 to the poor You can state **the poor** as an adjective. Alternate translation: “to poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 26 10 pfv1 figs-rquestion τί κόπους παρέχετε τῇ γυναικί? 1 Why are you causing trouble for this woman? Jesus asks this question as a rebuke of his disciples. Alternate translation: “You should not be troubling this woman!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 26 10 fg3v figs-you παρέχετε 1 are you causing Here, **you** is plural and refers to the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 26 11 wsp9 figs-nominaladj τοὺς πτωχοὺς 1 the poor You can state this as an adjective. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) MAT 26 12 vk5w τὸ μύρον 1 ointment This is oil that has a pleasing smell. See how you translated this in [Matthew 26:7](../26/07.md). MAT 26 13 xs1w ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 26 13 g45l figs-activepassive ὅπου ἐὰν κηρυχθῇ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦτο 1 wherever this good news may be preached You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “wherever people preach this good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 13 s12m figs-activepassive λαληθήσεται καὶ ὃ ἐποίησεν αὕτη εἰς μνημόσυνον αὐτῆς 1 what she has done will also be spoken of in memory of her You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they will remember what this woman has done and will tell others about her” or “people will remember what this woman has done and will tell others about her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 14 i3dy 0 Connecting Statement: Judas Iscariot agrees to help the Jewish leaders arrest and kill Jesus. MAT 26 15 es4b κἀγὼ ὑμῖν παραδώσω αὐτόν 1 and I will betray him to you “and I will bring Jesus to you” MAT 26 15 x7zx τριάκοντα ἀργύρια 1 thirty pieces of silver Since these words are the same as those in an Old Testament prophecy, keep this form instead of changing it to modern money. MAT 26 15 lyl7 translate-numbers τριάκοντα ἀργύρια 1 30 pieces of silver “thirty pieces of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 26 16 w1e4 ἵνα αὐτὸν παραδῷ 1 in order that he might betray him “so that he would give him over to them” MAT 26 17 e7wc 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus celebrating the Passover with his disciples. MAT 26 17 f3s2 δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 26 18 hc78 figs-quotesinquotes ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, ὑπάγετε εἰς τὴν πόλιν πρὸς τὸν δεῖνα καὶ εἴπατε αὐτῷ, ὁ διδάσκαλος λέγει, ὁ καιρός μου ἐγγύς ἐστιν; πρὸς σὲ ποιῶ τὸ Πάσχα μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν μου. 1 But he said, “Go into the city to such a man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near. I am doing the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’” This has quotations within quotations. You can state some of the direct quotations as indirect quotations. Alternate translation: “But he told his disciples to go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says to him, ‘My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” or “But he told his disciples to go into the city to a certain man and say to him that the Teacher’s time is at hand and he will keep the Passover with his disciples at that man’s house.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) MAT 26 18 r4tg ὁ καιρός μου 1 My time This could mean: (1) The is the time that Jesus told them about. (2) This is the time God has set for Jesus. MAT 26 18 a4i5 figs-idiom ἐγγύς ἐστιν 1 is near This could mean: (1) It “is near.” (2) It “has come.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 26 18 j9pz ποιῶ τὸ Πάσχα 1 I am doing the Passover “I am eat the Passover meal” or “I am celebrating the Passover by eating the special meal” MAT 26 20 bga4 ἀνέκειτο 1 he reclined at table Use the word for the position people in your culture usually are in when they eat. MAT 26 21 ehx6 ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 26 22 n12r figs-rquestion μήτι ἐγώ εἰμι, Κύριε? 1 Surely not I, Lord? “I am surely not the one, am I, Lord?” This could mean: (1) This is a rhetorical question since the apostles were sure they would not betray Jesus. Alternate translation: “Lord, I would never betray you!” (2) This was a sincere question since Jesus’ statement probably troubled and confused them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 26 24 n7dw figs-123person ὁ μὲν Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 The Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 26 24 x2n9 figs-euphemism ὑπάγει 1 will depart Here, **depart** is a polite way to refer to dying. Alternate translation: “will go to his death” or “will die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 26 24 vix3 figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται περὶ αὐτοῦ 1 just as it is written about him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “just as the prophets wrote about him in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 24 hai5 figs-activepassive τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ ἐκείνῳ δι’ οὗ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται 1 to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “to the man who betrays the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 25 vpq1 figs-rquestion μήτι ἐγώ εἰμι, Ῥαββεί? 1 Surely it is not I, Rabbi? “Rabbi, am I the one who will betray you?” Judas may be using a rhetorical question to deny that he is the one who will betray Jesus. Alternate translation: “Rabbi, surely I am not the one who will betray you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 26 25 y9lk figs-idiom σὺ εἶπας 1 You have said it yourself This is an idiom that Jesus uses to mean “yes” without being completely clear about what he means. Alternate translation: “You are saying it” or “You are admitting it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 26 26 qh16 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper as he celebrates the Passover with his disciples. MAT 26 26 mr5u λαβὼν…εὐλογήσας ἔκλασεν 1 having taken … having blessed it … he broke it See how you translated these words in [Matthew 14:19](../14/19.md). MAT 26 27 tn39 figs-metonymy ποτήριον 1 a cup Here, **cup** refers to both the cup and the wine in it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 26 27 zb1i ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς 1 he gave it to them “he gave it to the disciples” MAT 26 27 a9me πίετε ἐξ αὐτοῦ 1 Drink from it “Drink the wine from this cup” MAT 26 28 l55a τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν τὸ αἷμά μου 1 For this is my blood “For this wine is my blood” MAT 26 28 ct81 τὸ αἷμά…τῆς διαθήκης 1 blood of the covenant “blood that shows that the covenant is in effect” or “blood that makes the covenant possible” MAT 26 28 bms3 figs-activepassive ἐκχυννόμενον 1 is being poured out You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “will soon flow out of my body” or “will flow out of my wounds when I die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 29 l556 λέγω…ὑμῖν 1 I say to you This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 26 29 h85b figs-idiom τοῦ γενήματος τῆς ἀμπέλου 1 fruit of the vine This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 26 29 q8zs figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 in the kingdom of my Father Here, **kingdom** refers to God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “when my Father establishes his rule on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 26 29 m9vq guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 of my Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 26 30 nzy2 0 General Information: In verse 31, Jesus quotes the prophet Zechariah to show that in order to fulfill prophecy, all of his disciples will leave him. MAT 26 30 nkw2 0 Connecting Statement: Jesus continues to teach his disciples as they walk to the Mount of Olives. MAT 26 30 ed5k καὶ ὑμνήσαντες 1 And having sung a hymn a song of praise to God MAT 26 31 v8yl σκανδαλισθήσεσθε ἐν ἐμοὶ 1 will be caused to stumble in me “will leave me” MAT 26 31 iap6 figs-activepassive γέγραπται γάρ 1 for it is written You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “for the prophet Zechariah wrote long ago in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 31 u1t5 figs-explicit πατάξω 1 I will strike Here, **I** refers to God. It is implied that God will cause or allow people to harm and kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 26 31 mc1e figs-metaphor τὸν ποιμένα…τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης 1 the shepherd … the sheep of the flock These are metaphors that refer to Jesus and the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 26 31 rvk1 figs-activepassive διασκορπισθήσονται τὰ πρόβατα τῆς ποίμνης 1 the sheep of the flock will be scattered You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they will scatter all the sheep of the flock” or “the sheep of the flock will run off in all directions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 32 pj2u figs-idiom μετὰ…τὸ ἐγερθῆναί με 1 after I am raised up Here to be **raised up** is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 26 32 xuyz figs-activepassive μετὰ…τὸ ἐγερθῆναί 1 after I am raised up You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “after God raises me up” or “after God brings me back to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 33 m2un σκανδαλισθήσονται 1 will be caused to stumble See how you translated this in [Matthew 26:31](../26/31.md). MAT 26 34 sf9x ἀμὴν, λέγω σοι 1 Truly I say to you “I tell you the truth.” This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next. MAT 26 34 ui4y figs-metonymy πρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι 1 before the rooster crows A **rooster** often **crows** about the time the sun comes up, so the hearers might have understood these words as a metonym for the sun coming up. However, the actual crowing of a rooster is an important part of the story later on, so keep the word **rooster** in the translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 26 34 lx5i ἀλέκτορα 1 the rooster a male chicken, a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up MAT 26 34 h66w φωνῆσαι 1 crows This is the common English word for what a rooster does to make his loud call. MAT 26 34 b2rh τρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με 1 you will deny me three times “you will say three times that you are not my follower” MAT 26 36 lm3n 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus praying in Gethsemane. MAT 26 37 ny4m ἤρξατο λυπεῖσθαι 1 he began to be grieved “he became very sad” MAT 26 38 gf7k figs-synecdoche περίλυπός ἐστιν ἡ ψυχή μου 1 My soul is deeply sorrowful Here, **soul** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am very sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 26 38 c43t figs-idiom ἕως θανάτου 1 to the point of death This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “and I feel as if I could even die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 26 39 kcz4 figs-idiom ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ 1 he fell on his face He purposely lay face down on the ground to pray. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 26 39 nuv7 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Πάτερ μου 1 My Father This is an important title for God that shows the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 26 39 f254 figs-metaphor παρελθέτω ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο 1 let this cup pass away from me Jesus speaks of the work that he must do, including dying on the cross, as if it were a bitter liquid that God has commanded him to drink from a cup. The word **cup** is an important word in the New Testament, so try to use an equivalent for that in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 26 39 i7rr figs-metonymy τὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο 1 this cup Here, **cup** is a metonym that stands for the cup and the contents within it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 26 39 bcn2 figs-metaphor τὸ ποτήριον τοῦτο 1 this cup The contents in the cup are a metaphor for the suffering that Jesus will have to endure. Jesus is asking the Father if it is possible for him not to have to experience the death and suffering that Jesus knows will soon happen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 26 39 k5in figs-ellipsis πλὴν οὐχ ὡς ἐγὼ θέλω, ἀλλ’ ὡς σύ 1 Yet, not as I will, but as you This can be expressed as a full sentence. Alternate translation: “But do not do what I want; instead, do what you want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 26 40 ev7s figs-you λέγει τῷ Πέτρῳ, οὕτως οὐκ ἰσχύσατε…γρηγορῆσαι 1 he says to Peter, “So, were you not able to watch Jesus is speaking to Peter, but the **you** is plural, referring to Peter, James, and John. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 26 40 c11a figs-rquestion οὕτως οὐκ ἰσχύσατε μίαν ὥραν γρηγορῆσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ? 1 So, were you not able to watch with me for one hour? Jesus uses a question to scold Peter, James, and John. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you could not stay awake with me for one hour!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 26 41 buv4 figs-abstractnouns μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς πειρασμόν 1 you might not enter into temptation You can state the abstract noun **temptation** as a verb. Alternate translation: “no one tempts you to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 26 41 ny5w figs-metonymy τὸ μὲν πνεῦμα πρόθυμον, ἡ δὲ σὰρξ ἀσθενής 1 The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak Here, **spirit** is a metonym that stands for a person’s desires to do good. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 26 41 xlig figs-synecdoche τὸ μὲν πνεῦμα πρόθυμον, ἡ δὲ σὰρξ ἀσθενής 1 The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak **Flesh** stands for the needs and desires of a person’s body. Jesus means that the disciples may have the desire to do what God wants, but as humans they are weak and often fail. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 26 42 pz9l ἀπελθὼν 1 having gone away “after Jesus went away” MAT 26 42 tqp8 translate-ordinal ἐκ δευτέρου 1 a second time The first time is described in [Matthew 26:39](../26/39.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 26 42 ch7t guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Πάτερ μου 1 My Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 26 42 b6cn figs-metaphor εἰ οὐ δύναται τοῦτο παρελθεῖν, ἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸ πίω 1 if this is not able to pass away unless I may drink it “if the only way this can pass away is if I drink it.” Jesus speaks of the work that he must do as if it were a bitter liquid that God has commanded him to **drink**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 26 42 td6g figs-metaphor εἰ…τοῦτο 1 if this Here, **this** refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in [Matthew 26:39](../26/39.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 26 42 i135 figs-metaphor ἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸ πίω 1 unless I may drink it “unless I drink from it” or “unless I drink from this cup of suffering.” Here, **it** refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in [Matthew 26:39](../26/39.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 26 42 xsk1 figs-activepassive γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου 1 let your will be done You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “may what you want happen” or “do what you want to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 43 lts9 figs-idiom ἦσαν…αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ βεβαρημένοι 1 their eyes were weighed down This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they were very sleepy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 26 44 v3i9 translate-ordinal ἐκ τρίτου 1 a third time The first time is described in [Matthew 26:39](../26/39.