Luke

Luke front

Introduction to the Gospel of Luke

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of Luke

1. Dedication to Theophilus (1:1-4)
2. Prologue
   • The birth of John the Baptist (1:5-80)
   • The birth and youth of Jesus (2:1-51)
   • The ministry of John the Baptist (3:1-20)
   • The baptism, genealogy, and temptation of Jesus (3:21-4:13)
3. The teaching and healing ministry of Jesus in Galilee (4:14-9:50)
4. Jesus teaches along his journey to Jerusalem
   • Judgment by God, and people’s judgments about Jesus (9:51-13:21)
   • Who will be part of the kingdom of God (13:22-17:10)
   • Responding to Jesus by welcoming or rejecting him (17:11-19:27)
5. Jesus in Jerusalem
   • Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (19:28-44)
   • Jesus teaches in the temple: conflict over his identity and authority (19:45-21:38)
   • Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (22:1-24:53)

What is the Gospel of Luke about?

The Gospel of Luke is one of four books in the New Testament that describe the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. These books are called “Gospels,” which means “good news.” Their authors wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. Luke wrote his Gospel for a person named Theophilus and dedicated it to him. Luke wrote an accurate description of the life and teachings of Jesus so that Theophilus would be certain that what he had been taught about Jesus was true. However, Luke expected that what he wrote would encourage all followers of Jesus.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Gospel of Luke” or “The Gospel According to Luke.” Or they may choose a different title, such as “The Good News About Jesus that Luke Wrote.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Who wrote the book of Luke?

This book does not give the name of its author. However, the same person who wrote this book also wrote the book of Acts, which is also dedicated to Theophilus. In parts of the book of Acts, the author uses the word “we.” This indicates that the author traveled with Paul. Most scholars think that Luke was this person traveling with Paul. Therefore, since early Christian times, most Christians have recognized Luke as the author of both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.

Luke was a medical doctor. His way of writing shows that he was an educated man. He was probably a Gentile. Luke himself probably did not witness what Jesus said and did. But he tells Theophilus in his dedication that he talked to many people who did.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

The kingdom of God

“The kingdom of God” is a major concept in the Gospel of Luke. It is very rich in meaning. It includes the idea of eternal life in the presence of God, but it also includes the idea of what the earth will be like in the future when God rules everything, and the idea of life on earth right now, when and where God’s wishes are carried out fully. The unifying concept behind all of these ideas is that of God ruling and of people embracing God’s rule over their lives. Wherever the expression “the kingdom of God” occurs, translation notes will suggest communicating the idea behind the abstract noun “kingdom” with some phrase that uses the verb “rule.” UST models this approach consistently. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Why does Luke write so much about the final week of Jesus’ life?

Luke wrote much about Jesus’ final week. He wanted his readers to think deeply about Jesus’ final week and his death on the cross. He wanted people to understand that Jesus willingly died on the cross so that God could forgive them for sinning against him. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

What are the roles of women in the Gospel of Luke?

Luke described women in a very positive way in his Gospel. For example, he often showed women being more faithful to God than most men. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What are the Synoptic Gospels?

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they tell the story of many of the same events. The word “synoptic” means to “see together.”

Passages 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.” This is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. In that passage, there is a person who is described as like a “son of man.” That means that the person was someone who looked like a human being. God gave authority to this “son of man” to rule over the nations forever. All people will worship him forever.

Jews of Jesus’ time did not use “Son of Man” as a title for anyone. But Jesus used it for himself to help them understand who he truly was. (See: Son of Man, son of man)

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.

Major issues in the text of the book of Luke

ULT follows the readings of the most accurate ancient manuscripts of the Bible. However, there may already be older versions of the Bible in the translators’ regions that follow the readings of other manuscripts. In the most significant cases, the General Notes to the chapters in which these differences occur will discuss them and recommend approaches. (See: Textual Variants)

Luke 1

Luke 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Dedication to Theophilus (1:1-4)
2. The angel Gabriel announces to Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth is going to bear a son, John the Baptist (1:5-25)
3. The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is going to become the mother of Jesus (1:26-38)
4. Mary goes to visit Elizabeth (1:39-56)
5. John the Baptist is born (1:57-80)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. ULT does this with the poetry in Mary’s song about becoming the mother of Jesus in 1:46-55 and Zechariah’s song about the birth of his son John the Baptist in 1:68-79.

Special concepts in this chapter

“He will be called John”

Most people in the ancient Near East would give a child the same name as someone in their families. People were surprised that Elizabeth and Zechariah named their son John because there was no one else in their family with that name.

Luke 1:1

περὶ τῶν πεπληροφορημένων ἐν ἡμῖν πραγμάτων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “about those things that have happened among us” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν ἡμῖν

Luke dedicates this book to a man named Theophilus. It is no longer known exactly who he was. But since Luke says in 1:4 that he wants Theophilus to know that the things he has been taught are reliable, it appears that he was a follower of Jesus. So here the word us would include him. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Luke 1:2

οἱ…αὐτόπται…γενόμενοι

The term eyewitness describes someone who saw something happen personally, “with their own eyes.” The term describes such a person figuratively by reference to something associated with sight, the eye. Alternate translation: “who … saw these things personally” (See: Metonymy)

ὑπηρέται…τοῦ λόγου

Here, word figuratively describes the things that the people who brought the message conveyed by using words. Alternate translation: “servants of the message” (See: Metonymy)

ὑπηρέται…τοῦ λόγου

The people who brought this message were actually serving God by doing that. But Luke describes them figuratively as servants of the word, as if they were serving the message from God. Alternate translation: “served God by telling people his message” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:3

παρηκολουθηκότι ἄνωθεν πᾶσιν ἀκριβῶς

Luke provides this background information to explain that he was careful to find out exactly what happened. He probably talked to different people who saw what happened to make sure that what he wrote down about these events was correct. Alternate translation: “because I have conducted careful research and interviews” (See: Background Information)

σοι…κράτιστε Θεόφιλε

If your language has a formal form of you that it uses to address a superior respectfully, it would be appropriate to use that form here. There are many other places in the book of Luke where your language might use formal you, and these notes will not address all of them. Rather, as you translate, use formal and informal you in the way that would be most natural in your language. The notes will address a few cases where a careful decision should be made between the two forms. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Formal or Informal)

κράτιστε Θεόφιλε

Luke is dedicating this work to Theophilus, and within his dedication, this is the conventional personal greeting. If it would be more customary in your language and culture, you could put this greeting in 1:1 at the start of the dedication, at the very beginning of the book. Alternate translation: “To most excellent Theophilus”

κράτιστε

Luke uses the term most excellent to address Theophilus in a way that shows honor and respect. This may mean that Theophilus was an important government official. In your translation, it would be appropriate to use the form of address that your culture uses for people of high status. Alternate translation: “Honorable”

Θεόφιλε

This name means “friend of God.” It may describe this man’s character, or it may have been his actual name. Most translations treat it as a name. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 1:4

ὧν κατηχήθης λόγων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “what people have taught you” (See: Active or Passive)

ὧν κατηχήθης λόγων

Luke assumes that Theophilus will know that he means what he has been taught about Jesus. Alternate translation: “what people have taught you about Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:5

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Ἡρῴδου βασιλέως τῆς Ἰουδαίας

This time reference introduces a new event. Alternate translation: “During the time when King Herod ruled over Judea” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις

Here, Luke uses the term days figuratively to refer to a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “During the time when” (See: Idiom)

Ἡρῴδου

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ἰουδαίας

Judea is the name of a kingdom. (It was not an independent kingdom at this time. Herod ruled it as a vassal of the Roman Empire.) (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐγένετο…ἱερεύς τις

This phrase introduces a new character in a story. If your language has an expression of its own that serves this purpose, you can use it here. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Ζαχαρίας

Zechariah is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐξ ἐφημερίας Ἀβιά

Luke assumes that his readers will know that this expression refers one of the different groups of priests who each served in the temple for a certain number of days at a time, and that the name of the group means that Abijah was the ancestor of these priests. Alternate translation: “who belonged to the group of priests who were descended from Abijah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ἀβιά

Abijah is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

γυνὴ αὐτῷ ἐκ τῶν θυγατέρων Ἀαρών

Here, the word daughters figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “his wife was a descendant of Aaron” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκ τῶν θυγατέρων Ἀαρών

This means implicitly that she, like Zechariah, was descended from the line of priests going back to Aaron, the first high priest. Alternate translation: “his wife also came from the line of priests” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ἐλεισάβετ

Elizabeth is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 1:6

ἐναντίον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Luke uses this expression to mean “where God could see them.” Seeing, in turn, figuratively means attention and judgment. Alternate translation: “in God’s judgment” (See: Metaphor)

πορευόμενοι ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἐντολαῖς καὶ δικαιώμασιν τοῦ Κυρίου

The term walking figuratively means “obeying.” Alternate translation: “obeying … everything that the Lord had commanded” (See: Metaphor)

πάσαις ταῖς ἐντολαῖς καὶ δικαιώμασιν τοῦ Κυρίου

The words commandments and statutes mean similar things. Luke uses the two terms together to make a comprehensive statement. You do not need to repeat both words in your translation if that might be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “everything that the Lord had commanded” (See: Doublet)

Luke 1:7

καὶ

This word indicates a contrast, showing that what follows is the opposite of what would be expected. People expected that if they did what was right, God would allow them to have children. Although this couple did what was right, they did not have any children. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀμφότεροι προβεβηκότες ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτῶν

To have moved forward or to have advanced means figuratively to have aged. Alternate translation: “they had both grown old” (See: Idiom)

ἀμφότεροι προβεβηκότες ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτῶν

Here, Luke uses the term days figuratively to refer to a particular time, the lifetimes of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Alternate translation: “they had both grown old” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:8

ἐγένετο δὲ

This phrase marks a shift from the background information that Luke has been providing about the participants to the first event in their story. If your language has a similar expression that it uses to introduce an event, you can use it here in your translation. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῷ ἱερατεύειν αὐτὸν, ἐν τῇ τάξει τῆς ἐφημερίας αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the results that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because it was his group’s turn, Zechariah was serving as a priest” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐν τῷ ἱερατεύειν αὐτὸν…ἔναντι τοῦ Θεοῦ

The expression before God, that is, “in front of God,” means that Zechariah was offering his service as a priest in the presence of God. Alternate translation: “while Zechariah was serving God as a priest” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῷ ἱερατεύειν αὐτὸν

The pronoun his refers to Zechariah. Alternate translation: “while Zechariah was serving as a priest” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐν τῇ τάξει τῆς ἐφημερίας αὐτοῦ

This is background information that explains why Zechariah was serving as a priest at this time. Alternate translation: “because it was his group’s turn to serve” (See: Background Information)

Luke 1:9

κατὰ τὸ ἔθος τῆς ἱερατείας, ἔλαχε

Luke is providing background information about how the priests selected members of their group to perform specific duties. Alternate translation: “The priests chose him in their customary way, by casting a lot” (See: Background Information)

ἔλαχε

A lot was a marked stone that was thrown or rolled on the ground in order to help decide something. The priests believed that God would guide the lot and show them which priest he wanted them to choose for a particular duty. If your culture has a similar object, you can use the word for that in your language here. Alternate translation: “by casting a marked stone” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, εἰσελθὼν εἰς τὸν ναὸν τοῦ Κυρίου

ULT puts these phrases in the chronological order of what Zechariah needed to do. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put them in logical order instead. Alternate translation: “to burn incense, and so he went into the temple to do that” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι

The word incense describes a substance that gives off a sweet smell when it is burned. The priests were to burn it as an offering to God each morning and evening on a special altar inside the temple. If your language has a word for this substance, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “to burn a substance that would create a sweet smell as an offering to God” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 1:10

πᾶν τὸ πλῆθος…τοῦ λαοῦ

This expression, if taken literally, could mean every single one of the Jews, but it is actually a generalization that Luke is using to emphasize how big this crowd was. Alternate translation: “A large number of people” (See: Hyperbole)

ἔξω

This word refers implicitly to the enclosed area or courtyard that surrounded the temple. Alternate translation: “in the courtyard outside the temple building” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῇ ὥρᾳ τοῦ θυμιάματος

The word hour figuratively means “time.” This could mean either the morning or evening time for the incense offering. Alternate translation: “when it was time to offer the incense” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:11

δὲ

This word indicates that the event it introduces took place at the same time as the event the story has just related. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could show this relationship by using a phrase such as “right at that time.” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

ὤφθη…αὐτῷ

When Luke says that the angel appeared, this does not mean that Zechariah simply saw the angel in a vision. Rather, this expression indicates that the angel was actually present with Zechariah. Alternate translation: “suddenly was there with Zechariah” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:12

ἐταράχθη Ζαχαρίας…φόβος ἐπέπεσεν ἐπ’ αὐτόν

These two phrases mean similar things. Luke is using them together to emphasize how afraid Zechariah was. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “Zechariah became very afraid” (See: Parallelism)

ἰδών

The implication is that Zechariah was afraid because the angel appeared glorious and powerful. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. (Luke has just said that Zechariah was righteous and blameless, so it would be good not to leave your readers with the impression that he had done something wrong and was afraid that the angel was going to punish him for it.) Alternate translation: “when he saw how glorious and powerful the angel was” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

φόβος ἐπέπεσεν ἐπ’ αὐτόν

Luke is using the expression fell upon figuratively to speak of fear as if it attacked and overcame Zechariah. Alternate translation: “this made him very afraid” (See: Metaphor)

φόβος ἐπέπεσεν ἐπ’ αὐτόν

Luke describes Zechariah’s fear figuratively as if it were something that could actively attack and overpower him. Alternate translation: “this made him very afraid” (See: Personification)

Luke 1:13

μὴ φοβοῦ

While the angel speaks these words in the form of a command, he is actually telling Zechariah something to help and encourage him. Alternate translation: “You do not need to be afraid” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

εἰσηκούσθη ἡ δέησίς σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “God has heard your prayer” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰσηκούσθη ἡ δέησίς σου

This is an idiom that means that God is going to give Zechariah what he has been asking for. Alternate translation: “God is going to give you what you have been asking for” (See: Idiom)

καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰωάννην

The angel is using a statement as a command in order to tell Zechariah what to do. Alternate translation: “and you are to name him John” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰωάννην

The expression call his name is an idiom that means to give a child a name. Alternate translation: “name him John” (See: Idiom)

Ἰωάννην

John is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 1:14

ἔσται χαρά σοι καὶ ἀγαλλίασις

The words joy and gladness mean the same thing. The angel uses them together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “you will be very happy” (See: Doublet)

ἐπὶ τῇ γενέσει αὐτοῦ

The word at introduces the reason why many people will rejoice. Alternate translation: “because he has been born” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 1:15

ἔσται γὰρ μέγας

The word for introduces the reason why people will rejoice at John's birth. Alternate translation: “This will be because they will be able to tell that he is going to be a great man” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἔσται γὰρ μέγας ἐνώπιον τοῦ Κυρίου

This expression means “in front of the Lord,” that is, “where the Lord can see him.” Sight, in turn, figuratively represents attention and judgment. Alternate translation: “God will consider him to be very important” (See: Metaphor)

οὐ μὴ πίῃ

The phrase must never translates two negative words in Greek. The angel uses them together to emphasize how important it is that the child not drink wine or strong drink. If your language can use two negatives together for emphasis without them cancelling each other to create a positive meaning, it would be appropriate to use that construction here. (See: Double Negatives)

Πνεύματος Ἁγίου πλησθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit will fill him” (See: Active or Passive)

Πνεύματος Ἁγίου πλησθήσεται

The angel speaks figuratively as if John would be a container that the Holy Spirit would fill. He means that the Holy Spirit will empower and influence John. Be sure that in your translation, this does not sound similar to what an evil spirit might do to in taking control of a person. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit will empower him” (See: Metaphor)

ἔτι ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “while he is still in his mother’s womb”

Luke 1:16

πολλοὺς τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραὴλ ἐπιστρέψει ἐπὶ Κύριον

To turn a person back figuratively means to lead them to repent and obey the Lord once again. Alternate translation: “he will cause many of the people of Israel to repent and obey the Lord” (See: Metaphor)

πολλοὺς τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραὴλ

Here, the word sons figuratively means “descendants.” This expression envisions all of the Israelites as if they were their ancestor Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Alternate translation: “many of the people of Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Ἰσραὴλ

Israel is the name of a man. Luke uses it many times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 1:17

αὐτὸς προελεύσεται ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ

To go before is an idiom that indicates that before the Lord comes, John will announce to the people that the Lord is going to come to them. Alternate translation: “John will announce that the Lord is coming” (See: Idiom)

ἐν πνεύματι καὶ δυνάμει Ἠλεία

In this context, the words spirit and power mean similar things. The angel may be using them together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “with the same great power that Elijah had” (See: Doublet)

ἐν πνεύματι καὶ δυνάμει Ἠλεία

Alternatively, the angel may be expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The term power may tell what kind of spirit Elijah had. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “in the powerful spirit of Elijah” (See: Hendiadys)

Ἠλεία

Elijah is the name of a man, a great prophet of Israel. It occurs several times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐπιστρέψαι καρδίας πατέρων ἐπὶ τέκνα

The angel speaks of hearts as if they were living things that could be turned to go in a different direction. This expression figuratively means to change someone’s attitude toward something. Alternate translation: “to make fathers care about their children once again” (See: Personification)

ἐπιστρέψαι καρδίας πατέρων ἐπὶ τέκνα

The angel uses the relationship between fathers and children figuratively to represent all relationships. Luke relates in 3:10-14 how John encouraged reconciliation in a variety of different relationships. Alternate translation: “to restore broken relationships” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐπιστρέψαι καρδίας πατέρων ἐπὶ τέκνα

It is assumed that readers will know that this is what the prophet Malachi had said Elijah would do before the Lord came. The implication in context is that John will fulfill this prophecy by using the same empowerment that Elijah had. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to restore broken relationships, just as the prophet Malachi said Elijah would do before the Lord came” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπειθεῖς ἐν φρονήσει δικαίων

Gabriel is using the term wisdom in the Old Testament sense as a moral term that refers to choosing the way in life that God has shown to be best. The people who make this choice are righteous, meaning that God considers them to be living in the right way. Alternate translation: “to lead people who are disobeying God to choose his ways and become people who live right” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπειθεῖς…δικαίων

Gabriel is using the adjectives disobedient and righteous as nouns in order to indicate groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are disobeying God … people who live right” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

λαὸν κατεσκευασμένον

You could state explicitly in your translation what the people will be prepared to do. Alternate translation: “a people who will be prepared to believe his message” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:18

κατὰ τί γνώσομαι τοῦτο

Zechariah is implicitly asking for a sign as proof. Alternate translation: “What sign can you show me to prove that this will happen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

γάρ

This word introduces the reason why Zechariah wants a sign. He and his wife are both too old to have children, so he is finding it hard to believe what the angel has told him. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

προβεβηκυῖα ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτῆς

Zechariah is using two idioms. As in 1:7, to be advanced means figuratively to have aged, and days figuratively refers a particular period of time, in this case the lifetime of Elizabeth. Alternate translation: “my wife has also grown old” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:19

ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ ἄγγελος εἶπεν

Together the words answering and said mean that the angel responded to the question that Zechariah asked. Alternate translation: “the angel responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ἐγώ εἰμι Γαβριὴλ, ὁ παρεστηκὼς ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Gabriel says this in the form of a statement, but he means it as a rebuke to Zechariah. The presence of an angel coming directly from God should be enough proof for him. Alternate translation: “You should have believed me, Gabriel, coming to you straight from God!” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

Γαβριὴλ

Gabriel is the name of an angel. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὁ παρεστηκὼς ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

To stand before or “in front of” a master, that is, in the presence of that master, figuratively means to be available to serve them at all times in any capacity. Alternate translation: “I serve God personally” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπεστάλην λαλῆσαι πρὸς σὲ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God sent me to speak to you” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 1:20

καὶ ἰδοὺ

The term behold focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Though it literally means “look” or “see,” in this case seeing figuratively means giving notice and attention. Alternate translation: “Pay attention!” (See: Metaphor)

ἔσῃ σιωπῶν καὶ μὴ δυνάμενος λαλῆσαι

The implication is that God will make this happen, to show that Zechariah should have believed what Gabriel told him. Alternate translation: “God will make you completely unable to speak” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

σιωπῶν καὶ μὴ δυνάμενος λαλῆσαι

These two phrases mean the same thing. Gabriel uses the repetition to emphasize how complete the silence of Zechariah will be. Alternate translation: “completely unable to speak” (See: Doublet)

οὐκ ἐπίστευσας τοῖς λόγοις μου

Gabriel uses the term words figuratively to describe the content of his message by reference to something associated with it, the words he used to communicate it. Alternate translation: “you did not believe what I told you” (See: Metonymy)

οἵτινες πληρωθήσονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “which will happen” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς τὸν καιρὸν αὐτῶν

This is an idiom that means “the time that pertains to them.” Alternate translation: “at the appointed time” or “at the time that God has chosen” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:21

καὶ

This word marks a shift in the story from what happened inside the temple to what happened outside. Alternate translation: “While that was happening” or “While the angel and Zechariah were talking” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

Luke 1:22

ἐπέγνωσαν ὅτι ὀπτασίαν ἑώρακεν ἐν τῷ ναῷ. καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν διανεύων αὐτοῖς, καὶ διέμενεν κωφός

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the action that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “He kept on making signs to them but said nothing. So they concluded that he must have seen a vision while he was in the temple” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐπέγνωσαν ὅτι ὀπτασίαν ἑώρακεν ἐν τῷ ναῷ

Gabriel was actually present with Zechariah in the temple. He explains in 1:19 that God sent him there. The people, not knowing this, assumed that Zechariah had seen a vision. While the Greek says that they “perceived” this, it means that they thought they recognized what had happened. Alternate translation: “they thought that he had seen a vision” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:23

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ὡς ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι τῆς λειτουργίας αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “when Zechariah had finished his time of service at the temple” (See: Active or Passive)

αἱ ἡμέραι τῆς λειτουργίας αὐτοῦ

Here, Luke uses the term days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “his time of service at the temple” (See: Idiom)

ἀπῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ

This expression indicates implicitly that Zechariah did not live in Jerusalem, where the temple was located. Luke indicates in 1:39 that Zechariah and Elizabeth lived instead in a city in the hill country of Judah, the area to the south of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “he traveled back to his hometown” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:24

δὲ

This word indicates that the events the story will now relate came after the events it has just described. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

μετὰ δὲ ταύτας τὰς ἡμέρας

Here, Luke uses the term days to refer figuratively to a particular period of time, specifically, the time when Zechariah was serving in the temple. Alternate translation: “after Zechariah had finished serving at the temple” (See: Idiom)

περιέκρυβεν ἑαυτὴν μῆνας πέντε

This expression means that Elizabeth did not leave her house during that time. She seems to state the reason for this in the next verse. She had felt disgraced because she was not able to have children. But if she stayed in her house for five months, the next time people saw her, her pregnancy would show, and it would be clear that she was able to have children. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “She did not leave her house for five months so that by the next time people saw her, it would be clear that she was going to have a baby” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:25

οὕτως μοι πεποίηκεν Κύριος

This is a positive exclamation. Elizabeth is very happy with what the Lord has done for her. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could show this by making it a separate sentence and indicating with the conventions of your language that it is an exclamation. Alternate translation: “What a marvelous thing the Lord has done for me” (See: Exclamations)

οὕτως μοι πεποίηκεν Κύριος

It is implicit that Elizabeth is referring to the fact that the Lord has allowed her to become pregnant. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “What a marvelous thing the Lord has done for me by allowing me to become pregnant” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπεῖδεν

Here, the expression looked upon is an idiom that means “shown regard for” or “treated well.” Alternate translation: “he treated me kindly” (See: Idiom)

ἀφελεῖν ὄνειδός μου ἐν ἀνθρώποις

By disgrace, Elizabeth means the shame she felt because she was not able to have children. Alternate translation: “so that I no longer have to feel ashamed when I am around other people because I cannot have children” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:26

ἐν…τῷ μηνὶ τῷ ἕκτῳ

Luke assumes that readers will recognize that this does not mean the sixth month of the year, but the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. If you think there could be some confusion about this, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “after Elizabeth had been pregnant for six months” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῷ μηνὶ τῷ ἕκτῳ

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “month 6” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ἀπεστάλη ὁ ἄγγελος Γαβριὴλ ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “God sent the angel Gabriel” (See: Active or Passive)

Γαλιλαίας

Galilee is the name of a region. It occurs many times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ναζαρὲτ

Nazareth is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 1:27

ἀνδρὶ, ᾧ ὄνομα Ἰωσὴφ

This introduces Joseph as a new character in the story. If your language has an expression of its own that serves this purpose, you can use it here. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Ἰωσὴφ

Joseph is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐξ οἴκου Δαυεὶδ

In this expression, the word house describes all the people descended from a particular person. The term views all of those descendants figuratively as if they were one household living together. Alternate translation: “who was a descendant of King David” (See: Metaphor)

ἐξ οἴκου Δαυεὶδ

This is background information that helps identify Joseph further. It is important for readers to know because it means that as 1:32 indicates, Jesus, as the adoptive son of Joseph, will be an eligible successor to King David as the Messiah. Alternate translation: “who came from the royal line of David” (See: Background Information)

τὸ ὄνομα τῆς παρθένου Μαριάμ

This introduces Mary as a new character in the story. If your language has an expression of its own that serves this purpose, you can use it here. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Μαριάμ

Mary is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 1:28

χαῖρε

This word was used as a greeting. Alternate translation: “Greetings” (See: Idiom)

κεχαριτωμένη

Alternate translation: “you who have received great grace” or “you who have received special kindness”

ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ

The expression with you is an idiom that indicates favor and acceptance. Alternate translation: “The Lord is pleased with you” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:29

ἐπὶ τῷ λόγῳ

Luke is using the term words figuratively to mean what Gabriel said by using words. Alternate translation: “by what he said” or “when he said this” (See: Metonymy)

διελογίζετο ποταπὸς εἴη ὁ ἀσπασμὸς οὗτος

Alternate translation: “she wondered why an angel would greet her in this way”

Luke 1:30

μὴ φοβοῦ, Μαριάμ; εὗρες γὰρ χάριν παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the action that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “God is showing you his kindness, Mary, so you do not need to be afraid” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

μὴ φοβοῦ

While the angel speaks these words in the form of a command, he is actually telling Mary something that he thinks will help and encourage her. Alternate translation: “You do not need to be afraid” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

εὗρες…χάριν παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “God is showing you his kindness” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 1:31

καὶ ἰδοὺ

As in 1:20, behold is a term that focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully now” (See: Metaphor)

συνλήμψῃ ἐν γαστρὶ, καὶ τέξῃ υἱόν

The phrase conceive in your womb might seem to express unnecessary extra information, and so if you represent all of it in your language, that might not seem natural. However, the details are important here. The expression emphasizes that Jesus was a human son born of a human mother. So be sure to translate this expression in a way that conveys that. (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν

As in 1:13, Gabriel is using a statement as a command in order to tell Mary what to do. Alternate translation: “you are to name him Jesus” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν

As in 1:13, call his name is an idiom that means to give a child a name. Alternate translation: “name him Jesus” (See: Idiom)

Ἰησοῦν

This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 1:32

Υἱὸς Ὑψίστου κληθήσεται

To be called is an idiom that means “to be.” (This idiom occurs three times in this episode and in a few other places in the book, such as 1:76, 2:23, and 15:19.) Alternate translation: “He will be the Son of the Most High” (See: Idiom)

Υἱὸς Ὑψίστου κληθήσεται

Gabriel is not saying only that Son of the Most High is a title by which Jesus will be known. Instead, just as the previous verse described how Jesus was a human son born of a human mother, his statement here indicates that Jesus was also the divine Son of a divine Father. You may want to show this by employing capitalization or whatever other convention your language uses to indicate divinity. Alternate translation: “He will be the Son of the Most High” (See: Translating Son and Father)

Υἱὸς Ὑψίστου κληθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “He will be the Son of the Most High” (See: Active or Passive)

Ὑψίστου

This is an idiomatic way of referring to God, as the fuller expression “the Most High God” in 8:38 shows. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate the phrase that way in order to explain its meaning. Or, you could simply reproduce the phrase in the simpler form in which it occurs here in order to show your readers one of the ways in which the people of this time referred to God. Alternate translation: “the Most High God” (See: Idiom)

δώσει αὐτῷ…τὸν θρόνον Δαυεὶδ, τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ

The throne figuratively represents a king’s authority to rule. Alternate translation: “will give him authority to rule as king as his ancestor David did” (See: Metonymy)

δώσει αὐτῷ…τὸν θρόνον Δαυεὶδ, τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ

Here, the term father figuratively means “ancestor,” but since a line of kings is in view, it also indicates that Jesus will be a successor to David. Alternate translation: “will give him authority to rule as a successor to his ancestor David” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:33

βασιλεύσει…εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας; καὶ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ, οὐκ ἔσται τέλος

These two phrases mean similar things. Gabriel uses them together to emphasize how certain it is that Jesus will always rule. Because Gabriel is making a proclamation, he is speaking in a form much like poetry. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if the repetition might be confusing, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and, in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “he will rule … forever, yes, his kingship will always continue” (See: Parallelism)

τὸν οἶκον Ἰακὼβ

In this expression, the word house figuratively describes all the people descended from a particular person, in this case Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Alternate translation: “the people descended from Jacob” (See: Metaphor)

Ἰακὼβ

Jacob is the name of a man. Luke uses it a few more times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας

This is an idiom. The term ages means long periods of time. Alternate translation: “forever” (See: Idiom)

τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ, οὐκ ἔσται τέλος

This is a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “his kingship will always continue” (See: Litotes)

τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ, οὐκ ἔσται τέλος

The abstract noun kingship refers to the action of a king reigning. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the idea behind this word with a verb such as “reign.” Alternate translation: “he will always reign” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 1:34

πῶς ἔσται τοῦτο

The implication is that even though Mary did not understand how this could happen, she did not doubt that it would happen. This is clear from the way that Gabriel responds positively and encouragingly to her, by contrast to the way he rebuked Zechariah in 1:18 for his similar-sounding question. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I believe you, though I do not understand how this could happen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄνδρα οὐ γινώσκω

Mary uses a polite expression to say that she had not engaged in sexual activity. Alternate translation: “I have never had sexual relations with a man” (See: Euphemism)

Luke 1:35

ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ ἄγγελος εἶπεν

Together the words answering and said mean that the angel responded to the question that Mary asked. Alternate translation: “the angel responded” (See: Hendiadys)

Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον ἐπελεύσεται ἐπὶ σέ, καὶ δύναμις Ὑψίστου ἐπισκιάσει σοι

These two phrases mean similar things. Once again Gabriel is speaking in a form much like Hebrew poetry. It would be good here as well to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if the repetition might be confusing, you could connect the phrases with a term other than and, in order to show that the second phrase is repeating and clarifying the meaning of the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit will come to you, yes, the power of God will cover you like a shadow” (See: Parallelism)

δύναμις Ὑψίστου ἐπισκιάσει σοι

It was the power of God that would supernaturally cause Mary to become pregnant even while she still remained a virgin. It is not clear exactly how this happened, since Gabriel speaks figuratively as if God’s power had a shadow in order to describe it. But make sure that your translation does not imply that there was any physical or sexual union involved. This was a miracle. It might work well to retain Gabriel’s language and change the metaphor to a simile. Alternate translation: “the power of the Most High will cover you like a shadow” (See: Metaphor)

Ὑψίστου

See how you translated the expression the Most High in 1:32. Alternate translation: “the Most High God” (See: Idiom)

διὸ καὶ τὸ γεννώμενον Ἅγιον κληθήσεται, Υἱὸς Θεοῦ

As in 1:32, to be called is an idiom that means “to be.” Alternate translation: “Therefore, this holy baby will be the Son of God” (See: Idiom)

διὸ καὶ τὸ γεννώμενον Ἅγιον κληθήσεται, Υἱὸς Θεοῦ

Gabriel is not saying only that Son of God is a title by which Jesus will be known. Instead, this is a further statement that Jesus would be the divine Son of a divine Father. (Gabriel says therefore, indicating that this will be the result of the process he has just described.) You may want to show this by employing capitalization or whatever other convention your language uses to indicate divinity. Alternate translation: “Therefore, this holy baby will be the Son of God” (See: Translating Son and Father)

τὸ γεννώμενον Ἅγιον κληθήσεται, Υἱὸς Θεοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand these two passive forms, you could express the meaning of each with an active form. Alternate translation: “people will call this holy baby whom you will bear the Son of God” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ γεννώμενον Ἅγιον κληθήσεται, Υἱὸς Θεοῦ

Depending on how the Greek is understood, this could be another parallel statement. Alternate translation: “The one who will be born will be holy. Yes, he will be the Son of God” (See: Parallelism)

Luke 1:36

ἰδοὺ

Behold focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Alternate translation: “Consider this” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ αὐτὴ συνείληφεν υἱὸν ἐν γήρει αὐτῆς

Make sure that your translation does not make it does not sound as if both Mary and Elizabeth were old when they conceived. Alternate translation: “she has also become pregnant with a son, even though she is already very old”

οὗτος μὴν ἕκτος ἐστὶν αὐτῇ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “she is now in the sixth month of her pregnancy” (See: Idiom)

τῇ καλουμένῃ στείρᾳ

This is a further use of the idiom also found in 1:32 and 1:35 in which “to be called” means “to be.” Alternate translation: “who was not able to have children” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:37

ὅτι

This word indicates that the sentence it introduces explains the reason for what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “This shows that” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

οὐκ ἀδυνατήσει παρὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ πᾶν ῥῆμα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “God is able to do anything he says” (See: Double Negatives)

οὐκ ἀδυνατήσει παρὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ πᾶν ῥῆμα

Here, the term word could mean: (1) since Mary uses the same term figuratively in the next verse to describe the message that Gabriel has brought from God, Gabriel may be using it to mean that message as well. Alternate translation: “God is able to do anything he says” (2) Gabriel may be using the term in a general sense to mean “thing.” Alternate translation: “everything is possible with God” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 1:38

ἰδοὺ

Here, behold means more literally “look,” that is, “Look at me,” by which Mary means, “This is who I am.” Alternate translation (not followed by a comma): “I am” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ δούλη Κυρίου

By describing herself as a servant, Mary is responding humbly and willingly. She is not boasting about being in the Lord’s service. Choose an expression in your language that will show her humility and obedience to the Lord. Alternate translation: “someone who will gladly serve the Lord in any way he wishes” (See: Metaphor)

γένοιτό μοι

Once again Mary is expressing her willingness for the things to happen that the angel has told her about. Alternate translation: “I am willing for these things to happen to me”

κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου

Here, the term word figuratively describes the message that Gabriel has brought. Alternate translation: “just as you have said” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 1:39

δὲ…ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις

This time reference sets the stage for a new episode in the story. Alternate translation: “Around that same time” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις

Here, Luke uses the term days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “Around that same time” (See: Idiom)

ἀναστᾶσα

This is an idiom that means not just that Mary stood up, but that she took action to get an enterprise under way. Alternate translation: “started out” (See: Idiom)

τὴν ὀρινὴν

This was an area of high hills extending south from the Jerusalem area to the Negev desert. Alternate translation: “the hilly area south of Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:40

εἰσῆλθεν εἰς

The implication is that Mary finished her journey before she went into Zechariah’s house. You can state this clearly. Alternate translation: “Once she arrived, she went inside” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:41

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. One method that is natural in some languages is to introduce this event without such a phrase. UST often models this approach. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ αὐτῆς

The pronoun her refers to Elizabeth. Alternate translation: “in Elizabeth’s womb” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐσκίρτησεν

Luke says that Elizabeth’s baby leaped, but this was not literally possible. The expression refers figuratively to the baby making a sudden movement in response to the sound of Mary’s voice. Alternate translation: “moved suddenly” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος Ἁγίου ἡ Ἐλεισάβετ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος Ἁγίου ἡ Ἐλεισάβετ

Luke speaks figuratively as if Elizabeth was a container that the Holy Spirit filled. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit empowered Elizabeth” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:42

ἀνεφώνησεν φωνῇ μεγάλῃ καὶ εἶπεν

The expression exclaimed … and said expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word exclaimed indicates that what was said was an exclamation. Alternate translation: “she said loudly and excitedly” (See: Hendiadys)

φωνῇ μεγάλῃ

This is an idiom that means Elizabeth raised the volume of her voice. Alternate translation: “loudly” (See: Idiom)

ἐν γυναιξίν

The expression among women is an idiom that means “more than any other woman.” You could express that as an alternate translation. (See: Idiom)

ὁ καρπὸς τῆς κοιλίας σου

Elizabeth speaks figuratively of Mary’s baby as if he were the fruit that a plant or tree produces. Alternate translation: “the baby you are carrying” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:43

καὶ πόθεν μοι τοῦτο, ἵνα ἔλθῃ ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Κυρίου μου πρὸς ἐμέ?