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 26 45 vvp9 figs-rquestion καθεύδετε τὸ λοιπὸν καὶ ἀναπαύεσθε? 1 Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Jesus uses a question to scold the disciples for going to sleep. Alternate translation: “I am disappointed that you are still sleeping and resting!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 26 45 rw3r figs-idiom ἤγγικεν ἡ ὥρα 1 the hour has approached This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the time has come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 26 45 g9hi figs-activepassive ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται 1 the Son of Man is being betrayed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone is betraying the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 45 ell4 figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 26 45 g9eb figs-metonymy παραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας ἁμαρτωλῶν 1 is being betrayed into the hands of sinners Here, **hands** refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “betrayed into the power of sinners” or “betrayed so that sinners will have power over him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 26 45 yx8v ἰδοὺ 1 Behold “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you” MAT 26 47 hsv7 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of when Judas betrayed Jesus and the religious leaders arrested him. MAT 26 47 rlp9 καὶ ἔτι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος 1 And as he is still speaking “And while Jesus was still speaking” MAT 26 47 e26h ξύλων 1 clubs large pieces of hard wood for hitting people MAT 26 48 qb4y writing-background δὲ 1 Now Here, **Now** is used to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew tells background information about Judas and the signal he planned to use to betray Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 26 48 gw8m figs-quotations λέγων, ὃν ἂν φιλήσω, αὐτός ἐστιν; κρατήσατε αὐτόν. 1 saying, “Whomever I may kiss is him. Seize him.” You can state this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that whomever he kissed was the one they should seize.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 26 48 m23z ὃν ἂν φιλήσω 1 Whomever I may kiss “The one I kiss” or “The man whom I kiss” MAT 26 48 nr34 φιλήσω 1 I may kiss This was a respectful way to greet one’s teacher. MAT 26 49 uig8 προσελθὼν τῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 having come up to Jesus “when Judas came up to Jesus” MAT 26 49 cyb7 κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν 1 he kissed him “he met him with a kiss.” Good friends would kiss each other on the cheek, but a disciple would probably kiss his master on the hand to show respect. No one knows for sure how Judas **kissed** Jesus. MAT 26 50 w3d6 ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας 1 they laid hands Here, **they** refers to the people with clubs and swords that came with Judas and the religious leaders. MAT 26 50 vmd1 ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ ἐκράτησαν αὐτόν 1 they laid hands on Jesus, and seized him “they grabbed Jesus, and arrested him” MAT 26 51 vm6s καὶ ἰδοὺ 1 And behold The word **behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. MAT 26 52 tj6n figs-metonymy οἱ λαβόντες μάχαιραν 1 those who have taken up a sword The word **sword** is a metonym for the act of killing someone with a sword. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 26 52 gzbc figs-explicit οἱ λαβόντες μάχαιραν 1 those who have taken up a sword You can state the implied information explicitly. Alternate translation: “who pick up a sword to kill others” or “who want to kill other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 26 52 w357 μάχαιραν, ἐν μαχαίρῃ ἀπολοῦνται 1 a sword will perish by the sword “a sword will die by means of the sword” or “a sword—it is with the sword that someone will kill them” MAT 26 53 kgx8 figs-rquestion ἢ δοκεῖς ὅτι οὐ δύναμαι παρακαλέσαι τὸν Πατέρα μου, καὶ παραστήσει μοι ἄρτι πλείω δώδεκα λεγιῶνας ἀγγέλων? 1 Or do you think that I am not able to call upon my Father, and he would send me more than 12 legions of angels at once? Jesus uses a question to remind the person with the sword that Jesus could stop those who are arresting him. Alternate translation: “Surely you know that I could upon my Father, and he would send me more than 12 legions of angels at once.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 26 53 eb7i figs-you δοκεῖς 1 do you think Here, **you** is singular and refers to the person with the sword. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 26 53 g3zq guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τὸν Πατέρα μου 1 my Father This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 26 53 tfw8 translate-numbers πλείω δώδεκα λεγιῶνας ἀγγέλων 1 more than 12 legions of angels The word **legion** is a military term that refers to a group of about 6,000 soldiers. Jesus means God would send enough angels to easily stop those who are arresting Jesus. The exact number of angels is not important. Alternate translation: “more than 12 really large groups of angels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MAT 26 54 teq5 figs-rquestion πῶς οὖν πληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ, ὅτι οὕτως δεῖ γενέσθαι? 1 How then would the scriptures be fulfilled, that this must happen? Jesus uses a question to explain why he is letting these people arrest him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 26 54 xqpr figs-activepassive πῶς οὖν πληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ, ὅτι οὕτως δεῖ γενέσθαι? 1 How then would the scriptures be fulfilled, that this must happen? You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “But if I did that, I would not be able to fulfill what God said in the scriptures must happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 55 yf4p figs-rquestion ὡς ἐπὶ λῃστὴν ἐξήλθατε μετὰ μαχαιρῶν καὶ ξύλων συνλαβεῖν με? 1 Have you come out with swords and clubs to seize me, as against a robber? Jesus is using this question to point out the wrong actions of those arresting him. Alternate translation: “You know that I am not a robber, so it is wrong for you to come out to me bringing swords and clubs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 26 55 q9vq ξύλων 1 clubs large pieces of hard wood for hitting people MAT 26 55 e8dq figs-explicit ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ 1 in the temple It is implied that Jesus was not in the actual **temple**. He was in the courtyard around the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 26 56 ygn7 figs-activepassive πληρωθῶσιν αἱ Γραφαὶ τῶν προφητῶν 1 the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I would fulfill all that the prophets wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 26 56 i2jp ἀφέντες αὐτὸν 1 having left him If your language has a word that means they left him when they should have stayed with him, use it here. MAT 26 57 f6nj 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus’ trial before the council of Jewish religious leaders. MAT 26 58 jui3 ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ 1 But Peter was following him “But Peter followed Jesus” MAT 26 58 isd4 τῆς αὐλῆς τοῦ ἀρχιερέως 1 the courtyard of the high priest an open area near the high priest’s house MAT 26 58 v8th καὶ εἰσελθὼν ἔσω 1 And having entered inside “And after Peter went inside” MAT 26 59 i8jw δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 26 59 jwz5 αὐτὸν θανατώσωσιν 1 they might put him to death Here, **they** refers to the chief priests and the members of the council. MAT 26 59 u6v9 αὐτὸν θανατώσωσιν 1 they might put him to death “they might have a reason to execute him” MAT 26 60 m6n5 προσελθόντες δύο 1 two, having come forward “two men who had come forward” or “two witnesses who came forward” MAT 26 61 a8lf writing-quotations εἶπον, οὗτος ἔφη, δύναμαι καταλῦσαι τὸν ναὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν οἰκοδομῆσαι. 1 said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” If your language does not allow quotes within quotes you can rewrite it as a single quote. Alternate translation: “This man said that he is able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) MAT 26 61 i5n4 οὗτος ἔφη 1 This man said “This man Jesus said” MAT 26 61 mbq1 διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν 1 in three days “within three days,” before the sun goes down three times, not “after three days,” after the sun has gone down the third time MAT 26 62 v6j9 τί οὗτοί σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν? 1 What is it that they are testifying against you? The chief priest is not asking Jesus for information about what the witnesses said. He is asking Jesus to prove what the witnesses said is wrong. Alternate translation: “What is your response to what the witnesses are testifying against you?” MAT 26 63 mm28 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the Son of God This is an important title that describes the relationship between the Christ and God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 26 63 lry9 τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος 1 the living God Here, **living** contrasts the **God** of Israel to all the false gods and idols that people worshiped. Only the God of Israel is alive and has power to act. See how you translated this in [Matthew 16:16](../16/16.md). MAT 26 64 gi6v figs-idiom σὺ εἶπας 1 You have said it yourself This is an idiom that Jesus uses to mean “yes” without being completely clear about what he means. Alternate translation: “You are saying it” or “You are admitting it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 26 64 zu47 figs-you πλὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπ’ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε 1 But I say to you, from now on you will see Here, **you** is plural. Jesus is speaking to the high priest and to the other persons there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 26 64 ll8r ἀπ’ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 from now on you will see the Son of Man The phrase **from now on** could mean: (1) This is an idiom that means they will see the Son of Man in his power at some time in the future. (2) This means that from the time of Jesus’ trial and onward, Jesus is showing himself to be the Messiah who is powerful and victorious. MAT 26 64 b6cb figs-123person τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 the Son of Man Jesus is speaking about himself in third person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MAT 26 64 p5px figs-metonymy καθήμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως 1 sitting at the right hand of the Power Here, **Power** is metonym that represents God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 26 64 lcxc translate-symaction καθήμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως 1 sitting at the right hand of the Power To sit at the **right hand of God** is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “sitting in the place of honor beside the all-powerful God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 26 64 urp9 ἐρχόμενον ἐπὶ τῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 coming on the clouds of heaven “riding to earth on the clouds of heaven” MAT 26 65 srg6 translate-symaction ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς διέρρηξεν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ 1 the high priest tore his robe Tearing clothing was a sign of anger and sadness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 26 65 qq51 figs-explicit ἐβλασφήμησεν 1 He has spoken blasphemy The reason the high priest called Jesus’ statement **blasphemy** is probably that he understood Jesus’ words in [Matthew 26:64](../26/64.md) as a claim to be equal with God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 26 65 t68t figs-rquestion τί ἔτι χρείαν ἔχομεν μαρτύρων? 1 Why do we still have need of witnesses? The high priest uses this question to emphasize that he and the members of the council do not need to hear from any more witnesses. Alternate translation: “We do not need to hear from any more witnesses!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 26 65 wh4h figs-you νῦν ἠκούσατε 1 now you have heard Here, **you** is plural and refers to the members of the council. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 26 67 adc2 τότε ἐνέπτυσαν 1 Then they spit This could mean: (1) Some of the men spit. (2) The soldiers spit. MAT 26 67 g1c2 ἐνέπτυσαν εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ 1 they spit in his face This was done as an insult. MAT 26 68 f2bj προφήτευσον ἡμῖν 1 Prophesy to us Here, **Prophesy to us** means to tell by means of God’s power. It does not mean to tell what will happen in the future. MAT 26 68 b5xe figs-irony Χριστέ 1 Christ Those hitting Jesus do not really think he is the **Christ**. They call him this to mock him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) MAT 26 69 bsb3 0 General Information: These events happen at the same time as Jesus’ trial before the religious leaders. MAT 26 69 h5ts 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of how Peter denies three times that he knows Jesus, as Jesus said he would do. MAT 26 69 y21l δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 26 70 sp1t οὐκ οἶδα τί λέγεις 1 I do not know what you are talking about Peter was able to understand what the servant girl was saying. He used these words to deny that he had been with Jesus. MAT 26 71 ief5 ἐξελθόντα δὲ 1 But when he had gone out “But when Peter went out” MAT 26 71 gyw8 τὸν πυλῶνα 1 the gateway opening in the wall around a courtyard MAT 26 71 s7c4 λέγει τοῖς ἐκεῖ 1 says to those there “said to the people who were sitting there” MAT 26 72 e5xl καὶ πάλιν ἠρνήσατο μετὰ ὅρκου, ὅτι οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον. 1 And he again denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” “And he denied it again by swearing, ‘I do not know the man!’” MAT 26 73 hde3 ἐξ αὐτῶν 1 one of them “one of those who were with Jesus” MAT 26 73 w8ww καὶ γὰρ ἡ λαλιά σου δῆλόν σε ποιεῖ 1 for even your speech makes you evident You can translate this as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “We can tell you are from Galilee because you speak like a Galilean” MAT 26 74 edd8 καταθεματίζειν 1 to curse “to call down a curse on himself” MAT 26 74 w87b ἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν 1 a rooster crowed A **rooster** is a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up. The sound a rooster makes is called “crowing.” See how you translated this in [Matthew 26:34](../26/34.md). MAT 26 75 nx3j figs-quotations καὶ ἐμνήσθη ὁ Πέτρος τοῦ ῥήματος Ἰησοῦ εἰρηκότος, ὅτι πρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι, τρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με 1 And Peter remembered the words of Jesus that he had said, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.” You can state this direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Peter remembered that Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed, he would deny Jesus three times.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) MAT 27 intro deu4 0 # Matthew 27 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Delivered him to Pilate the governor”

The Jewish leaders needed to get permission from Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, before they could kill Jesus. This was because Roman law did not allow them to kill Jesus themselves. Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, but they wanted him to free a very bad prisoner named Barabbas.