Elizabeth is not asking for information. She is using a question form to show how surprised and happy she is that Mary has come to visit her. Alternate translation: “How wonderful it is that the mother of my Lord has come to visit me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

πόθεν μοι τοῦτο

The expression whence is this to me means “where did this come from to me.” It is an idiom for describing something as wonderful and unexpected. Alternate translation (not followed by a comma): “how wonderful it is” (See: Idiom)

ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Κυρίου μου

Elizabeth is referring to Mary in the third person. You could make this clear by adding the word “you” in your translation, as UST does. (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md)

Luke 1:44

ἰδοὺ γὰρ

The term behold focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. This phrase alerts Mary to pay attention to Elizabeth’s surprising statement that follows. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully now” (See: Metaphor)

ὡς ἐγένετο ἡ φωνὴ τοῦ ἀσπασμοῦ σου εἰς τὰ ὦτά μου

Elizabeth is using the term ears to mean hearing, and hearing figuratively means recognition. Alternate translation: “as soon as I heard your voice and realized that it was you” (See: Metaphor)

ἐσκίρτησεν ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει

As in 1:41, leaped is a figurative way of referring to sudden movement. Alternate translation: “moved suddenly because he was so happy” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:45

ἡ πιστεύσασα…τοῖς λελαλημένοις αὐτῇ παρὰ Κυρίου

Elizabeth is speaking to Mary, and these phrases describe Mary, but Elizabeth nevertheless speaks of her in the third person. She does this perhaps as a sign of respect, since she has just identified Mary as “the mother of my Lord.” Alternate translation: “you who believed … the message that the Lord sent you”(See: First, Second or Third Person)

ἔσται τελείωσις τοῖς λελαλημένοις αὐτῇ παρὰ Κυρίου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “that the Lord would do everything he sent the angel to tell you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἔσται τελείωσις τοῖς λελαλημένοις αὐτῇ παρὰ Κυρίου

Here, instead of the word “by,” Elizabeth uses the word from because Mary actually heard the angel Gabriel speak (see 1:26), but the things he spoke ultimately came from the Lord. Alternate translation: “that the Lord would do everything he sent the angel to tell you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:46

μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου

The word soul refers to the inmost part of a person. Here, Mary uses it to refer to all of herself. Mary is saying that her worship comes from deep inside her. Alternate translation: “From the depths of my being, I praise” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 1:47

ἠγαλλίασεν τὸ πνεῦμά μου

The word spirit also refers to the inner part of a person. Alternate translation: “yes, with everything inside of me, I rejoice” (See: Synecdoche)

ἠγαλλίασεν τὸ πνεῦμά μου

This statement is parallel to the one in the previous verse. Mary is speaking in poetry. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it might be good to show that to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. Alternate translation: “yes, with everything inside of me, I rejoice” (See: Parallelism)

ἠγαλλίασεν

Mary is speaking idiomatically as if something she is presently doing happened in the past. Alternate translation: “is celebrating” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:48

ὅτι

This word introduces the reason for what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “And this is why” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐπέβλεψεν ἐπὶ

As in 1:25, looked upon is an idiom that means “shown regard for.” Alternate translation: “he has kindly chosen” (See: Idiom)

τὴν ταπείνωσιν τῆς δούλης αὐτοῦ

Mary is speaking of her low condition figuratively to mean herself. Alternate translation: “me to serve him, even though I am not very important” (See: Metonymy)

ἰδοὺ γὰρ

The term behold focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Alternate translation: “Just think!” (See: Metaphor)

πᾶσαι αἱ γενεαί

Mary uses the term generations figuratively to mean the people who will be born in all future generations. Alternate translation: “the people of all future generations” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 1:49

ὁ δυνατός

Here, Mary is describing God figuratively by one of his attributes. She means that “God, who is powerful,” has done great things for her. (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md)

ἅγιον τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ

Mary is using the term name figuratively to mean God’s reputation, and the reputation figuratively represents God himself. Alternate translation: “he deserves to be treated with complete respect” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 1:50

εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γενεὰς

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “extends to every generation” (See: Idiom)

τοῖς φοβουμένοις αὐτόν

In this context, to fear does not mean to be afraid, but to show respect and reverence. Alternate translation: “those who honor him” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:51

ἐποίησεν κράτος ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ

Mary is using the term arm figuratively to represent God’s power. Alternate translation: “He has demonstrated that he is very powerful” (See: Metonymy)

διεσκόρπισεν

The word scattered figuratively describes how thoroughly God has defeated all who opposed him. The word creates a picture of God’s enemies fleeing in every direction, unable to arrange an organized retreat. Alternate translation: “he has completely defeated” (See: Metaphor)

ὑπερηφάνους διανοίᾳ καρδίας αὐτῶν

The term hearts figuratively represents the will and affections of these people. Alternate translation: “who cherish proud thoughts” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:52

καθεῖλεν δυνάστας ἀπὸ θρόνων

A throne is a chair that a ruler sits on, and it is a symbol associated with authority. If a ruler is brought down from his throne, that means he no longer has the authority to reign. Alternate translation: “He has deposed rulers” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ

This word indicates a contrast between what this phrase describes and what the previous phrase described. Try to make the contrast between these opposite actions clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “but”(See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ὕψωσεν ταπεινούς

In this word picture, people who are more important are depicted as higher up than people who are less important. Alternate translation: “he has given important roles to humble people” (See: Metaphor)

ταπεινούς

Mary is using this adjective as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “humble people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 1:53

καὶ

This word once again indicates a contrast between what this phrase describes and what the previous phrase described. Try to make the contrast between these opposite actions as clear as possible in your translation here as well. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Luke 1:54

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine 1:54 and 1:55 into a verse bridge, as UST does, in order to keep the information about Israel together. (See: Verse Bridges)

Ἰσραὴλ

Mary is referring figuratively to all of the people of Israel as if they were a single person, their ancestor, Israel. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: Personification)

παιδὸς αὐτοῦ

The term servant refers figuratively to the special role that God gave to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “his chosen people” (See: Metaphor)

μνησθῆναι ἐλέους

In this context, the phrase to remember his mercy figuratively refers to God thinking about a person or group and considering what action he can take on their behalf. It does not suggest that God had ever forgotten to be merciful. Alternate translation: “in order to be merciful” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:55

καθὼς ἐλάλησεν πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν

Here, the word fathers figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “just as he promised to our ancestors” (See: Metaphor)

Ἀβραὰμ

Abraham is the name of a man. It occurs several times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ

The term seed figuratively means “offspring.” It is a word picture. Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. Alternate translation: “to his descendants” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα

This is an idiom. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:33. Alternate translation: “forever” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:56

καὶ

Luke uses this word to indicate that the event of Mary returning home happened after the event of Mary staying with Elizabeth for three months. Alternate translation: “then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

ἔμεινεν…Μαριὰμ σὺν αὐτῇ ὡς μῆνας τρεῖς, καὶ ὑπέστρεψεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτῆς

The first instance of the word her in this verse refers to Elizabeth, and the second instance refers to Mary. Be sure that it is clear in your translation that Mary returned to her own home. She did not stay for three months, leave for a time, and then return to Elizabeth’s home. Alternate translation: “Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then Mary went back to her own house” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 1:57

δὲ

Luke uses this word to indicate that this event took place after the events he has just described. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

ἐπλήσθη ὁ χρόνος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the time came” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦ τεκεῖν αὐτήν

Your language may require you to state the object of deliver. Alternate translation: “for her to deliver her baby” or “for her to have her baby”

Luke 1:58

ἐμεγάλυνεν…τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτῆς

Luke speaks figuratively as if God had made his mercy bigger towards Elizabeth. Alternate translation: “had shown great kindness to her” (See: Metaphor)

ἐμεγάλυνεν…τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτῆς

The implication is that God’s great kindness to Elizabeth was to enable her to have a baby. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “had shown great kindness to her by enabling her to have a baby” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:59

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ ὀγδόῃ

This expression refers to the eighth day of the baby’s life, reckoning the day he was born as the first day. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this expression according to the way your own culture reckons time. Alternate translation: “when the baby was one week old” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ ὀγδόῃ

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “on day 8” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ἦλθον περιτεμεῖν τὸ παιδίον

In this culture, family and friends often came to celebrate with the family when a baby was circumcised. This ceremony showed that the baby was a member of the community that was in a special relationship with God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the family and friends of Zechariah and Elizabeth came for the baby’s circumcision ceremony, when he would be acknowledged as a member of the Israelite community” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐκάλουν αὐτὸ ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, Ζαχαρίαν

As in 1:13 and 1:31, to call the name of a child is an idiom meaning to give a child a name. Alternate translation: “they were going to give him the same name as his father, Zechariah” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:60

ἀποκριθεῖσα ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ εἶπεν

Together the words answering and said mean that John’s mother responded to the intention of her family and friends to name the baby Zechariah. Alternate translation: “his mother responded” (See: Hendiadys)

κληθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “we are going to name him John” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 1:61

οὐδείς ἐστιν ἐκ τῆς συγγενείας σου, ὃς καλεῖται τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ

The expression this name means specifically the name John. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put the actual name in your translation. Alternate translation: “None of your relatives is named John” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καλεῖται τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “has the name John” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 1:62

ἐνένευον…τῷ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ

Zechariah may have been unable both to speak and to hear, but Gabriel only told him that he would be unable to speak, so it is more likely that the people simply assumed he could not hear because he was not speaking. If you think your readers might wonder why the people made signs to Zechariah, you could offer an explanation. Alternate translation: “because Zechariah was not speaking, the people thought he could not hear either, so they made signs to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ τί ἂν θέλοι καλεῖσθαι αὐτό

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “to ask him what name he wanted to give the baby” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 1:63

αἰτήσας

It may be helpful to suggest how Zechariah was asking, since he could not speak. Alternate translation: “making signs with his hands to show that he wanted” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πινακίδιον

This was a wooden tablet covered with wax. A person would use a stylus (that is, something with a sharp point) to write in the wax. The wax could later be smoothed out and the tablet could be used again. If your readers might not recognize this object, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “something to write on” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 1:64

ἀνεῴχθη…τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ…καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα αὐτοῦ

These two phrases mean the same thing. Luke uses them together for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “he became able to speak once again” (See: Parallelism)

ἀνεῴχθη…τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ…καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα αὐτοῦ

Each of these phrases figuratively describes the act of speaking by referring to something associated with speech coming into action, specifically, the mouth opening and the tongue moving about freely. Alternate translation: “he became able to talk once again” (See: Metonymy)

ἀνεῴχθη…τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ…καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. You could also say who did the action. Alternate translation: “he became able to talk once again” or “God enabled him to speak once again” or, if you want to use the figurative language, “God opened his mouth and freed his tongue” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 1:65

καὶ

This word introduces the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “As a result” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐγένετο ἐπὶ πάντας φόβος

As in 1:12, Luke here describes fear figuratively as if it were something that could actively come upon people. Alternate translation: “all those who lived around them were in awe” (See: Personification)

ἐγένετο ἐπὶ πάντας φόβος, τοὺς περιοικοῦντας αὐτούς

In this context, fear does not mean to be afraid, but to have respect and reverence. Alternate translation: “all those who lived around them were in awe” (See: Idiom)

ἐγένετο ἐπὶ πάντας φόβος

It may be helpful to state clearly why the people responded in this way. Alternate translation: “all those who lived around them were in awe of God because of what he had done in the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πάντας…τοὺς περιοικοῦντας αὐτούς…ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ὀρεινῇ

Here Luke uses the word all twice as an generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “the people who lived around them … widely throughout that area” (See: Hyperbole)

διελαλεῖτο πάντα τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “people talked about all these matters” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 1:66

ἔθεντο πάντες οἱ ἀκούσαντες, ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῶν

Luke is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need to be complete. Alternate translation: “all who heard these things stored them in their hearts” (See: Ellipsis)

ἔθεντο…ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῶν

Luke is speaking figuratively of hearts as places where thoughts and memories can be stored safely. His expression describes people thinking things over carefully in order to understand them and retain them. Alternate translation: “thought carefully about these matters” (See: Metaphor)

τί ἄρα τὸ παιδίον τοῦτο ἔσται?

The people who said this were likely not asking a question, expecting someone to tell them what the child would become. Rather, they were making a statement about what the events of the child’s birth had led them to believe about his destiny. So you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “What a great man this child will become!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

χεὶρ Κυρίου ἦν μετ’ αὐτοῦ

In this expression, the hand figuratively represents strength and power. Alternate translation: “the Lord’s power was helping him” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:67

Ζαχαρίας…ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit filled Zechariah” (See: Active or Passive)

Ζαχαρίας…ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

Luke speaks figuratively as if Zechariah were a container that the Holy Spirit filled. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit inspired Zechariah” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπροφήτευσεν λέγων

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “prophesied, and he said” (See: Quotations and Quote Margins)

Luke 1:68

ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ

Luke is referring figuratively to the Israelites as if they were a single person, their ancestor, Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Personification)

ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the relationship between God and Israel more explicitly. Alternate translation: “the God whom the people of Israel worship” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπεσκέψατο…τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ

Here, the term visited is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he has come to help … his people” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:69

ἤγειρεν κέρας σωτηρίας ἡμῖν

In this context, raised up means brought into existence or enabled to act. Alternate translation: “he has brought us a horn of salvation” (See: Metaphor)

ἤγειρεν κέρας σωτηρίας ἡμῖν

An animal’s horn is associated with its strength, and so Zechariah is using the term figuratively as a symbol for a ruler by association with the power and authority a ruler has. Alternate translation: “he has brought us a ruler who will have the power to save us” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν οἴκῳ Δαυεὶδ, παιδὸς αὐτοῦ

David’s house figuratively represents his family and all of his descendants. Alternate translation: “who is a descendant of his servant David” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν οἴκῳ Δαυεὶδ, παιδὸς αὐτοῦ

The implication is that as a descendant of David, this ruler will be an eligible successor to him as the Messiah. Alternate translation: “who is from the royal line of his servant David” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Δαυεὶδ, παιδὸς αὐτοῦ

David was not actually a servant, he was a king. Here the emphasis in the word servant is on how David served God faithfully in that capacity. Alternate translation: “who is from the royal line of David, who served him faithfully” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:70

ἐλάλησεν διὰ στόματος τῶν ἁγίων…προφητῶν αὐτοῦ

God speaking by the mouth of the prophets represents God inspiring them to say what he wanted them to say. Alternate translation: “he inspired his holy prophets to say” (See: Metonymy)

ἀπ’ αἰῶνος

This is an idiom. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:33. Alternate translation: “a long time ago” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:71

σωτηρίαν ἐξ ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun salvation, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “save” or “rescue.” It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He will save us from our enemies” or “He will rescue us from our enemies” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐξ ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν, καὶ ἐκ χειρὸς πάντων τῶν μισούντων ἡμᾶς

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Zechariah may be using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “from the domination of our enemies who hate us” (See: Doublet)

χειρὸς

The hand figuratively represents the power that a person uses the hand to exercise. Alternate translation: “domination” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 1:72

ποιῆσαι ἔλεος μετὰ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν, καὶ μνησθῆναι διαθήκης ἁγίας αὐτοῦ

The two phrases in this verse say basically the same thing. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including the content of both phrases in your translation. Alternate translation: “to show kindness to our ancestors by fulfilling the special agreement he made with them” (See: Parallelism)

ποιῆσαι ἔλεος μετὰ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν, καὶ μνησθῆναι διαθήκης ἁγίας αὐτοῦ

If the connection between these phrases might be confusing, you could state explicitly how God was showing mercy to the ancestors. Alternate translation: “to show kindness to our ancestors by fulfilling for us the special agreement he made with them, because we are their descendants” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ποιῆσαι ἔλεος μετὰ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν

Here, the term fathers figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “to show kindness to our ancestors” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ μνησθῆναι διαθήκης ἁγίας αὐτοῦ

In this context, the term remember figuratively describes God thinking about the Israelites and considering what action he can take on their behalf. It does not suggest that God had forgotten about them. Alternate translation: “by fulfilling the special agreement he made” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:73

Ἀβραὰμ, τὸν πατέρα ἡμῶν

Here, the term father figuratively means “ancestor.” Alternate translation: “our ancestor Abraham” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ δοῦναι ἡμῖν

Zechariah is using the term grant, meaning to “give,” in an idiomatic sense. Alternate translation: “to make it possible for us” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:74

ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ῥυσθέντας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “after he has rescued us from the power of our enemies” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν

The hand figuratively represents the power that a person uses the hand to exercise. Alternate translation: “from the domination of our enemies” (See: Metonymy)

ἀφόβως

The implication is that if the Israelites were still under enemy domination, they would be afraid of what their enemies might do to them if they worshiped and obeyed the Lord. Alternate translation: “without being afraid of what our enemies might do to us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 1:75

ἐν ὁσιότητι καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you can express the ideas behind the abstract nouns holiness and righteousness with adjectives. Alternate translation: “doing what is holy and righteous” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ

This is an idiom that means “in his presence,” and that suggests being in relationship with God. Alternate translation: “in relationship with him” (See: Idiom)

πάσαις ταῖς ἡμέραις ἡμῶν

Here Zechariah uses the term days figuratively to refer to a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “for our whole lives” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:76

καὶ σὺ δέ, παιδίον

Zechariah uses this phrase to begin his direct address to his son. In your translation, you can indicate the change from Zechariah talking about God to Zechariah talking to John in the way that is most appropriate and natural in your language. It may be clearest to indicate this change explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Zechariah said to his son John, ‘And as for you, my child’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

προφήτης…κληθήσῃ

As in 1:32, to be called is an idiom that means “to be.” Review the note there if that would be helpful. Zechariah is not saying that John will simply have the reputation of being a prophet. Alternate translation: “you … will be a prophet” (See: Idiom)

προφήτης…κληθήσῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “you … will be a prophet” (See: Active or Passive)

Ὑψίστου

See how you translated the expression the Most High in 1:32. Review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “of the Most High God” (See: Idiom)

προπορεύσῃ…ἐνώπιον Κυρίου

As in 1:17, to go before is an idiom that indicates that before the Lord comes, John will announce to the people that the Lord is going to come to them. Alternate translation: “you will announce that the Lord is coming,” (See: Idiom)

ἑτοιμάσαι ὁδοὺς αὐτοῦ

Zechariah is using the imagery of paths figuratively to indicate that John will prepare the people to listen to the Lord’s message and believe it. Alternate translation: “to get the people ready for him” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 1:77

τοῦ δοῦναι γνῶσιν σωτηρίας τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ, ἐν ἀφέσει ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns salvation and forgiveness with the verbs “save” and “forgive.” Alternate translation: “to teach God’s people that he wants to save them by forgiving their sins” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦ δοῦναι γνῶσιν σωτηρίας τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ

The phrase to give … knowledge is a figurative description of teaching. Alternate translation: “to teach God’s people that he wants to save them” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 1:78

ἀνατολὴ ἐξ ὕψους

Zechariah speaks of the coming of the Savior as if it will be a sunrise that will light up the earth. Alternate translation: “the Savior who comes from God” (See: Metaphor)

ἐξ ὕψους

Zechariah uses the term heaven to refer to God figuratively by association, since heaven is the abode of God. Alternate translation: “from God” (See: Metonymy)

ἐπισκέψεται ἡμᾶς

As in 1:68, visit is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will come to help us” (See: Idiom)

Luke 1:79

ἐπιφᾶναι τοῖς…καθημένοις

As in 1:78, light figuratively represents truth. Just as Zechariah described the Savior as like a sunrise in that verse, here he is describing the spiritual truth that the Savior will bring as if it will light up the earth. Alternate translation: “to show the truth to people who are” (See: Metaphor)

τοῖς ἐν σκότει καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου καθημένοις

To sit in a place is an idiom that means to be in that place. Alternate translation: “on people who are in darkness, yes, even in deep darkness” (See: Idiom)

τοῖς ἐν σκότει καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου καθημένοις

The shadow of death is an idiom that describes deep darkness. Alternate translation: “on people who are in darkness, yes, even in deep darkness” (See: Idiom)

τοῖς ἐν σκότει καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου καθημένοις

Since light figuratively represents truth, darkness represents the absence of spiritual truth. Alternate translation: “on people who do not know the truth, who do not know it at all” (See: Metaphor)

τοῖς ἐν σκότει καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτου καθημένοις

These two phrases work together to emphasize the deep spiritual darkness that people are in before God shows them mercy. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “on people who do not know the truth at all” (See: Doublet)

κατευθῦναι τοὺς πόδας ἡμῶν εἰς ὁδὸν εἰρήνης

Zechariah is using the word guide figuratively to mean “teach,” and the expression the path of peace figuratively to represent living at peace with God. Alternate translation: “to teach us how to live at peace with God” (See: Metaphor)

κατευθῦναι τοὺς πόδας ἡμῶν εἰς ὁδὸν εἰρήνης

Zechariah is using the term feet figuratively to represent the whole person. Alternate translation: “to teach us how to live at peace with God” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 1:80

δὲ

This word introduces the next part of the story. In this verse, Luke describes a few transitional events in order to move quickly from the birth of John to the beginning of his ministry as an adult. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐκραταιοῦτο πνεύματι

This could refer to: (1) the inner part of a person, as in 1:47. Alternate translation: “he developed a strong character” (2) how God kept the promise that Gabriel made to Zechariah in 1:15, that the Holy Spirit would empower his son. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit empowered him”

ἦν ἐν ταῖς ἐρήμοις

This expression means implicitly that John went to live there. Luke does not say at what age John did this. Alternate translation: “he went to live in the wilderness” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἕως ἡμέρας ἀναδείξεως αὐτοῦ

The term until does not indicate a stopping point. John continued to live out in the wilderness even after he started preaching publicly. In your translation, be sure that this is clear to your readers. Alternate translation: “through the time when he began to preach in public”

ἡμέρας ἀναδείξεως αὐτοῦ

Here, Luke uses the term day figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “the time when he began to preach in public” (See: Idiom)

πρὸς τὸν Ἰσραήλ

Luke is referring to all of the Israelites figuratively as if they were a single person, their ancestor, Israel. Alternate translation: “to the people of Israel” (See: Personification)

Luke 2

Luke 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus is born in the city of Bethlehem (2:1-20)
2. Joseph and Mary dedicate Jesus, and Simeon and Anna speak about him (2:21-40)
3. Jesus goes to Jerusalem with his parents for Passover (2:41-52)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. ULT does this with the poetry in the song of the angels about Jesus’ birth in 2:14 and in Simeon’s song about Jesus in 2:29-32.

Important textual issues in this chapter

“his father and mother”

In 2:33, the most accurate ancient manuscripts read “his father and mother.” ULT follows that reading. Some other ancient manuscripts read “Joseph and his mother.” That reading indicates that Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, since Mary conceived him as a virgin. However, Joseph was the adoptive father of Jesus, and so the reading “his father and mother” is not incorrect. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading in ULT. (See: Textual Variants)

Luke 2:1

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις

This time reference introduces a new event. Alternate translation: “around that same time” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις

Here, Luke uses the term days figuratively to refer to a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “around that same time” (See: Idiom)

ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to show that this is the beginning of an account. If your language has a way of showing the start of an account, you may use that in your translation. If not, you may choose not to represent this phrase. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐξῆλθεν δόγμα παρὰ

The decree did not go out by itself, even though Luke speaks figuratively as if it did. Messengers likely proclaimed the emperor’s command throughout the empire. Alternate translation: “sent out messengers with a decree ordering” (See: Personification)

Καίσαρος Αὐγούστου

Caesar was the title of the emperor of the Roman Empire. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “King Augustus, who ruled the Roman Empire” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Αὐγούστου

Augustus is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀπογράφεσθαι πᾶσαν τὴν οἰκουμένην

Luke assumes that his readers will know that this was for tax purposes. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that all the people living in the Roman Empire had to list their names on the tax rolls” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὴν οἰκουμένην

The term world refers specifically to the part of the world that Caesar Augustus ruled. It is actually describing the people living in that part of the world figuratively by association to where they lived. Alternate translation: “the people living in the Roman Empire” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 2:2

Κυρηνίου

Quirinius is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Συρίας

Syria is the name of one of the provinces of the Roman Empire. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 2:3

ἐπορεύοντο πάντες

Luke describes the registration as already in progress in order to account for why Joseph and Mary had to travel at this time, late in her pregnancy. Alternate translation: “everyone was going” (See: Background Information)

εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ πόλιν

The phrase his own city refers to the city where a person’s family had originally lived. A person might have since moved to a different city. Alternate translation: “to the city that their families came from” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπογράφεσθαι

Alternate translation: “to provide their names for the tax rolls” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 2:4

δὲ

This word introduces the results of what the previous sentences described. Alternate translation: “And so” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀνέβη

Luke says went up because Joseph had to go up into the mountains to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Alternate translation: “traveled” (See: Idiom)

εἰς πόλιν Δαυεὶδ, ἥτις καλεῖται Βηθλέεμ

Bethlehem was known as the city of David because King David had come from there. Luke includes this detail because it indicates why Bethlehem was important, even though it was a small town. Not only had the line of David’s dynasty originated there, the prophet Micah had said that the future Messiah would be born there. Alternate translation: “to the town known as Bethlehem, where King David had come from” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἥτις καλεῖται Βηθλέεμ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whose name is Bethlehem” (See: Active or Passive)

εἶναι αὐτὸν ἐξ οἴκου καὶ πατριᾶς Δαυείδ

Luke is expressing a single idea by using two terms, house and family line, connected with and. The term family line indicates the significance of Joseph being a descendant of David. It means that any son of his, natural or adopted, would be an eligible successor to King David as the Messiah. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning of these two terms with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “he was descended from the royal line of David” (See: Hendiadys)

εἶναι αὐτὸν ἐξ οἴκου καὶ πατριᾶς Δαυείδ

As in 1:27, the word house figuratively describes all the people descended from a particular person. Alternate translation: “he was descended from the royal line of David” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 2:5

ἀπογράψασθαι σὺν Μαριὰμ, τῇ ἐμνηστευμένῃ αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the action that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because Mary was engaged to Joseph, she had to travel with him so that he could list their names together” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Μαριὰμ, τῇ ἐμνηστευμένῃ αὐτῷ

In this culture, an engaged couple was considered legally married, although there would not have been physical intimacy between them until after the wedding. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain that. Alternate translation: “Mary, who was engaged to him and who was therefore considered his legal wife” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῇ ἐμνηστευμένῃ αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who had promised to marry him” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 2:6

ἐγένετο δὲ

This phrase marks the beginning of the next event in the story. If your language has a similar expression that it uses to introduce an event, you can use it in your translation. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῷ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἐκεῖ

The word they refers to Joseph and Mary being in Bethlehem. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “while Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ τεκεῖν αὐτήν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the time came for Mary to give birth” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι

Here Luke uses the term days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “the time came” (See: Idiom)

τοῦ τεκεῖν αὐτήν

Your language may require you to state the object of deliver. Alternate translation: “for her to deliver her baby” or “for her to have her baby”

Luke 2:7

ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτὸν, καὶ ἀνέκλινεν αὐτὸν ἐν φάτνῃ, διότι οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τόπος ἐν τῷ καταλύματι

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could put the second phrase before the first one, since it gives the reason for the action that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because there was no guest room available for them, she wrapped cloths tightly around him and put him in a box that held hay for animals” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτὸν

In some cultures, mothers help their babies feel secure by wrapping them tightly in cloth or in a blanket. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly Alternate translation: “wrapped cloths tightly around him to make him feel secure” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀνέκλινεν αὐτὸν ἐν φάτνῃ

A manger was a box or frame in which people put hay or other food for animals to eat. It was most likely clean, and it may have had something soft and dry like hay in it that would have provided a cushion for the baby. In this culture, animals were often kept near a home to keep them safe and so that their owners could feed them easily. Mary and Joseph stayed in a space that was ordinarily used for animals for those reasons. Alternate translation: “put him in a box that held hay for animals” (See: Translate Unknowns)

διότι οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τόπος ἐν τῷ καταλύματι

There was probably no room because so many people had come to Bethlehem to register. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “there was no other place available for them to stay, because so many people had come there to register” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

διότι οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τόπος ἐν τῷ καταλύματι

The inn could mean a place of lodging where travelers stayed overnight. However, Luke uses the same term in 22:11 to refer to a room in a house. So it could also mean “guest room.” Alternate translation: “there was no other place available for them to stay, because so many people had come there to register” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 2:8

καὶ

Luke uses and to introduce background information about some new characters. You can translate it with the word or phrase that serves the same purpose in your language. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Background Information)

ποιμένες ἦσαν ἐν τῇ χώρᾳ τῇ αὐτῇ

This phrase introduces new characters into the story. If your language has an expression of its own that serves this purpose, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “there were some shepherds living in that area” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Luke 2:9

ἄγγελος Κυρίου

Alternate translation: “a heavenly messenger sent from the Lord”

ἐπέστη αὐτοῖς

Alternate translation: “came to the shepherds”

δόξα Κυρίου περιέλαμψεν αὐτούς

The implication is that a bright light appeared at the same time as the angel, expressing the magnificent presence of God that was accompanying his messenger. The glory of God is associated with light in the Bible, for example, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of Yahweh has risen on you,” Isaiah 60:1. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a bright light shone all around them, showing the glorious presence of God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐφοβήθησαν φόβον μέγαν

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they were extremely afraid” or “they were terrified” (See: Idiom)

Luke 2:10

μὴ φοβεῖσθε

As in 1:13, while the angel speaks these words in the form of a command, he is really telling the shepherds something to help and encourage them. Alternate translation: “You do not need to be afraid” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἰδοὺ γὰρ

The term behold focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Now listen to this” (See: Metaphor)

εὐαγγελίζομαι ὑμῖν χαρὰν μεγάλην, ἥτις ἔσται παντὶ τῷ λαῷ

Alternate translation: “I have come to announce good news that will make all the people very happy”

παντὶ τῷ λαῷ

This could be: (1) a reference to all people. That is the reading of UST. Alternate translation: “all people everywhere” (2) a figurative generalization that refers specifically to the Jewish people who would welcome Jesus as the Messiah. Alternate translation: “your people” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 2:11

ἐτέχθη ὑμῖν σήμερον Σωτὴρ, ὅς ἐστιν Χριστὸς, Κύριος, ἐν πόλει Δαυείδ

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, has been born for you today in the city of David” (See: Information Structure)

ἐτέχθη ὑμῖν σήμερον

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we are announcing the birth for you today” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν πόλει Δαυείδ

This means Bethlehem. See the explanation in the note to 2:4. Alternate translation: “in Bethlehem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅς ἐστιν Χριστὸς, Κύριος

Christ is the Greek word for “Messiah.” Alternate translation: “who is the Messiah, the Lord” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 2:12

τοῦτο ὑμῖν τὸ σημεῖον

The implication is that God has provided this sign. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God has given you this sign” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὑμῖν τὸ σημεῖον

This could be: (1) a sign that would help the shepherds recognize the baby. Alternate translation: “this sign to help you find the newborn Messiah” (2) a sign to prove that what the angel was saying was true. Alternate translation: “the sign to prove that what I am telling you is true” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐσπαργανωμένον

See how you translated this expression in 2:7. Review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “with cloths wrapped tightly around him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κείμενον ἐν φάτνῃ

See how you translated the term manger in 2:7. Review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “lying in a box that holds hay for animals” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 2:13

πλῆθος στρατιᾶς οὐρανίου

This phrase could refer to a literal army of angels, or it could be speaking figuratively of a large organized group of angels. Alternate translation: “a large group of angels from heaven” (See: Metaphor)

αἰνούντων τὸν Θεὸν καὶ λεγόντων

Luke is expressing a single idea by using two verbs connected with and. The angels said these words in order to praise God. Alternate translation: “who praised God by saying” (See: Hendiadys)

Luke 2:14

δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ

This could mean: (1) the angels are describing where God should receive honor. In that case in the highest would mean “in the highest place,” that is, “in heaven,” and the phrase would parallel “on earth.” Alternate translation: “Give honor to God in heaven” (2) the angels are describing what kind of honor God should receive. Alternate translation: “Give the highest honor to God”

ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκίας

This could refer to: (1) God’s good pleasure with people. Alternate translation: “among people with whom God is pleased” (2) people who show good pleasure or “good will” to one another. Alternate translation: “among people of good will”

ἀνθρώποις

Here, the term men has a generic meaning that includes all people. Alternate translation: “people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 2:15

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to mark a shift in the story, to what the shepherds did after the angels left. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

διέλθωμεν…ἴδωμεν…ἡμῖν

The shepherds are speaking to one another, so if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive us, use the inclusive form here. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Luke 2:16

ἦλθον σπεύσαντες

The two verbs went and hastening express a single idea. The word hastening tells how they went. Alternate translation: “they went quickly” (See: Hendiadys)

κείμενον ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ

See how you translated the term manger in 2:7. Alternate translation: “lying in a box that holds hay for animals” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 2:17

τοῦ ῥήματος τοῦ λαληθέντος αὐτοῖς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “what the angels had told them” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 2:18

τῶν λαληθέντων ὑπὸ τῶν ποιμένων πρὸς αὐτούς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “what the shepherds told them” Alternate translation: (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 2:19

συμβάλλουσα ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς

In this expression, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “reflecting on what they meant” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 2:20

ὑπέστρεψαν οἱ ποιμένες

This means that they returned to their flock. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the shepherds went back to take care of their sheep” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

δοξάζοντες καὶ αἰνοῦντες τὸν Θεὸν

The terms glorifying and praising mean similar things. Luke is using them together for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “excitedly praising God” (See: Doublet)

καθὼς ἐλαλήθη πρὸς αὐτούς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “just as the angel had told them” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 2:21

ὅτε ἐπλήσθησαν ἡμέραι ὀκτὼ τοῦ περιτεμεῖν αὐτόν

The law that God gave to Jewish believers told them to circumcise a baby boy on the eighth day of his life. As in 1:59, the day on which the baby was born was considered to be the first day. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this expression according to the way your own culture reckons time. Alternate translation: “when the baby was one week old, and according to the Jewish law it was time to circumcise him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅτε ἐπλήσθησαν ἡμέραι ὀκτὼ

This time reference also introduces a new event. Alternate translation: “after eight days had gone by” or “when the baby was one week old” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐπλήσθησαν ἡμέραι ὀκτὼ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “after eight days had gone by” or “when the baby was one week old” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐκλήθη τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “his parents Joseph and Mary named him Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐκλήθη τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦς

As in 1:13, to “call a name” is an idiom that means to give a child a name. Alternate translation: “his parents Joseph and Mary named him Jesus” (See: Idiom)

τὸ κληθὲν ὑπὸ τοῦ ἀγγέλου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “which was the name that the angel had told Mary to give him” (See: Active or Passive)

πρὸ τοῦ συνλημφθῆναι αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ

In your language, it might seem that the phrase conceived in the womb expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you can abbreviate it. Alternate translation: “before he was conceived” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

Luke 2:22

ὅτε ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ αὐτῶν κατὰ τὸν νόμον Μωϋσέως

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “after they had waited the number of days that the law of Moses required for their purification” (See: Active or Passive)

αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ αὐτῶν

The law of Moses said that a woman would become ceremonially clean again 33 days after her newborn son had been circumcised. After that, she could enter the temple. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “33 more days, the time that the law of Moses required for Mary to become ceremonially clean again after childbirth” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Μωϋσέως

Moses is the name of a man, the great law-giver of Israel. It occurs several times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀνήγαγον αὐτὸν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα

Luke says that they brought him up to Jerusalem, even though Bethlehem is actually at a higher elevation, because that was the customary way of speaking about going to Jerusalem, since that city is up on a mountain. Alternate translation: “they took him to Jerusalem” (See: Idiom)

παραστῆσαι τῷ Κυρίῳ

Luke will explain more in the next two verses about why Mary and Joseph did this, but if it would be helpful to your readers, you could make the purpose more explicit here. Alternate translation: “so that they could bring him into the temple and perform the required ceremony acknowledging God’s claim on firstborn children who were male” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 2:23

καθὼς γέγραπται ἐν νόμῳ Κυρίου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “just as the law of the Lord commands” (See: Active or Passive)

πᾶν ἄρσεν διανοῖγον μήτραν, ἅγιον τῷ Κυρίῳ κληθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “You are to set apart for the Lord every firstborn child who is a boy” (See: Active or Passive)

πᾶν ἄρσεν διανοῖγον μήτραν

To open the womb is an idiom that refers to being the first baby to come out of the womb. This commandment applied to both people and animals, but here a baby boy is specifically in view. Alternate translation: “Every firstborn offspring who is a male” or “Every firstborn child who is a boy” (See: Idiom)

ἅγιον τῷ Κυρίῳ κληθήσεται

As in 1:32, be called is an idiom that means “to be.” Alternate translation: “will be set apart for the Lord” (See: Idiom)

ἅγιον τῷ Κυρίῳ κληθήσεται

Here, the law of Moses is using a future statement to give a command. Alternate translation: “is to be set apart for the Lord” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

Luke 2:24

τὸ εἰρημένον ἐν τῷ νόμῳ Κυρίου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “what the law of the Lord says” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 2:25

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to call the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

ἄνθρωπος ἦν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ, ᾧ ὄνομα Συμεών

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Συμεών

Simeon is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος δίκαιος καὶ εὐλαβής

The terms righteous and devout mean similar things. Luke uses the two terms together to emphasize what a godly man Simeon was. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “he was a godly man” (See: Doublet)

προσδεχόμενος

This is an idiomatic usage of the term waiting. It does not mean passively waiting for something to happen, but eagerly anticipating something that someone wants to happen. Alternate translation: “eagerly anticipating” or “looking forward to” (See: Idiom)

παράκλησιν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ

This phrase refers by association to the one who would bring consolation, meaning “comfort,” to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the one who would come and comfort the people of Israel” or “the one who would come to help the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

παράκλησιν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ

Luke assumes that readers will know that this is a reference to the Messiah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Messiah, who would come to help the people of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ Ἰσραήλ

Luke is referring to all of the Israelites figuratively as if they were a single person, their ancestor, Israel. Alternate translation: “of the people of Israel” (See: Personification)

Πνεῦμα ἦν Ἅγιον ἐπ’ αὐτόν

The word upon creates a spatial metaphor that means that the Spirit of God was with Simeon in a special way. The Spirit gave him knowledge and direction for his life, as the next two verses show. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit guided him in special ways” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 2:26

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἦν αὐτῷ κεχρηματισμένον ὑπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματος τοῦ Ἁγίου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit had shown him” or “the Holy Spirit had told him” (See: Active or Passive)

μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον πρὶν

To see death is an idiom that means “to die.” Alternate translation: “that he would not die before” (See: Idiom)

μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον πρὶν

Here, Luke is using a figure of speech that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “he would live until” (See: Litotes)

Luke 2:27

ἦλθεν ἐν τῷ Πνεύματι

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he came as the Holy Spirit directed him” (See: Idiom)

ἦλθεν…εἰς τὸ ἱερόν

Your language may say “went” in contexts such as this. Alternate translation: “he went … into the temple” (See: Go and Come)

εἰς τὸ ἱερόν

Since only priests could enter the temple building, this means the temple courtyard. Luke is using the word for the entire building to refer to one part of it. Alternate translation: “into the temple courtyard” (See: Synecdoche)

τοὺς γονεῖς

This means the parents of Jesus. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use their names here. Alternate translation: “Mary and Joseph” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτοὺς κατὰ τὸ εἰθισμένον τοῦ νόμου περὶ αὐτοῦ

The phrase to do according to the custom of the law refers to the ceremony of dedication that Luke described in 2:22-25. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to perform the ceremony of dedication that the law of God required” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 2:28

καὶ

Luke uses this word to indicate that this event took place after the event he has just described. That is, Simeon took Jesus in his arms after his parents brought him into the temple for the dedication ceremony. Alternate translation: “then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο αὐτὸ εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could specify by name the people to whom these pronouns refer. Alternate translation: “Simeon picked up the baby Jesus and held him in his arms” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 2:29

νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου…ἐν εἰρήνῃ

Simeon is actually using this statement to make a request. Alternate translation: “Now please let me die in peace” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου

Simeon refers to himself as God’s servant in order to show humility and respect. Alternate translation: “please let me die” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου

Simeon uses a mild expression to refer to death. Alternate translation: “please let me die” (See: Euphemism)

σου…σου

Here, the word your is singular because Simeon is addressing God. If your language has a formal form of your that it uses to address a superior respectfully, you may wish to use that form here and in 2:30 and 2:32, and the corresponding formal form for “you” in 2:31. However, it might be more natural in your language for someone who knows God well, as Simeon did, to address God using the informal form. Use your best judgment about what form to use. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Formal or Informal)

κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου

Simeon is referring to the promise that God made that he would live to see the Messiah. Simeon describes that promise by association with the word or saying by which God made it. Alternate translation: “as you promised” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 2:30

εἶδον οἱ ὀφθαλμοί μου

Simeon uses one part of himself, his eyes, to represent all of himself figuratively in the act of seeing. Alternate translation: “I have personally seen” or “I, myself, have seen” (See: Synecdoche)

τὸ σωτήριόν σου

This expression refers by association to the person who would bring salvation, that is, the infant Jesus, whom Simeon was holding. Alternate translation: “the Savior whom you have sent” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 2:31

ὃ ἡτοίμασας

If you said “Savior” in the previous phrase at the end of 2:30, then here you will want to say something like “whom you have prepared” or “the one you have sent.” If you said salvation in the previous phrase, then here you could state something like “which you have brought about” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν λαῶν

The term face figuratively represents the presence of a person. Simeon is saying that God has sent the Savior or brought about salvation right where everyone is present. Alternate translation: “in the presence of all the peoples” (See: Metaphor)

κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν λαῶν

The implication of God sending the Savior or bringing about salvation into the presence of everyone is that this has been done for their benefit. Alternate translation: “for the benefit of all peoples” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 2:32

φῶς εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν ἐθνῶν καὶ δόξαν λαοῦ σου, Ἰσραήλ

This expression means that the child will help the Gentiles to understand. Simeon compares Jesus’ role to that of a physical light that enables people to see solid objects. Alternate translation: “This child will enable the Gentiles to understand, just as light allows people to see things clearly and he will bring honor to the people of Israel, who belong to you” (See: Metaphor)

φῶς εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν ἐθνῶν καὶ δόξαν λαοῦ σου, Ἰσραήλ

It may be helpful to state explicitly what the child will help the Gentiles to understand. Alternate translation: “This child will enable the Gentiles to understand what you expect of them and he will bring honor to the people of Israel, who belong to you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 2:33

ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἡ μήτηρ

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to use this reading in your translation or a different reading, “Joseph and his mother.” (See: Textual Variants)

τοῖς λαλουμένοις περὶ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “the things that Simeon said about him” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 2:34

εἶπεν πρὸς Μαριὰμ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ

In your translation, make sure that this does not sound as if Mary is the mother of Simeon. Alternate translation: “said to Mary, the child’s mother”

ἰδοὺ

Simeon uses this expression to tell Mary that what he is about to say is extremely important to her. Alternate translation: “Now this is important” (See: Metaphor)

οὗτος κεῖται εἰς πτῶσιν καὶ ἀνάστασιν πολλῶν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ

The word downfall represents people turning away from God by association with the way they will be ruined as a result. The expression rising up represents people drawing closer to God, by association with they way they will prosper as a result. Alternate translation: “God will use this child to challenge many people of the people of Israel to decide definitively for or against him” (See: Metonymy)

οὗτος κεῖται εἰς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God intends to use this child to” (See: Active or Passive)

πολλῶν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ

Simeon refers to all of the Israelites figuratively as if they were a single person, their ancestor, Israel. Alternate translation: “many of the people of Israel” or “many in the nation of Israel” (See: Personification)

σημεῖον

The implication is that the life and ministry of Jesus will be an indication that God is at work to fulfill his purposes through the people of Israel. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “an indication of God’s activity” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀντιλεγόμενον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “that many people will speak against” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀντιλεγόμενον

Simeon figuratively describes the opposition that Jesus will face by association with one expression of it, people speaking against him and his ministry. But this represents a wider range of hostile activities. Alternate translation: “that many people will oppose” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 2:35

καὶ σοῦ δὲ αὐτῆς τὴν ψυχὴν διελεύσεται ῥομφαία

Simeon speaks figuratively of the bitter grief pangs that Mary will experience as if they were a sword stabbing all the way into her inner being. Alternate translation: “and you will experience deep pangs of grief yourself” (See: Metaphor)

ἂν ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν ἐκ πολλῶν καρδιῶν διαλογισμοί

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “so that many people will reveal what they secretly think” (See: Active or Passive)

ἂν ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν ἐκ πολλῶν καρδιῶν διαλογισμοί

In this expression, hearts figuratively represent people’s inner thoughts and inclinations. Alternate translation: “so that many people will reveal what they secretly think” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 2:36

καὶ ἦν Ἅννα προφῆτις

Luke is introducing a new participant into the story. Alternate translation: “There was also a woman named Anna there in the temple. She was a prophetess” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Ἅννα

Anna is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Φανουήλ

Phanuel is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

αὕτη προβεβηκυῖα ἐν ἡμέραις πολλαῖς

As in 1:7, to have moved forward or to have advanced means figuratively to have aged. Alternate translation: “She was very old” (See: Idiom)

αὕτη προβεβηκυῖα ἐν ἡμέραις πολλαῖς

Luke uses the term days figuratively to mean time in general. Alternate translation: “She was very old” (See: Idiom)

ἀπὸ τῆς παρθενίας αὐτῆς

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “after she married him” (See: Idiom)

Luke 2:37

αὐτὴ χήρα ἕως ἐτῶν ὀγδοήκοντα τεσσάρων

This could mean: (1) Anna had been a widow for 84 years. Alternate translation: “but then her husband had died and she had not remarried, and 84 years had gone by since” (2) Anna was a widow who was now 84 years old. Alternate translation: “but her husband had died and she had not remarried, and now she was 84 years old”

ἣ οὐκ ἀφίστατο τοῦ ἱεροῦ

Luke is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “who was always in the temple” (See: Litotes)

ἣ οὐκ ἀφίστατο τοῦ ἱεροῦ

This is a generalization that means that Anna spent so much time in the temple that it seemed as though she never left it. Alternate translation: “who was always in the temple” or “who was continually in the temple” (See: Hyperbole)

νηστείαις καὶ δεήσεσιν λατρεύουσα

The term serving is an idiom that means “worshiping.” Alternate translation: “worshiping God by going without food and praying” (See: Idiom)

νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν

Luke is using the two parts of a day figuratively to mean the entire day, that is, all the time. Alternate translation: “all the time” (See: Merism)

Luke 2:38

ἐπιστᾶσα

The implication is that Anna came up to Mary and Joseph. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “she approached them” or “she went over to Mary and Joseph”

αὐτῇ τῇ, ὥρᾳ

Here, Luke uses the term hour figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “right at that same time” (See: Idiom)

πᾶσιν τοῖς

The term all is a generalization that means many. Alternate translation: “to many others” (See: Hyperbole)

τοῖς προσδεχομένοις

See how you translated this in 2:25. Alternate translation: “who were eagerly anticipating” or “who were looking forward to” (See: Idiom)

λύτρωσιν Ἰερουσαλήμ

Luke is using the word redemption figuratively to mean the person who would bring redemption. Alternate translation: “the one who would redeem Jerusalem” or “the person who would bring God’s blessings and favor back to Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

Ἰερουσαλήμ

Luke is referring to all of the people of Israel figuratively by the name of their capital city, Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 2:39

πάντα τὰ κατὰ τὸν νόμον Κυρίου

Alternate translation: “everything that the law of the Lord required them to do”

εἰς πόλιν ἑαυτῶν Ναζαρέτ

This expression means that they lived in Nazareth. Alternate translation: “the town of Nazareth, where they lived” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 2:40

ἐκραταιοῦτο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “became stronger” (See: Active or Passive)

πληρούμενον σοφίᾳ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “learning what was wise” (See: Active or Passive)

χάρις Θεοῦ ἦν ἐπ’ αὐτό

As in 2:25, upon is a spatial metaphor. Alternate translation: “God blessed him in special ways” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 2:41

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

οἱ γονεῖς αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “Jesus’ parents” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 2:42

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀναβαινόντων αὐτῶν

Jerusalem was on top of a mountain, so Israelites customarily spoke of going up to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “they traveled” (See: Idiom)

κατὰ τὸ ἔθος τῆς ἑορτῆς

Alternate translation: “when it was time for the feast”

τῆς ἑορτῆς

Implicitly this means the Feast of Passover. It was called a feast because it involved eating a ceremonial meal. Alternate translation: “of the Feast of Passover” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 2:43

τελειωσάντων τὰς ἡμέρας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “after they had celebrated the feast for the required number of days” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 2:44

νομίσαντες δὲ

Alternate translation: “But since they thought”

ἦλθον ἡμέρας ὁδὸν

Alternate translation: “they traveled as far as people walk in one day”

καὶ ἀνεζήτουν αὐτὸν

The word translated and at the beginning of this phrase indicates that this event happened after the previous event that the story described. Alternate translation: “then they looked for him” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

καὶ ἀνεζήτουν αὐτὸν

The implication is that Jesus’ parents looked for him among their friends and relatives once the whole group that was traveling together had stopped for the night. That way they could easily go around among everyone. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and once the group had stopped for the night, then they looked for him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 2:46

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Since only priests could enter the temple building, this implicitly means the temple courtyard. Luke is using the word for the entire building to refer to one part of it. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐν μέσῳ τῶν διδασκάλων

Alternate translation: “among the teachers” or “surrounded by the teachers”

τῶν διδασκάλων

Alternate translation: “the religious teachers” or “the experts in the Jewish law” or “those who taught people about God”

Luke 2:47

ἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες οἱ ἀκούοντες αὐτοῦ

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly why they marveled. Alternate translation: “all those who heard him, unable to understand how a twelve-year-old boy with no formal religious education could answer so well, were amazed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπὶ τῇ συνέσει καὶ ταῖς ἀποκρίσεσιν αὐτοῦ

Luke may be expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The term understanding may tell what characterized Jesus’ answers. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “at his wise answers” or “at the understanding with which he answered” (See: Hendiadys)

Luke 2:48

καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν

Alternate translation: “When Mary and Joseph found Jesus there” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

τί ἐποίησας ἡμῖν οὕτως?