### The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried ([Matthew 27:60](../../mat/27/60.md)) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Sarcasm

The soldiers said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ([Matthew 27:29](../../mat/27/29.md)) to mock Jesus. They did not think that he was the king of the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) MAT 27 1 hvr4 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus’ trial before Pilate. MAT 27 1 qe1s δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 27 1 cm46 figs-explicit συμβούλιον ἔλαβον…κατὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, ὥστε θανατῶσαι αὐτόν 1 took counsel against Jesus so as to put him to death The Jewish leaders were planning how they could convince the Roman leaders to kill Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 27 3 vzf9 figs-events 0 General Information: This event happened after Jesus’ trial in front of the council of Jewish religious leaders, but we do not know if it happened before or during Jesus’ trial before Pilate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) MAT 27 3 bk8i 0 Connecting Statement: The author has stopped telling the story of Jesus’ trial so he can tell the story of how Judas killed himself. MAT 27 3 qm12 τότε ἰδὼν Ἰούδας ὁ παραδιδοὺς αὐτὸν 1 Then Judas, who had betrayed him, having seen If your language has a way of showing that a new story is starting, you may want to use that here. MAT 27 3 v9vj figs-activepassive ὅτι κατεκρίθη 1 that he was condemned You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that the Jewish leaders had condemned Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 3 pe4n τὰ τριάκοντα ἀργύρια 1 the 30 pieces of silver This was the money that the chief priests had given Judas to betray Jesus. See how you translated it in [Matthew 26:15](../26/15.md). MAT 27 4 f6u8 figs-idiom αἷμα ἀθῷον 1 innocent blood This is an idiom that refers to the death of an **innocent** person. Alternate translation: “a person who does not deserve to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 27 4 mf6b figs-rquestion τί πρὸς ἡμᾶς? 1 What is that to us? The Jewish leaders use this question to emphasize that they do not care about what Judas said. Alternate translation: “That is not our problem!” or “That is your problem!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 27 5 tuh4 ῥίψας τὰ ἀργύρια εἰς τὸν ναὸν 1 having thrown down the pieces of silver in the temple This could mean: (1) He threw **the pieces of silver** while in the **temple** courtyard. (2) He was standing in the temple courtyard, and he threw **the pieces of silver** into the **temple**. MAT 27 6 r5r9 οὐκ ἔξεστιν βαλεῖν αὐτὰ 1 It is not lawful to put this “Our laws do not allow us to put this” MAT 27 6 ce2x βαλεῖν αὐτὰ 1 to put this “to put this silver” MAT 27 6 gtp3 figs-explicit τὸν κορβανᾶν 1 the treasury This is the place they kept the money they used to provide for things needed for the temple and the priests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 27 6 j2l8 figs-idiom τιμὴ αἵματός 1 the price of blood This is an idiom that means money paid to a person who helped kill someone. Alternate translation: “money paid for a man to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 27 7 mtg6 τὸν Ἀγρὸν τοῦ Κεραμέως 1 the field of the potter This was a **field** that was bought to bury strangers who died in Jerusalem. MAT 27 8 nts8 figs-activepassive ἐκλήθη ὁ ἀγρὸς ἐκεῖνος 1 that field has been called You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “people call that field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 8 ag2n ἕως τῆς σήμερον 1 to this day This means to the time that Matthew is writing this book. MAT 27 9 g1gc 0 General Information: The author quotes Old Testament scripture to show that Judas’ suicide was a fulfillment of prophecy. MAT 27 9 rj3u figs-activepassive τότε ἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἰερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου 1 Then what had been spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “This fulfilled what the prophet Jeremiah spoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 9 t1dj figs-activepassive τὴν τιμὴν τοῦ τετιμημένου, ὃν ἐτιμήσαντο ἀπὸ υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ 1 the price of the one whose price had been set by the sons of Israel You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the price the people of Israel set on him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 9 d7l7 figs-metonymy υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ 1 the sons of Israel This refers to those among the people of **Israel** who paid to kill Jesus. Alternate translation: “some of the people of Israel” or “the leaders of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 27 10 c2ch συνέταξέν μοι 1 had directed me Here, **me** refers to Jeremiah. MAT 27 11 pjc5 0 Connecting Statement: This continues the story of Jesus’ trial before Pilate, which began in [Matthew 27:2](../27/02.md). MAT 27 11 we3a δὲ 1 Now If your language has a way of continuing a story after a break from the main story line, you may want to use it here. MAT 27 11 a2e7 τοῦ ἡγεμόνος 1 the governor “Pilate” MAT 27 11 a6cm figs-explicit αὐτῷ σὺ λέγεις 1 It is as you say This could mean: (1) Jesus implied that he is the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: “Yes, as you said, I am” or “Yes. It is as you said” (2) Jesus was saying that Pilate, not Jesus, was the one calling him the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: “You yourself have said so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 27 12 vl3a figs-activepassive καὶ ἐν τῷ κατηγορεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀρχιερέων καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων 1 And when he was accused by the chief priests and the elders You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “And when the chief priests and elders accused him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 13 wn2r figs-rquestion οὐκ ἀκούεις πόσα σου καταμαρτυροῦσιν? 1 Do you not hear everything they are bringing against you? Pilate asks this question because he is surprised that Jesus remains silent. Alternate translation: “I am surprised that you do not answer these people who accuse you of doing bad things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MAT 27 14 hbm8 οὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῷ πρὸς οὐδὲ ἓν ῥῆμα, ὥστε θαυμάζειν τὸν ἡγεμόνα λίαν 1 he did not answer him not even to one word, so as to amaze the governor greatly “he did not say even one word; this greatly amazed the governor.” This is an emphatic way of saying that Jesus was completely silent. MAT 27 15 jjp8 writing-background δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line so Matthew can give information to help the reader understand what happens beginning in [Matthew 27:17](../27/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 27 15 p1ha ἑορτὴν 1 the festival This is the festival for the Passover celebration. MAT 27 15 pfk6 figs-activepassive ἕνα τῷ ὄχλῳ δέσμιον, ὃν ἤθελον 1 to the crowd one prisoner whom they chose You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “one prisoner whom the crowd would choose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 16 q2iu εἶχον…δέσμιον ἐπίσημον 1 they were holding a notorious prisoner “there was a notorious prisoner” MAT 27 16 svr2 ἐπίσημον 1 notorious well known for doing something bad MAT 27 17 d8hv figs-activepassive συνηγμένων…αὐτῶν 1 when they were gathered together You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “when the crowd gathered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 17 wrl3 figs-activepassive τὸν λεγόμενον Χριστόν 1 who is called Christ You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom some people call the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 18 jq3c παρέδωκαν αὐτόν 1 they had handed him over to him “the Jewish leaders had brought Jesus to him.” They had done this so that Pilate would judge Jesus. MAT 27 19 t3mx καθημένου δὲ αὐτοῦ 1 But while he was sitting “But while Pilate was sitting” MAT 27 19 s5pc καθημένου…αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος 1 while he was sitting on the judgment seat “while he was sitting on the judge’s seat.” This is where a judge would sit while making a decision. MAT 27 19 w4i8 ἀπέστειλεν 1 sent word “sent a message” MAT 27 19 an95 πολλὰ…ἔπαθον σήμερον 1 I have suffered much today “I have been very upset today” MAT 27 20 ax1i writing-background δὲ 1 Now Here, **now** is used to mark a