Mary is using the question form to rebuke Jesus indirectly for not going back home with them, causing them to worry about him. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate her words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “you should not have done this to us!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἰδοὺ

Mary uses behold to get Jesus to focus his attention on what she is about to say. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully now” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ πατήρ σου κἀγὼ, ὀδυνώμενοι ζητοῦμεν σε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the idea behind the passive verbal form have been tormented with an adverb. Alternate translation: “your father and I have been searching for you anxiously” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 2:49

καὶ

Luke uses this word to draw a contrast between how readers might have expected Jesus to respond in this situation and how he actually responded. He did not say he was sorry for causing his parents so much worry. Instead, he told them that they should have known where to find him. Alternate translation: “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

τί ὅτι ἐζητεῖτέ με?

Jesus is making a statement, not really asking a question. He is using the question form to challenge his parents respectfully. Alternate translation: “You should not have had to search for me” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐκ ᾔδειτε ὅτι ἐν τοῖς τοῦ πατρός μου δεῖ εἶναί με?

Once again Jesus is making a statement rather than actually asking a question. He is using the question form to challenge his parents respectfully. Alternate translation: “You should have known that I would be involved in my Father’s business” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐν τοῖς τοῦ πατρός μου

This could mean: (1) Jesus is saying that he needed to be involved in the things that God was concerned about. Alternate translation: “involved in my Father’s business” (2) Jesus is referring to the temple as a place that was dedicated to God. Alternate translation: “in my Father’s temple” or “here in the temple”

τοῦ πατρός μου

At age 12, Jesus, the Son of God, understood that God was his real Father. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Luke 2:50

τὸ ῥῆμα ὃ ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς

The term word refers figuratively to what Jesus told his parents by using words. Alternate translation: “the answer that he gave them” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 2:51

καὶ κατέβη μετ’ αὐτῶν

Jerusalem was on top of a mountain, so Israelites customarily spoke of going down when they traveled from Jerusalem to some other place. Alternate translation: “Jesus went back home with Mary and Joseph” (See: Idiom)

ἦν ὑποτασσόμενος αὐτοῖς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “he obeyed them” or “he was obedient to them” (See: Active or Passive)

διετήρει πάντα τὰ ῥήματα ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς

As in 2:19, the heart here figuratively represents the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “carefully remembered all these things” or “reflected carefully on what all these things meant” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 2:52

Ἰησοῦς προέκοπτεν τῇ σοφίᾳ, καὶ ἡλικίᾳ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate the ideas behind the abstract nouns wisdom and stature with adjectives. These two terms refer to mental and physical growth. Alternate translation: “Jesus steadily became wiser and stronger” (See: Abstract Nouns)

χάριτι παρὰ Θεῷ καὶ ἀνθρώποις

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun favor, you could express the idea behind it with verbs. The phrase in favor with God and people refers to spiritual and social growth. Alternate translation: “God blessed him more and more, and people admired him more and more” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 3

Luke 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. John the Baptist begins preaching and baptizing (3:1-22)
2. The list of Jesus’ ancestors (3:23-38)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. ULT does this with the poetry in 3:4-6, which Luke is quoting from the Old Testament about John the Baptist.

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice

John’s instructions to the soldiers and tax collectors in Luke 3:12-15 are things that a person who wanted to live rightly would find reasonable and willingly do. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and Luke 3:12-15)

Genealogy

A genealogy is a list that records a person’s ancestors or descendants. Such lists were very important in determining who had the right be king, because the king’s authority was usually passed down or inherited from his father. It was also common for other important people to have a recorded genealogy.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Prophecy often involves the use of metaphors to express its meaning. Spiritual discernment is needed for proper interpretation of the prophecy. The prophecy that Luke quotes in 3:4-6 from Isaiah 40:3-5 is an extended metaphor that describes the ministry of John the Baptist. See the individual notes to 3:4-6 for recommendations about how to translate this passage. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Herod locked up John in prison”

This statement could cause confusion because Luke says that John was imprisoned, and then he implies that John was still able to baptize Jesus. But Luke makes this statement in anticipation of Herod’s imprisonment of John. It describes something that was still in the future at the time of the other events in the narrative. See the first note to 3:19 for a further explanation.

Luke 3:1

ἐν ἔτει δὲ πεντεκαιδεκάτῳ τῆς ἡγεμονίας Τιβερίου Καίσαρος

This verse and the beginning of the next one are an extended time reference that introduces a new event. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Everything that the angels and inspired people had said about John and Jesus began to come true during the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν ἔτει δὲ πεντεκαιδεκάτῳ

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “in year 15” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Τιβερίου Καίσαρος

As in 2:1, Caesar is the title of the emperor of the Roman Empire. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “King Tiberius, who ruled the Roman Empire” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Τιβερίου

Tiberius is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ποντίου Πειλάτου…Ἡρῴδου…Φιλίππου…Λυσανίου

These are the names of men. Here, the Herod mentioned is not the same one as in 1:5. Rather, it is his son. Luke makes further mention of him many times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

τῆς Ἰουδαίας…τῆς Γαλιλαίας…τῆς Ἰτουραίας καὶ Τραχωνίτιδος…τῆς Ἀβειληνῆς

These are names of territories. Like Galilee, the name Judea occurs many times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

τετραρχοῦντος

In the Roman Empire, a tetrarch was the governor of one of four divisions of a country or province. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a general term. Alternate translation: “ruler” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 3:2

ἐπὶ ἀρχιερέως Ἅννα καὶ Καϊάφα

Usually there would only have been one high priest, but at this point the Romans were appointing the high priests for Judea, and there had been some intrigue surrounding Annas. One Roman official had appointed him some years earlier, but ten years after that, another official deposed him and named his son-in-law Caiaphas high priest instead. However, the Jews still recognized Annas’ claim to the position. It would probably be best to state the matter as simply as possible for your readers. Alternate translation: “while Annas and Caiaphas were both serving as the high priest” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐγένετο ῥῆμα Θεοῦ

Luke speaks of God’s message figuratively as if it were a living thing that could come to a person at God's bidding. Alternate translation: “God gave a message” (See: Personification)

ἐγένετο ῥῆμα Θεοῦ

The term word figuratively describes the message that God gave John to say by using words. Alternate translation: “God gave a message” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 3:3

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “As a result” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τοῦ Ἰορδάνου

Jordan is the name of a river. Alternate translation: “the Jordan River” (See: How to Translate Names)

κηρύσσων βάπτισμα μετανοίας εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate the ideas behind the abstract nouns baptism, repentance, and forgiveness with other phrases. Alternate translation: “preaching that people should let him immerse them in the river to show that they wanted to live a new life and that they wanted God to forgive their sins” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 3:4

ὡς γέγραπται ἐν βίβλῳ λόγων Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “As the book says that records the sayings of the prophet Isaiah” (See: Active or Passive)

λόγων Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου

Luke is using the term words figuratively to refer to the sayings that Isaiah used words to articulate. Alternate translation: “the sayings of the prophet Isaiah” (See: Metonymy)

φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ

From this phrase through to the end of 3:6, Luke quotes from the book of Isaiah. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ

The term voice refers figuratively to what this person is saying by association with the means they are using to say it. Alternate translation: “Someone is calling out in the wilderness and saying” (See: Metonymy)

ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ

Everything from this phrase through to the end of 3:6 is a quotation within a quotation. Luke is quoting from the book of Isaiah, and Isaiah is quoting the words of the person calling out in the wilderness. It would be best to indicate that by punctuating this material as a second-level quotation, since Luke is quoting from Scripture. However, if your language does not put one direct quotation within another, you could translate this material as an indirect quotation. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ

These two phrases mean similar things. They are both telling people to make a good road for the Lord to travel on. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be helpful to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if the repetition might be confusing, you could connect the phrases with another phrase that would show the relationship between them. Alternate translation: “Prepare a good road for the Lord to travel on, and do this by making sure that it follows a straight path” (See: Parallelism)

ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου

This is a figurative way of telling people to get ready to listen to the Lord’s message when it comes. They are to do this by giving up their sins. Alternate translation: “Give up your sins so that you will be ready to listen to the Lord’s message when it comes” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 3:5

πᾶσα φάραγξ πληρωθήσεται, καὶ πᾶν ὄρος καὶ βουνὸς ταπεινωθήσεται

This is a continuation of the figurative description of making a good road that began in the previous verse. When people prepare the road for an important person who is coming, they make sure that the road is level by taking material from high places and using it to fill in low places. However, this is also a description of the effects that the coming of the Lord will have on people. It is a statement similar to the one Mary makes in 1:52, “He has thrown down rulers from their thrones and he has raised up the lowly.” Metaphors in Scripture can have more than one reference like this. So we recommend that you translate the words directly and not provide a non-figurative explanation, even if your language does not customarily use such figures of speech. If you want to explain the meanings of the metaphor, we recommend that you do that in a footnote rather than in the Bible text. (See: Metaphor)

πᾶσα φάραγξ πληρωθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Since people would be doing this action in one sense of the metaphor, but God would be doing the action in another sense of the metaphor, it might be best not to be specific about who will do the action. Alternate translation: “Someone will fill in every valley” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ πᾶν ὄρος καὶ βουνὸς ταπεινωθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, following the same principle as for the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and someone will make every mountain and hill low” (See: Active or Passive)

ἔσται τὰ σκολιὰ εἰς εὐθείαν, καὶ αἱ τραχεῖαι εἰς ὁδοὺς λείας

This too is both a continuation of the figurative description of making a good road and a description of the effects that the coming of the Lord will have on people. Something that is crooked becoming straight and something that is rough becoming smooth can be seen as metaphors for repentance and a change in a person’s way of life. And so we recommend once again that you translate the words directly and not provide a non-figurative explanation in the text of your translation. (See: Metaphor)

Luke 3:6

πᾶσα σὰρξ

Luke is describing people figuratively by reference to something associated with them, the flesh they are made of. Alternate translation: “all people” (See: Metonymy)

ὄψεται

The term see is a figurative way of referring to recognition and understanding. Alternate translation: “will recognize” or “will understand” (See: Metaphor)

ὄψεται…τὸ σωτήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun salvation, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “save.” Alternate translation: “will understand how God saves people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τὸ σωτήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ

After this phrase, Isaiah ends his quotation from the person who is calling out in the wilderness. If you decided in 3:4 to mark these words as a second-level quotation, indicate the end of that quotation here with whatever convention your language uses. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τὸ σωτήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ

After this phrase, Luke also ends his quotation from the book of Isaiah. If you decided in 3:4 to mark this as a first-level quotation, indicate that ending here with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a first-level quotation. (See: Quote Markings)

Luke 3:7

βαπτισθῆναι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “for him to baptize them” (See: Active or Passive)

γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν

The expression offspring of is an idiom that means a person shares the qualities of something. John is using dangerous poisonous snakes to represent evil. Alternate translation: “You evil people” (See: Idiom)

γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν

If your readers would not recognize the name vipers, which refers to dangerous poisonous snakes, you could state something more general. Alternate translation: “You are evil, like poisonous snakes” or “You are evil, like poisonous animals” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τίς ὑπέδειξεν ὑμῖν φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς?

John is making a statement, not asking a question. He does not expect the people in the crowds to tell him who warned them. Instead, he is using the question form to challenge the people to think about what they believe baptism will do for them. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “You cannot escape from God’s wrath just by being baptized!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς

John is using the word wrath to refer figuratively to God’s punishment. This is by association with the way that punishment is an expression of God’s wrath or displeasure over sin. Alternate translation: “from the punishment that God is sending” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 3:8

ποιήσατε…καρποὺς ἀξίους τῆς μετανοίας

John is figuratively comparing a person’s behavior to fruit. Just as a plant is expected to produce fruit that is appropriate for that kind of plant, a person who says that he has repented is expected to live righteously. Alternate translation: “do the good things that will show that you have stopped sinning” (See: Metaphor)

ἀξίους τῆς μετανοίας

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun repentance, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “that will show that you have stopped sinning” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μὴ ἄρξησθε λέγειν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ

We have Abraham as our father is a quotation within a quotation. Luke is quoting John’s words to the crowd, and John is quoting something that the crowds might wrongly think. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “do not try to reassure yourselves with the thought that Abraham is your father” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ

Here, Father figuratively means “ancestor.” Alternate translation: “Abraham is our ancestor” (See: Metaphor)

πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ

John is suggesting something the people might say about themselves, as opposed to others, so if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive “we” and “us,” use the exclusive form here. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ

Here, the word father figuratively means “ancestor.” Alternate translation: “Abraham is our ancestor” (See: Metaphor)

πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ

If it would be unclear to your readers why they would say this, you may also add the implied information: Alternate translation: “Abraham is our ancestor, so God would not punish us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

δύναται ὁ Θεὸς ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων ἐγεῖραι τέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ

The expression raise up is a spatial metaphor. It envisions that if God did turn the stones into people who were descendants of Abraham, then the people would be standing up in front of everyone, no longer lying in the riverbed as the stones were. Alternate translation: “God is able create descendants for Abraham out of these stones” (See: Metaphor)

τέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ

Here, the word children figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “descendants for Abraham” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων

John was probably referring to actual stones lying along the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “from these stones here”

Luke 3:9

ἤδη…ἡ ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων κεῖται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the person who is going to cut down the tree has already placed his ax against the roots” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων κεῖται

This is a figurative way of saying that punishment is just about to begin. Alternate translation: “God is even now getting his punishment ready” (See: Metaphor)

πᾶν…δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν, ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with active forms. Alternate translation: “this person will chop down every tree that does not produce good fruit and throw it into the fire” (See: Active or Passive)

πᾶν…δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν, ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται

This is a figurative way of describing punishment. Alternate translation: “God will certainly punish every person who does not do what is right” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 3:10

ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν…λέγοντες

Luke uses the word saying to introduce his quotation of what the crowds were asking John. Here and throughout the book, if you indicate the quotation in some other way, such as with quotation marks or with some other punctuation or convention that your language uses, you do not need to represent this word in your translation. (See: Quote Markings)

Luke 3:11

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς

Together the words answering and said mean that John responded to the question that the crowds asked. Alternate translation: “So he responded to them” (See: Hendiadys)

ὁ ἔχων βρώματα, ὁμοίως ποιείτω

The implication is that anyone who has extra food should share it, just as a person with an extra tunic should share that. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “if anyone has extra food, he should share that as well” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 3:12

ἦλθον…βαπτισθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “came because they wanted John to baptize them” (See: Active or Passive)

Διδάσκαλε

This is a respectful title. You can translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use,

Luke 3:13

μηδὲν πλέον…πράσσετε

The implication is that tax collectors had been demanding more money than they should have been collecting. John tells them to stop doing that. Alternate translation: “Do not demand extra money” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

παρὰ τὸ διατεταγμένον ὑμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “beyond what the Romans have authorized you to collect” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 3:14

τί ποιήσωμεν καὶ ἡμεῖς?

The soliders are speaking about themselves, as opposed to others, so if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive we and “us,” use the exclusive form here. You could make this two sentences. Alternate translation: “How about us soldiers? What must we do?” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

μηδὲ συκοφαντήσητε

The implication is that soldiers were making false charges against people in order to extort money from them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “do not accuse anyone falsely in order to get money from them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ἀρκεῖσθε τοῖς ὀψωνίοις ὑμῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “instead, let the amount you are paid satisfy you” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ

This word introduces draws a contrast between what the soldiers had been doing and what they should have been doing. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Instead” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Luke 3:15

προσδοκῶντος δὲ τοῦ λαοῦ

Luke is providing this background information to help readers understand what happens next. You can introduce his statement with a word that will indicate this. Alternate translation: “Now the people were expecting” (See: Connect — Background Information)

προσδοκῶντος δὲ τοῦ λαοῦ

The implication is that the people were expecting the Messiah. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Now the people were expecting the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

διαλογιζομένων…ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν

Here, Luke uses the term hearts figuratively to represent the people’s minds. Alternate translation: “wondering in their minds” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 3:16

ἀπεκρίνατο λέγων πᾶσιν ὁ Ἰωάννης

John’s statement clearly implies that John himself is not the Messiah. It may be helpful to state this explicitly for your readers. Alternate translation: “John clarified that he was not the Messiah by saying to them all” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπεκρίνατο λέγων…ὁ Ἰωάννης

Together the words answered and saying mean that John responded to what the people were wondering about him. Alternate translation: “John responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ἐγὼ…ὕδατι βαπτίζω ὑμᾶς

Alternate translation: “I … baptize you using water” or “I … baptize you by means of water”

οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς λῦσαι τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων αὐτοῦ

Untying the straps of sandals was a duty of a slave. John is saying implicitly that the one who is coming will be so great that he is not even worthy to be his slave. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I am not even worthy to be his slave” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αὐτὸς ὑμᾶς βαπτίσει ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ, καὶ πυρί

John is using literal baptism, which puts a person under water, to speak figuratively of spiritual baptism, which puts people under the influence of the Holy Spirit, who purifies them. Alternate translation: “He will put you under the influence of the Holy Spirit, who will purify you” (See: Metaphor)

αὐτὸς ὑμᾶς βαπτίσει…πυρί

The word fire is intended figuratively, and it suggests a fuller metaphor. Jesus will not immerse people in actual fire. Be sure that this is clear to your readers. Alternate translation: “He will baptize you … to purify you, as precious metals are purified in fire” or “He will baptize you … to clear away your sins, as fire clears away underbrush” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 3:17

οὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ

John is saying figuratively that the Messiah will come prepared to judge people right away. You could express this metaphor as a simile in your translation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here in your translation. Alternate translation: “He will already be prepared to judge people, just like a farmer who is ready to thresh grain” (See: Metaphor)

οὗ τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ

The phrase in his hand is an idiom that means he has the tool all ready to use. Alternate translation: “He has his winnowing fork ready to use” (See: Idiom)

πτύον

This is a tool for tossing wheat into the air to separate the wheat grain from the chaff. The heavier grain falls back down, and the wind blows away the unwanted chaff. This tool is similar to a pitchfork. If you have a similar tool in your culture, you can use the word for it here. Otherwise, you can use a phrase that would express the meaning. Alternate translation: “tool for threshing grain” (See: Translate Unknowns)

διακαθᾶραι τὴν ἅλωνα αὐτοῦ

The threshing floor was the place where wheat was stacked in preparation for threshing. To clear off the floor is to finish threshing all the grain. Alternate translation: “to completely thresh all of his grain” (See: Translate Unknowns)

καὶ συναγαγεῖν τὸν σῖτον εἰς τὴν ἀποθήκην αὐτοῦ

John continues to speak figuratively to describe how the coming Messiah will judge people. The wheat is the part of the crop that is useful. It represents people who are obedient to God, who will be welcomed into his presence. You could express this metaphor as a simile in your translation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He will welcome those who are obedient to God, just as a farmer stores good grain in his barn” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

τὸ δὲ ἄχυρον κατακαύσει πυρὶ ἀσβέστῳ

John continues to speak figuratively to describe how the coming Messiah will judge people. The chaff is the husk that surrounds the grain. It is not useful for anything, so people burn it up. You could express this metaphor as a simile in your translation. Alternate translation: “but he will punish those who are disobedient to God, just as a farmer burns up the useless chaff” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

Luke 3:18

πολλὰ…καὶ ἕτερα παρακαλῶν

Alternate translation: “saying many other things to warn them”

Luke 3:19

δὲ

Luke uses the term but to introduce some background information to the story. In this verse and the next one, he tells what later happened to John. This had not yet happened at this time. When Luke says in 3:21 that Jesus was baptized, he means that John was still there and that John baptized Jesus. (See: Background Information)

ὁ…Ἡρῴδης ὁ τετράρχης

See how you translated the term tetrarch in 3:1 Alternate translation: “Herod, who ruled the region of Galilee” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐλεγχόμενος ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ περὶ Ἡρῳδιάδος, τῆς γυναικὸς τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could make clear who did the action. Alternate translation: “because John had rebuked him for marrying Herodias, his brother’s former wife” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐλεγχόμενος ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ περὶ Ἡρῳδιάδος, τῆς γυναικὸς τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ

The implication is that Herod’s brother was still alive. That made this marriage a violation of the law of Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “because John had rebuked him for marrying Herodias, his brother’s former wife, while his brother was still alive. That was something which the law of Moses forbade” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 3:20

κατέκλεισεν τὸν Ἰωάννην ἐν φυλακῇ

Herod did not do this by himself, Rather, as a ruler, he probably ordered his soldiers to lock John up. Luke is speaking figuratively of Herod, one person who was involved in this action, to mean everyone who was involved. Alternate translation: “He had his soldiers lock John up in prison” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 3:21

ἐγένετο δὲ

The previous verse says that Herod put John in prison. It might be helpful to make it clear that the account that starts in this verse happened before John was arrested. UST does that by starting this verse with “but before Herod did that.” (See: Order of Events)

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

βαπτισθῆναι ἅπαντα τὸν λαὸν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “while John was baptizing all the people who came to him” (See: Active or Passive)

ἅπαντα τὸν λαὸν

The phrase all the people is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “all the people who came to him” (See: Hyperbole)

καὶ Ἰησοῦ βαπτισθέντος

you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “John also baptized Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀνεῳχθῆναι τὸν οὐρανὸν

you could express this with an active form. This was more than a simple clearing of the clouds, but it is not clear exactly what the expression means, so it may be best not to try to specify what happened too exactly. Alternate translation: “the sky opened up” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 3:22

φωνὴν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ γενέσθαι

Luke speaks figuratively of this voice as if it were a living thing that could come from heaven to earth. Alternate translation: “God spoke from heaven and said” (See: Personification)

ὁ Υἱός μου

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Luke 3:23

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information about Jesus’ age and ancestors. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Background Information)

αὐτὸς ἦν Ἰησοῦς ἀρχόμενος ὡσεὶ ἐτῶν τριάκοντα

This idiomatic expression could mean: (1) the word beginning is a reference to Jesus starting his own ministry. UST follows this interpretation. Alternate translation: “Jesus himself was about 30 years old when he began his ministry” (2) Luke is saying that Jesus had just turned 30 was when he was baptized. Alternate translation: “Jesus himself was just 30 years old at this time” (See: Idiom)

ὢν υἱός, ὡς ἐνομίζετο, Ἰωσὴφ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “People assumed that he was the son of Joseph” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 3:24

τοῦ Μαθθὰτ, τοῦ Λευεὶ, τοῦ Μελχεὶ, τοῦ Ἰανναὶ, τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ

This continues the list that begins with the words “He was the son … of Joseph, the son of Heli” in verse 24. Consider how people normally list ancestors in your language. Use the same wording throughout the whole list. Possible formats are: (1) “He was the son … of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph” (2) “He was the son … of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Heli. Heli was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi. Levi was the son of Melchi. Melchi was the son of Jannai. Jannai was the son of Joseph” or (3) “His father … was Joseph. Joseph’s father was Heli. Heli’s father was Matthat. Matthat’s father was Levi. Levi’s father was Melchi. Melchi’s father was Jannai. Jannai’s father was Joseph” (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:25

τοῦ Ματταθίου, τοῦ Ἀμὼς, τοῦ Ναοὺμ, τοῦ Ἑσλεὶ, τοῦ Ναγγαὶ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:26

τοῦ Μάαθ, τοῦ Ματταθίου, τοῦ Σεμεεῒν, τοῦ Ἰωσὴχ, τοῦ Ἰωδὰ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:27

τοῦ Ἰωανὰν, τοῦ Ῥησὰ, τοῦ Ζοροβαβὲλ, τοῦ Σαλαθιὴλ, τοῦ Νηρεὶ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that begins in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:28

τοῦ Μελχεὶ, τοῦ Ἀδδεὶ, τοῦ Κωσὰμ, τοῦ Ἐλμαδὰμ, τοῦ Ἢρ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:29

τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, τοῦ Ἐλιέζερ, τοῦ Ἰωρεὶμ, τοῦ Μαθθὰτ, τοῦ Λευεὶ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:30

τοῦ Συμεὼν, τοῦ Ἰούδα, τοῦ Ἰωσὴφ, τοῦ Ἰωνὰμ, τοῦ Ἐλιακεὶμ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:31

τοῦ Μελεὰ, τοῦ Μεννὰ, τοῦ Ματταθὰ, τοῦ Ναθὰμ, τοῦ Δαυεὶδ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:32

τοῦ Ἰεσσαὶ, τοῦ Ἰωβὴλ, τοῦ Βόος, τοῦ Σαλὰ, τοῦ Ναασσὼν

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:33

τοῦ Ἀμιναδὰβ, τοῦ Ἀδμεὶν, τοῦ Ἀρνεὶ, τοῦ Ἑσρὼμ, τοῦ Φαρὲς, τοῦ Ἰούδα

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:34

τοῦ Ἰακὼβ, τοῦ Ἰσαὰκ, τοῦ Ἀβραὰμ, τοῦ Θάρα, τοῦ Ναχὼρ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:35

τοῦ Σεροὺχ, τοῦ Ῥαγαὺ, τοῦ Φάλεκ, τοῦ Ἔβερ, τοῦ Σαλὰ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:36

τοῦ Καϊνὰμ, τοῦ Ἀρφαξὰδ, τοῦ Σὴμ, τοῦ Νῶε, τοῦ Λάμεχ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:37

τοῦ Μαθουσαλὰ, τοῦ Ἑνὼχ, τοῦ Ἰάρετ, τοῦ Μαλελεὴλ, τοῦ Καϊνὰμ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 3:38

τοῦ Ἐνὼς, τοῦ Σὴθ, τοῦ Ἀδὰμ, τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is a continuation of the list of Jesus’ ancestors that began in Luke 3:23. Use the same format as you used in the previous verses. (See: How to Translate Names)

τοῦ Ἀδὰμ, τοῦ Θεοῦ

Alternate translation: “the son of Adam, whom God created” or “the son of Adam, who was, in a sense, the son of God”

Luke 4

Luke 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. The devil tempts Jesus in the wilderness (4:1-13)
2. Jesus teaches in the synagogue in Nazareth (4:14-30)
3. Jesus teaches, heals, and drives out demons in Capernaum (4:31-44)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. ULT does this with the poetry in 4:10-11 and 4:18-19, which is quoted from the Old Testamentt.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Jesus was tempted by the devil”

While it is true that the devil actually believed that he could persuade Jesus to disobey God and obey him instead, it is important not to imply in your translation that Jesus would ever really have wanted to obey the devil.

Luke 4:1

Ἰησοῦς δὲ

Luke uses this expression to return to the story after providing background information about Jesus’ ancestors. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could include a phrase that would provide continuity with the previous episode in the story. Alternate translation: “After John had baptized Jesus, then Jesus” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

τοῦ Ἰορδάνου

Jordan is the name of a river. Alternate translation: “the Jordan River” (See: How to Translate Names)

ἤγετο ἐν τῷ Πνεύματι

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the Spirit led him” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 4:2

ἡμέρας τεσσεράκοντα πειραζόμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου

The Greek verb indicates that the temptation continued throughout the 40 days. You can make this clear in your translation, as UST does: “While he was there, the devil kept tempting him for 40 days” (See: Verbs)

ἡμέρας τεσσεράκοντα πειραζόμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “For 40 days the devil kept tempting him” or “For 40 days the devil kept trying to persuade him disobey God” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ οὐκ ἔφαγεν οὐδὲν

Make sure that it is clear in your translation that the word he refers to Jesus, not to the devil. Alternate translation: “Jesus did not eat anything” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 4:3

εἶπεν…ὁ διάβολος

The devil either holds a stone in his hand or points to a nearby stone. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The devil picked up a stone and said” or “The devil pointed to a stone and said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰ Υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰπὲ τῷ λίθῳ τούτῳ, ἵνα γένηται ἄρτος

The devil is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that the stone will only become bread if Jesus is the Son of God. The devil is speaking as if it is uncertain who Jesus is in order to challenge him to do this miracle to prove that he really is the Son of God. Alternate translation: “Prove that you are the Son of God by commanding this stone to become bread” (See: Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

Υἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. Even the devil knew its significance. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Luke 4:4

καὶ

This word introduces a contrast between the devil wanting Jesus to turn the stone into bread and Jesus refusing to do that. Alternate translation: “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀπεκρίθη πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, γέγραπται

Jesus clearly implies in his answer that he is rejecting the devil’s challenge. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, as UST does. Alternate translation: “Jesus replied, ‘No, I will not do that, because it is written’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

γέγραπται, ὅτι οὐκ ἐπ’ ἄρτῳ μόνῳ ζήσεται ὁ ἄνθρωπος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “It is written that man will not live on bread alone” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

γέγραπται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “The Scriptures say” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐκ ἐπ’ ἄρτῳ μόνῳ ζήσεται ὁ ἄνθρωπος

The word bread refers to food in general. Jesus quotes this scripture to explain why he will not turn the stone into bread. It means that food by itself, without God, is not enough to sustain a person in life. Alternate translation: “It is not just having food that makes a person truly alive” or “God says there are more important things than food” (See: Synecdoche)

ὁ ἄνθρωπος

Here, man has a generic sense that refers to all people. Alternate translation: “People” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 4:5

ἀναγαγὼν αὐτὸν

The implication is that the devil brought Jesus up to a high place with a commanding view. Alternate translation: “the devil led Jesus up a mountain” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν στιγμῇ χρόνου

In your language, it might seem that the phrase an instant of time expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you can abbreviate it. Alternate translation: “in an instant” or “in a short time” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

Luke 4:6

ἐμοὶ παραδέδοται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God has given me authority over all these kingdoms” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐμοὶ παραδέδοται

The word it likely refers back to the singular antecedent all this authority, that is, the authority over these kingdoms. So the word you use to translate it should agree with authority in gender and number and in any other distinctions that your language marks. Alternate translation: “God has given me authority over all these kingdoms” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 4:7

ἐὰν προσκυνήσῃς ἐνώπιον ἐμοῦ

The implication is that the devil wants visible, direct worship that will be an official act of submission. Alternate translation: “If you will bow down in worship directly in front of me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐνώπιον

Here, the term before means “in front of.”

ἔσται σοῦ πᾶσα

Alternate translation: “I will give you all of these kingdoms”

Luke 4:8

ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ

Together the words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to the offer that the devil made. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded to him” (See: Hendiadys)

γέγραπται, Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου προσκυνήσεις καὶ αὐτῷ μόνῳ λατρεύσεις

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “It is written that one must worship the Lord his God and serve only him” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

γέγραπται

Jesus clearly implies in his answer that he is rejecting the devil’s challenge. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, as UST does. Alternate translation: “Jesus replied, ‘No, I will not do that, because it is written’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

γέγραπται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “The Scriptures say” (See: Active or Passive)

Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου προσκυνήσεις καὶ αὐτῷ μόνῳ λατρεύσεις

Here, the Scriptures are using a statement to give a command. Alternate translation: “You must worship the Lord your God, and you must serve only him” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

προσκυνήσεις

Here, it may not be clear whether to use the singular or plural form of you because this is a short quotation from the Scriptures and the context is not given. The word is actually singular because, even though Moses said this to the Israelites as a group, each individual person was supposed to obey this command. So in your translation, use the singular form of you, if your language marks that distinction. In general these notes will not discuss whether you is singular or plural when this should be clear from the context. But they will address ambiguous cases such as this one. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Luke 4:9

τὸ πτερύγιον

The term pinnacle refers to the highest point or very top of something. If you have a similar term in your language, you could use it here. (See: Translate Unknowns)

εἰ Υἱὸς εἶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, βάλε σεαυτὸν ἐντεῦθεν κάτω

The devil is suggesting that this is a hypothetical condition, that Jesus will be able to jump safely from this great height if he really is the Son of God. The devil is speaking as if it is uncertain who Jesus is in order to challenge him to do this miracle to prove that he really is the Son of God. Alternate translation: “Prove that you are the Son of God by jumping safely from this great height” (See: Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

Υἱὸς…τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. Even the devil knew its significance. (See: Translating Son and Father)

βάλε σεαυτὸν ἐντεῦθεν κάτω

The exact location of the part of the temple that Luke describes is uncertain. However, the implication is that it was one of the places on the temple roof from which people would fall several hundred feet into the Kidron Valley if they jumped or slipped off. Make sure it is clear in your translation that this would ordinarily have been a deadly fall. Alternate translation: “jump from this great height” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 4:10

γέγραπται γὰρ, ὅτι τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ ἐντελεῖται περὶ σοῦ, τοῦ διαφυλάξαι σε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “For it is written that he will give orders to his angels regarding you, to protect you” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

γέγραπται γὰρ

The devil implies that his quote from the Psalms means that if Jesus really is the Son of God, he will not be hurt if he jumps from this great height. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, as UST does. Alternate translation: “You will not be hurt, because it is written” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

γέγραπται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “the Scriptures say” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ ἐντελεῖται περὶ σοῦ, τοῦ διαφυλάξαι σε

He refers to God. Alternate translation: “God will order his angels to protect you” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 4:11

καὶ, ὅτι ἐπὶ χειρῶν ἀροῦσίν σε, μήποτε προσκόψῃς πρὸς λίθον τὸν πόδα σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and that they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

μήποτε προσκόψῃς πρὸς λίθον τὸν πόδα σου

The Scriptures are figuratively using one way of being hurt to mean all ways of being hurt. Alternate translation: “so that you will not get hurt” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 4:12

ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς

Together the words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to the challenge that the devil posed. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded to him” (See: Hendiadys)

εἴρηται, οὐκ ἐκπειράσεις Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “It is said that one must not put the Lord his God to the test” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

εἴρηται

Jesus clearly implies in his answer that he is rejecting the devil’s challenge. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, as UST does. Alternate translation: “Jesus replied, ‘No, I will not do that, because it is said’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἴρηται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “The Scriptures say” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐκ ἐκπειράσεις Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου

The Scriptures are using a statement to give a command. Alternate translation: “You must not test the Lord your God” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

Luke 4:13

συντελέσας πάντα πειρασμὸν

This does not imply that the devil was successful in his temptation. Jesus resisted every attempt. You can state this clearly. Alternate translation: “after the devil had repeatedly failed to persuade Jesus to sin” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄχρι καιροῦ

New Testament Greek had two words for time. The first referred to chronological time, that is, the passage of time. The second word referred to the right time to do something. ULT is using the phrase an opportune time to translate that second word. If your language makes this same distinction, use the corresponding word in your own translation. Alternate translation: “until the time was right to try again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 4:14

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce a new event in the story. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῇ δυνάμει τοῦ Πνεύματος

This phrase means that God, by the Holy Spirit, was empowering Jesus in a special way, enabling him to do things that ordinary humans could not. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and the Spirit was giving him the power to do extraordinary things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

φήμη ἐξῆλθεν…περὶ αὐτοῦ

Luke speaks figuratively of this news as if it were something that could go out actively by itself. This expression means that those who heard about Jesus told other people about him, who then told even more people about him. Alternate translation: “people spread the news about Jesus” (See: Personification)

καθ’ ὅλης τῆς περιχώρου

Alternate translation: “everywhere around Galilee”

Luke 4:15

δοξαζόμενος ὑπὸ πάντων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “as everyone spoke about him in a good way” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 4:16

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

οὗ ἦν τεθραμμένος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “where his parents had raised him” (See: Active or Passive)

κατὰ τὸ εἰωθὸς αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “as was his usual practice”

Luke 4:17

καὶ

Luke uses this word to indicate that the event he will now relate came after the event he has just described. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

ἐπεδόθη αὐτῷ βιβλίον τοῦ προφήτου Ἠσαΐου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “someone brought him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπεδόθη αὐτῷ βιβλίον τοῦ προφήτου Ἠσαΐου

Since Jesus looked for a specific passage in the scroll, and since he said that it was being fulfilled right at that time, it is likely that Jesus requested this particular scroll. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at his request, someone brought him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

βιβλίον τοῦ προφήτου Ἠσαΐου

A scroll was a long, wide roll of special paper. On this scroll someone had written the words that Isaiah had spoken many years before. If your readers would not know what a scroll is, you could describe it, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the special paper roll that recorded the sayings of the prophet Isaiah” or “the book that recorded the sayings of the prophet Isaiah” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὸν τόπον οὗ ἦν γεγραμμένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the place where the scroll recorded the words” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 4:18

Πνεῦμα Κυρίου ἐπ’ ἐμέ

As in 2:25, upon is a spatial metaphor that means that the Spirit of God is with someone in a special way. Alternate translation: “The Spirit of the Lord is with me in a special way” (See: Metaphor)

ἔχρισέν με

In the Old Testament, ceremonial oil was poured on a person when they were given the authority to assume an office or do a special task. Isaiah uses anointing figuratively to indicate that God has appointed him to his work. Jesus applies these words to himself as well. Alternate translation: “he has appointed me” (See: Metaphor)

πτωχοῖς…τυφλοῖς

Luke is using the adjectives poor and blind as nouns in order to indicate groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these expressions with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are poor … people who are blind” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

κηρύξαι αἰχμαλώτοις ἄφεσιν

Alternate translation: “to tell people who are being held captive that they can go free”

κηρύξαι…τυφλοῖς ἀνάβλεψιν

Alternate translation: “to tell people who are blind that they will be able to see again”

ἀποστεῖλαι τεθραυσμένους ἐν ἀφέσει

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who is doing the action. Alternate translation: “to rescue people whom others are treating harshly” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 4:19

κηρύξαι ἐνιαυτὸν Κυρίου δεκτόν

Luke is using the term year figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “to announce that this is the time when the Lord will show his kindness” (See: Idiom)

Luke 4:20

πτύξας τὸ βιβλίον

A scroll was closed by rolling it like a tube to protect the writing inside it. Alternate translation: “closing the scroll by rolling it up” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῷ ὑπηρέτῃ

The attendant refers to a synagogue worker who, with proper care and reverence, would bring out and put away the scrolls that contained the Scriptures. If there is a word in your language for a person who has a similar role in your culture, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “the sexton” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐκάθισεν

Since a person would stand to read the Scriptures in a synagogue but then sit down to teach, the implication is that Jesus was going to speak to the people about what he had just read. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, as UST does. Alternate translation: “he sat down to teach” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πάντων οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ

Luke is using one part of people, their eyes, figuratively to represent people themselves in the act of seeing. Alternate translation: “all the people in the synagogue” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 4:21

σήμερον

Today figuratively refers to the present moment. Alternate translation: “Right now” (See: Idiom)

πεπλήρωται ἡ Γραφὴ αὕτη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “I am fulfilling what this scripture says” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τοῖς ὠσὶν ὑμῶν

In this expression, the ears figuratively represent people in the act of listening. Alternate translation: “even as you are listening” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 4:22

τοῖς λόγοις τῆς χάριτος

Luke uses the term words figuratively to describe what Jesus said by reference to something associated with it, the words he used to communicate it. Alternate translation: “the articulate things” (See: Metonymy)

τοῖς λόγοις…τοῖς ἐκπορευομένοις ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

In your language, this phrase might seem like an unnecessarily elaborate way of speaking. If so, you can express the same idea more compactly. Alternate translation: “the … things he was saying” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

οὐχὶ υἱός ἐστιν Ἰωσὴφ οὗτος?

The people were making a statement, not asking a question. They did not expect others to verify for them who Jesus’ father was. Instead, they were using the question form to say how amazed they were. Joseph was not a religious leader, so they were surprised that his son would preach as well as he did. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate these words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “This is just Joseph’s son!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 4:23

πάντως ἐρεῖτέ μοι τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην, ἰατρέ, θεράπευσον σεαυτόν; ὅσα ἠκούσαμεν γενόμενα εἰς τὴν Καφαρναοὺμ, ποίησον καὶ ὧδε ἐν τῇ πατρίδι σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Surely you will quote the proverb to me that tells a doctor to heal himself, to ask me to do the same things here in my hometown that you heard happened in Capernaum” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἰατρέ, θεράπευσον σεαυτόν

Jesus anticipates that the people will want to see him do miracles to prove his credibility. He uses a short popular saying of the culture to express this. This saying expresses a great deal of meaning in a few words. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could expand it to make clear to your readers what it means. Alternate translation: “If a doctor cannot heal himself of a certain disease, then people will not believe that he can heal them of it” (See: Proverbs)

ὅσα ἠκούσαμεν γενόμενα εἰς τὴν Καφαρναοὺμ, ποίησον καὶ ὧδε ἐν τῇ πατρίδι σου

Jesus then explains how the short saying applies to this situation. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explicitly state the implications of his explanation. Alternate translation: “We will not believe the things you say unless you can do the same kind of miracles here that we heard you did in Capernaum” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 4:24

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the truth of the statement that follows. Alternate translation: “What I am about to tell you is very true”

οὐδεὶς προφήτης δεκτός ἐστιν ἐν τῇ πατρίδι αὐτοῦ

Jesus makes a short, general statement in order to rebuke the people. This saying expresses a great deal of meaning in a few words. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could expand it to make clear to your readers what it means. Alternate translation: “You think you know all about me because I grew up here, and so you cannot accept that I am genuinely a prophet” (See: Proverbs)

Luke 4:25

ἐπ’ ἀληθείας δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the truth of the statement that follows. Alternate translation: “What I am about to tell you is very true”

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Ἠλείου

Jesus is using the term days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “during the time when Elijah was prophesying” (See: Idiom)

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Ἠλείου

The people to whom Jesus was speaking would have known that Elijah was one of God’s prophets. If your readers would not know that, you can make this implicit information explicit, as UST does. Alternate translation: “during the time when Elijah was prophesying” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅτε ἐκλείσθη ὁ οὐρανὸς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “when God shut up the sky” (See: Active or Passive)

ὅτε ἐκλείσθη ὁ οὐρανὸς

Jesus figuratively describes the sky as if God had closed it so that no rain could fall from it. Alternate translation: “when no rain fell from the sky” (See: Metaphor)

λιμὸς μέγας

A famine is a long period of time when the people in an area cannot produce or acquire enough food to feed themselves. Alternate translation: “a serious lack of food” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 4:26

πρὸς οὐδεμίαν αὐτῶν ἐπέμφθη Ἠλείας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God did not send Elijah to any of them except” (See: Active or Passive)

πρὸς οὐδεμίαν αὐτῶν ἐπέμφθη Ἠλείας, εἰ μὴ

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “God only sent Elijah to” (See: Connect — Exception Clauses)

εἰς Σάρεπτα…πρὸς γυναῖκα χήραν

The people listening to Jesus would have understood that the people of Zarephath were Gentiles. Alternate translation: “to a Gentile widow living in Zarephath” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς Σάρεπτα τῆς Σιδωνίας

Zarephath is the name of a city, and Sidon is the name of the region where it is located. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 4:27

οὐδεὶς αὐτῶν ἐκαθαρίσθη, εἰ μὴ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Elisha did not heal any of them except” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐδεὶς αὐτῶν ἐκαθαρίσθη, εἰ μὴ

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “Elisha only healed” (See: Connect — Exception Clauses)

Ναιμὰν ὁ Σύρος

The people listening to Jesus would have understood that the people of Syria were Gentiles, not Jews. Alternate translation: “a Gentile, Naaman from Syria” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ναιμὰν ὁ Σύρος

Naaman is the name of a man, and Syrian is the name of his people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 4:28

καὶ

Luke uses this word to indicate that the event he will now relate, the people becoming enraged, came after the event he has just described, Jesus citing scriptures in which God helped Gentiles rather than Jews. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

ἐπλήσθησαν πάντες θυμοῦ ἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ ἀκούοντες ταῦτα

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly why the people of Nazareth became so angry. Alternate translation: “When the people in the synagogue heard Jesus say these things, they all became furious, because he had cited scriptures in which God helped Gentiles rather than Jews” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπλήσθησαν πάντες θυμοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they all became furious” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπλήσθησαν πάντες θυμοῦ

Luke speaks figuratively of the people’s rage as if it were something that could actively fill them. Alternate translation: “they all became furious” (See: Personification)

Luke 4:29

τοῦ ὄρους ἐφ’ οὗ ἡ πόλις ᾠκοδόμητο αὐτῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “the hill on which people had built their town” (See: Active or Passive)

ὥστε κατακρημνίσαι αὐτόν

The implication is that the people of Nazareth wanted to do this in order to kill Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “because they wanted to throw him off to kill him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 4:30

διελθὼν διὰ μέσου αὐτῶν

Alternate translation: “slipping between the people who were trying to kill him”

ἐπορεύετο

Alternate translation: “he left that place”

Luke 4:31

καὶ

Luke uses this word to indicate that the event he will now relate came after the event he has just described. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

κατῆλθεν εἰς Καφαρναοὺμ

Here, Luke uses the phrase went down because Capernaum is lower in elevation than Nazareth. Alternate translation: “went to Capernaum” (See: Idiom)

Καφαρναοὺμ, πόλιν τῆς Γαλιλαίας

Since Nazareth was also in Galilee, you might state “Capernaum, another city in Galilee” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 4:32

ἐξεπλήσσοντο ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “his teaching amazed them” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν ἐξουσίᾳ ἦν ὁ λόγος αὐτοῦ

Luke is using the term word figuratively to describe the things that Jesus taught by using words. Alternate translation: “he taught as one who had authority” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 4:33

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἦν ἄνθρωπος

Luke uses this phrase to mark the introduction of a new character into the story. If your language has an expression of its own that serves this purpose, you can use it here. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἔχων πνεῦμα δαιμονίου ἀκαθάρτου

Alternate translation: “who was controlled by an evil spirit”

ἀνέκραξεν φωνῇ μεγάλῃ

This is an idiom that means the man raised the volume of his voice. Alternate translation: “he shouted loudly” (See: Idiom)

Luke 4:34

τί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί, Ἰησοῦ Ναζαρηνέ?

The unclean spirit is making a statement, not asking a question. He does not expect Jesus to explain what they have in common. Instead, he is using the question form to express his antagonism. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “We have nothing in common with you, Jesus of Nazareth!” or “You have no right to bother us, Jesus of Nazareth!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί ἡμῖν καὶ σοί

This expression is an idiom. Alternate translation: “We have nothing in common with you” or “You have no right to bother us” (See: Idiom)

Luke 4:35

ἐπετίμησεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγων

Alternate translation: “Jesus said sternly to the demon”

φιμώθητι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Keep quiet” (See: Active or Passive)

ἔξελθε ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ

Jesus is commanding the demon to stop controlling the man. Alternate translation: “leave him alone” or “do not live in this man any longer”

Luke 4:36

ἐγένετο θάμβος ἐπὶ πάντας

Luke speaks figuratively of astonishment as if it were something that actively came upon the people. Alternate translation: “they were all amazed” (See: Personification)

τίς ὁ λόγος οὗτος

Luke uses the term word figuratively to describe the things that Jesus taught by using words. Alternate translation: “What is this teaching” or “What is this message” (See: Metonymy)

τίς ὁ λόγος οὗτος

The people are making a statement, not asking a question. They do not expect anyone to explain what Jesus’ teaching is. Instead, they are using the question form to express how amazed they are that Jesus has the authority to command demons to leave a person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate their words as a statement or exclamation. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “This is a powerful message!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐν ἐξουσίᾳ καὶ δυνάμει ἐπιτάσσει τοῖς ἀκαθάρτοις πνεύμασιν

The words authority and power mean similar things. The people use the two terms together to emphasize what great control Jesus has over unclean spirits. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these terms in a single phrase that would similarly express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “he has complete authority over the unclean spirits” (See: Doublet)

Luke 4:37

καὶ ἐξεπορεύετο ἦχος περὶ αὐτοῦ

This is a comment about what happened after the story as a result of the events within the story itself. (See: End of Story)

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “As a result” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐξεπορεύετο ἦχος περὶ αὐτοῦ

Luke speaks figuratively of this news as if it were something that could spread around actively by itself. As in 4:14, this expression means that those who heard about Jesus told other people about him, who told even more people about him. Alternate translation: “people began to spread the news about Jesus” (See: Personification)

Luke 4:38

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Σίμωνος

Luke is introducing a new character into the story. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state a little bit more about him here to help them recognize him later. Alternate translation: “a man named Simon, who would become one of his disciples” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Σίμωνος

Simon is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

πενθερὰ…τοῦ Σίμωνος

This means the mother of Simon’s wife. In your translation, you can use the term or expression in your own language for this relationship.

ἦν συνεχομένη πυρετῷ μεγάλῳ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “was very sick with a high fever” (See: Idiom)

ἦν συνεχομένη πυρετῷ μεγάλῳ

You can express this in the way your language and culture would. Alternate translation: “was so sick that her skin was hot”

ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν περὶ αὐτῆς

Implicitly this means they asked Jesus to heal her from the fever. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they asked Jesus to heal her” or “they asked Jesus to cure her fever” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 4:39

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. He is indicating that Jesus did this because the people had pleaded with him on behalf of Simon’s mother-in-law. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐπιστὰς ἐπάνω αὐτῆς

Alternate translation: “going and leaning over her”

ἐπετίμησεν τῷ πυρετῷ, καὶ ἀφῆκεν αὐτήν

You can express this in the way your language and culture would. Alternate translation: “he commanded her skin to become cool, and it did” or “he commanded the sickness to leave her, and it did”

διηκόνει αὐτοῖς

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “and began to prepare food for Jesus and the other people in the house” (See: Idiom)

Luke 4:40

δύνοντος δὲ τοῦ ἡλίου

The implication is that the people waited until sunset because that marked the end of the Sabbath, and they could then do the “work” of bringing the sick to Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, as UST does. Alternate translation: “when the sun was setting and the Sabbath day was ending” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὰς χεῖρας ἐπιτιθεὶς

Alternate translation: “placing his hands”

Luke 4:41

ἐξήρχετο…καὶ δαιμόνια

The implication is that Jesus made the demons leave the people they were controlling. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus also forced demons to come out” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κραυγάζοντα καὶ λέγοντα

Luke is expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The verb crying out tells how they were saying what follows. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “screaming” (See: Hendiadys)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Luke 4:42

γενομένης…ἡμέρας

Alternate translation: “at sunrise” or “at dawn”

ἔρημον τόπον

Alternate translation: “a deserted place” or “a place where there were no people”

κατεῖχον αὐτὸν τοῦ μὴ πορεύεσθαι ἀπ’ αὐτῶν

Alternate translation: “they tried to keep him from leaving them”

Luke 4:43

εὐαγγελίσασθαί…τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

See the discussion of this concept in Part 2 of the General Introduction to the Gospel of Luke. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “announce the good news that God is going to rule” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ταῖς ἑτέραις πόλεσιν

Jesus actually means the people who live in these cities. He is describing them figuratively by reference to something associated with them, the cities where they live. Alternate translation: “to the people in many other cities” (See: Metonymy)

ἐπὶ τοῦτο ἀπεστάλην

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “this is the reason why God sent me” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 4:44

τῆς Ἰουδαίας

Since Jesus is in Galilee in this part of the Gospel of Luke, the term Judea here probably refers to the entire region where the Jews lived at that time. Alternate translation: “where the Jews lived” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 5

Luke 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus calls Peter and his fellow fishermen to be his disciples (5:1-11)
2. Jesus travels to various towns teaching and healing (5:12-26)
3. Jesus calls Levi to be his disciple (5:27-32)
4. Jesus teaches about fasting (5:33-39)

Special concepts in this chapter

“You will catch men”

Peter, James, and John were fishermen. When Jesus told them that they would catch men, he was using a metaphor to tell them he wanted them to help people believe the good news about him. See the last note to 5:10. (See: disciple and Metaphor)

Sinners

When the people of Jesus’ time spoke of “sinners,” they were talking about people who did not obey the law of Moses. But when Jesus said that he came to call “sinners,” he meant that only people who understand that they are sinners who have disobeyed God can be his followers. This is true even if they are not what most people think of as “sinners.” (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Fasting and feasting

People would fast, or not eat food for a long time, when they were sad or in order to show God that they were sorry for their sins. When they were happy, such as during weddings, they would have feasts, or meals where they would eat much food. (See: fast, fasting)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Healthy and sick people

To correct the Pharisees, Jesus speaks of healthy people who do not need a doctor. This does not mean that there are people who do not need Jesus. Rather, Jesus was explaining why he spent time with people whom the Pharisees considered to be “sinners.” See the notes to 5:31-32. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Implicit information

In several parts of this chapter, as in other places in the book, Luke does not explain information that his original readers would already have understood. Modern readers might not know some of those things, so they might have trouble understanding all that Luke is communicating. The alternate translations in these notes and the readings in UST often illustrate how that information can be presented so that modern readers will be able to understand these passages. (See: Translate Unknowns and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Past events

Parts of this chapter are sequences of events that have already happened. In a given passage, Luke sometimes writes as if the events have already happened while other events are still in progress (even though they are complete at the time he writes). This can cause difficulty in translation by creating an illogical order of events. It may be necessary to make these consistent by writing as if all the events have already happened.

Luke 5:1

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἀκούειν τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here, Luke uses word figuratively to describe the things that Jesus said by using words. Alternate translation: “listening to the message Jesus was bringing from God” (See: Metonymy)

τὴν λίμνην Γεννησαρέτ

Lake of Gennesaret is another name for the body of water also known as the Sea of Galilee. Galilee was on the west side of this lake, and the land of Gennesaret was on the east side, so it was called by both names. Some English versions translate this as the proper name of the body of water. Alternate translation: “Lake Gennesaret” or “the Sea of Galilee” (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 5:2

ἔπλυνον τὰ δίκτυα

The implication is that they were cleaning their fishing nets to maintain them so that they could keep using them to catch fish. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and were washing their nets to keep them clean and in good working order” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 5:3

ὃ ἦν Σίμωνος

Alternate translation: “the one that belonged to Simon”

ἠρώτησεν αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἐπαναγαγεῖν ὀλίγον

Alternate translation: “and asked Simon to move the boat away from the shore”

καθίσας

As in 4:20, sitting was the customary position for teaching in this culture. Alternate translation: “he sat down, as teachers did” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐδίδασκεν ἐκ τοῦ πλοίου τοὺς ὄχλους

Jesus was in the boat a short distance from the shore and he was speaking to the people who were on the shore. Alternate translation: “and was teaching the people while he sat in the boat”

Luke 5:4

ὡς δὲ ἐπαύσατο λαλῶν

The implication is that Jesus had been speaking in order to teach the people. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “When Jesus had finished teaching the people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 5:5

ἀποκριθεὶς Σίμων εἶπεν

Together the words answering and said mean that Simon responded to Jesus’ instructions to take the boat out and let down the nets. Alternate translation: “Simon responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ἐπὶ δὲ τῷ ῥήματί σου

Here Peter uses word figuratively to refer to what Jesus commanded him by using words. Alternate translation: “but because you have told me to do this” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 5:7

κατένευσαν τοῖς μετόχοις

The Greek text does not specify how they signaled, but since they were some distance from the shore, it may have been by waving their arms rather than by calling out. You can use a general expression here. Alternate translation: “they summoned their partners”

βυθίζεσθαι αὐτά

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the reason for this explicitly. Alternate translation: “they began to sink because the fish were so heavy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 5:8

προσέπεσεν τοῖς γόνασιν Ἰησοῦ

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that Peter did not fall down accidentally. Rather, bowing or lying down in front of Jesus was a sign of humility and respect. Alternate translation: “he bowed down in front of Jesus” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἀνὴρ ἁμαρτωλός

Here, man means “adult male,” not the more general “human being.” So Peter is not saying generally, “I am a sinful person.” He really does mean, “I personally am a sinful man.” Be sure that this is clear in your translation. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 5:9

θάμβος…περιέσχεν αὐτὸν καὶ πάντας τοὺς σὺν αὐτῷ

Luke describes Peter’s amazement figuratively as if it were something that could actively take hold of him. Alternate translation: “he and the other fishermen were completely amazed” (See: Personification)

τῇ ἄγρᾳ τῶν ἰχθύων

The implication is that this was a very large catch. Alternate translation: “the great number of fish” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 5:10

Ἰάκωβον καὶ Ἰωάννην, υἱοὺς Ζεβεδαίου

James and John are the names of men, and Zebedee is the name of their father. (See: How to Translate Names)

κοινωνοὶ τῷ Σίμωνι

Luke provides this information to introduce these new participants in the story. Alternate translation: “who were Simon’s partners in the fishing business” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἀνθρώπους ἔσῃ ζωγρῶν

Jesus is using the image of catching fish figuratively to describe gathering people to follow him. Alternate translation: “you will gather people for me” or “you will persuade people to become my disciples” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 5:11

τὴν γῆν

Alternate translation: “the shore”

Luke 5:12

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses behold to call the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

ἀνὴρ πλήρης λέπρας

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was a man there who was covered with leprosy” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

πεσὼν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον

This phrase is an idiom that means that he bowed down. Make sure that it is clear in your translation that the man did not fall down accidentally. Alternate translation: “he knelt down and touched the ground with his face” or “he bowed down to the ground” (See: Idiom)

ἐὰν θέλῃς

Alternate translation: “if you want to”

δύνασαί με καθαρίσαι

The man is actually using this statement to make a request. Alternate translation: “please make me clean” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

με καθαρίσαι

The man talks about becoming clean ceremonially, but it is implicit that he has become unclean because of his leprosy, so he is really asking Jesus to heal him of this disease. Alternate translation: “heal me from leprosy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 5:13

καθαρίσθητι

This was not a command that the man was capable of obeying. Instead, this was a command that directly caused the man to be healed. Alternate translation: “I heal you from your leprosy” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἡ λέπρα ἀπῆλθεν ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ

Luke speaks figuratively of the man’s leprosy as if it were something that could actively go away from him. Alternate translation: “the man no longer had leprosy” (See: Personification)

Luke 5:14

αὐτὸς παρήγγειλεν αὐτῷ, μηδενὶ εἰπεῖν, ἀλλὰ ἀπελθὼν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate all of Jesus’ instructions as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “he instructed him, ‘Do not tell anyone, but go’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

μηδενὶ εἰπεῖν

The implication is that the man is not to tell anyone that Jesus healed him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation, as a direct quotation: “Do not tell anyone that you have been healed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

προσένεγκε περὶ τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ σου καθὼς προσέταξεν Μωϋσῆς

Jesus assumes that the man will know that the law required a person who had been healed from a skin disease to make a specific sacrifice. This made the person ceremonially clean and they could participate once again in community religious activities. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “offer the sacrifice that Moses commanded so that you can become ceremonially clean once again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς

A priest would have to examine the man and certify that he had been healed before he would be allowed to offer this sacrifice. Alternate translation: “to certify for everone that you have been healed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αὐτοῖς

Them could mean either “the priests,” which is the interpretation that UST follows, or “all the people.” You could express either as an alternate translation. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 5:15

διήρχετο…μᾶλλον ὁ λόγος περὶ αὐτοῦ

Luke speaks figuratively of this word as if it were something that could spread around actively by itself. This expression means that more and more people told others about what Jesus was doing. Alternate translation: “people spread the news about Jesus” (See: Personification)

ὁ λόγος περὶ αὐτοῦ

Luke uses the term word figuratively to describe the news about Jesus that people spread by using words. Alternate translation: “the news about Jesus” (See: Metonymy)

θεραπεύεσθαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “for Jesus to heal them” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 5:16

αὐτὸς…ἦν ὑποχωρῶν ἐν ταῖς ἐρήμοις καὶ προσευχόμενος

This expression was withdrawing indicates habitual action. Alternate translation: “he often withdrew to places where there were no other people so that he could pray”

ταῖς ἐρήμοις

Alternate translation: “places where there were no other people”

Luke 5:17

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐκ πάσης κώμης τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ Ἰουδαίας

Luke generalizes by saying every in order to emphasize from how many different villages these religious leaders came. Alternate translation: “from villages throughout Galilee and Judea” (See: Hyperbole)

δύναμις Κυρίου ἦν εἰς τὸ ἰᾶσθαι αὐτόν

As often in this book, upon is a spatial metaphor. In this case, it means that the power of the Lord was with Jesus in a special way, specifically, to enable him to heal people. Alternate translation: “the Lord was giving Jesus special power to heal people” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 5:18

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to calls the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

ἄνδρες φέροντες ἐπὶ κλίνης ἄνθρωπον ὃς ἦν παραλελυμένος

Luke uses this phrase to introduce these new characters into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there were some men who were carrying a paralyzed man on a mat” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

κλίνης

A mat was a portable bed that could also be used to transport a person. Alternate translation: “a stretcher” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἦν παραλελυμένος

Alternate translation: “was unable to move by himself”

ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ

Here, before means “in front of.” Alternate translation: “in front of Jesus” or “where Jesus could see him”

Luke 5:19

καὶ μὴ εὑρόντες ποίας εἰσενέγκωσιν αὐτὸν διὰ τὸν ὄχλον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the action that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “But because the crowd of people had filled the house, they could not find a way to bring the man inside” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

διὰ τὸν ὄχλον

The implication is that they could not enter because the crowd was so large that there was no room for them. Alternate translation: “because the crowd of people had filled the house” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀναβάντες ἐπὶ τὸ δῶμα

In this culture, houses had flat roofs, and many houses had a staircase outside that provided access to the housetop. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they went up the outside staircase onto the flat roof of the house” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καθῆκαν αὐτὸν

Alternate translation: “and lowered the man down”

εἰς τὸ μέσον

Luke is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need to be complete. Alternate translation: “into the midst of the people” (See: Ellipsis)

ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

Here, the term before means “in front of.” Alternate translation: “in front of Jesus” or “where Jesus could see him”

Luke 5:20

καὶ ἰδὼν τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν

The implication is that Jesus recognized that the friends of this paralyzed man strongly believed that he could heal him. Their actions proved that. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “When Jesus recognized that the man’s friends were convinced that he could heal him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄνθρωπε

Man was a general word that people used in this culture when speaking to a man whose name they did not know. If your language has a term that it uses for this same purpose, you can use it in your translation here. Alternate translation: “Friend”

ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “I forgive your sins” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 5:21

οἱ γραμματεῖς

Here and elsewhere in the book, the term the scribes does not refer to people who make copies of documents. Rather, it refers to people who were teachers of the Jewish law, which they had studied extensively. Alternate translation: “the teachers of the Jewish law” (See: Translate Unknowns)

οἱ Φαρισαῖοι

Pharisees is the name of an important and powerful group of Jewish religious leaders in Jesus’ time. The name occurs many times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

διαλογίζεσθαι

These men were not debating or arguing out loud, since the next verse shows that this was rather something they were thinking. So this implicitly means that they were wondering. Alternate translation: “to wonder” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λέγοντες

Luke uses the word saying to introduce his quotation of what the religious leaders were thinking. If you indicate the quotation in some other way, such as with quotation marks or with some other punctuation or convention that your language uses, you do not need to represent this word in your translation. (See: Quote Markings)

τίς ἐστιν οὗτος ὃς λαλεῖ βλασφημίας?

These religious leaders do not expect someone to tell them who Jesus is. Instead, they are using the question form to emphasize how inappropriate they think it is for Jesus to tell someone that he forgives their sins. As the next sentence explains, they think this means Jesus was claiming to be God, and so in their view, he would be speaking blasphemies. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate their words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “This man is speaking blasphemies!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίς δύναται ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας εἰ μὴ μόνος ὁ Θεός?

Once again the religious leaders are using a question form for emphasis, and you can translate their words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one can forgive sins but God alone!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 5:22

ἐπιγνοὺς…τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς αὐτῶν

This phrase indicates that they were reasoning silently, so the implication is that Jesus sensed what they were thinking. Alternate translation: “sensing what they were thinking” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς

Together the words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to what the religious leaders were thinking. Alternate translation: “responded to them” (See: Hendiadys)

τί διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν?

Jesus does not expect the religious leaders to explain why they are thinking these things. Instead, he is using the question form to emphasize that they should not be thinking them. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not be thinking these things!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

The term hearts figuratively represents the thoughts of these people. Alternate translation: “are you thinking these things” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 5:23

τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει?

Jesus is using the form of a question in order to teach. He wants to make the scribes and Pharisees reflect on the situation and realize something. There are many implications. For example, these religious leaders may take the question in the sense, “Which is easier to get away with saying?” The answer would be, “Your sins are forgiven,” because people don’t expect visual proof of that, whereas if someone says, “Get up and walk,” and nothing happens, that proves the speaker doesn’t have the power to heal. Jesus likely intends the question in a different sense: “Which is the easier way to deal with a situation like this?” It appears that the man’s sickness has something to do with his sins, because Jesus forgives them. In such a situation, it would not be sufficient to say, “Get up and walk,” since that would address the effect but not the cause. To say, “Your sins are forgiven,” would deal with both the cause and the effect, so that would be the easier way to deal with the situation. There are many other implications that could also be drawn out as well—too many to include in the text of a translation. Since the question form is intrinsic to Jesus’ teaching method, you may wish simply to retain it in your translation. However, to show that he is teaching, not asking for information, you could introduce his question with a phrase that indicates its purpose. Alternate translation: “Think about this. Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk'?” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν, ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Is it easier to tell someone that his sins are forgiven, or to tell him to get up and walk?” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Luke 5:24

ὅτι ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐξουσίαν ἔχει

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “that I, the Son of Man, have authority” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὅτι ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

The title Son of Man is equivalent to “Messiah.” Jesus uses it to claim that role subtly and implicitly. You may want to translate this title directly into your language. On the other hand, if you think it would be helpful to your readers, you could state what it means. Alternate translation: “that the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔγειρε

As in 5:13, this was not a command that the man was able to obey. Instead, this was a command that directly caused the man to be healed. Alternate translation: “I heal you, so you can get up” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 5:25

καὶ παραχρῆμα ἀναστὰς

The implication is that the man was able to get up because Jesus had healed him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “And all at once the man was healed, so he got up” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν

Here, the term before means “in front of.” Alternate translation: “in front of everyone” or “where everyone could see him”

Luke 5:26

ἔκστασις ἔλαβεν ἅπαντας

Luke describes the amazement of the crowd figuratively as if it were something that could actively take hold of the people. Alternate translation: “they were all completely amazed” (See: Personification)

ἐπλήσθησαν φόβου λέγοντες

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “fear filled them and they said” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπλήσθησαν φόβου

Luke describes the fear of the crowd figuratively as if it were something that could actively fill the people. Alternate translation: “they became very afraid” (See: Personification)

Luke 5:27

καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event. The expression these things refers to what the previous verses describe. Alternate translation: “After that” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐξῆλθεν

The pronoun he refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus left that house” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐθεάσατο τελώνην

The Greek word that Luke uses for saw indicates that Jesus gave careful attention to this man when he saw him. Alternate translation: “observed a tax collector” or “looked carefully at a tax collector”

ἀκολούθει μοι

In this context, to follow someone means to become that person’s disciple. Alternate translation: “Become my disciple” or “Come, follow me as your teacher” (See: Idiom)

ἀκολούθει μοι

Follow me is not a command, but an invitation. Jesus is encouraging Levi to do this if he wants. Alternate translation: “I want you to become my disciple” or “I invite you to come and follow me as your teacher” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 5:28

καταλιπὼν πάντα

Here, everything is a generalization that refers to Levi’s position as a tax collector and the advantages that came with it. Alternate translation: “leaving his work as a tax collector” (See: Hyperbole)

καταλιπὼν πάντα, ἀναστὰς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “he got up and left everything behind” (See: Order of Events)

Luke 5:29

καὶ

Luke uses this word to indicate that the event he will now relate came after the event he has just described. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτοῦ

The pronoun his refers to Levi, not to Jesus. Alternate translation: “in his own house” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

κατακείμενοι

In this culture, the manner of eating at a feast was to lie on a couch and prop oneself up with the left arm on some pillows. Alternate translation: “lying on banqueting couches” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 5:30

πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ

In this case, the pronoun his refers to Jesus, not to Levi. Alternate translation: “to Jesus’ disciples” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

διὰ τί μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν ἐσθίετε καὶ πίνετε?

The Pharisees and scribes are using the question form to express their disapproval. They believed that religious people should separate themselves from people whom they considered to be sinners. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate their words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not eat and drink with sinful tax collectors!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐσθίετε καὶ πίνετε

The word you is plural, since the Pharisees are speaking to the disciples as a group, not to one particular disciple. (See: Forms of You)

ἐσθίετε καὶ πίνετε

The Pharisees are figuratively using the two components of a meal to mean an entire meal. Alternate translation: “share meals” (See: Merism)

μετὰ τῶν τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν

The Pharisees may be expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The previous verse says that there were many tax collectors at this banquet. So the term sinners may tell what the Pharisees thought these tax collectors were. Alternate translation: “with sinful tax collectors” (See: Hendiadys)

Luke 5:31

ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν

Together the words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to what the religious leaders were complaining about. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded” (See: Hendiadys)

οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν οἱ ὑγιαίνοντες ἰατροῦ, ἀλλὰ οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες

Jesus begins his response by quoting or creating a proverb, a short saying about something that is generally true in life. This proverb draws a figurative comparison. Just as sick people need to see a doctor to be healed, so sinners need to see Jesus in order to be forgiven and restored. But since Jesus explains the comparison in the next verse, you do not need to explain it here. Rather, you can translate the proverb itself in a way that will be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: “People who are well do not need to see a doctor; people who are sick do” (See: Proverbs)

ἀλλὰ οἱ κακῶς ἔχοντες

The proverb expresses the idea compactly, and so it leaves out some words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could supply those words. Alternate translation: “rather, it is people who are sick who need a doctor” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 5:32

δικαίους

Luke is using the adjective righteous as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “righteous people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἀλλὰ ἁμαρτωλοὺς εἰς μετάνοιαν

Once again Jesus expresses the idea compactly and leaves out some words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could supply those words. Alternate translation: “rather, I came to call sinners to repentance” (See: Ellipsis)

εἰς μετάνοιαν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun repentance, you could express the idea behind it with a verb. Alternate translation: “to repent” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 5:33

οἱ δὲ εἶπαν

The pronoun they refers to the Pharisees and scribes. Alternate translation: “Then the religious leaders said” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Ἰωάννου

The Pharisees and scribes assume that Jesus will know that they are referring to John the Baptist. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ δὲ σοὶ ἐσθίουσιν καὶ πίνουσιν

There is an implied challenge and question in this observation. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “But your disciples do not fast, and we want you to tell us why” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐσθίουσιν καὶ πίνουσιν

The Pharisees are figuratively using the two components of a meal to mean an entire meal. Alternate translation: “continue to have meals” (See: Merism)

Luke 5:34

μὴ δύνασθε τοὺς υἱοὺς τοῦ νυμφῶνος ἐν ᾧ ὁ νυμφίος μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐστιν ποιῆσαι νηστεύειν?

The first word of this sentence in Greek is a negative word that can be used to turn a negative statement into a question that expects a negative answer. ULT shows this by adding are you? Your language may have other ways of asking a question that expects a negative answer, for example, by changing the word order of a positive statement. Translate this in the way that would be clearest in your language. Alternate translation: “Can you actually make the groom’s party at a wedding fast while the groom is still with them” (See: Double Negatives)

μὴ δύνασθε τοὺς υἱοὺς τοῦ νυμφῶνος ἐν ᾧ ὁ νυμφίος μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐστιν ποιῆσαι νηστεύειν?

Jesus is using the question form to teach. He wants the scribes and Pharisees to reflect on the actions of his disciples in light of a situation they are already familiar with. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one tells the groom’s party at a wedding to fast while the groom is still with them!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τοὺς υἱοὺς τοῦ νυμφῶνος

The expression sons of is a Hebrew idiom that means a person shares the qualities of something. In this case, Jesus is describing people who share the quality of being an integral part of a wedding. These are the male friends who attend the groom during the ceremony and the festivities. Alternate translation: “the groom’s party” (See: Idiom)

Luke 5:35

ἐλεύσονται δὲ ἡμέραι καὶ

Here Jesus is using days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “But there will certainly be a time” (See: Idiom)

ἀπαρθῇ ἀπ’ αὐτῶν ὁ νυμφίος

Jesus is speaking of himself figuratively as the bridegroom, and of his disciples as the groom’s party. He does not explain the metaphor, so you do not need to explain it in your translation unless you think your readers will not understand it. (See: Metaphor)

ἀπαρθῇ ἀπ’ αὐτῶν ὁ νυμφίος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “someone will take the bridegroom away from them” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις

Jesus is again using the term days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “at that time” (See: Idiom)

Luke 5:36

ἔλεγεν δὲ καὶ παραβολὴν πρὸς αὐτοὺς

Jesus gives a brief illustration that teaches something true in a way that is easy to understand and remember. Alternate translation: “Then he gave them this illustration to help them understand better” (See: Parables)

ἐπιβάλλει ἐπὶ ἱμάτιον παλαιόν

Alternate translation: “uses it to patch an old garment”

εἰ δὲ μή γε

Jesus uses this expression to introduce a hypothetical situation that explains the reason why a person would not actually mend a garment in that way. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone did do that” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Luke 5:37

ἀσκοὺς

These were bags made out of animal skins. They were used for holding wine. If your readers would not be familiar with wineskins, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “leather bags” (See: Translate Unknowns)

εἰ δὲ μή γε

Jesus uses this expression once again to introduce a hypothetical situation that explains the reason why a person would not put new wine in an old wineskin. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone did do that” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ῥήξει ὁ οἶνος ὁ νέος τοὺς ἀσκούς

When the new wine fermented and expanded, it would break the old skins because they could no longer stretch. Jesus’ audience would have understood this information about wine fermenting and expanding and about old leather losing its suppleness. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the new wine would burst the old wineskins because they would no longer be able to expand when the wine fermented” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αὐτὸς ἐκχυθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the wine would spill out of the bags” (See: Active or Passive)

οἱ ἀσκοὶ ἀπολοῦνται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the leather bags would tear and become useless” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 5:38

ἀσκοὺς καινοὺς

See how you translated the term wineskins in 5:37. Alternate translation: “fresh leather bags”

Luke 5:39

οὐδεὶς πιὼν παλαιὸν θέλει νέον

Jesus is leaving out some of the words. You may want to supply these words in your translation if not having them would be confusing in your language. Alternate translation: “No one who is used to drinking old wine wants to try new wine” (See: Ellipsis)

οὐδεὶς πιὼν παλαιὸν θέλει νέον

Jesus is figuratively contrasting the old teaching of the religious leaders with his own new teaching. The point is that people who are used to the old teaching are not receptive to the new things that he is bringing. Jesus does not explain the metaphor, so you do not need to explain it in your translation unless you think your readers will not understand it. (See: Metaphor)

Luke 6

Luke 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus teaches about the Sabbath (6:1-11)
2. Jesus chooses twelve apostles (6:12-16)
3. Jesus teaches about being his disciple (6:17-49)

The long teaching in Luke 6:20-49 begins with blessings and woes that are similar to the beginning of the long teaching in Matthew 5-7. That part of Matthew has traditionally been called the “Sermon on the Mount.” The teaching here in Luke has many other similarities with the one in Matthew’s Gospel. (See: kingdom of God, kingdom of heaven)

Special concepts in this chapter

“Eating the grain”

When the disciples plucked and ate the grain in a field they were walking through on the Sabbath (Luke 6:1), the Pharisees said that they were breaking the law of Moses. The Pharisees said this because they thought that the disciples were doing work by picking the grain, and so they were disobeying God’s command to rest and not work on the Sabbath. The Pharisees did not think the disciples were stealing. That is because the law of Moses told farmers to allow travelers to pluck and eat small amounts of grain from plants in fields that they traveled through or near. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and work, works, deeds and Sabbath)

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.

The man whom Luke calls Judas the son of James is probably the same man whom Matthew and Mark call Thaddaeus. However, you do not need to explain that in your translation or give both names. You can translate Luke’s list as he wrote it, and allow Bible teachers to explain the reason for the difference.

Luke 6:1

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

σπορίμων

These were large sections of land where people had scattered wheat seed in order to grow more wheat. Wheat is a kind of grain plant, and grain is a type of large grass that has edible seeds. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of plant, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “the areas where people were growing plants with edible seeds” (See: Translate Unknowns)

στάχυας

The heads are the topmost part of the grain plant. They hold the mature, edible seeds. Alternate translation: “parts that held the seeds” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ψώχοντες ταῖς χερσίν

The implication is that they did this to separate out the grain seeds. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “rubbing them in their hands to separate the seeds from the other parts of the plant” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 6:2

τί ποιεῖτε ὃ οὐκ ἔξεστιν τοῖς Σάββασιν?

The Pharisees are using the question form to make an accusation. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate their words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “You are doing something that the law does not permit you to do on the Sabbath!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί ποιεῖτε ὃ οὐκ ἔξεστιν τοῖς Σάββασιν?

The Pharisees considered even the small action of plucking and rubbing heads of grain to be harvesting, and therefore work. You could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “You are harvesting grain, and that is work that the law does not permit you to do on the Sabbath!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τί ποιεῖτε

Here, you is plural. It refers to the disciples. (See: Forms of You)

Luke 6:3

ἀποκριθεὶς πρὸς αὐτοὺς εἶπεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς

Together the words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to the objection that the Pharisees raised. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded to them” (See: Hendiadys)

οὐδὲ τοῦτο ἀνέγνωτε, ὃ ἐποίησεν Δαυεὶδ ὅτε ἐπείνασεν αὐτὸς, καὶ οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ὄντες

Jesus does not expect the Pharisees to tell him whether they have read this passage in the Scriptures. Instead, he is using the question form to emphasize that the Pharisees should have learned a principle from that passage that indicates that they are wrong to criticize the disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “The Scriptures suggest otherwise, in the passage that tells what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 6:4

ὡς εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ

If you made the first part of the quotation in 6:3 a separate sentence, begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He entered into the house of God”

τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus is figuratively describing the tabernacle as the house of God. He is speaking as if it were the place where God lived, since God’s presence was there. Alternate translation: “the tabernacle” (See: Metaphor)

τοὺς ἄρτους τῆς Προθέσεως

The phrase the bread of the presence refers to loaves of bread that were placed on a table in the temple as an offering to God. They represented how the people of Israel lived in the presence of God. Alternate translation: “the bread that was offered to God” or “the bread that showed God lived among the people” (See: Translate Unknowns)

οὓς οὐκ ἔξεστιν φαγεῖν, εἰ μὴ μόνους τοὺς ἱερεῖς

It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “The law says that only the priests can eat that bread”

Luke 6:5

ἐστιν…ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is speaking of himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah, am” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ἐστιν…ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated this title in 5:24. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah, am” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Κύριός ἐστιν τοῦ Σαββάτου

The title Lord figuratively describes Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “has authority over the Sabbath” or, if you translated in the first person, “have authority over the Sabbath” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 6:6

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἦν ἄνθρωπος ἐκεῖ

This expression introduces a new character into the story. If your language has an expression of its own that serves this purpose, you can use it here. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἡ χεὶρ αὐτοῦ ἡ δεξιὰ ἦν ξηρά

This means that the man’s hand was damaged in such a way that he could not stretch it out. It was probably bent almost into a fist, making it look smaller. Alternate translation: “his right hand was shriveled” or “his right hand was atrophied” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 6:7

παρετηροῦντο…αὐτὸν

The pronoun him refers to Jesus, not to the man with the withered hand. Alternate translation: “were watching Jesus carefully” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἵνα εὕρωσιν κατηγορεῖν αὐτοῦ

Luke is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Alternate translation: “because they wanted to find something that they could accuse him of” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 6:8

στῆθι εἰς τὸ μέσον

The implication is that Jesus wanted this man to stand where everyone could see him. Alternate translation: “stand here where everyone can see you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 6:9

πρὸς αὐτούς

The pronoun them refers to the scribes and Pharisees. Alternate translation: “to the scribes and Pharisees” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐπερωτῶ ὑμᾶς, εἰ ἔξεστιν τῷ Σαββάτῳ ἀγαθοποιῆσαι ἢ κακοποιῆσαι, ψυχὴν σῶσαι ἢ ἀπολέσαι?