break in the main story line. Matthew tells background information about why the crowd chose Barabbas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) MAT 27 20 et2m figs-activepassive τὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν ἀπολέσωσιν 1 but would kill Jesus You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “but have the Roman soldiers kill Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 21 x6vf εἶπεν αὐτοῖς 1 said to them “asked the crowd” MAT 27 22 zl85 figs-activepassive τὸν λεγόμενον Χριστόν 1 who is called Christ You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom some people call the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 23 m5jm ἐποίησεν 1 did he do “has Jesus done” MAT 27 23 nb7p οἱ…ἔκραζον 1 they cried out “the crowd cried out” MAT 27 24 yj8t translate-symaction ἀπενίψατο τὰς χεῖρας ἀπέναντι τοῦ ὄχλου 1 washed his hands in front of the crowd Pilate does this as a sign that he is not responsible for Jesus’ death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 27 24 u1fe figs-metonymy τοῦ αἵματος 1 the blood Here, **blood** refers to a person’s death. Alternate translation: “the death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 27 24 de8w ὑμεῖς ὄψεσθε 1 See to it yourselves “This is your responsibility” MAT 27 25 n5k1 figs-metonymy τὸ αἷμα αὐτοῦ ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ τέκνα ἡμῶν 1 His blood be on us and our children Here, **blood** is a metonym that stands for a person’s death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 27 25 k1cb figs-idiom τὸ αἷμα αὐτοῦ ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ τέκνα ἡμῶν 1 His blood be on us and on our children The phrase **be on us and our children** is an idiom that means they accept the responsibility of what is happening. Alternate translation: “Yes! We and our descendants will be responsible for executing him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 27 26 yb5y τότε ἀπέλυσεν αὐτοῖς τὸν Βαραββᾶν 1 Then he released Barabbas to them “Then Pilate released Barabbas to the crowd” MAT 27 26 m63d figs-explicit τὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας, παρέδωκεν ἵνα σταυρωθῇ 1 but having scourged Jesus, he handed him over so that he would be crucified It is implied that Pilate ordered his soldiers to scourge Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 27 26 n421 figs-metaphor τὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας, παρέδωκεν ἵνα σταυρωθῇ 1 but having scourged Jesus, he handed him over so that he would be crucified It is implied that Pilate ordered his soldiers to scourge Jesus. Handing Jesus over to be crucified is a metaphor for ordering his soldiers to crucify Jesus. Alternate translation: “he ordered his soldiers to scourge Jesus and to crucify him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 27 26 y3kf τὸν…Ἰησοῦν φραγελλώσας 2 having scourged Jesus “having beaten Jesus with a whip” or “having whipped Jesus” MAT 27 27 zz45 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus’ crucifixion and death. MAT 27 27 bn22 ὅλην τὴν σπεῖραν 1 the whole company of soldiers “the entire group of soldiers” MAT 27 28 nx81 καὶ ἐκδύσαντες αὐτὸν 1 And having stripped him “And having pulled off his clothes” MAT 27 28 qsz5 κοκκίνην 1 scarlet bright red MAT 27 29 yw94 στέφανον ἐξ ἀκανθῶν 1 a crown of thorns “a crown made of thorny branches” or “a crown made of branches with thorns on them” MAT 27 29 dlz7 κάλαμον ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ 1 a staff in his right hand They gave Jesus a stick to hold to represent a scepter that a king holds. They did this to mock Jesus. MAT 27 29 qf8j figs-irony χαῖρε, ὁ Βασιλεῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων 1 Hail, King of the Jews They were saying this to mock Jesus. They were calling Jesus **King of the Jews**, but they did not really believe he was a king. And yet what they were saying was true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) MAT 27 29 gf6a χαῖρε 1 Hail “We honor you” or “May you live a long time” MAT 27 30 ib5q καὶ ἐμπτύσαντες εἰς αὐτὸν 1 And having spat on him “And using their spit, the soldiers spat on Jesus” MAT 27 32 j5wq figs-explicit ἐξερχόμενοι 1 coming out This means Jesus and the soldiers came out of the city. Alternate translation: “as they came out of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 27 32 ies4 εὗρον ἄνθρωπον 1 they found a man “the soldiers saw a man” MAT 27 32 sfj2 τοῦτον ἠγγάρευσαν ἵνα ἄρῃ τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ 1 whom they forced so that he would carry his cross “whom the soldiers forced to go with them so that he could carry Jesus’ cross” MAT 27 33 j6hb figs-activepassive τόπον λεγόμενον Γολγοθᾶ 1 a place called Golgotha You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “a place that people called Golgotha” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 34 f11j figs-activepassive πιεῖν οἶνον μετὰ χολῆς μεμιγμένον 1 wine to drink mixed with gall You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “wine, which they had mixed with gall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 34 e2uk χολῆς 1 gall the bitter, yellow liquid that bodies use in digestion MAT 27 35 a1y1 figs-explicit τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ 1 his garments These were the clothes Jesus had been wearing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 27 37 j4s4 τὴν αἰτίαν αὐτοῦ 1 the charge against him “a written explanation of why he was being crucified” MAT 27 38 zq4b figs-activepassive τότε σταυροῦνται σὺν αὐτῷ δύο λῃσταί 1 Then two robbers are being crucified with him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then the soldiers crucified two robbers with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 39 d4fm translate-symaction κινοῦντες τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν 1 shaking their heads They did this to make fun of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) MAT 27 40 t23i figs-explicit εἰ υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ κατάβηθι ἀπὸ τοῦ σταυροῦ 1 If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross They did not believe that Jesus is **the Son of God**, so they wanted him to prove it if it was true. Alternate translation: “If you are the Son of God, prove it by coming down from the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 27 40 b5lw guidelines-sonofgodprinciples υἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the Son of God This is an important title for the Christ that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 27 42 ff4d figs-irony ἄλλους ἔσωσεν, ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται σῶσαι 1 He saved others; he is not able to save himself This could mean: (1) The Jewish leaders do not believe that Jesus **saved others** or that he can **save himself**. (2) They believe he did save others but are laughing at him because now he cannot **save himself**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) MAT 27 42 j6l7 figs-irony Βασιλεὺς Ἰσραήλ ἐστιν, 1 He is the King of Israel! The leaders are mocking Jesus. They call him **King of Israel**, but they do not really believe he is king. Alternate translation: “He says that he is the King of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) MAT 27 43 w46n 0 Connecting Statement: The Jewish leaders continue mocking Jesus. MAT 27 43 cl97 figs-quotesinquotes εἶπεν γὰρ, ὅτι Θεοῦ εἰμι Υἱός. 1 For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ This is a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “For Jesus even said that he is the Son of God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) MAT 27 43 uw85 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Θεοῦ…Υἱός 1 the Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 27 44 e26y figs-activepassive οἱ λῃσταὶ, οἱ συνσταυρωθέντες σὺν αὐτῷ 1 the robbers who were crucified with him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the robbers that the soldiers crucified with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 45 e7z4 δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 27 45 s2l7 ἀπὸ…ἕκτης ὥρας…ἕως ὥρας ἐνάτης 1 from the sixth hour … until the ninth hour “from about noon … for three hours” or “from about twelve o’clock midday … until about three o’clock in the afternoon” MAT 27 45 pi8e figs-abstractnouns σκότος ἐγένετο ἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν 1 darkness happened over all the land The word **darkness** is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “it became dark over the whole land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) MAT 