Jesus asks this question to get the Pharisees to admit that it is legitimate to heal on the Sabbath. The intent of the question is therefore rhetorical. Jesus is not trying to obtain information; he wants someone to admit that something is true. However, Jesus says, “I ask you,” so this question is not like other rhetorical questions that might appropriately be translated as statements. This one should be translated as a question. (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἀγαθοποιῆσαι ἢ κακοποιῆσαι

Alternate translation: “to help someone or to harm someone”

Luke 6:10

περιβλεψάμενος πάντας αὐτοὺς, εἶπεν αὐτῷ

The pronoun he refers to Jesus, and him refers to the man with the withered hand. Alternate translation: “Jesus looked around at them all and said to the man” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρά σου

This was not a command that the man was capable of obeying. Instead, this was a command that directly caused the man to be healed. Alternate translation: “I heal you, so you can stretch out your hand” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἀποκατεστάθη ἡ χεὶρ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “his hand became healthy again” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 6:11

αὐτοὶ…ἐπλήσθησαν ἀνοίας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they became furious” (See: Active or Passive)

αὐτοὶ…ἐπλήσθησαν ἀνοίας

Luke speaks figuratively of the rage of the scribes and Pharisees as if it were something that could actively fill them. Alternate translation: “they became furious” (See: Personification)

τί ἂν ποιήσαιεν τῷ Ἰησοῦ

The implication is that these religious leaders perceived Jesus as a threat and they wanted to get rid of him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, as UST does. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 6:12

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις

Here Luke uses the term days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “at that time” (See: Idiom)

ἐξελθεῖν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ ὄρος

While the term mountain is definite here, it does not seem to refer to a specific, identifiable mountain. Rather, as many languages do, here the Greek is using a definite expression in a general sense. Alternate translation: “Jesus went up a mountain” or “Jesus climbed a high hill”

ἐξελθεῖν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ ὄρος

The implication is that Jesus did this so that he could be alone and pray about whom to choose as his disciples. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus went up a mountain where he could be alone” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 6:13

ὅτε ἐγένετο ἡμέρα

Alternate translation: “the next morning”

ἐκλεξάμενος ἀπ’ αὐτῶν δώδεκα

The pronoun them refers to the disciples. Alternate translation: “he chose 12 of those disciples” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

οὓς καὶ ἀποστόλους ὠνόμασεν

The term apostles comes from a Greek word that originally meant “messengers” or “delegates.” It took on a specialized meaning within the community of Jesus’ followers to mean the 12 men whom Jesus chose to be his authoritative representatives. Many languages have borrowed the Greek word to use in this sense. But if your language has developed its own special term for this role, use it in your translation. Alternate translation: “and he appointed them to be apostles”

Luke 6:14

Σίμωνα…Πέτρον…Ἀνδρέαν…Ἰάκωβον…Ἰωάννην…Φίλιππον…Βαρθολομαῖον

These are seven men’s names. (The second name is a nickname for the first man.) (See: How to Translate Names)

Ἀνδρέαν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ

The pronoun his refers to Simon. Alternate translation: “Simon’s brother, Andrew” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 6:15

Μαθθαῖον…Θωμᾶν…Ἰάκωβον Ἁλφαίου…Σίμωνα

These are the names of five men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Μαθθαῖον

Matthew is often identified with the man named Levi whom Jesus calls to follow him in 5:27. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain that, as UST does. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ζηλωτὴν

The term Zealot could be: (1) a title that indicates that this man was part of the group of people who wanted to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. Alternate translation: “the Patriot” (2) a description that indicates that this man was zealous for God to be honored. Alternate translation: “the Passionate One” (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 6:16

Ἰούδαν Ἰακώβου

Judas is the name of a man, and James is the name of his father. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ἰούδαν Ἰσκαριὼθ

Judas is the name of a man, and Iscariot is a distinguishing term that most likely means he came from the village of Kerioth. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὃς ἐγένετο προδότης

It may be helpful to explain what traitor means in the context of this story. Alternate translation: “who later betrayed Jesus to his enemies” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 6:17

μετ’ αὐτῶν

In this context, them refers to all of the disciples whom Jesus called to himself in 6:13. Alternate translation: “with his disciples” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἀπὸ πάσης

This is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “from throughout” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 6:18

ἰαθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “for Jesus to heal them” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ οἱ ἐνοχλούμενοι ἀπὸ πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων ἐθεραπεύοντο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus also drove evil spirits out of the people they were controlling” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 6:19

πᾶς ὁ ὄχλος…πάντας

In this case these terms are not generalizations, and so you can translate them directly, rather than with explanatory words such as “most” or “many.” (See: Hyperbole)

δύναμις παρ’ αὐτοῦ ἐξήρχετο καὶ ἰᾶτο πάντας

Luke speaks figuratively of this power as if it were something that could actively come out of Jesus and heal people. Alternate translation: “Jesus was using the power that God gave him to heal everyone” (See: Personification)

Luke 6:20

αὐτὸς ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ

This is an idiom that means “he looked,” but it means that he looked carefully and considerately. Alternate translation: “he gazed” (See: Idiom)

μακάριοι

This expression indicates that God is giving favor to people and that their situation is positive or good. Alternate translation: “God will bless” or “How good it is for” (See: Idiom)

οἱ πτωχοί

Jesus is using the adjective poor as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are poor” or “you who are poor” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ὅτι ὑμετέρα ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “because God is ruling your lives” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὑμετέρα ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

This could mean: (1) “the kingdom of God belongs to you.” (2) “you are privileged within the kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:21

μακάριοι οἱ πεινῶντες νῦν

As in 6:20, the expression blessed indicates that God is giving favor to people or that their situation is positive or good. Alternate translation: “You who are hungry now receive God’s favor” or “You who are hungry now are in a positive situation” (See: Idiom)

χορτασθήσεσθε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “you will get enough to eat” (See: Active or Passive)

μακάριοι οἱ κλαίοντες νῦν

Alternate translation: “You who are weeping now receive God’s favor” or “You who are weeping now are in a positive situation” (See: Idiom)

γελάσετε

Jesus is figuratively describing people being happy by association with one thing that people do when they are happy. Alternate translation: “you will laugh with joy” or “you will become joyful again” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 6:22

μακάριοί ἐστε

As in 6:20, the expression blessed indicates that God is giving favor to people or that their situation is positive or good. Alternate translation: “You receive God’s favor” or “How good it is for you” (See: Idiom)

ἀφορίσωσιν ὑμᾶς

Alternate translation: “they reject you”

ἐκβάλωσιν τὸ ὄνομα ὑμῶν ὡς πονηρὸν

The term name is a figurative way of referring to the reputation of a person. Alternate translation: “consider you to have a bad reputation” (See: Metonymy)

ἕνεκα τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Alternate translation: “because you associate with the Son of Man” or “because they reject the Son of Man”

ἕνεκα τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person, using this title to emphasize the special role that God has given him. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “because you associate with me, the Son of Man” or “because they reject me, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ἕνεκα τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated this title in 5:24. Alternate translation: “because you associate with me, the Messiah” or “because they reject me, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 6:23

ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ

Here Jesus uses day figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “when they do those things” or “when that happens” (See: Idiom)

σκιρτήσατε

This is an idiom that means to be extremely joyful. Jesus is not telling the disciples literally to jump into the air. Alternate translation: “be very happy” or “celebrate” (See: Idiom)

ἰδοὺ γὰρ

Jesus uses the term behold to get his disciples to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “because, listen carefully now” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς

Your language may require you to say who will do this action. Alternate translation: “God will reward you greatly”

οἱ πατέρες αὐτῶν

Here, fathers figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “their ancestors” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 6:24

οὐαὶ ὑμῖν

The phrase woe to you is the opposite of “blessed are you.” It indicates that bad things are going to happen to the people being addressed, because they have displeased God. Alternate translation: “how terrible it is for you” or “trouble will come to you” (See: Idiom)

τοῖς πλουσίοις

Jesus is using the adjective rich as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are rich” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἀπέχετε τὴν παράκλησιν ὑμῶν

Jesus is drawing a series of contrasts between what the poor and the rich have now and what they will have later. So the implication is that while the rich have enjoyed ease and prosperity in this life, if they become complacent in those things, they will not enjoy it afterwards. Alternate translation: “you have already received in this life anything that will make you comfortable” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 6:25

οὐαὶ ὑμῖν

See how you translated this in 6:24. Alternate translation: “How terrible it is for you” or “Trouble will come to you” (See: Idiom)

οἱ ἐμπεπλησμένοι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who have more than enough to eat” (See: Active or Passive)

οἱ γελῶντες

Laughing refers figuratively to being happy by association with something that people do when they are happy. Alternate translation: “to the ones who are happy” (See: Metonymy)

πενθήσετε καὶ κλαύσετε

The phrase mourn and weep expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word mourn tells why these people are weeping. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “you will weep mournfully” or “you will weep because you are so sad” (See: Hendiadys)

Luke 6:26

οὐαὶ

See how you translated this in 6:24. Alternate translation: “How terrible it is for you” or “Trouble will come to you” (See: Idiom)

ὅταν ὑμᾶς καλῶς εἴπωσιν πάντες οἱ ἄνθρωποι

Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “when all people speak well of you” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ὅταν ὑμᾶς καλῶς εἴπωσιν πάντες οἱ ἄνθρωποι

The term all is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “when most people speak well of you” (See: Hyperbole)

κατὰ τὰ αὐτὰ…ἐποίουν τοῖς ψευδοπροφήταις οἱ πατέρες αὐτῶν

Here, fathers figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “their ancestors also spoke well of the false prophets” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 6:27

ἀλλὰ ὑμῖν λέγω τοῖς ἀκούουσιν

Jesus uses this phrase to broaden his audience to the entire crowd, beyond his disciples. At the same time, the phrase also calls everyone to focus their attention on what Jesus is about to say. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Now I want all of you to listen carefully to this” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑμῶν, καλῶς ποιεῖτε τοῖς μισοῦσιν ὑμᾶς

These two phrases mean similar things. Jesus is using repetition to emphasize the importance of what he is saying. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could also choose to bring that out in your translation. The second phrase specifies in what way followers of Jesus are to love their enemies. They are to do this in a practical way by helping them. Alternate translation: “do good things for people even if they are hostile to you” or “show love to your enemies who hate you by doing things to help them” (See: Parallelism)

Luke 6:28

εὐλογεῖτε τοὺς καταρωμένους ὑμᾶς, προσεύχεσθε περὶ τῶν ἐπηρεαζόντων ὑμᾶς

These two phrases mean similar things. Jesus is using repetition to emphasize the importance of what he is saying. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Instead, you could combine them into a single phrase. However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could also choose to bring that out in your translation. The second phrase specifies one way in which followers of Jesus can bless people who mistreat them. They can pray for them. Alternate translation: “Ask God to bless people who say and do bad things to you” or “Say good things to people who say bad things to you, and even if someone treats you badly, pray that God will help them” (See: Parallelism)

Luke 6:29

τῷ τύπτοντί σε ἐπὶ τὴν σιαγόνα, πάρεχε καὶ τὴν ἄλλην

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to teach. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone hits you on one side of your face. Then turn your face so that he could also strike the other side” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

σε…σου

Even though Jesus is still speaking to his disciples and the crowd, he is now addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular in this verse. But if the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

ἐπὶ τὴν σιαγόνα

Alternate translation: “on one side of your face”

πάρεχε καὶ τὴν ἄλλην

It may be helpful to state the implicit purpose of this action. Alternate translation: “turn your face so that he could also strike the other side, to show that you do not want to fight and you are not resisting” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπὸ τοῦ αἴροντός σου τὸ ἱμάτιον, καὶ τὸν χιτῶνα μὴ κωλύσῃς

Jesus is using another hypothetical situation to teach. Alternate translation: “suppose someone takes away your cloak. Then give him your tunic as well” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

καὶ τὸν χιτῶνα μὴ κωλύσῃς

Here Jesus uses a figure of speech that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “give him your tunic as well” (See: Litotes)

Luke 6:30

παντὶ αἰτοῦντί σε, δίδου

Jesus is using another hypothetical situation to teach. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone asks you for something. Then give it to him” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

σε…σὰ

Even though Jesus is speaking to his disciples and the crowd, he is addressing another individual situation here, so you and yours are singular in this verse. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you can use the plural forms in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

ἀπὸ τοῦ αἴροντος τὰ σὰ, μὴ ἀπαίτει

Jesus is using another hypothetical situation to teach. Alternate translation: “suppose someone takes away something that is yours. Then do not demand that he give it back” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Luke 6:31

καθὼς θέλετε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι, ποιεῖτε αὐτοῖς ὁμοίως

In some languages it might be more natural to reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “You should treat people in the way that you would want them to treat you”

καθὼς θέλετε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι

Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “what you wish people would do for you” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ὑμῖν

Jesus now returns to speaking to his disciples and the crowd about general situations, so you is plural here and in the following verses. (See: Forms of You)

Luke 6:32

ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστίν?

Here Jesus is using the question form as a teaching tool. He wants to make a point and get his listeners to reflect on it. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “God will not reward you for doing that” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 6:33

ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστίν?

Once again Jesus is using the question form as a teaching tool. You could translate his words as a statement here as well. Alternate translation: “God will not reward you for doing that” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 6:34

ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστίν?

Jesus is using the question form once again as a teaching tool. You could also translate his words as a statement here. Alternate translation: “God will not reward you for doing that” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἵνα ἀπολάβωσιν τὰ ἴσα

Here the adjective same functions as a noun. It is plural, and ULT supplies the noun things to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with an equivalent phrase. The adjective is also neuter, and this is a use of the neuter plural in Greek to refer to a single thing in order to describe it in its entirety. Alternate translation: “expecting that everything they lend will be repaid” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 6:35

μηδὲν ἀπελπίζοντες

Alternate translation: “without expecting the person to pay you back”

καὶ

This word introduces the results of what has been said so far in this verse. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἔσται ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολύς

Your language may require you to say who will do this action. Alternate translation: “God will reward you greatly”

υἱοὶ Ὑψίστου

This is a figurative expression. Even so, it would probably be best to translate sons with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human son or child. (See: Metaphor)

υἱοὶ Ὑψίστου

Jesus is using the word sons in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “children of the Most High” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

υἱοὶ Ὑψίστου

Make sure that the word sons or “children” in your translation is plural and not capitalized, if your language uses that convention for titles, so that readers do not confuse this expression with the title for Jesus, “the Son of the Most High,” which occurs in 1:32 and 8:28.

Ὑψίστου

See how you translated the expression the Most High in 1:32. Review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “of the Most High God” (See: Idiom)

τοὺς ἀχαρίστους καὶ πονηρούς

Here Jesus is using the adjectives ungrateful and evil as nouns in order to indicate groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this pair of words with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are ungrateful and evil” or “people who do not thank God and who do wrong things” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 6:36

ὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν

This is a figurative expression. God is not the Father of humans in the same actual way that he is the Father of Jesus. Even so, it would probably be best to translate Father with the same word that your language would naturally use to refer to a human father. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this means God. Alternate translation: “God your Father” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 6:37

μὴ κρίνετε

Your language may require you to specify the object of judge. Alternate translation: “do not judge other people”

οὐ μὴ κριθῆτε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Jesus does not say exactly who would not judge. This could mean: (1) “God will not judge you.” (2) “other people will not judge you.” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ μὴ καταδικάζετε

Your language may require you to specify the object of condemn. Alternate translation: “Do not condemn other people”

οὐ μὴ καταδικασθῆτε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Jesus does not say exactly who would not condemn. This could mean: (1) “God will not condemn you.” (2) “other people will not condemn you.” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀπολύετε

Your language may require you to specify the object of release. Alternate translation: “Forgive other people”

ἀπολύετε

Jesus is using the word release figuratively to mean “forgive.” Alternate translation: “Forgive” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπολυθήσεσθε

Jesus does not say exactly who would release. This could mean: (1) “God will forgive you.” (2) “other people will forgive you.” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 6:38

δοθήσεται ὑμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Jesus does not say exactly who will give. This could mean: (1) “God will give to you.” (2) “other people will give to you.” (See: Active or Passive)

μέτρον καλὸν, πεπιεσμένον σεσαλευμένον ὑπερεκχυννόμενον, δώσουσιν εἰς τὸν κόλπον ὑμῶν

Jesus is comparing someone to a grain merchant who measures out very generously. He could mean either God or other people. The word they is indefinite, so it does not necessarily refer to people rather than to God. You could represent this metaphor as a simile in your translation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Like a generous grain merchant who presses down the grain and shakes it together and pours in so much that it fills a container and spills over, God will give you a generous amount” or “Like a generous grain merchant who presses down the grain and shakes it together and pours in so much that it fills a container and spills over, people will give you a generous amount” (See: Metaphor)

πεπιεσμένον σεσαλευμένον ὑπερεκχυννόμενον, δώσουσιν εἰς τὸν κόλπον ὑμῶν

These are all passive verb forms in Greek. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate them with active verbal phrases. See the alternate translation in the previous note. (See: Active or Passive)

τὸν κόλπον ὑμῶν

This is a reference to the way people in this culture would form a pocket or carrying pouch from the folds of the front of their robes. If you readers would not be familiar with this practice, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the folds of your robe” or “a container” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ᾧ…μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε, ἀντιμετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Jesus does not say exactly who will measure. This could mean: (1) “God will give to you in just as generous or stingy a way as you give to others.” (2) “people will give to you in just as generous or stingy a way as you give to others.” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 6:39

εἶπεν δὲ καὶ παραβολὴν αὐτοῖς

Jesus is giving a brief illustration that teaches something true in a way that is easy to understand and remember. Alternate translation: “Then he gave them this illustration to help them understand better” (See: Parables)

μήτι δύναται τυφλὸς τυφλὸν ὁδηγεῖν?

Here the word translated blind man is masculine, but Jesus is using it in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “Can one person who is blind guide another person who is blind?” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

μήτι δύναται τυφλὸς τυφλὸν ὁδηγεῖν?

The first word of this sentence in Greek is a negative word that can be used to turn a negative statement into a question that expects a negative answer. ULT shows this by adding is he? Your language may have other ways of asking a question that expects a negative answer, for example, by changing the word order of a positive statement. Translate this in the way that would be clearest in your language. Alternate translation: “Can one person who is blind really guide another person who is blind?” (See: Double Negatives)

μήτι δύναται τυφλὸς τυφλὸν ὁδηγεῖν?

Jesus is not expecting the people in the crowd to tell him whether one blind person can guide another. He is using the question form as a teaching tool to make a point and get his listeners to reflect on it. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “We all know that one blind person cannot guide another blind person” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τυφλὸς

The blind person figuratively represents someone who has not yet been fully trained and taught as a disciple. But since Jesus explains this figure in the next three verses, you do not need to explain it explicitly here in your own translation. (See: Metaphor)

οὐχὶ ἀμφότεροι εἰς βόθυνον ἐμπεσοῦνται?

Jesus is using this question as well as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “Both of them would certainly fall into a ditch” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 6:40

οὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον

The word above creates a spatial metaphor. Alternate translation: “A disciple is not better than his teacher” or “A disciple is not greater than his teacher” (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ ἔστιν μαθητὴς ὑπὲρ τὸν διδάσκαλον

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state what this implicitly means. Alternate translation: “A disciple does not know more than his teacher” or “A disciple is not wiser than his teacher” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κατηρτισμένος…πᾶς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “every disciple whose teacher has fully taught him” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 6:41

τί…βλέπεις τὸ κάρφος τὸ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου, τὴν δὲ δοκὸν τὴν ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ ὀφθαλμῷ οὐ κατανοεῖς?

Jesus is using this question as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “do not look at the speck in your brother’s eye while ignoring the log in your own eye” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί…βλέπεις τὸ κάρφος τὸ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου

This is a metaphor. Alternate translation: “you should not criticize the less important faults of a fellow believer” (See: Metaphor)

βλέπεις…σου…τῷ ἰδίῳ…οὐ κατανοεῖς

Even though Jesus is still speaking to his disciples and the crowd, he is addressing an individual situation here, so you and your are singular in this verse. But if the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you can use the plural forms in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

τὸ κάρφος

If your readers would not be familiar with wood, in your translation you can use a phrase that describes the smallest thing that commonly falls into a person’s eyes in your culture, or you can use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the grain of sand” or “the tiny object” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου

The term brother figuratively refers to a fellow believer in Jesus. Alternate translation: “of a fellow believer” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ

This fellow believer could be either a man or a woman, so be sure that this is clear in your translation, for example, by using both the masculine and feminine forms of the word for “believer.” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

τὴν δὲ δοκὸν τὴν ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ ὀφθαλμῷ οὐ κατανοεῖς

This phrase is a metaphor. Alternate translation: “while ignoring your own serious faults” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν…δοκὸν τὴν ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ ὀφθαλμῷ

A log could not literally go into a person’s eye. Jesus is exaggerating to emphasize his point and make it memorable. Alternate translation: “your own serious faults” (See: Hyperbole)

δοκὸν

You could translate this with the term for the kind of long, large piece of wood that people in your culture would encounter. Or if your readers would not be familiar with wood, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “beam” or “plank” or “large object” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 6:42

πῶς δύνασαι λέγειν τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου

Jesus is speaking to his disciples and the crowd, but he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular here. (The terms you, your, and yourself are also singular throughout the rest of this verse, because either Jesus is addressing an individual situation, or one person is addressing another in fictional dialogue.) If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you can use the plural forms in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

πῶς δύνασαι λέγειν

Jesus is using this question as a teaching tool, not to ask for information. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not say” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου, ἀδελφέ, ἄφες

The term brother figuratively means a fellow believer in Jesus. So in its first instance here, you could translate the term the way you did in 6:41. But since it is realistic that in dialogue one believer might address another believer as Brother or “Sister,” you could retain the figurative term in its second instance. Alternate translation: “to a fellow believer, ‘Brother,’ or ‘Sister, let’” (See: Metaphor)

ἄφες ἐκβάλω τὸ κάρφος τὸ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ σου

This is a metaphor. Alternate translation: “let me help you correct some of your faults” (See: Metaphor)

αὐτὸς τὴν ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ σοῦ δοκὸν οὐ βλέπων

This phrase is a metaphor. Alternate translation: “you yourself are not correcting your own serious faults” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ σοῦ δοκὸν

A log could not literally go into a person’s eye. Jesus is continuing to exaggerate to emphasize his point and make it memorable. Alternate translation: “your own serious faults” (See: Hyperbole)

ἔκβαλε πρῶτον τὴν δοκὸν ἐκ τοῦ ὀφθαλμοῦ σοῦ

This phrase is a metaphor. Alternate translation: “First recognize and correct your own serious faults” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ κάρφος τὸ ἐν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου ἐκβαλεῖν

This phrase is a metaphor. Alternate translation: “to help a fellow believer correct his or her faults” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 6:43

γάρ

Jesus uses the word for to introduce the reason for what he said in the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “This is because” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

οὐ γάρ ἐστιν δένδρον καλὸν ποιοῦν καρπὸν σαπρόν; οὐδὲ πάλιν δένδρον σαπρὸν ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλόν

Jesus is twice using a figure of speech that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “For a healthy tree naturally produces good fruit and, on the other hand, an unhealthy tree naturally produces bad fruit” (See: Litotes)

οὐ γάρ ἐστιν δένδρον καλὸν ποιοῦν καρπὸν σαπρόν; οὐδὲ πάλιν δένδρον σαπρὸν ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλόν

This is a metaphor. Alternate translation: “For a person of good character naturally says and does helpful things but, on the other hand, a person of bad character naturally says and does harmful things” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 6:44

ἕκαστον…δένδρον ἐκ τοῦ ἰδίου καρποῦ γινώσκεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who does the action. Alternate translation: “people recognize a tree by the fruit that it bears” (See: Active or Passive)

ἕκαστον…δένδρον ἐκ τοῦ ἰδίου καρποῦ γινώσκεται

This phrase is a metaphor. Alternate translation: “each person’s words and actions reveal his or her character” (See: Metaphor)

οὐ γὰρ ἐξ ἀκανθῶν συλλέγουσιν σῦκα, οὐδὲ ἐκ βάτου σταφυλὴν τρυγῶσιν

These two phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is using repetition for emphasis and to capture the interest of his listeners. You do not need to put both phrases in your translation if that might be confusing for your readers. Instead, you could combine them into a single general expression. Alternate translation: “people do not collect the kind of fruit that grows on a tree or a vine from a small, thorny bush” (See: Parallelism)

ἀκανθῶν

The word thornbush refers to a kind of plant that has sharp protective spines on its stem. If your readers would not know what a thornbush is, in your translation you could use the name of another plant that does not produce edible fruit. (See: Translate Unknowns)

βάτου

The term briar bush refers to a kind of plant that has thorny stems growing in dense clusters. If your readers would not know what a briar bush is, in your translation you could use the name of another plant that does not produce edible fruit. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 6:45

ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος

Here, the word man refers to any person, male or female. Alternate translation: “A righteous person” or “A moral person” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἐκ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ θησαυροῦ τῆς καρδίας

Jesus is speaking figuratively of the good thoughts of a righteous person as if they were treasures stored deep inside that person. Alternate translation: “from the good things that he keeps deep inside himself” or “from the good things that he values deeply” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς καρδίας

In this expression, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “that he keeps deep inside himself” or “that he values deeply” (See: Metaphor)

προφέρει τὸ ἀγαθόν

Producing what is good, the way a tree would produce fruit, is a metaphor for doing what is good. Alternate translation: “does what is good” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ

For rhetorical purposes, Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. The meaning can be inferred from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “from the evil treasure of his heart” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ

Once the meaning is inferred, it is clear that Jesus is speaking figuratively of the evil thoughts of a wicked person as if they were treasures stored deep inside that person, and of the heart figuratively to represent the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “from the evil things that he keeps deep inside himself” or “from the evil things that he values deeply” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκ…περισσεύματος καρδίας λαλεῖ τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ

In this expression as well, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “what a person is thinking and feeling is expressed in what he says” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκ…περισσεύματος καρδίας λαλεῖ τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ

The phrase his mouth represents the person as a whole, in the action of speaking. Alternate translation: “what a person is thinking and feeling comes out in what he says” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 6:46

τί δέ με καλεῖτε Κύριε, Κύριε, καὶ οὐ ποιεῖτε ἃ λέγω?

The repetition of these words indicates that these people regularly called Jesus Lord. Alternate translation: “And why are you always calling me ‘Lord’ when you do not do what I tell you?’”

Luke 6:47

πᾶς ὁ ἐρχόμενος πρός με, καὶ ἀκούων μου τῶν λόγων καὶ ποιῶν αὐτούς, ὑποδείξω ὑμῖν τίνι ἐστὶν ὅμοιος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could move the last phrase to the beginning of the verse. Alternate translation: “I will tell you what every person is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice”

μου τῶν λόγων

Jesus uses the term words figuratively to refer to the teachings he is giving by using words. Alternate translation: “my teachings” (See: Metonymy)

ὑποδείξω ὑμῖν τίνι ἐστὶν ὅμοιος

Jesus says this to introduce the simile in the next verse. (See: Simile)

Luke 6:48

ἀνθρώπῳ οἰκοδομοῦντι οἰκίαν

Here Jesus is using man in the generic sense. Alternate translation: “a person building a house” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἔσκαψεν καὶ ἐβάθυνεν καὶ ἔθηκεν θεμέλιον ἐπὶ τὴν πέτραν

The foundation is the part of a house that connects it to the ground. People in Jesus’ time dug down into the ground until they reached a layer of solid rock, and then they began to build on the rock. You could describe this more fully in your translation. Alternatively, if the people of your culture would not be familiar with laying the foundation of a house on bedrock, you could instead describe how they would ensure that a dwelling was safe and stable. Alternate translation: “dug down deep enough to reach a layer of solid rock and set the foundation of the house on it” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἔσκαψεν καὶ ἐβάθυνεν

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The expression dug deep tells what goal the person had when he or she dug down. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “dug down deep enough” (See: Hendiadys)

τὴν πέτραν

This means the layer of hard rock that lies deep under the soil. Alternate translation: “bedrock” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ποταμὸς

Alternate translation: “floodwaters”

προσέρηξεν

Alternate translation: “crashed against”

οὐκ ἴσχυσεν σαλεῦσαι αὐτὴν

Jesus is figuratively describing what the waters would do at first to represent what they would ultimately do if they could. This meaning is clear from what he says in the next verse. Alternate translation: “it could not destroy it” (See: Metonymy)

διὰ τὸ καλῶς οἰκοδομῆσθαι αὐτήν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “because the person had built it well” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 6:49

δὲ

Jesus uses this word to draw a strong contrast to the previous person who built with a foundation. Alternate translation: “However” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ὁ…ἀκούσας καὶ μὴ ποιήσας

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from 6:47. Alternate translation: “anyone who hears my teachings but does not put them into practice” (See: Ellipsis)

ὅμοιός ἐστιν

Jesus says this to introduce the simile that follows in the rest of the verse. (See: Simile)

ἀνθρώπῳ οἰκοδομήσαντι οἰκίαν

Here Jesus is using man in the generic sense. Alternate translation: “a person who built a house” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν χωρὶς θεμελίου

The phrase on the ground without a foundation refers to the same method of building as in 6:48. You could describe this more fully in your translation. Alternatively, if the people of your culture would not be familiar with that building method, you can use the same image for creating a stable building that you used there in your translation. Alternate translation: “without digging down first to create a foundation” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ᾗ προσέρρηξεν ὁ ποταμός

In this context, the word flowed indicates violent impact. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The floodwaters crashed against it”

συνέπεσεν

Alternate translation: “it fell down” or “it came apart”

ἐγένετο τὸ ῥῆγμα τῆς οἰκίας ἐκείνης μέγα

Your language may require you to say what was responsible for the ruin of the house. Alternate translation: “the floodwaters completely demolished that house”

Luke 7

Luke 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus does miracles in Capernaum and Nain (7:1-17)
2. Jesus responds to messengers from John the Baptist and then teaches about John (7:18-35)
3. A woman anoints Jesus with perfume (7:36-50)

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. ULT does this with the quoted material in 7:27.

Special concepts in this chapter

Centurion

A centurion was a Roman military commander. The centurion who asked Jesus to heal his slave (Luke 7:2) was doing some unusual things. A Roman soldier, especially an officer, would almost never go to a Jew for help, and most wealthy people did not love or care for their slaves. (See: centurion and faith)

John’s Baptism

This chapter refers again to the baptism of John (7:29). John baptized people who wanted to show that they knew they were sinners and that they were sorry for their sin. (See: repent, repentance and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

“Sinners”

In 7:34, Jesus describes how the Pharisees said he was a friend of “sinners.” That was the name that the Pharisees used for people whom they thought were disobeying the law of Moses. In reality, it was the Pharisees who were sinful, since they rejected Jesus, the Savior whom God had sent. This situation can be understood as irony. (See: Irony)

Washing feet

The feet of the people in the ancient Near East were very dirty because they wore sandals and the roads and trails were dusty in the dry season and muddy in the wet season. Only slaves washed other people’s feet. The woman who washed Jesus’ feet was showing him great honor.

Luke 7:1

τὰ ῥήματα αὐτοῦ

Luke is using the term words figuratively to describe the things that Jesus taught by using words. Alternate translation: “his teaching” (See: Metonymy)

εἰς τὰς ἀκοὰς τοῦ λαοῦ

This phrase is an idiom. Alternate translation: “as the people were listening” (See: Idiom)

εἰσῆλθεν εἰς Καφαρναούμ

This reference to a location, Capernaum, introduces a new event in the story. Alternate translation: “he went into the city of Capernaum” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Luke 7:2

δέ

Luke uses the word and to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ὃς ἦν αὐτῷ ἔντιμος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whom the centurion greatly valued” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 7:3

ἐρωτῶν αὐτὸν ὅπως ἐλθὼν διασώσῃ

In this context, the word save has a specific meaning. Alternate translation: “asking him to come and heal”

Luke 7:4

παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν σπουδαίως

Alternate translation: “they pleaded with him” or “they begged him”

ἄξιός ἐστιν

Here the pronoun he refers to the centurion, not the servant. Alternate translation: “This centurion is worthy” or “This centurion deserves” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 7:5

τὸ ἔθνος ἡμῶν

Here, our nation refers to the Jewish people. Since the elders are speaking to Jesus as a fellow Jew, the word our would be inclusive, if your language marks that distinction. Alternate translation: “our people” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Luke 7:6

δὲ

Here, and could mean: (1) Jesus went with the elders because they pleaded with him. Alternate translation, as in UST: “So” (2) Jesus went with the elders after they pleaded with him. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐπορεύετο

Alternate translation: “went along”

αὐτοῦ οὐ μακρὰν ἀπέχοντος ἀπὸ τῆς οἰκίας

Luke is expressing a positive meaning figuratively by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “when he was … near the house” (See: Litotes)

μὴ σκύλλου

The centurion is speaking politely to Jesus through these friends. Alternate translation: “I do not want to make you go out of your way”

ὑπὸ τὴν στέγην μου εἰσέλθῃς

Come under my roof is an idiom that means “come into my house.” If your language has an idiom that means “come into my dwelling,” consider using it here in your translation. (See: Idiom)

Luke 7:7

εἰπὲ λόγῳ

The centurion recognized that Jesus could heal the servant just by speaking. He understood Jesus did not need to travel all the way to his home. The term word expresses the means by which Jesus would speak. Alternate translation: “just give a command” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ παῖς μου

This is not the same word for servant that Luke and the centurion use in the rest of this passage. This word ordinarily means “boy.” This may indicate that the servant was young, or it may show the centurion’s affection for him. Alternate translation: “my young servant” or “my dear servant”

Luke 7:8

καὶ…ἐγὼ ἄνθρωπός εἰμι ὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν τασσόμενος, ἔχων ὑπ’ ἐμαυτὸν στρατιώτας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “I also have someone in authority over me, and I have soldiers under me” (See: Active or Passive)

ὑπ’ ἐμαυτὸν

This is a spatial metaphor that describes the authority relationship. Alternate translation: “under my authority” (See: Metaphor)

τῷ δούλῳ μου

Here the word that ULT translates as servant is the typical word for a servant, as in 7:2 and 7:3. It is not the word that usually means “boy,” as in 7:7.

Luke 7:9

ἐθαύμασεν αὐτόν

The pronoun him refers to the centurion. Alternate translation: “he was amazed at the centurion” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell the people in the crowd. Alternate translation: “Now listen to this carefully”

οὐδὲ ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ τοσαύτην πίστιν εὗρον

The implication is that Jesus expected Jewish people to have this kind of faith, but they did not. He did not expect Gentiles to have this kind of faith, yet this man did. It may be helpful to say this explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “I have not found anyone among the Israelites who trusts me as much as this Gentile does” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐδὲ ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ

Jesus used the name of the nation, Israel, to represent the people who belong to that nation. Alternate translation: “not even in any Israelite” (See: Metonymy)

τοσαύτην πίστιν εὗρον

Here, found is an idiom. The word does not suggest that Jesus was searching for something he had lost. Alternate translation: “have I encountered such faith” (See: Idiom)

Luke 7:10

οἱ πεμφθέντες

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “the friends whom the Roman officer had sent to Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 7:11

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῷ ἑξῆς

Luke may be using the term day figuratively to refer a particular time, as UST suggests by saying “soon after that.” However, this could also mean literally the next day. (See: Idiom)

Ναΐν

Nain is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 7:12

δὲ

Luke uses and to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Background Information)

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to call the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

ἐξεκομίζετο τεθνηκὼς

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was a man who had died, and he was being carried out of the city” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἐξεκομίζετο τεθνηκὼς μονογενὴς υἱὸς τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who was doing the action. It may be helpful to break the sentence here. Alternate translation: “people were carrying a man who had died out of the city. He was his mother's only son” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐξεκομίζετο τεθνηκὼς μονογενὴς υἱὸς τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ

Luke assumes that his readers will know that the people were carrying the man out of the city in order to bury him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. It may be helpful to break the sentence here. Alternate translation: “people were carrying a man who had died out of the city so that they could bury his body. He was his mother's only son” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μονογενὴς υἱὸς τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ; καὶ αὐτὴ ἦν χήρα

This is background information about the dead man and his mother. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here and to introduce it in a way that shows it is background information. Alternate translation: “Now he was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow” (See: Background Information)

μονογενὴς υἱὸς τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ; καὶ αὐτὴ ἦν χήρα

The implication is that in this culture, when her son died, the woman lost her only means of support, since her husband had also died. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Now he was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow, so he had been her only means of support” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 7:13

ὁ Κύριος

Here Luke refers to Jesus by a respectful title. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπ’ αὐτῇ

The implication is that feeling compassion led Jesus to want to do something for this woman. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “felt very sorry for her and wanted to help her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 7:14

τῆς σοροῦ

This was a stretcher or bed used to move the body to the burial place. It was not necessarily something in which the body was buried. Alternate translation: “the wooden frame that was holding the body” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐγέρθητι

This was not a command that the man was capable of obeying. Instead, this was a command that directly caused the man to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: “your life is restored, so get up” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 7:15

ὁ νεκρὸς

The man was not still dead. He was now alive. It may be helpful to state this clearly. Alternate translation: “he man had come back to life, so he was no longer dead”

ἔδωκεν αὐτὸν τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ

The pronoun he refers to Jesus, and him and his refer to the young man. Alternate translation: “Jesus returned the young man to his mother” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 7:16

ἔλαβεν…φόβος πάντας

Luke speaks of this fear figuratively as if it were something that could actively take hold of everyone in the crowd. Alternate translation: “they all became very afraid” (See: Personification)

προφήτης μέγας ἠγέρθη ἐν ἡμῖν

Here, raised is an idiom. Alternate translation: “God has caused one of us to become a great prophet” (See: Idiom)

προφήτης μέγας ἠγέρθη ἐν ἡμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “God has caused one of us to become a great prophet” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπεσκέψατο

Here, visited is an idiom, as in 1:68 and 1:78. Alternate translation: “has come to help” (See: Idiom)

Luke 7:17

ἐξῆλθεν ὁ λόγος οὗτος…περὶ αὐτοῦ

Luke speaks figuratively of this word (that is, those sayings) as if it were something that could spread around actively by itself. His expression means that people said these things about Jesus to other people, and those people then repeated them to still more people. Alternate translation: “people spread these sayings about Jesus” (See: Personification)

Luke 7:18

ἀπήγγειλαν Ἰωάννῃ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ περὶ πάντων τούτων

This sentence introduces a new event in the story. Alternate translation: “the disciples of John told him about all these things” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ

The term his refers to John the Baptist, not to Jesus. Alternate translation: “the disciples of John” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Ἰωάννῃ

Luke assumes that his readers will know he is referring to John the Baptist. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πάντων τούτων

The implication is that all these things refers to Jesus healing the centurion’s servant and restoring the life of the widow’s son. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “all the things that Jesus had just done” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 7:19

τὸν Κύριον

Here Luke is referring to Jesus by a respectful title. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

λέγων

Alternate translation: “to ask”

σὺ

Since this question would be for Jesus alone, you is singular. (See: Forms of You)

ὁ ἐρχόμενος

This expression implicitly means “the Messiah.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 7:20

οἱ ἄνδρες εἶπαν, Ἰωάννης ὁ Βαπτιστὴς ἀπέστειλεν ἡμᾶς πρὸς σὲ λέγων, σὺ εἶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἢ ἄλλον προσδοκῶμεν?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the men told Jesus that John the Baptist had sent them to him to ask, ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we expect someone else?’” or “the men said, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask if you are the one who is coming, or whether we should expect someone else.’” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Ἰωάννης ὁ Βαπτιστὴς

Here John’s disciples use the term Baptist as a title to identify the man named John who had sent them. The term means “one who baptizes.” Because the word “Baptist” is associated with a group of churches in many parts of the world, if your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a different form of the word as a title, as UST does. Alternatively, you could use a phrase. Alternate translation: “John the Baptizer” or “John, the one who baptizes” (See: How to Translate Names)

λέγων

Alternate translation: “to ask”

σὺ

Since this question is for Jesus alone, you is singular. (See: Forms of You)

ὁ ἐρχόμενος

This expression means “the Messiah.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 7:21

ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ

Here Luke uses the term hour figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “At that time” (See: Idiom)

ἐθεράπευσεν πολλοὺς ἀπὸ νόσων, καὶ μαστίγων, καὶ πνευμάτων πονηρῶν

Here Luke is telling the story in a compressed way, and he does not distinguish clearly between healing of sickness and deliverance from evil spirits. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that distinction more explicitly. Alternate translation: “he healed many people of sicknesses that they were suffering from, and he drove evil spirits out of many people” (See: Ellipsis)

νόσων, καὶ μαστίγων

The phrase sicknesses and afflictions expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word afflictions describes the effect of the sicknesses on the people who had them. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “sicknesses that they were suffering from” (See: Hendiadys)

τυφλοῖς πολλοῖς ἐχαρίσατο βλέπειν

Alternate translation: “he enabled many blind people to see again”

Luke 7:22

ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς

Together the words answering and said mean that after healing and delivering many people, Jesus responded to the question that John’s messengers had asked him. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded to the messengers whom John had sent” (See: Hendiadys)

πορευθέντες…εἴδετε

Since Jesus is speaking to two men, you would be dual, if your language uses that form. Otherwise, the word would be plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

λεπροὶ καθαρίζονται…νεκροὶ ἐγείρονται, πτωχοὶ εὐαγγελίζονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express all of these things with active forms. Alternate translation: “people who had leprosy no longer have that disease … people who were dead are coming back to life, poor people are hearing the good news” (See: Active or Passive)

λεπροὶ καθαρίζονται

As in 5:12, since the lepers were unclean because of their leprosy, the implication is that Jesus healed them from the disease. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “people who had leprosy no longer have that disease” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κωφοὶ…νεκροὶ…πτωχοὶ

Luke is using these adjectives as nouns. If your language does not use adjectives that way, you can translate them with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “people who were deaf … people who were dead … poor people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 7:23

μακάριός ἐστιν ὃς ἐὰν μὴ σκανδαλισθῇ ἐν ἐμοί

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “God will bless the person who always continues to trust me” (See: Active or Passive)

μὴ σκανδαλισθῇ ἐν ἐμοί

Here Jesus is using a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “who continues to trust me” (See: Litotes)

Luke 7:24

ἤρξατο λέγειν

Here the pronoun he refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus began to say” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

τί ἐξήλθατε εἰς τὴν ἔρημον θεάσασθαι? κάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον?