27 46 qyp7 ἀνεβόησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς 1 Jesus cried out “Jesus called out” or “Jesus shouted” MAT 27 46 xub2 translate-transliterate Ἐλωῒ, Ἐλωῒ, λεμὰ σαβαχθάνει 1 Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani These words are what Jesus cried out in his own language. Translators usually leave these words as is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]]) MAT 27 48 jm37 εἷς ἐξ αὐτῶν 1 one of them This could mean: (1) This refers to one of the soldiers. (2) This refers to one of those who stood by and watched. MAT 27 48 bsy1 σπόγγον 1 a sponge This is a sea animal that is harvested and used to take up and hold liquids. These liquids can later be pushed out. MAT 27 48 ny3e ἐπότιζεν αὐτόν 1 gave it to him to drink “gave it to Jesus” MAT 27 50 fj1v figs-euphemism ἀφῆκεν τὸ πνεῦμα 1 released his spirit Here, **spirit** refers to that which gives life to a person. This phrase is a way of saying that Jesus died. Alternate translation: “he died, giving his spirit over to God” or “he breathed his last breath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 27 51 w1wq 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of the events that happened when Jesus died. MAT 27 51 a92g ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. MAT 27 51 m1ic figs-activepassive τὸ καταπέτασμα τοῦ ναοῦ ἐσχίσθη εἰς δύο 1 the curtain of the temple was split in two You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the curtain of the temple tore in two” or “God caused the curtain of the temple to tear in two” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 52 a1cu figs-activepassive καὶ τὰ μνημεῖα ἀνεῴχθησαν, καὶ πολλὰ σώματα τῶν κεκοιμημένων ἁγίων ἠγέρθη 1 And the tombs were opened, and many of the bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “And God opened the tombs and raised the bodies of many godly people who had died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 52 kj3r figs-idiom πολλὰ σώματα τῶν κεκοιμημένων ἁγίων ἠγέρθη 1 many of the bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised Here to be **raised** is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “God put life back into the dead bodies of many godly people who had fallen asleep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) MAT 27 52 hgn1 figs-euphemism κεκοιμημένων 1 who had fallen asleep This is a polite way of referring to dying. Alternate translation: “who had died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) MAT 27 53 q2x5 καὶ ἐξελθόντες ἐκ τῶν μνημείων μετὰ τὴν ἔγερσιν αὐτοῦ, εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὴν ἁγίαν πόλιν καὶ ἐνεφανίσθησαν πολλοῖς 1 And having come out from the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many The order of the events that Matthew describes (beginning with the words “The tombs were opened” in verse 52) is unclear. After the earthquake when Jesus died and the **tombs** were opened (1) the saints came back to life, and then, after Jesus came back to life, the saints entered Jerusalem, where many people saw them. (2) Jesus came back to life, and then the saints came back to life and entered the city, where many people saw them. MAT 27 54 f6rz δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 27 54 vv2g figs-explicit οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ τηροῦντες τὸν Ἰησοῦν 1 those with him watching Jesus “those who were guarding Jesus.” This refers to the other soldiers who were guarding Jesus with the centurion. Alternate translation: “the other soldiers with him who were guarding Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 27 54 gw6n guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Θεοῦ Υἱὸς 1 the Son of God This is an important title for Jesus that describes his relationship to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 27 56 ud33 ἡ μήτηρ τῶν υἱῶν Ζεβεδαίου 1 the mother of the sons of Zebedee “the mother of James and John” or “the wife of Zebedee” MAT 27 57 wm5z 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus’ burial. MAT 27 57 sy9y translate-names Ἁριμαθαίας 1 Arimathea This is the name of a city in Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 27 58 c69n figs-activepassive τότε ὁ Πειλᾶτος ἐκέλευσεν ἀποδοθῆναι 1 Then Pilate commanded it to be given to him You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Then Pilate ordered the soldiers to give the body of Jesus to Joseph” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 59 kj7u σινδόνι καθαρᾷ 1 in a clean linen cloth in a clean, fine, costly cloth MAT 27 60 hvs8 figs-explicit ὃ ἐλατόμησεν ἐν τῇ πέτρᾳ 1 that he had cut into the rock It is implied that Joseph had workers who **cut** the tomb **into the rock**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 27 60 lt4k figs-explicit καὶ προσκυλίσας λίθον μέγαν 1 And having rolled a large stone against Most likely Joseph had other people there to help him roll the **stone**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 27 61 ihr8 ἀπέναντι τοῦ τάφου 1 opposite the tomb “across from the tomb” MAT 27 62 qj59 τὴν παρασκευήν 1 the Preparation This is the day that people got everything ready for the Sabbath. MAT 27 62 j57n συνήχθησαν…πρὸς Πειλᾶτον 1 were gathered together with Pilate “met with Pilate” MAT 27 63 sc6y ἐκεῖνος ὁ πλάνος…ἔτι ζῶν 1 that deceiver, yet living “Jesus, the deceiver, when he was alive” MAT 27 63 ri5s figs-quotesinquotes εἶπεν…μετὰ τρεῖς ἡμέρας ἐγείρομαι. 1 said, ‘After three days I am being raised up.’ This has a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “he said that after three days he will rise again.” or “he said that after three day he would rise again.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) MAT 27 64 b8n2 figs-activepassive κέλευσον…ἀσφαλισθῆναι τὸν τάφον 1 command the tomb to be made secure You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “command your soldiers to guard the tomb” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 27 64 hbh8 translate-ordinal τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας 1 the third day (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) MAT 27 64 pwc8 ἐλθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, κλέψωσιν αὐτὸν 1 his disciples, having come, might steal him “his disciples may come and steal his body” MAT 27 64 t78s figs-quotesinquotes εἴπωσιν τῷ λαῷ, ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν; καὶ 1 might say to the people, ‘He has been raised up from the dead,’ and This has a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “might tell the people that he has been raised from the dead, and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) MAT 27 64 c7bf ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν 1 from the dead “from among all those who have died.” This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again. MAT 27 64 u5tg figs-ellipsis καὶ ἔσται ἡ ἐσχάτη πλάνη χείρων τῆς πρώτης 1 and the last deception will be worse than the first You can state the understood information clearly. Alternate translation: “and if they deceive people by saying that, it will be worse than the way he deceived people before when he said that he was the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 27 65 dkq9 κουστωδίαν 1 a guard This consisted of four to sixteen Roman soldiers. MAT 27 66 pk1q σφραγίσαντες τὸν λίθον 1 having sealed the stone This could mean: (1) They put a cord around **the stone** and attached it to the rock wall on either side of the entrance to the tomb. (2) They put seals between **the stone** and the wall. MAT 27 66 e8uf μετὰ τῆς κουστωδίας 1 with the guard “and having told the soldiers to stand where they could keep people from tampering with the tomb” MAT 28 intro psw9 0 # Matthew 28 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried ([Matthew 28:1](../mat/28/01.md)) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

### “Make disciples”

The last two verses ([Matthew 28:19-20](../19.md)) are commonly known as “The Great Commission” because they contain a very important command given to all Christians. Christians are to “make disciples” by going to people, sharing the gospel with them and training them to live as Christians.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### An angel of the Lord