Jesus is using these questions as a teaching tool. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show that consequently he expects a negative answer. You could also translate these words as a statement. Alternate translation: “Did you go out into the desert just to see a reed that the wind was shaking? Of course not!” or “Surely you did not go out into the desert just to see a reed that the wind was shaking.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

κάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “A reed that the wind was shaking” (See: Active or Passive)

κάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον

The implication seems to be that a reed swaying in the breeze by the banks of the Jordan River is a commonplace sight that no one would make a trip out into the desert just to see. Alternate translation: “An ordinary thing such as a reed that the wind was shaking” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 7:25

ἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε ἰδεῖν? ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἱματίοις ἠμφιεσμένον?

Jesus is using these questions as a teaching tool. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show that consequently he expects a negative answer. You could also translate these words as a statement. Alternate translation: “Did you go out to see a man wearing splendid clothing? Of course not!” or “You certainly did not go out to see a man wearing splendid clothing.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἱματίοις ἠμφιεσμένον?

Luke assumes that readers will know that John wore crude, rugged clothing. Like his residence in the desert, his clothing was a symbolic protest against the established order. As such, it would have been offensive rather than attractive. So no one would have gone out to see a person dressed that way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “A man wearing splendid clothing? You would not have gone to hear John if that was what you wanted to see” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν μαλακοῖς ἱματίοις ἠμφιεσμένον

The term soft clothes refers to luxurious clothes, since normal clothing was rough. Alternate translation: “wearing splendid clothing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν μαλακοῖς ἱματίοις ἠμφιεσμένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “wearing splendid clothing” (See: Active or Passive)

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses the term behold to get the crowd to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully now” (See: Metaphor)

τοῖς βασιλείοις

Palaces are large, elaborate houses where kings or queens would live. The implication is that a celebrity watcher might go to a palace to try to catch a glimpse of royalty. But certainly no one would go out into the desert to try to see someone famous. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 7:26

ἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε ἰδεῖν? προφήτην?

Jesus is giving the answer to the repeated question that he has been using as a teaching tool. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show that this time the question leads to a positive answer. You could also translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “Did you go out to see a prophet? Yes, that was why!” or “You actually went out to see a prophet.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ναί, λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize the importance of what he will say next. Alternate translation: “Now listen carefully”

περισσότερον προφήτου

This phrase is an idiom that means that John was indeed a prophet, but that he was even greater than a typical prophet. Alternate translation: “not just an ordinary prophet” (See: Idiom)

Luke 7:27

οὗτός ἐστιν περὶ οὗ γέγραπται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “This is the one about whom one of the prophets wrote” or “John is the one about whom the prophet Malachi wrote” (See: Active or Passive)

ἰδοὺ

God, speaking through the prophet Malachi, uses the term behold to emphasize the importance of what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Now pay attention” (See: Metaphor)

πρὸ προσώπου σου

Here, face figuratively means the front of a person. Alternate translation, as in UST: “ahead of you” (See: Metaphor)

σου…σου

The words your and you are singular in both cases because God is speaking to the Messiah individually in the quotation. (See: Forms of You)

ὃς κατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου

As in 3:4, to make a way or a road is a figurative expression that means to help people get ready for the coming of the Messiah. Alternate translation: “who will help people get ready for you to come” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 7:28

λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus uses this phrase to focus the crowd’s attention on what he will say next. Alternate translation: “Now listen carefully”

ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν

The phrase those born of women is an idiom that refers to all people. Alternate translation: “of all the people who have ever lived” (See: Idiom)

ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν

If you would like to retain the idiom but your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “among those whom women have borne” (See: Active or Passive)

μείζων…Ἰωάννου οὐδείς ἐστιν

Here Jesus is using a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative term together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “John is the greatest” (See: Litotes)

ὁ…μικρότερος

Jesus is using the adjective least as a noun in order to indicate a kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the least important person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἐν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “whose life God is ruling” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστιν

The implication is that being part of the kingdom of God is greater than any human distinctive. So anyone who is part of God’s kingdom is greater than even John, whom Jesus said was the greatest person who had ever lived before the coming of the kingdom. Alternate translation: “is greater than John is because they are part of something greater than anything that is human” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 7:29

ἐδικαίωσαν τὸν Θεόν, βαπτισθέντες τὸ βάπτισμα Ἰωάννου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the action that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because they had come to John for baptism, declared God to be righteous” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐδικαίωσαν τὸν Θεόν

The implication is that the people agreed that God had been right to send John to tell them to repent of their sins. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “agreed that God had been right to send John to tell them to repent of their sins” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

βαπτισθέντες τὸ βάπτισμα Ἰωάννου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “because they had come to John for baptism” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 7:30

νομικοὶ

Here and elsewhere in the book, the term lawyers does not mean people who would represent clients and argue cases in court or draw up legal documents. Rather, it refers to experts in the law of Moses and its application to various situations. Alternate translation: “experts in the Jewish law” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὴν βουλὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἠθέτησαν εἰς ἑαυτούς, μὴ βαπτισθέντες ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the action that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because they had not come to John for baptism, rejected what God wanted them to do” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

μὴ βαπτισθέντες ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “because John had not baptized them” or “because they had not come to John for baptism” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 7:31

τίνι οὖν ὁμοιώσω τοὺς ἀνθρώπους τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης, καὶ τίνι εἰσὶν ὅμοιοι?

Jesus is using these questions as a teaching tool, to introduce a comparison. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate them as statements. Alternate translation: “This is what I compare the people of this time to. This is what they are like” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίνι οὖν ὁμοιώσω τοὺς ἀνθρώπους τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης, καὶ τίνι εἰσὶν ὅμοιοι?

These two phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is using repetition for emphasis and to capture the interest of his listeners. You do not need to put both phrases in your translation if that might be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “What should I compare the people of this time to?” or “This is what I compare the people of this time to” (See: Parallelism)

τοὺς ἀνθρώπους τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “the people of this generation” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 7:32

ὅμοιοί εἰσιν

These words are the beginning of Jesus’ comparison. His opponents complain about John being too austere, and they complain about him not being austere enough, just like children who complain when other children don’t dance with them, and then complain again when they don’t cry with them. Since Jesus explains this comparison in the next two verses, you do not need to explain it here in your translation. (See: Simile)

ἀγορᾷ

This means a large, open-air area where people come to sell their goods. (See: Translate Unknowns)

ηὐλήσαμεν ὑμῖν

The children are referring to the flute to indicate that they played a happy, upbeat tune, for which the flute was well suited. Alternate translation: “We played a happy tune for you” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ

The children are expressing a contrast between what they expected their playmates to do and what those playmates actually did. Alternate translation: “but” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

καὶ

Once again the children are expressing a contrast between what they expected their playmates to do and what those playmates actually did. Alternate translation: “but” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Luke 7:33

μὴ ἐσθίων ἄρτον

This could mean one of two things. Either way, Jesus is using one kind of food, bread, figuratively to represent all kinds of food. (1) It could refer to the way that John lived on whatever he could find to eat in the desert. Alternate translation: “not eating regular food” (2) It could mean that John often went without eating as a devotional practice. Alternate translation: “frequently fasting” (See: Synecdoche)

λέγετε, δαιμόνιον ἔχει

Luke is quoting Jesus, and Jesus is quoting what the Pharisees were saying about John. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you say that he has a demon” or “you accuse him of having a demon” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Luke 7:34

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Here Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated this title in 5:24. In this case the title highlights Jesus’ identification with humanity in the special role that God has given him. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λέγετε, ἰδοὺ, ἄνθρωπος φάγος καὶ οἰνοπότης, φίλος τελωνῶν καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν

Luke is quoting Jesus, and Jesus is quoting what the Pharisees were saying about him. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you say that he eats and drinks too much and that he is a friend of tax collectors and sinners” or (if you used the first person for the title “Son of Man”) “you say that I eat and drink too much and that I am a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἰδοὺ

Behold focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Alternate translation: “Now this is” (See: Metaphor)

ἄνθρωπος φάγος

Alternate translation: “a man who is a glutton” or “a man who eats too much”

ἄνθρωπος…οἰνοπότης

Alternate translation: “a man who is a drunkard” or “a man who drinks too much alcohol”

Luke 7:35

ἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς

This appears to be a proverb, a short popular saying of the culture, that Jesus applied to this situation. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the saying is true that wisdom is justified by all her children” (See: Proverbs)

ἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς

This proverb likely uses a Hebrew idiom in which the “sons” or children of a thing share its qualities. Alternate translation: “wisdom is justified by people who are wise themselves” (See: Idiom)

ἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν τέκνων αὐτῆς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “wise people recognize when someone else is following a wise course” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 7:36

ἠρώτα δέ τις αὐτὸν τῶν Φαρισαίων, ἵνα φάγῃ μετ’ αὐτοῦ

This phrase introduces a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

τις…τῶν Φαρισαίων

This phrase also introduces the Pharisee into the story. In 7:40, Jesus addresses him as Simon. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could give his name here, as UST does. Alternate translation: “a Pharisee named Simon” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

κατεκλίθη

See how you translated this in 5:29. It was the custom in this culture for dinner guests to eat while lying comfortably around the table on banqueting couches. Alternate translation: “he took his place at the table” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 7:37

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to calls the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

γυνὴ ἥτις ἦν ἐν τῇ πόλει

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was woman who lived in that city” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἁμαρτωλός

Luke is speaking from the perspective of the Pharisee when he says that the woman was a sinner. Since the Pharisee would likely not have known her personally, this is an implicit reference to her reputation. She may have been a prostitute, as UST suggests. Alternate translation: “who had a reputation for living a sinful life” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κομίσασα

In this culture, if people wanted to hear what someone’s special dinner guest had to say, they were allowed to come and stand around the walls of the banqueting hall and listen, even if they had not been invited to share in the meal. And so this woman was allowed to enter and listen to Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that specifically. Alternate translation: “she came into the banquet hall as a visitor, bringing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀλάβαστρον

The word alabaster is the name of a soft, white stone. People stored precious and valuable items in jars made from alabaster. Alternate translation: “a jar made of soft, white stone” (See: Translate Unknowns)

μύρου

This oil had fragrant additives. To make a nice smell, people would rub the oil on themselves or sprinkle their clothing with it. Alternate translation: “that contained oil with perfume in it” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 7:38

ταῖς θριξὶν τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτῆς

In your language, it might seem that this phrase expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you can abbreviate it. Alternate translation: “with her hair” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

ἤλειφεν τῷ μύρῳ

Alternate translation: “pouring perfume on them”

Luke 7:39

εἶπεν ἐν ἑαυτῷ λέγων

As noted in 3:10, Luke often uses the word saying to introduce a quotation. Particularly in cases like this one, if you indicate the quotation in some other way, such as with quotation marks, you do not need to represent this word in your translation. (See: Quote Markings)

οὗτος εἰ ἦν προφήτης, ἐγίνωσκεν ἂν τίς καὶ ποταπὴ ἡ γυνὴ, ἥτις ἅπτεται αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἁμαρτωλός ἐστιν

This Pharisee is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is not true. He has concluded that Jesus must not be a prophet, because he allowed this sinful woman to touch him, and a prophet would have known she was sinful and not allowed that. Alternate translation: “Jesus must not be a prophet, because if he were, he would know that the woman who is touching him is a sinner” (See: Connect — Contrary to Fact Conditions)

τίς καὶ ποταπὴ ἡ γυνὴ, ἥτις ἅπτεται αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἁμαρτωλός ἐστιν

Simon assumed that a prophet would never allow a sinner to touch him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state his assumption explicitly. Alternate translation: “that this woman is a sinner, and he would not allow her to touch him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 7:40

ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν

Together the words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to what the Pharisee was thinking. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded to him” (See: Hendiadys)

Σίμων

This was the name of the Pharisee who invited Jesus into his home. This was not Simon Peter. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὁ δέ, Διδάσκαλε, εἰπέ, φησίν

To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “And he said, ‘Say it, Teacher!’”

Διδάσκαλε, εἰπέ

Simon is inviting Jesus to speak, not ordering him to speak. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate his words as more of an invitation. You could also translate them as a question, as UST does. Alternate translation: “Go ahead and say it.” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Διδάσκαλε

This was a respectful title. You can translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

Luke 7:41

δύο χρεοφιλέται ἦσαν: δανιστῇ τινι

To help Simon the Pharisee understand what he wants to teach him, Jesus tells him a story. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus told him this story to help him understand. ‘There were two debtors’” (See: Parables)

δύο χρεοφιλέται ἦσαν: δανιστῇ τινι

Alternate translation: “Two different people owed money to the same moneylender”

δηνάρια πεντακόσια

The word denarii is the plural of “denarius.” A denarius was a silver coin equivalent to a day’s wage. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “500 silver coins” or “an amount equivalent to a year and a half’s wages” (See: Biblical Money)

ὁ δὲ ἕτερος πεντήκοντα

Alternate translation: “the other person owed 50 silver coins” or “the other person owed an amount equal to 50 days’ wages” (See: Biblical Money)

Luke 7:42

μὴ ἐχόντων αὐτῶν ἀποδοῦναι

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. He is not saying that the men no longer needed to repay these debts. Rather, he is saying that they did not have enough money to repay the lender what they owed him. Alternate translation: “When they were not able to repay their debts” (See: Ellipsis)

ἀμφοτέροις ἐχαρίσατο

This does not mean literally that the lender decided he would not hold their failure to repay against them. Rather, it is an idiom that means that he told them they did not have to repay the money. Alternate translation: “he canceled both of their debts” (See: Idiom)

Luke 7:43

ἀποκριθεὶς Σίμων εἶπεν

Together the words answering and said mean that Simon responded to the question that Jesus asked him. Alternate translation: “Simon responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ὑπολαμβάνω ὅτι ᾧ τὸ πλεῖον ἐχαρίσατο

Simon leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “I suppose that the one to whom he forgave the most will love him the most” (See: Ellipsis)

ὑπολαμβάνω

Simon was cautious about his answer. Alternate translation: “Probably”

ὀρθῶς ἔκρινας

Alternate translation: “You are right”

Luke 7:44

στραφεὶς πρὸς τὴν γυναῖκα

Jesus turned to the woman in order to direct Simon’s attention to her. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus turned to the woman so that Simon would look at her” (See: Symbolic Action)

βλέπεις ταύτην τὴν γυναῖκα?

Jesus does not expect Simon to tell him whether he can see the woman. Rather, he is using the question as a teaching tool, to focus Simon’s attention on her as an example of showing love and gratitude. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate Jesus’ words as a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to consider this woman.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὕδωρ μοι ἐπὶ πόδας οὐκ ἔδωκας

It was a basic responsibility of a host to provide water and a towel for guests to wash and dry their feet after walking on dusty roads. Alternate translation: “You did not provide me with anything to wash my feet, as a considerate host would have done” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐκ ἔδωκας; αὕτη δὲ

In this verse and the next two verses, Jesus uses such phrases to contrast Simon’s lack of courtesy with the woman’s extreme actions of gratitude. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

αὕτη…τοῖς δάκρυσιν ἔβρεξέν μου τοὺς πόδας

The woman used her tears in place of the missing water. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “she has wet my feet with her tears in place of the water you did not provide” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ταῖς θριξὶν αὐτῆς ἐξέμαξεν

The woman used her hair in place of the missing towel. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and she has dried my feet with her hair in place of the towel you did not provide” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 7:45

φίλημά μοι οὐκ ἔδωκας

It was customary in this culture for a host to greet a guest with a kiss on the cheek. Simon did not do this for Jesus. Alternate translation: “You did not greet me with a kiss on the cheek, as a welcoming host would have done” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐ διέλιπεν καταφιλοῦσά μου τοὺς πόδας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb stopped. Alternate translation: “has continued to kiss my feet” (See: Double Negatives)

οὐ διέλιπεν καταφιλοῦσά μου τοὺς πόδας

The woman kissed the feet of Jesus, rather than his cheek, as a sign of extreme repentance and humility. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “has continued to kiss my feet to show her repentance and humility” (See: Symbolic Action)

Luke 7:46

οὐκ ἤλειψας; αὕτη δὲ

Jesus continues to contrast Simon’s poor hospitality with the actions of the woman. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἐλαίῳ τὴν κεφαλήν μου οὐκ ἤλειψας

It was the custom in this culture to welcome an honored guest by pouring refreshing olive oil on his head. Alternate translation: “You did not welcome me by pouring oil on my head” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἤλειψεν τοὺς πόδας μου

The woman greatly honored Jesus by doing this. She demonstrated humility and expressed her own sense of unworthiness by anointing his feet instead of his head. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “has anointed my feet to show her humility” (See: Symbolic Action)

Luke 7:47

λέγω σοι

This phrase emphasizes the importance of the statement that follows. Alternate translation: “pay attention to this”

ἀφέωνται αἱ ἁμαρτίαι αὐτῆς αἱ πολλαί

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “God has forgiven her many sins” (See: Active or Passive)

ὅτι ἠγάπησεν πολύ

The implication is that her display of love was the evidence that her sins were forgiven. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “We can tell this because she has shown that she greatly loves the one who forgave her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅτι ἠγάπησεν πολύ

Your language may require you to state the object of loved. Alternate translation: “because she greatly loves the one who forgave her”

ᾧ δὲ ὀλίγον ἀφίεται, ὀλίγον ἀγαπᾷ

In this sentence Jesus states a general principle. However, he is saying implicitly that Simon specifically has shown very little love for him. A further implication is that one to whom little is forgiven is actually someone who thinks he is better than others and mistakenly thinks he does not need to be forgiven for very much. Alternate translation: “a person like you who thinks that God has only had to forgive him for a few things does not show much love” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ᾧ…ὀλίγον ἀφίεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “the person who thinks that God has only had to forgive him for a few things” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 7:48

εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῇ

The pronoun he refers to Jesus, not to Simon. The word her refers to the woman. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said to the woman” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἀφέωνταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “I have forgiven your sins” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 7:49

συνανακείμενοι

Alternate translation: “who were eating together with him”

τίς οὗτός ἐστιν ὃς καὶ ἁμαρτίας ἀφίησιν?

The religious leaders knew that only God could forgive sins. They did not believe that Jesus was God. So they are using the question form to make an accusation. Alternate translation: “This man is not God, so he cannot forgive sins!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 7:50

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun faith, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “trust.” Alternate translation: “you have trusted in God, and God has saved you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

Jesus speaks figuratively of the woman’s faith as if it had actively saved her. He means that it provided the conditions for her to receive salvation from God. Alternate translation: “you have trusted in God, and God has saved you” (See: Personification)

πορεύου εἰς εἰρήνην

This was a way of saying goodbye while giving a blessing at the same time. It also reassured the woman, despite the disapproval of the religious leaders. Alternate translation: “May God give you peace as you go” or “You may go now, and do not worry about your sins anymore” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 8

Luke 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus teaches the crowds with parables (8:1-21)
2. Jesus calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee (8:22-25)
3. Jesus drives out many demons from a man (8:26-39)
4. Jesus heals a woman and restores a dead girl to life (8:40-55)

Special concepts in this chapter

Miracles

In this chapter, Jesus makes a storm stop by speaking to it, he makes a dead girl alive by speaking to her, and he makes evil spirits leave a man by speaking to them. (See: miracle, wonder, sign)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Parables

Parables were short stories that Jesus told so that people who wanted to believe in him could easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. But people who did not want to believe in him would not be able to understand the message (Luke 8:4-15).

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Brothers and sisters

Most people use the terms “brother” and “sister” for those who have the same parents as they do. They think of them as some of the most important people in their lives. Some 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: brother)

Important textual issues in this chapter

“having spent all her living on doctors”

In 8:43, some ancient manuscripts of the Bible have the phrase “having spent all her living on doctors,” but other manuscripts do not. ULT includes the phrase in its text, but it mentions in a footnote that scholars are divided as to whether it was an original part of the book of Luke. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to include the phrase if it does, but leave it out if it does not include it. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of ULT. (See: Textual Variants)

Luke 8:1

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

κατὰ πόλιν καὶ κώμην

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “around to different cities and villages” (See: Idiom)

τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate this phrase in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “how God would rule” (See: Abstract Nouns)

οἱ δώδεκα

Luke is using the adjective Twelve as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “his 12 apostles” or “the 12 men whom he had appointed to be apostles” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

οἱ δώδεκα

Alternatively, even if your language does not ordinarily use adjectives as nouns, you may be able to do that in this case, since this is a title by which the apostles were known. Even though it is a number, if you translate it as a title, as ULT does, follow the conventions for titles in your language. For example, capitalize main words and write out numbers rather than use digits. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 8:2

αἳ ἦσαν τεθεραπευμέναι ἀπὸ πνευμάτων πονηρῶν καὶ ἀσθενειῶν

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “whom Jesus had set free from evil spirits and healed of diseases” (See: Active or Passive)

Μαρία ἡ καλουμένη Μαγδαληνή

Mary is the name of a woman, and Magdalene is a distinguishing term that most likely means that she came from the town of Magdala. (See: How to Translate Names)

Μαρία ἡ καλουμένη Μαγδαληνή

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Mary, who people called Magdalene” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀφ’ ἧς δαιμόνια ἑπτὰ ἐξεληλύθει

The demons did not go out on their own. It may be helpful to say explicitly that Jesus drove them out. Alternate translation: “from whom Jesus had driven out seven demons” or “whom Jesus had set free from seven demons” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 8:3

Ἰωάννα…Σουσάννα

These are the names of two women. (See: How to Translate Names)

Χουζᾶ…Ἡρῴδου

These are the names of two men. See how you translated the name Herod in 1:5. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐπιτρόπου Ἡρῴδου

Alternate translation: “the man who managed King Herod’s household affairs”

διηκόνουν αὐτοῖς

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “were personally providing what Jesus and his 12 apostles needed” (See: Idiom)

Luke 8:4

ἐπιπορευομένων πρὸς αὐτὸν

Here the pronoun him refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “coming to Jesus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

κατὰ πόλιν

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “from different towns” (See: Idiom)

εἶπεν διὰ παραβολῆς

This means that Jesus told a brief story to teach something true in an understandable and memorable way. Alternate translation: “he told them this story to help them understand God’s ways better” (See: Parables)

Luke 8:5

ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρων τοῦ σπεῖραι τὸν σπόρον αὐτοῦ

Use either the singular or the plural to translate seed in this story, whichever would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A farmer went out to scatter some seed in a field” or “A farmer went out to scatter some seeds in a field”

ὃ μὲν ἔπεσεν

Alternate translation: “some of the seed fell” or “some of the seeds fell”

κατεπατήθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “people walked on it” or “people walked on them” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

In your language, it might seem that this phrase expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you could abbreviate it. However, you could also use an action clause to keep the sense of sky. Alternate translation: “birds” or “birds flew down and” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

κατέφαγεν αὐτό

Alternate translation: “ate it all” or “ate them all”

Luke 8:6

ἐξηράνθη

Continue to use either the singular or the plural, whichever would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “each plant dried out and shriveled up” or “the plants dried out and shriveled up”

διὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν ἰκμάδα

Alternate translation: “because there was no water for it in the rock” or “because there was no water for them in the rock”

Luke 8:7

ἀπέπνιξαν αὐτό

The thorn plants took all the nutrients, water, and sunlight, so the farmer’s plants could not grow well. Continue to use either the singular or the plural, whichever would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “crowded it out” or “crowded them out” or “kept it from growing well” or “kept them from growing well”

Luke 8:8

ἐποίησεν καρπὸν ἑκατονταπλασίονα

Here the word translated fruit has the specific sense of “a crop.” Since the farmer is sowing wheat seeds, this crop would be more seeds. Alternate translation: “it produced a hundred times as much seed as had landed in this soil” or “they produced a hundred times as many seeds as had landed in this soil”

ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω

Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize that what he has just said is important and that it may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase ears to hear figuratively represents the willingness to understand and obey by association with the part of the body by which his listeners would have been taking in his teaching. Alternate translation: “If anyone is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω

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, then listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω

If you choose to translate this in the second person, you would be plural, since Jesus is speaking to the crowd. (See: Forms of You)

Luke 8:9

τίς αὕτη εἴη ἡ παραβολή

Alternate translation: “What does this story mean?”

Luke 8:10

ὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God has allowed you to understand” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰ μυστήρια τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ

These are spiritual truths that people had not previously understood. Jesus is now revealing them. Alternate translation: “the secrets of the kingdom of God”

τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate this phrase in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “of how God will rule” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῖς δὲ λοιποῖς ἐν παραβολαῖς

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “but I speak in parables to the people who are not my disciples” (See: Ellipsis)

ἵνα βλέποντες μὴ βλέπωσιν, καὶ ἀκούοντες μὴ συνιῶσιν

Luke is quoting Jesus, and Jesus is quoting the prophet Isaiah. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. For clarity, you could also indicate the source of the words that Jesus is quoting. Alternate translation: “so that as the prophet Isaiah said, though they see, they will not perceive, and though they hear, they will not understand” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

βλέποντες μὴ βλέπωσιν

Some languages may need to state the object of the verb. Alternate translation: “though they see things, they will not understand them” or “though they see things happen, they will not understand what they mean”

ἀκούοντες μὴ συνιῶσιν

Some languages may need to state the object of the verb. Alternate translation: “though they hear instruction, they will not understand the truth”

Luke 8:11

ἔστιν δὲ αὕτη ἡ παραβολή

Alternate translation: “this is what the story means”

ὁ σπόρος ἐστὶν ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus uses the term word figuratively to refer to the message from God that people share by using words. Alternate translation: “The seed represents the message from God” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 8:12

οἱ…παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν εἰσιν οἱ ἀκούσαντες

Jesus begins to explain the figurative meanings of the seeds that fell in different places. Alternate translation: “The seeds that fell along the path represent people who hear the message” (See: Metaphor)

εἶτα ἔρχεται ὁ διάβολος καὶ αἴρει τὸν λόγον ἀπὸ τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν

The parable represented this figuratively as a bird snatching away seeds. Try to use words in your language that retain that image. Alternate translation: “but then the devil comes and snatches the message away from them” (See: Metaphor)

εἶτα ἔρχεται ὁ διάβολος καὶ αἴρει τὸν λόγον ἀπὸ τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν

The word hearts figuratively represents the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “the devil comes and keeps them from understanding and appreciating the message” (See: Metaphor)

εἶτα ἔρχεται ὁ διάβολος καὶ αἴρει τὸν λόγον ἀπὸ τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν

Based on the figurative meaning of the parable, the implication is that these people did not appreciate the message deeply, just as seeds could not go down deep into the hard-packed soil of the path. And so the devil would be able to break up their superficial awareness and concentration by distracting them with everyday concerns. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the devil distracts them and they forget about the message they heard” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸν λόγον

Jesus is using the term word figuratively to refer to the message that people share by using words. Alternate translation: “the message” (See: Metonymy)

ἵνα μὴ πιστεύσαντες σωθῶσιν

This phrase explains the devil’s purpose. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “because the devil does not want them to trust in God so that God will save them” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 8:13

οἱ δὲ ἐπὶ τῆς πέτρας, οἳ

Jesus continues to explain the figurative meanings of the seeds that fell in different places. Alternate translation: “In the parable, the seeds that fell on the rocky soil represent people” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς πέτρας

Alternate translation: “the rocky soil” or “the shallow soil above the rocky layer”

μετὰ χαρᾶς δέχονται τὸν λόγον

Jesus uses the term word figuratively to refer to the message that people share by using words. Alternate translation: “who … gladly believe the message” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν καιρῷ πειρασμοῦ

Alternate translation: “when they experience hardship”

ἀφίστανται

Jesus is using the way such people go away from the community of believers to mean figuratively that they stop believing. Alternate translation: “they stop believing” or “they stop being disciples” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 8:14

τὸ δὲ εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας πεσόν, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ

Jesus continues to explain the figurative meanings of the seeds that fell in different places. Alternate translation: “In the parable, the seeds that fell among the thorns represent people” (See: Metaphor)

ὑπὸ μεριμνῶν, καὶ πλούτου, καὶ ἡδονῶν τοῦ βίου…συνπνίγονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the cares and riches and pleasures of this life choke them” (See: Active or Passive)

μεριμνῶν

Alternate translation: “things that people worry about”

ἡδονῶν τοῦ βίου

Alternate translation: “the things in this life that people enjoy”

οὐ τελεσφοροῦσιν

The phrase mature fruit figuratively means spiritual maturity that is evidenced by godly character and loving actions. Alternate translation: “they do not mature into people of godly character who act out of love” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 8:15

τὸ δὲ ἐν τῇ καλῇ γῇ, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἵτινες

Jesus continues to explain the figurative meanings of the seeds that fell in different places. Alternate translation: “In the parable, the seeds that fell on the good soil represent people” (See: Metaphor)

ἀκούσαντες τὸν λόγον

Jesus uses the term word figuratively to refer to the message that people share by using words. Alternate translation: “when they hear the message” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν καρδίᾳ καλῇ καὶ ἀγαθῇ

The terms honest and good mean similar things. Jesus uses the two terms together for emphasis and clarity. You do not need to repeat both words in your translation if that might be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “with genuine intentions” (See: Doublet)

ἐν καρδίᾳ καλῇ καὶ ἀγαθῇ

In this expression, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “with genuine intentions” (See: Metaphor)

καρποφοροῦσιν ἐν ὑπομονῇ

Here, fruit figuratively means spiritual maturity that is evidenced by godly character and loving actions. Alternate translation: “because they persevere, they mature into people of godly character who act out of love” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 8:16

οὐδεὶς δὲ λύχνον ἅψας

After Jesus finished explaining the story about the seeds, he gave his disciples another example to illustrate that God wants them to understand spiritual truths. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus gave them another example. ‘No one lights a lamp’” (See: Parables)

οἱ εἰσπορευόμενοι

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “those who enter the room” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 8:17

οὐ…ἐστιν κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ φανερὸν γενήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “everything that is hidden will become visible” (See: Double Negatives)

οὐδὲ ἀπόκρυφον ὃ οὐ μὴ γνωσθῇ καὶ εἰς φανερὸν ἔλθῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could also translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “and everything that is secret will be known and become visible” (See: Double Negatives)

οὐδὲ ἀπόκρυφον ὃ οὐ μὴ γνωσθῇ καὶ εἰς φανερὸν ἔλθῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “and God will reveal every secret and make it visible” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐδὲ ἀπόκρυφον ὃ οὐ μὴ γνωσθῇ καὶ εἰς φανερὸν ἔλθῃ

The phrases be known and come into visibility mean similar things. Jesus is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “and God will clearly reveal every secret” (See: Doublet)

Luke 8:18

βλέπετε οὖν πῶς ἀκούετε

The phrase be careful does not mean that listening is dangerous. Rather, it means that people should listen carefully, because, as Jesus has just said, God wants to reveal spiritual secrets. Alternate translation: “so make sure that you listen well” or “so listen carefully and reflect on what you hear”

ὃς ἂν…ἔχῃ, δοθήσεται αὐτῷ

The implication in context is that the phrase whoever has, it will be given to him refers to understanding and believing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “whoever seeks sincerely to understand will be given more understanding” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὃς ἂν…ἔχῃ, δοθήσεται αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whoever seeks sincerely to understand will understand better” or “God will give greater understanding to anyone who seeks sincerely to understand” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ ὃς ἂν μὴ ἔχῃ, καὶ ὃ δοκεῖ ἔχειν ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ

The implication once again is that the phrase whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him refers to understanding and believing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “But whoever does not have understanding, even what understanding he thinks he has will be taken away from him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ὃς ἂν μὴ ἔχῃ, καὶ ὃ δοκεῖ ἔχειν ἀρθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whoever presumes that he already understands will understand less and less” or “God will not give greater understanding to anyone who presumes that he already understands” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 8:19

δὲ

Luke uses then to introduce a new event and to indicate that it came after the event he has just described. (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

οἱ ἀδελφοὶ

These were Jesus' younger brothers. They were sons of Mary and Joseph. Since the Father of Jesus was God, and their father was Joseph, they were actually his half-brothers. That detail is not normally translated, but if your language has a specific word for “younger brother,” you can use it here. (See: Kinship)

Luke 8:20

ἀπηγγέλη…αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. The subject should be plural, since in the next verse Jesus responds to “them.” Alternate translation: “people told him” (See: Active or Passive)

σου…σου…σε

Since the person who said this was speaking to Jesus alone, your and you are singular. (See: Forms of You)

ἰδεῖν θέλοντές σε

Alternate translation: “and they would like to see you”

Luke 8:21

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς

Together the two words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to the information that people gave him. Alternate translation: “But Jesus responded to them” (See: Hendiadys)

μήτηρ μου καὶ ἀδελφοί μου, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀκούοντες καὶ ποιοῦντες

Jesus means figuratively that people who believe and obey the message from God become like a family to one another. Alternate translation: “Those who hear the word of God and obey it are like a mother and brothers to me” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus uses the term word figuratively to refer to the message from God that people share by using words. Alternate translation: “the message from God” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 8:22

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν μιᾷ τῶν ἡμερῶν

Luke uses the term days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “around that time” (See: Idiom)

καὶ αὐτὸς ἐνέβη εἰς πλοῖον καὶ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς, διέλθωμεν εἰς τὸ πέραν τῆς λίμνης

It seems unlikely that Jesus and his disciples would have gotten into a boat before they were planning to sail somewhere. So here Luke is probably describing the result before the reason. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the action that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side of the lake.’ So they all got into a boat together” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τῆς λίμνης

This means the Lake of Genneseret, which is also called the Sea of Galilee. But since Jesus would have referred to it simply as “the lake” while he and his disciples were on it, you do not need to use the proper name in your translation. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀνήχθησαν

This expression means that they began to travel across the lake in their boat. Alternate translation: “they headed out across the lake” (See: Idiom)

Luke 8:23

πλεόντων…αὐτῶν

The term voyaged means that Jesus and the disciples traveled by water. Alternate translation: “as they traveled across the lake”

ἀφύπνωσεν

The pronoun he refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus began to sleep” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

κατέβη λαῖλαψ ἀνέμου εἰς τὴν λίμνην

Luke says came down because these winds blew down from the hills surrounding the lake. Alternate translation: “very strong winds suddenly began to blow on the lake” (See: Idiom)

συνεπληροῦντο

Luke says they, meaning the disciples, to refer figuratively by association to the boat they were in. Alternate translation: “the boat was being filled” (See: Metonymy)

συνεπληροῦντο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state what was doing the action. Alternate translation: “water started to fill up their boat” (See: Active or Passive)

συνεπληροῦντο

The implication is that the strong winds were causing high waves that pushed water over the sides of the boat, and that this water was filling the boat. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the strong winds were causing high waves that pushed water over the sides of their boat, so that the water began to fill it up” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 8:24

Ἐπιστάτα

Master is the title by which disciples addressed their teacher in this culture. If your language and culture have a similar term, you can use it here in your translation.

λέγοντες, Ἐπιστάτα, Ἐπιστάτα, ἀπολλύμεθα!

The repetition indicates that the disciples called to Jesus urgently and continually. Alternate translation: “crying out continually, ‘Master! We’re going to die!’”

ἀπολλύμεθα

Since the disciples want Jesus to understand that he is in danger too, the word we would include him. Alternate translation: “We’re all going to die” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἐπετίμησεν

Alternate translation: “spoke sharply to”

τῷ κλύδωνι, τοῦ ὕδατος

In your language, it might seem that the wording here expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you can abbreviate it. However, you could also translate this as expressing emphasis. Alternate translation: “the waves” or “the violent waves” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

ἐπαύσαντο καὶ ἐγένετο γαλήνη

These two phrases mean similar things. Luke uses the repetition to emphasize what great power Jesus demonstrated. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases. However, you could also translate both phrases and show how the second expresses the results of the first. Alternate translation: “the storm ended” or “the storm ended, so that the lake became calm again” (See: Parallelism)

Luke 8:25

ποῦ ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν?

Jesus does not expect his disciples to tell him where their faith is. Rather, he is using the question form to correct them. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should have trusted God!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίς ἄρα οὗτός ἐστιν, ὅτι καὶ τοῖς ἀνέμοις ἐπιτάσσει καὶ τῷ ὕδατι, καὶ ὑπακούουσιν αὐτῷ?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could turn this into two sentences, one asking the question, and the other giving the reason for the question. Alternate translation: “Who then is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him!”

τίς ἄρα οὗτός ἐστιν

This is a genuine question, not a statement in question form. The disciples are looking for information about what kind of person Jesus could be if he can do this. Alternate translation: “What kind of man is this”

τῷ ὕδατι

The disciples are figuratively describing the violent waves that had threatened the boat by reference to the water that these waves arose from. Alternate translation: “the waves” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 8:26

τὴν χώραν τῶν Γερασηνῶν

The name Gerasenes refers to people from the city of Gerasa. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀντιπέρα τῆς Γαλιλαίας

Alternate translation: “on the other side of the lake from Galilee”

Luke 8:27

ἐξελθόντι…αὐτῷ

Here Luke is writing in a compact way. He means that Jesus came out of the boat. Alternate translation: “when Jesus got out of the boat” (See: Ellipsis)

ἀνήρ τις ἐκ τῆς πόλεως

This phrase introduces a new character in a story. If your language has an expression of its own that serves this purpose, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “a man who was from the city of Gerasa” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἔχων δαιμόνια

Alternate translation: “who was controlled by demons” or “whom demons controlled”

καὶ χρόνῳ ἱκανῷ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce background information about the man who had demons. Alternate translation: “Now for a long time” (See: Background Information)

τοῖς μνήμασιν

The term the tombs refers to places in which people laid to rest the bodies of loved ones who have died. In this context it may possibly mean caves cut into the rock or small buildings that the man could use for shelter. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 8:28

ἰδὼν…τὸν Ἰησοῦν

The pronoun he refers to the man who had demons. Alternate translation: “when the man whom the demons controlled saw Jesus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἀνακράξας

Alternate translation: “he screamed” or “he shrieked”

προσέπεσεν αὐτῷ

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the man did not fall down accidentally. Rather, bowing or lying down in front of Jesus was a sign of humility and respect for him. Alternate translation: “respectfully bowed down at Jesus’ feet” or “respectfully lay down on the ground in front of Jesus” (See: Symbolic Action)

φωνῇ μεγάλῃ εἶπεν

This is an idiom that means the man raised the volume of his voice. Alternate translation: “shouted out” (See: Idiom)

τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “What do you and I have in common” or “What reason do you have to get involved with me” (See: Idiom)

τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί

The man is using the question form to insist on something urgently. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “You and I have nothing in common!” or “You have no reason to get involved with me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Ὑψίστου

Son of the Most High God is an important title for Jesus. See how you translated the expression the Most High in 1:32. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Luke 8:29

γὰρ

Luke is giving the reason for the result he described in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “The man said this because” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

παρήγγειλεν γὰρ τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ ἐξελθεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου

If your language would put the reason before the result, you could create a verse bridge and put this sentence in 8:28, after the man bows down to Jesus but before he speaks, changing the tense of the verb to fit the context. You could also put the next sentence in this verse at the end of 8:27. (See: Verse Bridges)

πολλοῖς γὰρ χρόνοις

Luke uses this phrase to introduce further background information about what the demon had done to the man before Jesus met him. Alternate translation: “Many times in the past” (See: Background Information)

πολλοῖς γὰρ χρόνοις συνηρπάκει αὐτόν, καὶ ἐδεσμεύετο ἁλύσεσιν καὶ πέδαις, φυλασσόμενος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Luke appears to be describing how the demon would seize the man after he was bound and while he was being guarded. Alternate translation: “For though he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, many times it had seized him” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-events/01.md)

ἐδεσμεύετο ἁλύσεσιν καὶ πέδαις, φυλασσόμενος, καὶ διαρήσσων τὰ δεσμὰ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation (no comma following): “though the people in the area had bound him with chains and shackles and kept him under guard, he would break his bonds and” (See: Active or Passive)

ἠλαύνετο ὑπὸ τοῦ δαιμονίου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the demon would make him go” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 8:30

σοι

Since Luke indicates in the previous verse that Jesus is speaking to the unclean spirit here, your is singular, even though the demon responds that he is speaking for “many,” and even though in the following verses Luke says they and them for the multiple demons. (See: Forms of You)

λεγεών

Translate the word Legion with a word in your language that refers to a large number of soldiers. Show that this was the name of the demon by using the convention in your language for proper names. Alternate translation: “Army” or “Battalion” or “Brigade” (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 8:31

παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν

Alternate translation: “the demons kept begging Jesus”

τὴν Ἄβυσσον

The term abyss literally means a bottomless pit, and here it describes a place of punishment. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate the term with an explanatory phrase, as UST does, saying “the deep pit where God punishes demons.” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 8:32

ἦν δὲ ἐκεῖ ἀγέλη χοίρων ἱκανῶν βοσκομένη ἐν τῷ ὄρει

Luke supplies this background information to help readers understand what happens next. (See: Background Information)

ἦν…ἐκεῖ…βοσκομένη ἐν τῷ ὄρει

Alternate translation: “was nearby eating grass on the side of a hill”

παρεκάλεσαν αὐτὸν ἵνα ἐπιτρέψῃ αὐτοῖς εἰς ἐκείνους εἰσελθεῖν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could clarify who and what these pronouns refer to. Alternate translation: “the demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

καὶ ἐπέτρεψεν αὐτοῖς

Luke does not say specifically why Jesus allowed the demons to go into the pigs. But Jesus did not necessarily do so because the demons begged him. He may have had other reasons of his own. So it would probably be best to translate this in a neutral way, as ULT and UST both do, rather than beginning with a word such as “So,” which would imply that Jesus agreed to this because the demons begged him.

Luke 8:33

ἐξελθόντα δὲ τὰ δαιμόνια

The term translated as then could mean that the demons came of out the man because Jesus told them they could go into the pigs. You could begin this sentence with the word so, as UST does, to show that. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ὥρμησεν

Alternate translation: “ran very fast”

καὶ ἀπεπνίγη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. You do not need to specify someone who did this action to the pigs, because no one caused them to drown once they were in the water. Alternate translation: “and drowned” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 8:34

εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἀγρούς

Here Luke uses a figure of speech to refer to that whole region by naming the two constituent parts of it. Alternate translation: “throughout the whole area” (See: Merism)

εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἀγρούς

You could also translate this more literally. The implication is that this means the city of Gerasa, since Luke says in 8:29 that Jesus and his disciples came to the region where this city was located. Alternate translation: “in the city of Gerasa and in the surrounding countryside” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 8:35

ἐξῆλθον

Here, as well as in the other two instances in this verse, they refers to the people of that region, as in 8:37. The term went out indicates the remote area where the man had been living. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express those things explicitly. Alternate translation: “people from all over that region went out to that remote area” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εὗραν…τὸν ἄνθρωπον, ἀφ’ οὗ τὰ δαιμόνια ἐξῆλθεν

Alternate translation: “saw the man whom the demons had left”

ἱματισμένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “wearing clothes” (See: Active or Passive)

σωφρονοῦντα

Alternate translation: “behaving normally”

καθήμενον…παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “sitting on the ground in front of Jesus” (See: Idiom)

ἐφοβήθησαν

The implication is that they were afraid of what else such a powerful person as Jesus might do. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they were afraid of what else Jesus might do, since they recognized what great power he had” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 8:36

οἱ ἰδόντες

Alternate translation: “those who had seen what had happened” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐσώθη ὁ δαιμονισθείς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express both of these things with active forms. Alternate translation: “Jesus had delivered the man from the demons who had controlled him” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 8:37

ἅπαν τὸ πλῆθος τῆς περιχώρου

This phrase means “everyone who lived in that area.” It is a generalization for emphasis, since every single resident of that region did not make this request. Rather, this was the general request of the crowd that came out to see what had happened. Alternate translation: “the crowd that had gathered from the region” (See: Hyperbole)

τῆς περιχώρου τῶν Γερασηνῶν

Alternate translation: “the area where the Gerasene people lived”

ὅτι φόβῳ μεγάλῳ συνείχοντο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this phrase first in the sentence, since it gives the reason for the result that the rest of the sentence describes. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

φόβῳ μεγάλῳ συνείχοντο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they became very afraid” (See: Active or Passive)

φόβῳ μεγάλῳ συνείχοντο

Luke speaks of this fear figuratively as if it were something that could actively take hold of these people. Alternate translation: “they became very afraid” (See: Personification)

αὐτὸς δὲ ἐμβὰς, εἰς πλοῖον

Luke figuratively says he, meaning Jesus, to describe the entire group of Jesus and his disciples. Alternate translation: “Jesus and his disciples got into the boat” (See: Synecdoche)

ὑπέστρεψεν

The implication is that Jesus and his disciples were going to return to Galilee. Alternate translation: “to go back across the lake” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 8:38

δὲ

The events in this verse and the next verse happened before Jesus left in the boat. It may be helpful to state that clearly at the beginning here. Alternate translation (followed by comma): “Before Jesus and his disciples left,” (See: Order of Events)

ἐδεῖτο…αὐτοῦ…εἶναι σὺν αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a direct quotation, as UST does, breaking the sentence here. Alternate translation: “pleaded with Jesus, ‘Let me go with you!’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

ἀπέλυσεν δὲ αὐτὸν

The pronounhe refers to Jesus, and the word him refers to the man. Alternate translation: “Jesus sent the man away” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 8:39

τὸν οἶκόν σου

Jesus is using the word house figuratively to mean the people who live in the man’s house. Alternate translation: “your household” or “your family” (See: Metonymy)

διηγοῦ ὅσα σοι ἐποίησεν ὁ Θεός

Alternate translation: “tell them everything about what God has done for you”

καθ’ ὅλην τὴν πόλιν

The implication is that this means the city of Gerasa, since Luke says in 8:29 that Jesus and his disciples came to the region where this city was located. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “throughout the whole city of Gerasa” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 8:40

ἐν δὲ τῷ ὑποστρέφειν τὸν Ἰησοῦν

Luke figuratively says he, meaning Jesus, to describe the entire group of Jesus and his disciples. Alternate translation: “Now when Jesus returned with his disciples” (See: Synecdoche)

ἀπεδέξατο αὐτὸν ὁ ὄχλος; ἦσαν γὰρ πάντες προσδοκῶντες αὐτόν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the results that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “the crowd had been expecting him, and so they greeted him joyfully” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 8:41

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses behold to calls the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

ἦλθεν ἀνὴρ ᾧ ὄνομα Ἰάειρος

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was man whose name was Jairus, and he came” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Ἰάειρος

Jairus is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἄρχων τῆς συναγωγῆς

Alternate translation: “one of the leaders at the local synagogue” or “a leader of the people who met at the synagogue in that city”

πεσὼν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας Ἰησοῦ

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that Jairus did not fall down accidentally. Rather, bowing or lying down in front of Jesus was a sign of humility and respect for him. Alternate translation: “respectfully bowed down at Jesus’ feet” or “respectfully lay down on the ground in front of Jesus” (See: Symbolic Action)

Luke 8:42

ἀπέθνῃσκεν

The implication is that Jairus wanted Jesus to heal her. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “was about to die, and he wanted Jesus to heal her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν δὲ τῷ ὑπάγειν αὐτὸν

You may need to say first in your language that Jesus had agreed to go with Jairus. You could put that information in a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “So Jesus agreed to go with him. Now as he was on his way” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Background Information)

οἱ ὄχλοι συνέπνιγον αὐτόν

Alternate translation: “the people were crowding tightly around Jesus”

Luke 8:43

γυνὴ οὖσα

This introduces a new character into the story. If your language has an expression of its own that serves this purpose, you can use it here. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἐν ῥύσει αἵματος

Luke uses the phrase a flow of blood refers to her condition discreetly by using a mild expression. She was probably bleeding from her womb even when it was not the normal time for that. If your language has a polite way of referring to this condition, you can use that expression here. (See: Euphemism)

ἰατροῖς προσαναλώσασα ὅλον τὸν βίον

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include this phrase in your translation. The note below discusses a translation issue in this phrase for those who decide to include it. (See: Textual Variants)

ὅλον τὸν βίον

This phrase uses the term living figuratively to mean the money that was needed for living. Alternate translation: “all of her money” or “all the money she had to live on” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ ἴσχυσεν ἀπ’ οὐδενὸς θεραπευθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whom no one had been able to heal” or, if you include the phrase from the textual variant, “who had spent all of her money on doctors, but none of them had been able to heal her” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 8:44

ἥψατο τοῦ κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ

Jewish men wore tassels on the edges of their robes, as commanded in God’s Law. The woman likely touched one of those tassles. Alternate translation: “touched a tassel on his robe” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 8:45

οἱ ὄχλοι συνέχουσίν σε καὶ ἀποθλίβουσιν

By saying this, Peter was implying that anyone could have touched Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “there are many people crowding around you and pressing in against you, so any one of them might have touched you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

συνέχουσίν σε καὶ ἀποθλίβουσιν

These two expressions mean similar things. Peter is using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “pressing against you from every side” (See: Doublet)

Luke 8:46

ἥψατό μού τις

The implication is that Jesus means someone reached out and touched him intentionally. He is not referring to the accidental jostling of the crowd. Alternate translation: “Someone deliberately touched me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐγὼ…ἔγνων δύναμιν ἐξεληλυθυῖαν ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ

Jesus did not lose power or become weak. Rather, he recognized that power had gone out from him and healed someone. Alternate translation: “I felt power go out from me and heal someone” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 8:47

ὅτι οὐκ ἔλαθεν

The implication is that she could not hide the fact that she had touched Jesus deliberately. Alternate translation: “that she could not keep it a secret that she was the one who had touched Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τρέμουσα ἦλθεν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the implicit reason why she was trembling. Alternate translation: “she came trembling with fear” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

προσπεσοῦσα αὐτῷ

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the woman did not fall down accidentally. Rather, bowing or lying down in front of Jesus was a sign of humility and respect for him. Alternate translation: “respectfully bowed down in front of Jesus” or “respectfully lay down on the ground in front of Jesus” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἰάθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “she had become healthy” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 8:48

θύγατερ

This was a kind way of speaking to a woman. Your language may have another way of expressing the same kindness. Alternate translation: “My dear” (See: Idiom)

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun faith, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “believe.” Alternate translation: “because you believed, you have become well” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

Jesus speaks figuratively of the woman’s faith as if it had actively healed her. He means that it provided the conditions for the healing that she received from God. Alternate translation: “because you believed, you have become well” (See: Personification)

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

In this context, the word saved has a specific meaning. Alternate translation: “because you believed, you have become well”

πορεύου εἰς εἰρήνην

This is a way of saying goodbye and giving a blessing at the same time. Alternate translation: “May God give you peace as you go” or “As you go, do not worry anymore” (See: Idiom)

Luke 8:49

ἔτι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος

This refers implicitly to what Jesus was saying in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “While Jesus was still saying these things to the woman” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔρχεταί τις

To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “someone came”

τις παρὰ τοῦ ἀρχισυναγώγου

This does not mean someone whom Jairus sent, since Jairus was with Jesus. Rather, this means someone who had been at his house watching over his daughter with the others. Alternate translation: “someone who had been at the home of Jairus” (See: Metonymy)

μηκέτι σκύλλε τὸν διδάσκαλον

This statement implies that Jesus will not be able to do anything to help, since the girl is dead. Alternate translation: “There is nothing more that Jesus can do for you, so do not make him come to your house” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸν διδάσκαλον

Teacher is a respectful title. You can translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

Luke 8:50

ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῷ

The pronoun he refers to Jesus, and the pronoun him refers to Jairus, not the messenger. Jesus did not respond directly to the messenger. Rather, he reassured Jairus, despite the news. Alternate translation: “Jesus said to Jairus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

σωθήσεται

In this context, the word saved has a specific meaning, comparable in this context to the meaning “healed.” Alternate translation: “she will come back to life”

σωθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “she will come back to life” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 8:51

ἐλθὼν δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν

Luke figuratively says he, meaning Jesus, to describe the entire group that was coming with Jesus, which included his disciples and Jairus and likely others. Alternate translation: “when they arrived at the house” (See: Synecdoche)

οὐκ ἀφῆκεν…τινα…εἰ μὴ

If, in your language, it would appear that Luke was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “Jesus only allowed” (See: Connect — Exception Clauses)

τὸν πατέρα τῆς παιδὸς

The phrase the father of the child refers to Jairus. Alternate translation: “Jairus, the girl’s father”

Luke 8:52

ἔκλαιον…πάντες καὶ ἐκόπτοντο αὐτήν

This was the customary way of showing grief in that culture. The term that ULT translates as mourning could mean that the people were pounding on their chests as a sign of grief, although Luke uses a much more specific expression to say that directly in 18:13. If you think your readers might not understand the significance of these actions, you could explain generally what the people were doing. Or you could describe the actions and say why the people were doing them. Alternate translation: “they were all loudly expressing their grief” or “all the people there were wailing and pounding on their chests to show how sad they were that the girl had died” (See: Symbolic Action)

οὐ…ἀπέθανεν, ἀλλὰ καθεύδει

Alternate translation: “she is not dead, she is only sleeping”

Luke 8:53

κατεγέλων αὐτοῦ, εἰδότες ὅτι ἀπέθανεν

Alternate translation: “they laughed at Jesus because they knew that Jairus’s daughter had died” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 8:54

αὐτὸς…κρατήσας τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῆς

Alternate translation: “Jesus took hold of the girl’s hand and” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἔγειρε

This was not a command that the girl was capable of obeying. Instead, this was a command that directly caused her to be raised from the dead. Alternate translation: “your life is restored, so get up” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 8:55

ἐπέστρεψεν τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτῆς

The people of this time considered life to be the result of the spirit coming into a person. You could express this in the way that would be most meaningful in your culture. Alternate translation: “she started breathing again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 8:56

μηδενὶ εἰπεῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make the verb negative and the subject positive. Alternate translation: “not to tell anyone”

Luke 9

Luke 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus sends his 12 apostles to teach and heal (9:1-9)
2. Jesus miraculously feeds 5,000 people (9:10-17)
3. Jesus speaks with his disciples about who he is (9:18-27)
4. The glory of Jesus is revealed on a mountaintop (9:28-36)
5. Jesus drives a demon out of a boy (9:37-43)
6. Jesus speaks about being his disciple (9:44-50)
7. Jesus begins to travel to Jerusalem (9:51-62)

Special concepts in this chapter

Elijah

God had promised the Jews that the prophet Elijah would return before the Messiah came. So some people who saw Jesus do miracles thought Jesus was Elijah (9:9, 9:19). He was not. However, Elijah did come to earth to speak with Jesus (9:30). (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah and Elijah)

Glory

Scripture often speaks of God’s glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. Luke says in this chapter that Jesus’ clothing 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: glory, glorious, glorify and fear, afraid, frighten)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a statement that describes two things that seem as if they cannot both be true at the same time, but which actually are both true. Jesus speaks a paradox in this chapter: “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (9:24).

“Receiving”

This word appears several times in this chapter and means different things. When Jesus says, “If someone receives a little child like this in my name, he also is receiving me, and if someone receives me, he is also receiving the one who sent me” (9:48), he is speaking of people serving the child. When Luke says, “the people there did not receive him” (9:53), he means that the people did not believe in or accept Jesus. (See: believe, believer, belief, unbeliever, unbelief)

Luke 9:1

συνκαλεσάμενος…τοὺς δώδεκα

See how you translated this in 8:1. You may have decided to translate the nominal adjective the Twelve with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “when he had called together his 12 apostles” or “when he had called together the 12 men whom he had appointed to be apostles” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τοὺς δώδεκα

You may have decided instead in 8:1 to translate this as a title, even if your language does not ordinarily use adjectives as nouns. If so, you can do the same thing here. (See: How to Translate Names)

δύναμιν καὶ ἐξουσίαν

Power and authority mean similar things. Luke uses them together to show that Jesus gave his 12 disciples both the ability and the right to heal people. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this phrase with a combination of words that includes both of these ideas. Alternate translation: “the right to use power” (See: Doublet)

πάντα τὰ δαιμόνια

This could mean one of two things. Alternate translation: “every demon” or “every kind of demon”

νόσους θεραπεύειν

Alternate translation: “to heal people of their sicknesses”

Luke 9:2

ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς

Your language may require you to say where Jesus sent the disciples. Alternate translation: “sent them to various places” or “told them to go to various places”

τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate this phrase in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “how God would rule” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 9:3

καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς

It may be helpful to state that Jesus said these things to the disciples before they went out. Alternate translation: “Before the 12 disciples left, Jesus said to them”

μηδὲν αἴρετε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make the verb negative and the subject positive. Alternate translation: “Do not bring anything”

εἰς τὴν ὁδόν

Jesus uses the term road figuratively to refer to the journey that his disciples will make by traveling along roads. Alternate translation: “for your journey” (See: Metonymy)

ῥάβδον

The term staff means a large stick that people used for balance when climbing or when walking on uneven ground, and also for defense against animals and people. Alternate translation: “walking stick” (See: Translate Unknowns)

πήραν

The team bag means something a traveler would use to carry things that were needed on a journey. Alternate translation: “knapsack” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἄρτον

Jesus figuratively uses one kind of food, bread, to represent food in general. Alternate translation: “food” (See: Synecdoche)

ἀργύριον

Jesus figuratively uses a means by which value is stored and exchanged, silver, to represent money by association. Alternate translation: “money” (See: Metonymy)

μήτε δύο χιτῶνας ἔχειν

Here Jesus is using a figure of speech that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. When he says that these men should not each have two tunics, he means that they each should only have one tunic. Alternate translation: “and do not bring an extra tunic” (See: Litotes)

Luke 9:4

εἰς ἣν ἂν οἰκίαν εἰσέλθητε

The implication is that the disciples can enter a house because the people living there have welcomed them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “any house where you are welcomed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐκεῖ μένετε

Alternate translation: “stay in that same house”

καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἐξέρχεσθε

Alternate translation: “until you leave that place”

Luke 9:5

καὶ ὅσοι ἂν μὴ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς, ἐξερχόμενοι

It may be helpful to make this two sentences. Alternate translation: “Here is what you should do in any town where people do not receive you. When you leave”

τὸν κονιορτὸν ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν ὑμῶν ἀποτινάσσετε

This action was an expression of strong rejection in this culture. It showed that someone did not want even the dust of a town to remain on them. If there is a similar gesture in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. (See: Symbolic Action)

εἰς μαρτύριον ἐπ’ αὐτούς

Alternate translation: “as a warning to them”

Luke 9:6

ἐξερχόμενοι

Alternate translation: “they left the place were Jesus was”

θεραπεύοντες πανταχοῦ

Luke says everywhere as a figurative generalization. Alternate translation: “healing wherever they went” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 9:7

δὲ Ἡρῴδης

This phrase marks a break in the main story line. Luke is giving background information about Herod. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile, Herod” (See: Background Information)

Ἡρῴδης ὁ τετράρχης

See how you translated the term tetrarch in 3:1 Alternate translation: “Herod, who ruled the region of Galilee” (See: Translate Unknowns)

διηπόρει

Alternate translation: “he was confused” or “he could not understand”

διὰ τὸ λέγεσθαι ὑπό τινων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “because some people were saying” (See: Active or Passive)

ὅτι Ἰωάννης ἠγέρθη ἐκ νεκρῶν

Luke reports in 3:20 that Herod put John in prison. When John sends messengers to Jesus in 7:18-19, he does this from prison. But by this point in the story, John is dead, because Herod has executed him. Luke assumes that his readers will know that. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could tell them explicitly. Alternate translation: “that John the Baptist, whom Herod had executed, had risen from the dead” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ἰωάννης

Luke assumes that his readers will know he is referring to John the Baptist. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 9:8

ὑπό τινων δὲ, ὅτι Ἠλείας ἐφάνη

The expression it was said carries forward from the previous verse and applies to this phrase. Alternate translation: “and it was said by some that Elijah had appeared” (See: Ellipsis)

ἄλλων δὲ, ὅτι προφήτης τις τῶν ἀρχαίων ἀνέστη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and some people were saying that Elijah had appeared” (See: Active or Passive)

ἄλλων δὲ, ὅτι προφήτης τις τῶν ἀρχαίων ἀνέστη

The expression it was said also applies to this phrase. Alternate translation: “but it was said by others that one of the prophets from long ago had come back to life” (See: Ellipsis)

ἄλλων δὲ, ὅτι προφήτης τις τῶν ἀρχαίων ἀνέστη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form as well. Alternate translation: “but others were saying that one of the prophets from long ago had come back to life” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 9:9

Ἰωάννην ἐγὼ ἀπεκεφάλισα, τίς δέ ἐστιν οὗτος

Herod is assuming that it is impossible for John to have risen from the dead. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “It cannot be John, because I had his head cut off, so who is this” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ἰωάννην ἐγὼ ἀπεκεφάλισα

Herod speaks of himself figuratively as the person who did this action, representing the entire group of people who were responsible for it. Herod’s soldiers would actually have carried out the execution, on his orders. Alternate translation: “I commanded my soldiers to cut off John’s head” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 9:10

ὑποστρέψαντες, οἱ ἀπόστολοι

The implication is that the apostles returned to where Jesus was. Alternate translation: “when the apostles came back to where Jesus was” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅσα ἐποίησαν

The phrase as much as they had done refers to what they did when they went to the cities where Jesus sent them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “what had happened as they proclaimed the good news and healed the sick in the cities where Jesus had sent them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πόλιν καλουμένην Βηθσαϊδά

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “a city whose name was Bethsaida” (See: Active or Passive)

Βηθσαϊδά

Bethsaida is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 9:11

τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate this phrase in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “how God would rule” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 9:12

ἡ δὲ ἡμέρα ἤρξατο κλίνειν

Luke provides this background information to help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now it was getting towards the end of the day” or “Now the end of the day was approaching” (See: Background Information)

οἱ δώδεκα

See how you translated this in 8:1. You may have decided to translate the nominal adjective Twelve with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “his 12 apostles” or “the 12 men whom he had appointed to be apostles” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

οἱ δώδεκα

You may have decided instead in 8:1 to translate this as a title, the Twelve, even if your language does not ordinarily use adjectives as nouns. If so, you can do the same thing here. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 9:13

οὐκ εἰσὶν…πλεῖον ἢ

The disciples are figuratively expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “There are only” (See: Litotes)

ἄρτοι πέντε

This means loaves of bread, which are lumps of flour dough that a person has shaped and baked. Alternate translation: “five loaves of bread” (See: Translate Unknowns)

εἰ μήτι πορευθέντες, ἡμεῖς ἀγοράσωμεν εἰς πάντα τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον βρώματα

The disciples are not making a serious suggestion here. They actually mean to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of their words. Alternate translation: “and we certainly cannot go and buy food for all these people” (See: Irony)

Luke 9:14

ὡσεὶ ἄνδρες πεντακισχίλιοι

Luke assumes that readers will know that this number does not include the women and children who were likely also present. (This is not a case where a masculine term includes women.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “about 5,000 men, not counting the women and children” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κατακλίνατε αὐτοὺς

Alternate translation: “Tell them to sit down to eat”

Luke 9:15

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐποίησαν οὕτως

These two phrases the same thing. Luke is using repetition for clarity and perhaps, by drawing things out, to create some suspense about what will happen next. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “the disciples had all the people sit down as Jesus had instructed” (See: Parallelism)

Luke 9:16

λαβὼν δὲ τοὺς πέντε ἄρτους

Alternate translation: “Then Jesus took the five loaves of bread”

ἀναβλέψας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν

This describes Jesus looking toward the sky. The Jews believed that heaven, the abode of God, was located above the sky. Alternate translation: “looking up beyond the sky towards God in heaven” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εὐλόγησεν αὐτοὺς

The word them refers to the loaves of bread and the fish, not to the people who had sat down to eat. Alternate translation: “he gave thanks for the food”

Luke 9:17

ἔφαγον καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν πάντες

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they all ate until they had had enough” (See: Active or Passive)

κόφινοι

Here, baskets refers to containers made of woven material. In biblical times, baskets were often made from strong plant materials, such as peels of wood or reeds that grew near the water. If your readers would not be familiar with baskets, you could use a general term. Alternate translation: “containers” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 9:18

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

προσευχόμενον κατὰ μόνας

The disciples were with Jesus, but he was praying personally and privately by himself. Alternate translation: “praying by himself”

Luke 9:19

οἱ…ἀποκριθέντες εἶπαν

Together the two words answering and said mean that the disciples responded to the question that Jesus asked them. Alternate translation: “they responded” (See: Hendiadys)

Ἰωάννην τὸν Βαπτιστήν, ἄλλοι δὲ, Ἠλείαν, ἄλλοι δὲ

The disciples are answering Jesus in a compressed way, leaving out words that a sentence would ordinarily need to be complete. Alternate translation: “Some say that you are John the Baptist, but others say that you are Elijah, and others say” (See: Ellipsis)

ὅτι προφήτης τις τῶν ἀρχαίων ἀνέστη

It may be helpful to clarify how this answer relates to Jesus’ question. Alternate translation: “that you are one of the prophets from long ago who has come back to life” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀνέστη

This means risen from the dead. Alternate translation: “has come back to life” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 9:20

εἶπεν δὲ αὐτοῖς

Alternate translation: “Jesus said to his disciples”

Πέτρος δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν

Together the two words answering and said mean that Peter responded to the follow-up question that Jesus asked his disciples. Alternate translation: “Then Peter responded” (See: Hendiadys)

τὸν Χριστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ

Christ is the Greek word for “Messiah.” Alternate translation: “You are the Messiah whom God promised to send” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 9:21

αὐτοῖς, παρήγγειλεν μηδενὶ λέγειν τοῦτο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make the verb rather than the object negative. You could also express this as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “commanding them not to tell this to anyone” or “commanding them, ‘Do not tell this to anyone’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Luke 9:22

δεῖ τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου πολλὰ παθεῖν

Here Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, am going to have to suffer many things” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

δεῖ τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου πολλὰ παθεῖν

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah, am going to have to suffer many things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι ἀπὸ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων, καὶ ἀρχιερέων, καὶ γραμματέων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The elders, chief priests, and scribes will reject him” or (if you translated in the first person) “The elders, chief priests, and scribes will reject me” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ ἀποκτανθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and they will kill him” or (if you translated in the first person) “and they will kill me” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι

This word at the beginning of this phrase indicates a contrast between what this phrase describes and what the previous phrases described. Alternate translation: “but he will be raised on the third day” or (if you translated in the first person) “but I will be raised on the third day” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “but he will come back to life on the third day” or (if you translated in the first person) “but I will come back to life on the third day” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “but he will come back to life on day three” or (if you translated in the first person) “but I will come back to life on day three” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθῆναι

In the idiom of this culture, today was the “first day,” tomorrow was the “second day,” and the day after tomorrow was thethird day. To make sure that this is clear to your readers, you may wish to use a different expression than “the third day” or “day three,” especially if, in your culture, this would mean one day longer than Jesus intends. Otherwise, your readers may be confused when they read later in the book that Jesus died on a Friday and came back to life on a Sunday, if that would be “the second day” or “day two” according to the way your culture reckons time. Alternate translation: “and he will spend the next full day in the grave, but on the day after that, he will come back to life” or (if you translated in the first person) “and I will spend the next full day in the grave, but on the day after that, I will come back to life” (See: Idiom)

Luke 9:23

πρὸς πάντας

Alternate translation: “to all of his disciples who were with him”

ὀπίσω μου ἔρχεσθαι

To follow or to come after Jesus represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: “be my disciple” (See: Metaphor)

ἀρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν

Alternate translation: “he must forsake his own desires”

ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καθ’ ἡμέραν

The image is of a condemned prisoner being forced to carry the cross on which he would be crucified to the place where he would be executed. Luke assumes that his readers will recognize this image from their own culture. But if it would not be familiar to your readers, you could use a more general expression. Alternate translation: “he must be willing every day to suffer and die for my sake” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καθ’ ἡμέραν

To take up a cross figuratively represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: “he must be willing every day to suffer and die for my sake” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι

Here, to follow Jesus means to obey him. Alternate translation: “and obey me in that way” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 9:24

ὃς δ’ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ

This phrase is an idiom. Jesus is not encouraging his disciples to do self-destructive things. Alternate translation: “but whoever is willing to give up everything for me” (See: Idiom)

Luke 9:25

τί γὰρ ὠφελεῖται ἄνθρωπος, κερδήσας τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἀπολέσας ἢ ζημιωθείς?

Jesus does not expect his disciples to tell him what benefit this would be. Rather, he is using the question form as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “It would not benefit a person to get everything he wanted in this world and yet be lost eternally.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί γὰρ ὠφελεῖται ἄνθρωπος, κερδήσας τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἀπολέσας ἢ ζημιωθείς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “For what benefit would it be to a person to gain the whole world but to lose or destroy himself” (See: Active or Passive)

τί γὰρ ὠφελεῖται ἄνθρωπος, κερδήσας τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἀπολέσας ἢ ζημιωθείς

The terms losing and destroying mean the same thing. Jesus uses them together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “For what benefit would it be to a person to get everything he wanted in this world but to completely destroy himself” (See: Doublet)

ἄνθρωπος

Jesus is using the term man in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “a person” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

τί γὰρ ὠφελεῖται ἄνθρωπος, κερδήσας τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἀπολέσας ἢ ζημιωθείς

Jesus says the whole world as an overstatement for emphasis. Alternate translation: “For what benefit would it be to a person to get everything he wanted in this world but to lose or destroy himself” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 9:26

τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους

Jesus is using the term words figuratively to describe the things he teaches by using words. Alternate translation: “my teaching” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Here Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ Πατρὸς

The Father is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God the Father” (See: Translating Son and Father)

Luke 9:27

λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ἀληθῶς

Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the importance of what he will say next. Alternate translation: “Now listen very carefully” (See: Idiom)

εἰσίν τινες τῶν αὐτοῦ ἑστηκότων, οἳ οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου, ἕως ἂν ἴδωσιν τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus is using the third person to talk about the people he is talking to. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “some of you who are standing here will not die before you see the kingdom of God” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου, ἕως ἂν ἴδωσιν τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus is figuratively expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “will see the kingdom of God before they die” or (if you are translating in the second person) “will see the kingdom of God before you die” (See: Litotes)

γεύσωνται θανάτου

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “die” (See: Idiom)

τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate this phrase in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “God ruling as king” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 9:28

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

μετὰ τοὺς λόγους τούτους

The phrase these words refers to what Jesus said to his disciples in the preceding verses. Luke uses the term words figuratively to describe the things that Jesus said by using words. Alternate translation: “after Jesus said these things to his disciples” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 9:29

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new development within this episode. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Luke 9:30

ἰδοὺ

Here, Luke uses the word behold to alert readers to pay attention to the surprising information that follows. Alternate translation: “suddenly” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 9:31

οἳ ὀφθέντες ἐν δόξῃ

This phrase gives information about how Moses and Elijah looked. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who appeared in glorious splendor” or “who were shining brightly” (See: Active or Passive)

τὴν ἔξοδον αὐτοῦ

Luke is using a polite way of referring to Jesus’ death. Alternate translation: “how Jesus would leave this world” or “how Jesus would die” (See: Euphemism)

ἣν ἤμελλεν πληροῦν ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ

Alternate translation: “which was soon going to happen in Jerusalem”

Luke 9:32

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information about what Peter, James, and John were doing while Jesus was speaking with Moses and Elijah. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Background Information)

ὁ…Πέτρος καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ ἦσαν βεβαρημένοι ὕπνῳ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “sleep was weighing heavily upon Peter and James and John” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ…Πέτρος καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ ἦσαν βεβαρημένοι ὕπνῳ

Luke speaks of sleep figuratively as if it were something that could be like a weight pressing down on a person. Alternate translation: “Peter and James and John all felt very sleepy” (See: Personification)

εἶδον τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ

As in 2:9, the implication is that this glory manifested visibly as a bright light. Alternate translation: “they saw brilliant light shining around Jesus” or “they saw a very bright light coming from Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ τοὺς δύο ἄνδρας τοὺς συνεστῶτας αὐτῷ

The phrase the two men refers to Moses and Elijah. Alternate translation: “and they also saw Moses and Elijah”

Luke 9:33

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new development within this episode. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῷ διαχωρίζεσθαι αὐτοὺς ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ

The pronoun they refers to Moses and Elijah, not to the disciples. Alternate translation: “as Moses and Elijah were about to leave Jesus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἡμᾶς…ποιήσωμεν

Since Peter wants to make it possible for Moses and Elijah to stay, when he says for us, he likely means “all six of us.” So if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive “us,” use the inclusive form in that case. However, when Peter says let us, he is likely referring to himself and to James and John, so use the exclusive form of “us” in that case. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

σκηνὰς

The term tents means simple, temporary places in which to sit or sleep. Peter probably had in mind that he and the other two disciples would build them from the materials available on the mountain such as tree branches. Alternate translation: “shelters” (See: Translate Unknowns)

μὴ εἰδὼς ὃ λέγει

To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “He did not know what he was saying”

Luke 9:34

ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ λέγοντος

Alternate translation: “While Peter was saying these things” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐφοβήθησαν

These adult disciples were not afraid of clouds. Rather, given all the unusual things that had already taken place on this mountain, they were afraid of what might happen to them once the cloud came completely over them. Alternate translation: “they were very apprehensive” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰσελθεῖν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν νεφέλην

This can be expressed in terms of what the cloud did. Alternate translation: “the cloud surrounded them”

Luke 9:35

φωνὴ ἐγένετο ἐκ τῆς νεφέλης

Luke expects readers to understand that this voice could only have belonged to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God spoke to them from the cloud” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ Υἱός μου

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ὁ ἐκλελεγμένος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could indicate who has done the action. Alternate translation: “the one I have chosen” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 9:36

ἐν τῷ γενέσθαι τὴν φωνὴν

Alternate translation: “after the voice had spoken”

εὑρέθη Ἰησοῦς μόνος

The term found is an idiom that means “could be found” or “was there.” Alternate translation: “only Jesus was there” (See: Idiom)

εὑρέθη Ἰησοῦς μόνος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state Jesus was found alone with an active form. Alternate translation: “only Jesus was there” (See: Active or Passive)

αὐτοὶ ἐσίγησαν, καὶ οὐδενὶ ἀπήγγειλαν

These two phrases mean the same thing. (The Greek verb in the first phrase does not always mean to make no sound. It can also mean to keep a secret.) Luke uses the two phrases together for emphasis. In your translation, you could also use repetition for emphasis, or, if your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “they kept it a secret and did not tell anyone” or “they said nothing about it to anyone” (See: Doublet)

οὐδενὶ ἀπήγγειλαν…οὐδὲν

Luke uses a double negative in Greek for emphasis here, “told no one … nothing.” The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning, “told someone … something.” If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here. (See: Double Negatives)

ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις

Here Luke uses the term days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “at that time” (See: Idiom)

Luke 9:37

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Luke 9:38

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to calls the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

ἀνὴρ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was a man in the crowd who” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Διδάσκαλε

Teacher is a respectful title. You can translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

ἐπιβλέψαι ἐπὶ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “help” (See: Idiom)

Luke 9:39

ἰδοὺ

The man uses the term behold to calls Jesus’ attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

πνεῦμα

The man uses this phrase to introduce the spirit into his story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there is an evil spirit that” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

μετὰ ἀφροῦ

When a person is having convulsions, they can have trouble breathing or swallowing. This causes white foam to form around their mouths. Alternate translation: “and foam comes out of his mouth” (See: Translate Unknowns)

μόγις ἀποχωρεῖ ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ

The man is figuratively expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “it attacks him very often” (See: Litotes)

συντρῖβον αὐτόν

The man speaks figuratively of the spirit as if it were a heavy weight whose attacks crush the boy. This is a reference to the injuries that the spirit causes. Alternate translation: “injuring him badly” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 9:41

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν

Together answering and said mean that Jesus responded to the man’s request. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη, ἕως πότε ἔσομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς καὶ ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν?

Jesus is speaking figuratively to something that he knows cannot hear him. He is addressing the entire generation of people who were living at that time, and they are not all present to hear him. He is doing this to show in a very strong way how he feels about this generation. He is actually speaking to the people who can hear him, the crowd that has gathered there. If your readers might not understand this kind of figurative speech, you could translate Jesus’ words as if he were speaking directly to the crowd, since they are included in the generation that Jesus is figuratively addressing. Alternate translation: “You have all gone wrong because you do not believe, so I hope I do not have to stay here and put up with you for very long!” (See: Apostrophe)

ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη, ἕως πότε ἔσομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς καὶ ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν?

Jesus is using the question form for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have all gone wrong because you do not believe, so I hope I do not have to stay here and put up with you for very long!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη

The terms unbelieving and perverted mean similar things. Jesus uses them together for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine them into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “You have all gone wrong because you do not believe” (See: Doublet)

ἕως πότε ἔσομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς καὶ ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν?

In both cases here, you is plural in Greek because Jesus is addressing a generation that is made up of many people. However, generation is a collective noun, and if your language would treat a collective noun as singular in a context like this, you could use the singular form of you. (See: Forms of You)

προσάγαγε ὧδε τὸν υἱόν σου

Jesus is now speaking to the father of the boy, and so your is singular here. (See: Forms of You)

Luke 9:42

ἔτι…προσερχομένου αὐτοῦ

The pronoun he refers to the boy, not to the father. Alternate translation: “while the boy was coming” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 9:43

ἐξεπλήσσοντο δὲ πάντες ἐπὶ τῇ μεγαλειότητι τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus performed the miracle, but the crowd recognized that God was the power behind the healing. Alternate translation: “Then they were all amazed that God would work so powerfully through Jesus in this way” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πᾶσιν οἷς ἐποίει

The word he refers to Jesus, not to God the Father. Alternate translation: “everything Jesus was doing” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 9:44

θέσθε ὑμεῖς εἰς τὰ ὦτα ὑμῶν τοὺς λόγους τούτους

Jesus is using an idiom to tell his disciples to pay careful attention to what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Now listen carefully to this and remember it” (See: Idiom)

ὁ γὰρ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου μέλλει παραδίδοσθαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Someone is going to betray the Son of Man” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ γὰρ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου μέλλει παραδίδοσθαι

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “Someone is going to betray me, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ γὰρ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου μέλλει παραδίδοσθαι

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “someone is going to betray me, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων

The term hands figuratively represent power and control. Alternate translation: “to his enemies, who will have power over him” or (if you translated in the first person) “to my enemies, who will have power over me” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων

It may be helpful to make explicit who these men are. Alternate translation: “to his enemies, who will have power over him” or (if you translated in the first person) “to my enemies, who will have power over me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 9:45

τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο…περὶ τοῦ ῥήματος τούτου

Luke uses the term word figuratively to describe what Jesus said by using words. Alternate translation: “this saying … about this saying” or “this statement … about this statement” (See: Metonymy)

ἦν παρακεκαλυμμένον ἀπ’ αὐτῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you can state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God hid its meaning from them” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 9:46

ἐν αὐτοῖς

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the pronoun them does not include Jesus. He was not arguing, along with the disciples, about who was the greatest. Alternate translation: “among the disciples” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

τίς ἂν εἴη μείζων αὐτῶν

Alternate translation: “which one of them was the greatest”

Luke 9:47

εἰδὼς τὸν διαλογισμὸν τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν

Here Luke uses hearts figuratively to represent the disciples’ thoughts and evaluations. Alternate translation: “knowing what they were thinking” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 9:48

τοῦτο τὸ παιδίον

Jesus is using the child as an extreme example. He is illustrating that since he will be present in even the most humble of his followers, the disciples do not need to argue among themselves about which of them is the greatest. Everyone who is working on behalf of Jesus possesses his full honor and dignity. Alternate translation: “even someone as seemingly insignificant as this child” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου

Here, name is a figurative way of referring to a person by reference to something associated with him. Alternate translation: “as someone who is working on my behalf” (See: Metonymy)

ἐμὲ δέχεται

This is a metaphor, but if your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate it as a simile. Alternate translation: “it is as if he is welcoming me” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν ἀποστείλαντά με

Jesus assumes that his disciples will know that this means God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God, who sent me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὗτός ἐστιν μέγας

Here Jesus uses the pronoun he in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “that is the person whom God considers to be great” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 9:49

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ Ἰωάννης εἶπεν

Together answering and said mean that John responded to what Jesus had just said. Alternate translation: “Then John responded” (See: Hendiadys)

εἴδομέν…μεθ’ ἡμῶν

When John says we, he is speaking of himself and some other disciples who spoke to this man, so we would be exclusive, if your language uses that form. However, when John says us, he seems to be referring to the disciples and Jesus traveling together, and since he is speaking to Jesus, us would be inclusive. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου

The term name is a figurative way of referring to a person by reference to something associated with them. This expression means the person was acting with the power and authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: “on your behalf” or “as your representative” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ ἀκολουθεῖ μεθ’ ἡμῶν

In this case, to follow Jesus does not seem to mean to be one of his disciples, as in 5:27, since this man was acting in Jesus’ name. Rather, in this context it seems to refer to traveling together in this group with Jesus. Alternate translation: “he does not travel with you in our group” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 9:50

μὴ κωλύετε

Jesus is figuratively expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. You can state this positively. Alternate translation: “Allow him to continue” (See: Litotes)

Luke 9:51

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῷ συνπληροῦσθαι τὰς ἡμέρας τῆς ἀναλήμψεως αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use active verbal forms in place of these two passive forms, and in the second case you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “when it was almost time for God to take him up” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τῷ συνπληροῦσθαι τὰς ἡμέρας

Here Luke uses days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “when it was almost time” (See: Idiom)

τῆς ἀναλήμψεως αὐτοῦ

The implication is that God would take Jesus back up to heaven, and the further implication is that this would be after Jesus died. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express one or both of those things explicitly. Alternate translation: “for God to take him up to heaven” or “for him to die and for God to take him back up to heaven” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ πρόσωπον ἐστήρισεν

Set his face is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he firmly decided” (See: Idiom)

Luke 9:52

πρὸ προσώπου αὐτοῦ

The term face figuratively means the front of a person. Alternate translation: “ahead of him” (See: Metaphor)

κώμην Σαμαρειτῶν

Samaritan is a name that refers to a place that is in the region of Samaria or to a person who is from that region. Samaria was between Galilee and Judea, and the people who lived there were not Jewish and they were hostile to the Jews. The terms Samaritan and Samaria occur several times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὡς ἑτοιμάσαι αὐτῷ

This phrase means to make arrangements in anticipation of his arrival there, such as for food to eat, a place to stay, and possibly also a place to speak. Alternate translation: “to arrange his accommodations” (See: Idiom)

Luke 9:53

οὐκ ἐδέξαντο αὐτόν

Alternate translation: “the Samaritans did not want him to stay with them”

τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ἦν πορευόμενον εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ

Luke is using one part of Jesus to represent all of him. Luke may use the face because Jesus was facing in the direction he was traveling. Or this may echo the expression “he set his face” in 9:52. Alternate translation: “he was traveling toward Jerusalem” (See: Synecdoche)

ὅτι τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ἦν πορευόμενον εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ

The Samaritans and the Jews hated each other. Therefore the Samaritans did not want to help Jesus travel to Jerusalem, which was the Jewish capital and the place where the Jews held their major religious observances. Alternate translation: “because they did not want to help any Jew make a journey to Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 9:54

ἰδόντες

The word saw figuratively represents notice and attention. Alternate translation: “recognized that the Samaritans were not going to accommodate Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

θέλεις εἴπωμεν πῦρ καταβῆναι ἀπὸ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ ἀναλῶσαι αὐτούς?