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus’ tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels looked human. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULT without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: [Matthew 28:1-2](../mat/28/01.md) and [Mark 16:5](../mrk/16/05.md) and [Luke 24:4](../luk/24/04.md) and [John 20:12](../jhn/20/12.md)) MAT 28 1 anr1 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. MAT 28 1 qkn8 ὀψὲ δὲ Σαββάτων, τῇ ἐπιφωσκούσῃ εἰς μίαν σαββάτων 1 Now late on the Sabbath, as it is dawning toward the first day of the week “Now after the Sabbath ended, as the sun came up on Sunday morning” MAT 28 1 gs43 δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 28 1 zu2b ἡ ἄλλη Μαρία 1 the other Mary “the other woman named Mary.” This is **Mary** the mother of James and Joseph ([Matthew 27:56](../27/56.md)). MAT 28 2 j25i ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 28 2 l4s2 σεισμὸς ἐγένετο μέγας; ἄγγελος γὰρ Κυρίου καταβὰς ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καὶ προσελθὼν, ἀπεκύλισε τὸν λίθον 1 a great earthquake happened, for an angel of the Lord, having descended from heaven and having come near, rolled away the stone This could mean: (1) The **earthquake happened** because the **angel** came down and **rolled away the stone**. (2) All these events happened at the same time. MAT 28 2 s43v σεισμὸς…μέγας 1 a great earthquake a sudden and violent shaking of the ground MAT 28 3 vfh4 ἡ εἰδέα αὐτοῦ 1 his appearance “the angel’s appearance” MAT 28 3 p12y figs-simile ἦν…ὡς ἀστραπὴ 1 was like lightning This is a simile that emphasizes how bright in appearance the angel was. Alternate translation: “was bright like lightning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 28 3 i4hp figs-ellipsis τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ λευκὸν ὡς χιών 1 his clothing white like snow The verb “was” from the previous phrase can be repeated. Alternate translation: “his clothing was white like snow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) MAT 28 3 bzow figs-simile τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ λευκὸν ὡς χιών 1 his clothing white like snow This is a simile that emphasizes how bright and white the angel’s clothes were. Alternate translation: “his clothing was very white, like snow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 28 4 b1ic figs-simile ἐγενήθησαν ὡς νεκροί 1 became like dead men This is a simile that means the soldiers fell down and did not move. Alternate translation: “fell to the ground and lay there like dead men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) MAT 28 5 q8dd ταῖς γυναιξίν 1 to the women “to Mary Magdalene and the other woman named Mary” MAT 28 5 tbd8 figs-activepassive τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον 1 who has been crucified You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the people and the soldiers crucified” or “whom they had crucified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 28 7 sp2a figs-quotesinquotes εἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν; καὶ ἰδοὺ, προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν; ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε. 1 tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised up from the dead. And behold, he is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him.’ This is a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead and that Jesus has gone ahead of you to Galilee where you will see him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) MAT 28 7 r5cw ἠγέρθη 1 He has been raised up “He has come back to life” MAT 28 7 a1ir ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν 1 from the dead From among all those who have died. This expression describes all **dead** people together in the underworld. MAT 28 7 ljb2 figs-you προάγει ὑμᾶς…αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε 1 he is going ahead of you … you will see him Here, **you** is plural. It refers to the women and the disciples. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 28 7 hf9i figs-you εἶπον ὑμῖν 1 I have told you Here, **you** is plural and refers to the women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) MAT 28 8 j2sv καὶ ἀπελθοῦσαι ταχὺ 1 And having quickly left “And after Mary Magdalene and the other woman named Mary quickly left” MAT 28 9 s393 ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 28 9 n5sz χαίρετε 1 Greetings This is an ordinary greeting, much like “Hello” in English. MAT 28 9 nmg1 ἐκράτησαν αὐτοῦ τοὺς πόδας 1 took hold of his feet “got down on their knees and held onto his feet” MAT 28 10 etk6 τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου 1 my brothers This refers to Jesus’ disciples. MAT 28 11 u1ae 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of the reaction of the Jewish religious leaders when they heard of Jesus’ resurrection. MAT 28 11 ktu5 δὲ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew starts to tell a new part of the story. MAT 28 11 mu4l αὐτῶν 1 They Here this refers to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. MAT 28 11 rnr3 ἰδού 1 behold This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this. MAT 28 12 ht82 συμβούλιόν τε λαβόντες 1 discussed the matter with them “decided on a plan among themselves.” The priests and elders decided to give the money to the soldiers. MAT 28 13 kn8i writing-quotations εἴπατε ὅτι, οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ…ἐλθόντες…ἡμῶν κοιμωμένων. 1 Say, ‘His disciples came … while we were sleeping.’ If your language does not allow quotations within quotations you may translate this as a single quote. Alternate translation: “Tell others that Jesus’ disciples came … while you were sleeping” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) MAT 28 14 n8xy καὶ ἐὰν ἀκουσθῇ τοῦτο ἐπὶ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος 1 If this report reaches the governor “If the governor hears that you were asleep when Jesus’ disciples took his body” MAT 28 14 u13q τοῦ ἡγεμόνος 1 the governor “Pilate” ([Matthew 27:2](../27/02.md)) MAT 28 14 x57k ἡμεῖς πείσομεν καὶ ὑμᾶς ἀμερίμνους ποιήσομεν 1 we will persuade him and keep you out of trouble “do not worry. We will talk to him so that he does not punish you.” MAT 28 15 yu3c figs-activepassive ἐποίησαν ὡς ἐδιδάχθησαν 1 did as they had been instructed You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “did what the priests had told them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 28 15 cp7r ὁ λόγος οὗτος παρὰ Ἰουδαίοις μέχρι τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας 1 This report spread widely among the Jews and continues even today “Many Jews heard this report and continue to tell others about it even today” MAT 28 15 vp3a μέχρι τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας 1 even until today This refers to the time Matthew wrote the book. MAT 28 16 h1ln 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the account of Jesus meeting with his disciples after his resurrection. MAT 28 17 pze9 προσεκύνησαν, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν 1 they worshiped him, but some doubted This could mean: (1) They all worshiped Jesus even though some of them doubted. (2) Some of them worshiped Jesus, but others did not worship him because they doubted. MAT 28 17 xgr5 figs-explicit οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν 1 but some doubted You can state this explicitly what the disciples doubted. Alternate translation: “some doubted that he was really Jesus and that he had become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MAT 28 18 v37p figs-activepassive ἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία 1 All authority has been given to me You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “My Father has given me all authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 28 18 sm35 figs-merism ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 in heaven and on earth Here, **heaven** and **earth** are used together to mean everyone and everything in heaven and earth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) MAT 28 19 yz6q figs-metonymy πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 of all the nations Here, **nations** refers to the people. Alternate translation: “of all the people in every nation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 28 19 l5b5 figs-metonymy εἰς τὸ ὄνομα 1 into the name Here, **name** refers to authority. Alternate translation: “by the authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MAT 28 19 kwa3 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρὸς…τοῦ Υἱοῦ 1 the Father … the Son These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) MAT 28 20 mz6f ἰδοὺ 1 See “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you” MAT 28 20 si8z ἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος 1 even to the end of the age “until the end of this age” or “until the end of the world”