James and John suggested this method of judgment because they knew that this was how the prophets such as Elijah had called down judgment upon people who rejected God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven to consume them, as Elijah did” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

θέλεις εἴπωμεν

By us, James and John mean themselves, but not Jesus, so us is exclusive. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Luke 9:55

στραφεὶς…ἐπετίμησεν αὐτοῖς

The pronoun them refers to James and John. Jesus did not condemn the Samaritans, as the disciples expected. Alternate translation: “Jesus turned around and rebuked James and John” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 9:57

τις

This was not one of the disciples. Alternate translation: “a certain person”

Luke 9:58

αἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν, καὶ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις

Jesus is using a figure of speech. By naming a creature that lives on land and a creature that flies in the air, Jesus is referring to all creatures. Alternate translation: “Every creature has a place to live” (See: Merism)

αἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν

The word foxes describes land animals that are similar to small dogs. The word dens refers to holes that these animals dig in the ground as shelters. If your readers would not be familiar with this animal and its habits, you could describe them in general terms. Alternate translation: “Little animals live in holes in the ground” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις

In your language, it might seem that this phrase expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you could abbreviate it. However, you could also use an action clause to keep the sense of sky, to complement the idea of “ground” in the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “birds live in nests” or “birds that fly in the air live in nests” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσεις

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “birds live in nests” or “birds that fly in the air live in nests” (See: Ellipsis)

ὁ…Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ…Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ

Jesus implies that if this person were to follow him, he too might not have a home. Alternate translation: “does not have a home anywhere, so if you become his disciple, expect that you will not have a home either” or (if you translated in the first person) “do not have a home anywhere, so if you become my disciple, expect that you will not have a home either” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ

This expression figuratively means “does not have anywhere to sleep,” by association with something that a person does in order to sleep, lay down his head. And a place to sleep, by association, means a home, since that is where people sleep. Alternate translation: “does not have a home anywhere” or (if you translated in the first person) “do not have a home anywhere” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ ἔχει ποῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν κλίνῃ

Jesus actually did find places to sleep wherever he went to teach and heal, but he says figuratively that he has no such place at all to emphasize that he has no permanent home. Alternate translation: “does not have a permanent home” or (if you translated in the first person) “do not have a permanent home” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 9:59

ἀκολούθει μοι

As in 5:27, to follow Jesus means to become one of his disciples. Alternate translation: “I want you to be one of my disciples” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπίτρεψόν μοι ἀπελθόντι, πρῶτον θάψαι τὸν πατέρα μου

It is unclear whether the man’s father had died and that he would bury him immediately, or whether the man wanted to wait for a longer amount of time until his father died so that he could bury him then. The main point is that the man wanted to do something else first before going with Jesus. Alternate translation: “before I do that, let me go and bury my father”

ἐπίτρεψόν μοι ἀπελθόντι, πρῶτον θάψαι τὸν πατέρα μου

One possible meaning of this expression is that the man wanted to wait until he had received his inheritance from his father so that he could live on that money while traveling with Jesus. If so, then he would be referring to the inheritance by association with his father’s death, and he would be referring to his father’s death by association with his burial. Alternate translation: “let me wait until I receive my inheritance” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 9:60

ἄφες τοὺς νεκροὺς θάψαι τοὺς ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς

Jesus does not mean literally that dead people will bury other dead people. Instead, the expression the dead likely refers figuratively to those who do not follow Jesus and so are spiritually dead. Alternate translation: “Let people who are not concerned about spiritual things take care of everyday matters” (See: Metaphor)

τοὺς νεκροὺς

Jesus is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are dead” or “people who are not concerned about spiritual things” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate this phrase in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “how God will rule” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 9:61

ἀκολουθήσω σοι

As in 5:27, to follow Jesus means to become one of his disciples. Alternate translation: “I want to be one of your disciples” (See: Metaphor)

πρῶτον δὲ ἐπίτρεψόν μοι

Alternate translation: “but before I do that, please let me”

τοῖς εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου

This person is referring figuratively to his family by association with where they live. Alternate translation: “to my family” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 9:62

οὐδεὶς ἐπιβαλὼν τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἄροτρον καὶ βλέπων εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω, εὔθετός ἐστιν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus responds with an illustration that is designed to teach this person about what is required to be his disciple. He means that a person is not suitable for the kingdom to God if his past loyalties are more important to him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain this illustration. Alternate translation, add: “No one can plow straight if he is looking backwards, and in the same way, no one will be useful in the kingdom of God if his past loyalties are more important to him” (See: Metaphor)

οὐδεὶς ἐπιβαλὼν τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἄροτρον

Jesus refers figuratively to a person using a plow by describing one part of that activity, guiding the plow with the hand. Alternate translation: “No one who is using a plow” (See: Synecdoche)

οὐδεὶς ἐπιβαλὼν τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἄροτρον

A plow is a tool that farmers use to break up soil to prepare a field for planting. Plows have sharp, pointed prongs that dig into the soil. They usually have handles that the farmer uses to guide the plow. If your readers would not be familiar with this kind of tool, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “No one who needs to go straight forward” (See: Translate Unknowns)

βλέπων εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω

The implication is that anyone who is looking backwards while plowing cannot guide the plow where it needs to go. That person must focus on looking forward in order to plow well. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “looking backwards, and so not going in the right direction” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εὔθετός ἐστιν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “can really let God rule his life” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 10

Luke 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus sends seventy-two disciples to teach and heal (10:1-24)
2. Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan (10:25-37)
3. Jesus visits Mary and Martha (10:38-43)

Special concepts in this chapter

Harvest

Harvest refers to the time when people gather in the food they have planted so they can eat some of it right away and store the rest for future use. Jesus uses this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about him so that those people can become part of God’s kingdom. (See: faith)

Neighbor

The Jews helped their Jewish neighbors who needed help, and they expected their Jewish neighbors to help them. Jesus wanted them to understand that people who were not Jews were also their neighbors, so he told them a story about this (10:29-37). (See: Parables)

Important textual issues in this chapter

“72”

In 10:1 and 10:17, some ancient manuscripts of the Bible read “72,” but others read “70.” ULT reads “72,” but it mentions in a footnote that scholars are divided as to which number was originally in the book of Luke.

“Jesus”

In 10:39, many of the best ancient manuscripts read “Jesus,” but some read “the Lord.” ULT reads “Jesus.”

In both of these cases, if a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of ULT. (See: Textual Variants)

Luke 10:1

μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα

Luke uses this phrase to mark a new event in the story. If your language has a similar expression that it uses for this same purpose, you can use that here. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ὁ Κύριος

Here Luke refers to Jesus by the title the Lord to show his authority. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

ἑβδομήκοντα δύο

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to say 72 or “70” in your translation. (See: Textual Variants)

ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς ἀνὰ δύο

This phrase is an idiom. Alternate translation: “sent them out two by two” or “sent them out in groups of two” (See: Idiom)

πρὸ προσώπου αὐτοῦ

Here, face figuratively means the front of a person. Alternate translation: “ahead of him” or “to prepare the way for him” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 10:2

ἔλεγεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτούς

Jesus said these things to the 72 disciples before they actually went out. Alternate translation: “He had said to them” or “Before they went out, he told them” (See: Order of Events)

ὁ μὲν θερισμὸς πολύς, οἱ δὲ ἐργάται ὀλίγοι

This statement means, “There is a big crop, but there are not enough workers to bring it in.” Jesus is speaking figuratively. Alternate translation: “There are many people who are ready to enter God’s kingdom, but there are not enough disciples to help them understand how to do that” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ Κυρίου τοῦ θερισμοῦ

Jesus continues to speak figuratively and extends his metaphor by describing God as the Lord of the harvest. Alternate translation: “God, who leads people to believe” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

ὅπως ἐργάτας ἐκβάλῃ εἰς τὸν θερισμὸν αὐτοῦ

Jesus extends his metaphor even further by describing disciples who help others to trust in him as laborers in the harvest. Alternate translation: “to send more disciples to go and help people trust in me” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

Luke 10:3

ὑπάγετε

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly where Jesus wants these disciples to go. Alternate translation: “Go to the cities and places where I am sending you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses the term behold to get his disciples to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully now” (See: Metaphor)

ἀποστέλλω ὑμᾶς ὡς ἄρνας ἐν μέσῳ λύκων

Wolves attack and kill sheep. This simile is a warning to the disciples whom Jesus is sending out that there will be people who will want to harm them. You could explain the meaning of this figurative expression in your translation. (However, you could also reproduce the simile, as suggested in the next note.) Alternate translation: “when I send you out, there are going to be some people who will want to harm you” (See: Simile)

ἀποστέλλω ὑμᾶς ὡς ἄρνας ἐν μέσῳ λύκων

Jesus’ disciples would have known that lambs are gentle animals that have been domesticated for their wool, milk, meat, and leather, and that wolves are predatory land animals, similar to large dogs, that hunt and kill in packs. If you would like to reproduce the simile, but your readers would not be familiar with these animals, you could use general terms. Alternate translation: “I am sending you out like harmless animals that will encounter a group of predators” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὑμᾶς

Since Jesus is speaking to these 72 disciples as a group, you is plural here and through 10:12. (See: Forms of You)

Luke 10:4

μὴ βαστάζετε βαλλάντιον, μὴ πήραν, μὴ ὑποδήματα

Here Jesus is using the word carry in an idiomatic sense to mean “bring along.” He is not envisioning that these disciples might carry their sandals in their hands. Alternate translation: “Do not bring any money or provisions or extra clothes with you” (See: Idiom)

μὴ βαστάζετε βαλλάντιον, μὴ πήραν, μὴ ὑποδήματα

While Jesus probably means what he says literally about not bringing these specific items, he is also using them figuratively with larger meanings. The money bag represents the money it would contain. The sack represents the provisions someone would carry in it for a journey. The sandals represent, in this culture, more clothing and equipment than is strictly needed. Alternate translation: “Do not bring any money or provisions or extra clothes with you” (See: Metonymy)

μὴ βαστάζετε βαλλάντιον, μὴ πήραν, μὴ ὑποδήματα

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly why Jesus does not want his disciples to bring these things with them. As he will explain in 10:7, he wants the people who receive his message to provide for those who bring the message. Alternate translation: “Do not bring any money or provisions or extra clothes with you, because the people who receive my message will provide for you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μηδένα κατὰ τὴν ὁδὸν ἀσπάσησθε

Jesus is generalizing to indicate that these disciples should go quickly to the places where he is sending them to prepare the way for him. He is not telling them to be rude. Alternate translation: “make your journey as quickly as possible” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 10:5

λέγετε, εἰρήνη τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ

Luke is quoting Jesus, and Jesus is quoting what he wants his disciples to say. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “say that you want there to be peace in that house” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

εἰρήνη τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ

The term house refers figuratively to the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “May the people in this household have peace” (See: Metonymy)

εἰρήνη τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ

This was an idiomatic expression, based on the Hebrew concept of “shalom,” that was both a greeting and a blessing. Alternate translation: “I greet all of you in this household and I wish for God to bless you” (See: Idiom)

Luke 10:6

υἱὸς εἰρήνης

The expression son of refers figuratively to a person who shares the qualities of something. Alternate translation: “a person who wants peace with God and with people” (See: Idiom)

ἐπαναπαήσεται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν ἡ εἰρήνη ὑμῶν

Here, upon creates a spatial metaphor. It means that this person will experience the peace that God gives in a special and lasting way. Alternate translation: “he will deeply experience the peace that you wish him” (See: Metaphor)

εἰ…μή γε

It may be helpful to restate the entire phrase. Alternate translation: “if there is no one there who wants peace with God and with people” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἀνακάμψει

Jesus describes peace as a living thing that could choose to leave one person and go to another person. Alternate translation: “you will experience that peace yourselves instead” (See: Personification)

Luke 10:7

ἐν αὐτῇ δὲ τῇ οἰκίᾳ μένετε

Jesus was not saying that they should stay in the house all the time and never leave it, but that they should make it their base of operations for as long as they were in that place. Alternate translation: “stay at that house”

τὰ παρ’ αὐτῶν

This phrase is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the food and drink that they provide” (See: Idiom)

ἄξιος γὰρ ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ

Jesus is quoting or creating a proverb, a short saying about something that is generally true in life, to explain the reason for these arrangements. You could translate the proverb directly into your language, or you could explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “for since you will be teaching and healing the people, they should provide you with a place to stay and food to eat” (See: Proverbs)

μὴ μεταβαίνετε ἐξ οἰκίας εἰς οἰκίαν

This expression describes staying in different houses rather than making one house the base of operations the whole time. Jesus is repeating his earlier instruction, remain in that house, for emphasis. Jesus is not saying that these disciples cannot go to meet with people in other homes. Alternate translation: “As I said, stay at that house”

Luke 10:8

καὶ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς

The pronoun they refers to the people living in this city. Alternate translation: “if the people there welcome you” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐσθίετε τὰ παρατιθέμενα ὑμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “eat whatever food the people of that city serve you” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 10:9

τοὺς…ἀσθενεῖς

Jesus is using the adjective sick as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who are sick” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἐν αὐτῇ

Alternate translation: “who live in that city” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

λέγετε αὐτοῖς, ἤγγικεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “tell them that the kingdom of God has come close to them” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἤγγικεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

The idea behind the abstract noun kingdom can be expressed with a verb such as “rule.” This could mean: (1) the kingdom of God is close in location, that is, its activities are happening nearby. Alternate translation: “God is ruling in this area” (2) the kingdom of God is close in time, that is, it will begin soon. Alternate translation: “God will soon begin to rule as king” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 10:10

καὶ μὴ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς

This is a direct contrast to the similar expression in 10:8. Once again the pronoun they refers to the people living in this city. Alternate translation: “if the people there do not welcome you” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 10:11

καὶ τὸν κονιορτὸν τὸν κολληθέντα ἡμῖν, ἐκ τῆς πόλεως ὑμῶν εἰς τοὺς πόδας ἀπομασσόμεθα ὑμῖν; πλὴν τοῦτο γινώσκετε, ὅτι ἤγγικεν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

Luke is quoting Jesus, and Jesus is quoting what he wants his disciples to say. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation (continuing from the end of the previous verse): “that you are going to wipe even the dust from their city off your feet as a warning to them, but that you still want them to know that the kingdom of God came close to them” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

καὶ τὸν κονιορτὸν τὸν κολληθέντα ἡμῖν, ἐκ τῆς πόλεως ὑμῶν εἰς τοὺς πόδας ἀπομασσόμεθα ὑμῖν

This is a symbolic action by which these disciples are to show that they do not want to have the slightest connection with the people of any city who reject Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain its significance. Alternate translation: “Because you have rejected Jesus, we want to have nothing to do with you. We do not even want to have the dust from your town on our feet” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἀπομασσόμεθα

Since Jesus was sending these people out in groups of two, two people would be saying this. So languages that have a dual form of “we” should use that form. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

πλὴν τοῦτο γινώσκετε

The phrase introduces a warning. Alternate translation: “But we must warn you” (See: Idiom)

ἤγγικεν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you translated the similar sentence in 10:9. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 10:12

λέγω ὑμῖν, ὅτι

Jesus says this to emphasize that what he is about to tell these disciples is very important. Alternate translation: “Take special note that”

ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ

Jesus is using the term day to refer figuratively to a specific time. Alternate translation: “when God judges everyone for what they have done” (See: Idiom)

ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ

Jesus expected his disciples to understand that he was referring to the time when God will bring final judgment. Alternate translation: “when God judges everyone for what they have done” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Σοδόμοις…ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται, ἢ τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ

Jesus uses the name of the city, Sodom, to refer figuratively to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “God will judge the people of that town more severely than he will judge the people of Sodom” (See: Metonymy)

Σοδόμοις…ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται, ἢ τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ

Jesus assumes that these disciples will know that God destroyed the city of Sodom because the people in it were so wicked. The implication is that it must therefore be an extremely serious offense to reject the messengers of the kingdom of God. Alternate translation: “God will judge the people of that town more severely than he will judge the people of Sodom, even though he destroyed their city because they were so wicked” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 10:13

οὐαί σοι, Χοραζείν! οὐαί σοι, Βηθσαϊδά!

Jesus is speaking figuratively to two cities that he knows cannot hear him. He is doing this to show in a very strong way how he feels about those cities. He is actually speaking to the people who can hear him, the disciples whom he is sending out. If your readers might not understand this kind of figurative speech, you could translate Jesus’ words as if he were speaking directly to his disciples. Alternate translation: “Chorazin and Bethsaida are two of the cities whose people God will judge severely for rejecting my message” (See: Apostrophe)

οὐαί σοι, Χοραζείν! οὐαί σοι, Βηθσαϊδά!

See how you translated this phrase in 6:24. Alternate translation: “how terrible it will be for you, Chorazin and Bethsaida!” (See: Idiom)

οὐαί σοι, Χοραζείν! οὐαί σοι, Βηθσαϊδά!

Jesus is using the names of these cities to refer figuratively to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “How terrible it will be for you people of Chorazin and Bethsaida!” (See: Metonymy)

οὐαί σοι, Χοραζείν! οὐαί σοι, Βηθσαϊδά!

Jesus is addressing an individual city in each of these phrases, so you is singular in both cases. However, if you decide to translate this as “you people of Chorazin and Bethsaida,” then you would be plural. (See: Forms of You)

Χοραζείν…Βηθσαϊδά!

These are the names of two cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὅτι εἰ ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις, αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν, πάλαι ἂν…μετενόησαν

Jesus is describing a situation that might have happened in the past but actually did not. He is doing this to express disappointment and regret about what is happening in the present. Be sure to translate this in such a way that your readers will know that this event actually did not happen but they will understand why Jesus is imagining it. Alternate translation: “I can well imagine that if the people of Tyre and Sidon had witnessed the miracles that I performed for you, they would have repented a long time ago” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ὅτι εἰ ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις, αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν, πάλαι ἂν…μετενόησαν

Jesus assumes that these disciples will know that God destroyed the cities of Tyre and Sidon because the people in them were so wicked. So the implication is similar to the one about the people of Sodom. Alternate translation: “God destroyed the cities of Tyre and Sidon because they were so wicked. But even the people who lived in those cities would have repented if they had seen the miracles I did in Chorazin and Bethsaida. So the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida certainly should have repented as well” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι

Jesus uses the names of these cities to refer figuratively to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “the people of Tyre and Sidon” (See: Metonymy)

Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι

Tyre and Sidon are the names of two cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

αἱ δυνάμεις, αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν

Since Jesus is addressing two cities, you would be dual here if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

ἂν ἐν σάκκῳ καὶ σποδῷ καθήμενοι μετενόησαν

Jesus is saying that the people of Tyre and Sidon would have performed these actions, which are signs of humility and sorrow, to show that they were very sorry for committing their sins. Alternate translation: “they would have shown how sorry they were for their sins … by sitting on the ground wearing rough clothes and putting ashes on their heads” (See: Symbolic Action)

Luke 10:14

Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι, ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται…ἢ ὑμῖν

Jesus uses the names of these cities, Tyre and Sidon, to refer figuratively to the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “God will judge you people of Chorazin and Bethsaida more severely than he will judge the people who lived in Tyre and Sidon” (See: Metonymy)

Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι, ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται…ἢ ὑμῖν

Jesus assumes that these disciples will know that God destroyed the cities of Tyre and Sidon because the people in them were so wicked. The implication, as in the case of Sodom, is that it must therefore be an extremely grave offense to reject the messengers of the kingdom of God. Alternate translation: “God will judge you people of Chorazin and Bethsaida more severely than he will judge the people who lived in Tyre and Sidon, even though he destroyed their cities because they were so wicked” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι, ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται…ἢ ὑμῖν

It may be helpful to state clearly the reason why God will judge Chorazin and Bethsaida. Alternate translation: “because you did not repent and believe in me even though you saw me do miracles, God will judge you people of Chorazin and Bethsaida more severely than he will judge the people who lived in Tyre and Sidon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν τῇ κρίσει

The disciples would have understood that Jesus was referring to the time when God will bring final judgment. Alternate translation: “at the time when God judges everyone for what they have done” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὑμῖν

Since Jesus is addressing two cities, you would be dual here if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural. Alternate translation: “you people of Chorazin and Bethsaida” (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

Luke 10:15

σύ, Καφαρναούμ, μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ?

Jesus is speaking figuratively to another city that he knows cannot hear him. He is doing this once again to show in a very strong way how he feels about this city. He is actually speaking to the people who can hear him, the disciples whom he is sending out. If your readers might not understand this kind of figurative speech, you could translate Jesus’ words as if he were speaking directly to his disciples. Alternate translation: “The people of Capernaum are wrong to think that God is going to honor them greatly” (See: Apostrophe)

σύ, Καφαρναούμ, μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ?

In Greek, the first word of the question that Jesus asks Capernaum is a negative word that can be used to turn a negative statement into a question that expects a negative answer. ULT shows this by adding, will you? Your language may have other ways of asking a question that expects a negative answer, for example, by changing the word order of a positive statement. Translate this in the way that would be clearest in your language. Alternate translation: “you people of Capernaum, do you really think that God is going to honor you greatly?” (See: Double Negatives)

σύ, Καφαρναούμ, μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ?

Jesus is using the question form to teach. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “you people of Capernaum are wrong to think that God is going to honor you greatly” (See: Rhetorical Question)

σύ, Καφαρναούμ, μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ?

To be exalted or “lifted up” is a spatial metaphor that figuratively indicates receiving honor. To be lifted all the way up to heaven (or “to the sky,” another possible meaning) figuratively means to receive very great honor. Alternate translation: “you people of Capernaum are wrong to think that God is going to honor you greatly” (See: Metaphor)

σύ, Καφαρναούμ

Jesus uses the name of this city to refer figuratively to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “you people of Capernaum” (See: Metonymy)

σύ, Καφαρναούμ

Jesus is addressing an individual city, so you is singular here and in the rest of this verse. However, if you decide to translate this as “you people of Capernaum,” then you would be plural. (See: Forms of You)

Καφαρναούμ

Capernaum is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “God is going to honor you greatly” (See: Active or Passive)

ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the reason why the people of Capernaum think that God would want to honor them. Alternate translation: “God is going to honor you greatly because you are such good people and your city is so prosperous” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ ᾍδου καταβήσῃ

To be brought down is another spatial metaphor. It figuratively indicates experiencing punishment and dishonor. To be brought down all the way to Hades, the underworld (that is, the abode of the dead), figuratively means to receive very great punishment or dishonor. Alternate translation: “God is going to punish you severely” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ ᾍδου καταβήσῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “God is going to punish you severely” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦ ᾍδου καταβήσῃ

It may be helpful to state clearly the reason why God will judge Capernaum. Alternate translation: “God is going to punish you severely because you did not repent and believe in me, even though you saw me do miracles” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 10:16

ὁ ἀκούων ὑμῶν, ἐμοῦ ἀκούει

You could translate this metaphor as a simile. Alternate translation: “When someone listens to you, it is as if they were listening to me” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ ἀθετῶν ὑμᾶς, ἐμὲ ἀθετεῖ

You could also translate this metaphor as a simile. Alternate translation: “when someone rejects you, it is as if they were rejecting me” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ…ἐμὲ ἀθετῶν, ἀθετεῖ τὸν ἀποστείλαντά με

You could also translate this metaphor as a simile. Alternate translation: “when someone rejects me, it is as if they were rejecting the one who sent me” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν ἀποστείλαντά με

This refers implictly to God, who appointed Jesus for this special task. Alternate translation: “God who sent me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 10:17

ὑπέστρεψαν δὲ οἱ ἑβδομήκοντα δύο

Some languages will need to say that the 72 actually went out first, as UST does. Alternate translation: “So the 72 disciples went out and did as Jesus had told them to do, and then they returned” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἑβδομήκοντα δύο

As in 10:1, see the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to say 72 or “70” in your translation. (See: Textual Variants)

τὰ δαιμόνια ὑποτάσσεται ἡμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the demons obey us” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου

The term name refers figuratively to Jesus’ power and authority. Alternate translation: “when we command them using the authority that you gave us” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 10:18

ἐθεώρουν τὸν Σατανᾶν ὡς ἀστραπὴν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ πεσόντα

Jesus uses a simile to express that while his 72 disciples were out proclaiming the kingdom of God, he discerned that this was a quick and decisive defeat for Satan. If your readers would be familiar with lightning, you could use the same simile in your translation. Otherwise, you could use another comparison to something that happens rapidly and evidently. (See: Simile)

ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ πεσόντα

While Jesus actually did see this in his vision, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the meaning of this image, as UST does. (See: Metaphor)

Σατανᾶν

Satan is the name of the devil. It occurs a few more times in this book. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 10:19

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses behold to focus his disciples’ attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully now” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν ἐξουσίαν τοῦ πατεῖν ἐπάνω ὄφεων καὶ σκορπίων

This could mean: (1) Jesus is referring to actual snakes and scorpions and saying that God will protect his disciples from these dangers everywhere they travel to proclaim the kingdom. Alternate translation: “protection from snakes and scorpions, even if you step on them” (2) the phrase snakes and scorpions is a figurative way of describing evil spirits. Alternate translation: “the power to defeat evil spirits” (See: Metaphor)

ὄφεων

In context, this clearly means poisonous snakes. If your readers would not be familiar with snakes, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “poisonous biting animals” (See: Translate Unknowns)

σκορπίων

The term scorpions describes small animals that are related to spiders. They have two claws and a poisonous stinger in their tail. If your readers would not be familiar with scorpions, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “poisonous stinging animals” (See: Translate Unknowns)

καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ ἐχθροῦ

This phrase continues the meaning from earlier in the sentence. The enemy is Satan, as described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I have also given you authority to overcome the resistance of Satan” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐδὲν ὑμᾶς οὐ μὴ ἀδικήσῃ

Here Jesus uses a double negative for emphasis, “nothing in no way will hurt you.” The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning, “something in some way might hurt you.” If your language uses double negatives for emphasis that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here. (See: Double Negatives)

Luke 10:20

ἐν τούτῳ μὴ χαίρετε, ὅτι τὰ πνεύματα ὑμῖν ὑποτάσσεται, χαίρετε δὲ ὅτι τὰ ὀνόματα ὑμῶν ἐνγέγραπται ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

Jesus is not actually telling the disciples not to rejoice over the way God has allowed them to deliver people who were oppressed by demons. Rather, he is exaggerating to emphasize that the disciples should rejoice even more that their names are written in heaven. Alternate translation: “rejoice that your names are written in heaven even more than you rejoice that the spirits submit to you” (See: Hyperbole)

τὰ πνεύματα ὑμῖν ὑποτάσσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the demons must obey you” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰ ὀνόματα ὑμῶν ἐνγέγραπται ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “God has written down your names in heaven” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰ ὀνόματα ὑμῶν ἐνγέγραπται ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

While it may be literally true that there is a written record of names in heaven, you may wish to express the meaning and significance of this in your translation. Alternate translation: “God in heaven knows that you belong to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 10:21

ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ

Here Luke uses the term hour figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “At that same time” (See: Idiom)

ἐξομολογοῦμαί σοι, Πάτερ

Use your best judgment about whether the formal or informal form of you would be more natural in your language here. Jesus is speaking as an adult son would to a father with whom he had a close relationship. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Formal or Informal)

Πάτερ

Father is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Κύριε τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς

Jesus is using a figure of speech to describe something by naming its two components. Together heaven and earth represent everything that exists. Alternate translation: “you who rule over everything that exists” (See: Merism)

ταῦτα

Jesus is likely using this expression to refer to his identity as God’s Son and God’s identity as his Father. He describes these things in the next verse and says that only people to whom he reveals these identities can understand them, just as he says here that they are revealed only to certain people. Since the expression is explained in the next verse, you do not need to explain its meaning further here. (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν

Jesus is using the adjectives wise and intelligent as nouns in order to indicate people who have those qualities. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “people who are wise and intelligent” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν

Because God had concealed the truth from these people, they actually were not wise and intelligent, even though they thought they were. Alternate translation: “people who think they are wise and intelligent” (See: Irony)

σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν

The terms wise and intelligent mean similar things. Jesus uses the two terms together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “people who think they understand everything” (See: Doublet)

νηπίοις

Infants refers figuratively to people who may not have much education, but who are willing to accept Jesus’ teachings in the same way that little children willingly listen to those they trust. You could explain the meaning of this metaphor in your translation, or you could translate it as a simile, as UST does. Alternate translation: “people who trust my teachings implicitly” (See: Metaphor)

ἔμπροσθέν σου

Jesus says before you to mean “where you could see” or “in your sight.” Sight, in turn, figuratively means attention and judgment. Alternate translation: “in your judgment” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 10:22

πάντα μοι παρεδόθη ὑπὸ τοῦ Πατρός μου

If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “My Father has handed everything over to me” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐδεὶς γινώσκει τίς ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς, εἰ μὴ ὁ Πατήρ

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus is making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “only the Father knows who the Son is” (See: Connect — Exception Clauses)

γινώσκει τίς ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς

Here, the Greek word translated knows means to know from personal experience. God the Father knows Jesus in this way. Alternate translation: “is acquainted with the Son” or “is acquainted with me”

γινώσκει τίς ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “knows who I am” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ Υἱὸς…ὁ Πατήρ

These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)

οὐδεὶς γινώσκει…τίς ἐστιν ὁ Πατὴρ, εἰ μὴ ὁ Υἱὸς

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus is making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “only the Son knows who the Father is” or “only I know who the Father is” or “only I am acquainted with the Father” (See: Connect — Exception Clauses)

γινώσκει…τίς ἐστιν ὁ Πατὴρ

Here the Greek word translated knows means to know from personal experience. Jesus knows God his Father in this way. Alternate translation: “is acquainted with the Father” or “am acquainted with the Father”

ᾧ ἐὰν βούληται ὁ Υἱὸς ἀποκαλύψαι

Alternate translation: “whoever the Son wants to introduce the Father to” or (if you translated in the first person) “whoever I want to introduce the Father to”

Luke 10:23

καὶ στραφεὶς πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς κατ’ ἰδίαν, εἶπεν

The implication is that a crowd was present when the 72 disciples returned to report to Jesus what they had done, and that this crowd heard what Jesus told them and what he prayed to God. But now Jesus is speaking only to the disciples in a way that the crowd will not be able to hear him. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said, in the direction of his disciples so that only they could hear him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μακάριοι οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ οἱ βλέποντες ἃ βλέπετε

Jesus is using the term eyes to describe these disciples by reference to one part of them, the part they are using to witness the great works that reveal who he is. Alternate translation: “How good it is for you to see what you see” (See: Synecdoche)

μακάριοι οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ οἱ βλέποντες ἃ βλέπετε

The phrase what you see probably refers to the great works of healing and miracles that Jesus is doing, which reveal who he is. Alternate translation: “How good it is for you to see the things that I am doing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 10:24

καὶ οὐκ εἶδαν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could give the reason why the prophets and kings did not see these things. Alternate translation: “but could not see them because they lived before this time” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἃ ἀκούετε

The phrase what you hear probably refers to the teachings of Jesus. Alternate translation: “the things that you have heard me say” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ οὐκ ἤκουσαν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could give the reason why the prophets and kings did not hear these things. Alternate translation: “but could not hear them because they lived before this time” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 10:25

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to calls the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

νομικός τις

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was a lawyer who” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

νομικός

See how you translated this in 7:30. Alternate translation: “an expert in the Jewish law” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἀνέστη

By standing up, this lawyer was indicating that he had a question to ask Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain that this was the reason for his action. Alternate translation: “stood up to show that he wanted to ask a question” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἐκπειράζων αὐτὸν

Alternate translation: “to see how well he would answer”

Διδάσκαλε

Teacher was a respectful title. You can translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

τί ποιήσας, ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω?

The lawyer is using the term inherit in a figurative sense to mean “come to possess” or “have.” Alternate translation: “what must I do in order to have everlasting life” (See: Metaphor)

τί ποιήσας, ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω?

This lawyer may be asking about a single deed that would be worthy of eternal life, because he uses a verb form that does not indicate continuing action. Alternate translation: “What one thing do I need to do so that God will give me eternal life?” (See: Verbs)

τί ποιήσας, ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω

The lawyer means implicitly that he would inherit or “come to possess” this everlasting life from God. Alternate translation: “what must I do so that God will give me everlasting life” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 10:26

ἐν τῷ νόμῳ τί γέγραπται? πῶς ἀναγινώσκεις?

Jesus is using these questions to get this man to reflect on the Jewish law and apply it to his own question. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a statement that incorporates both of Jesus’ questions. Alternate translation: “Tell me what Moses wrote about that in the law and how you understand it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐν τῷ νόμῳ τί γέγραπται? πῶς ἀναγινώσκεις?

These two phrases mean similar things. Jesus may be using repetition for emphasis and clarity. Both phrases have to do with what the law says. The first phrase views this objectively in terms of what is written there, and the second phrase views this subjectively from the perspective of a person reading it. You do not need to put both phrases in your translation if your readers might wonder why Jesus was saying basically the same thing twice. Alternate translation: “Tell me what answer a person would find to your question in the law of Moses.” (See: Parallelism)

ἐν τῷ νόμῳ τί γέγραπται?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “What did Moses write in the law?” (See: Active or Passive)

πῶς ἀναγινώσκεις?

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “What do you understand it to be saying?” (See: Idiom)

Luke 10:27

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν

Together answering and said mean that the lawyer responded to the question that Jesus asked him. Alternate translation: “The lawyer responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ἀγαπήσεις

Here it may not be clear whether to use the singular or plural form of you because this is a short quotation from the Scriptures and the context is not given. The word is actually singular because, even though Moses said this to the Israelites as a group, each individual person was supposed to obey this command. So in your translation, use the singular forms of you your, and yourself in this verse, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

ἀγαπήσεις

The Scriptures are using a statement to give a command. Alternate translation: “You must love” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ἰσχύϊ σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ διανοίᾳ σου

Moses is using a figure of speech that describes something by listing its parts. Alternate translation: “with your entire being” (See: Merism)

ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας σου, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ψυχῇ σου

The words heart and soul figuratively represent a person’s inner being. If you do not translate all four of the terms here with a single phrase, you can represent these two together. Alternate translation: “with all of your inner self” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ, τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν

The lawyer is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation (filling in ellipsis): “and you must also love your neighbor as much as you love yourself” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 10:28

τοῦτο ποίει, καὶ ζήσῃ

Jesus is describing a conditional situation. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express it that way. Alternate translation: “If you do this, then God will give you eternal life” (See: Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

ζήσῃ

Alternate translation: “God will give you eternal life”

Luke 10:29

ὁ δὲ θέλων δικαιῶσαι ἑαυτὸν, εἶπεν

Alternate translation: “But the lawyer wanted to prove that he had done what he needed to do, so he said”

τίς ἐστίν μου πλησίον?

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the reason why the lawyer asked this specific question. Alternate translation: “whom should I consider to be my neighbor, that is, someone I need to love as I love myself?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 10:30

ὑπολαβὼν δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν

Together answering and said mean that Jesus responded to the question that the lawyer asked him. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ὑπολαβὼν δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν

Jesus answers the man’s question by telling a brief story that provides an illustration. Alternate translation: “As an answer to the man’s question, Jesus told him this story” (See: Parables)

ἄνθρωπός τις

This introduces a new character in the parable. Alternate translation: “There was a man who” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

κατέβαινεν ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ εἰς Ἰερειχὼ

Jesus says going down because this man would have had to travel from a mountain height down into a valley to go from Jerusalem to Jericho. Alternate translation: “was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho” (See: Idiom)

λῃσταῖς περιέπεσεν

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that this does not mean that the man fell down accidentally. Rather, this is an idiom. Alternate translation: “some robbers attacked him” (See: Idiom)

ἐκδύσαντες αὐτὸν

Alternate translation: “after they had taken everything he had” or “after they had stolen of all his things” (See: Idiom)

καὶ πληγὰς ἐπιθέντες

This expression means that the robbers also beat this man. Alternate translation: “and beaten him” (See: Idiom)

ἡμιθανῆ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “almost dead.” (See: Idiom)

Luke 10:31

κατὰ συνκυρίαν

This expression means that this event was not anything that anyone had planned. Alternate translation: “it just so happened that”

ἱερεύς τις

This expression introduces a new character in the parable. Alternate translation: “there was a priest who” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἱερεύς τις

Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that a priest is a religious leader. This detail is important to the story. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “there was a priest, a religious leader, who” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὸν

Since a priest is a religious leader, the audience would assume that he would help the injured man. Since he did not, this phrase could be introduced with a contrasting word to call attention to this unexpected result. Alternate translation: “but when the priest saw the injured man” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀντιπαρῆλθεν

The implication is that the priest did not help the man. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he did not help him, but instead walked past him on the other side of the road” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 10:32

καὶ Λευείτης

This expression introduces a new character in the parable. Alternate translation: “there was also a Levite” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

καὶ Λευείτης

Jesus is leaving out some words, but they can be inferred from the rest of the story. Alternate translation: “there was also a Levite traveling on that road who” (See: Ellipsis)

καὶ Λευείτης

Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that a Levite was someone who served in the temple. This detail is important to the story. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “there was also a Levite, someone who served in the temple, who” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁμοίως…καὶ Λευείτης κατὰ τὸν τόπον, ἐλθὼν καὶ ἰδὼν ἀντιπαρῆλθεν

Since Levites served in the temple, the audience would assume that this Levite would help the injured man. Since he did not, this phrase could be introduced with a contrasting word to call attention to this unexpected result. Alternate translation: “likewise a Levite also came to the place, but when he saw him, he walked past him on the other side of the road” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀντιπαρῆλθεν

The implication is that the Levite did not help the man. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he did not help the injured man, but instead walked past him on the other side of the road” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 10:33

Σαμαρείτης δέ τις

This expression introduces a new character in the parable. Alternate translation: “But there was also a Samartian who” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Σαμαρείτης δέ τις

Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that Jews and Samaritans were bitter enemies. This detail is important to the story. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “But there was a Samaritan, whose people were enemies of the Jews, who” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Σαμαρείτης δέ τις

Since Jews and Samaritans were enemies, the listeners would have assumed that this Samaritan would not help an injured Jewish man. Since he did help him, Jesus introduces this character with a contrasting word that calls attention to this unexpected result. You can do the same in your translation. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἐσπλαγχνίσθη

Alternate translation: “he felt sorry for him and wanted to help him”

Luke 10:34

κατέδησεν τὰ τραύματα αὐτοῦ, ἐπιχέων ἔλαιον καὶ οἶνον

The Samaritan would have put the oil and wine on the wounds first, and then bound up the wounds. Alternate translation: “he put oil and wine on the wounds and then wrapped them with cloth” (See: Order of Events)

ἐπιχέων ἔλαιον καὶ οἶνον

The wine was used to clean the wounds, and the oil was used to prevent infection. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “pouring oil and wine on them to help heal them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ ἴδιον κτῆνος

The Greek term translated as animal refers to an animal that carried heavy loads. In this culture, it was probably a donkey. You could state that, but if your readers might not know what a donkey is, you could use a more general expression. Alternate translation: “his own pack animal” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 10:35

δύο δηνάρια

See how you translated the term denarii in 7:41. Alternate translation: “two silver coins” or “an amount equivalent to two days’ wages” (See: Biblical Money)

τῷ πανδοχεῖ

Alternate translation: “the person who was in charge of the inn”

ὅ τι ἂν προσδαπανήσῃς, ἐγὼ ἐν τῷ ἐπανέρχεσθαί με ἀποδώσω σοι

The Samaritan is describing a hypothetical situation and saying what he would do if the condition were true. Alternate translation: “if you need to spend more than this, then I will repay you when I return” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Luke 10:36

τίς τούτων τῶν τριῶν πλησίον δοκεῖ σοι γεγονέναι, τοῦ ἐμπεσόντος εἰς τοὺς λῃστάς?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as two questions. Alternate translation: “What do you think? Which of these three men acted like a neighbor to the man whom the robbers attacked?”

πλησίον…γεγονέναι

Alternate translation: “acted like a neighbor”

τοῦ ἐμπεσόντος εἰς τοὺς λῃστάς

As in 10:30, be sure it is clear in your translation that this does not mean that the man fell down accidentally. Rather, this is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the man whom the robbers attacked” (See: Idiom)

Luke 10:37

πορεύου καὶ σὺ ποίει ὁμοίως

The implication is that the lawyer has given the correct answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, and you could also indicate what do likewise means. Alternate translation: “You are right. In the same way, you should also be a neighbor to people who need your help” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 10:38

ἐν δὲ τῷ πορεύεσθαι αὐτοὺς

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event. Alternate translation: “The next thing that happened on their journey was that” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

αὐτὸς εἰσῆλθεν…ὑπεδέξατο αὐτόν

Luke figuratively says he and him, meaning Jesus, to describe the entire group of Jesus and his disciples. Alternate translation: “they entered … welcomed them” (See: Synecdoche)

γυνὴ δέ τις ὀνόματι Μάρθα

This introduces Martha as a new character. Your language may have its own way of introducing new people. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “There was a woman named Martha who lived there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Μάρθα

Martha is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 10:39

καὶ τῇδε ἦν ἀδελφὴ καλουμένη Μαριάμ

This introduces Mary as a new character. Alternate translation: “Now Martha had a sister whose name was Mary” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

καλουμένη Μαριάμ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whose name was Mary” (See: Active or Passive)

Μαριάμ

Mary is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

παρακαθεσθεῖσα πρὸς τοὺς πόδας τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

This was the customary and respectful position for a learner at this time. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “she sat respectfully on the floor near Jesus to learn from him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to use this reading in your translation, or another reading, “the Lord.” The note below discusses a translation issue in that reading, for those who decide to include it. (See: Textual Variants)

τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

If you use the variant reading “the Lord” at this place in your translation, you may wish to indicate that this is referring to Jesus by a respectful title. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

ἤκουεν τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ

Luke uses the term word figuratively to describe what Jesus said while he was at Martha’s house. Alternate translation: “and listened to what he said” or “and listened to him teaching” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 10:40

ἡ δὲ Μάρθα περιεσπᾶτο περὶ πολλὴν διακονίαν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “But all Martha could think about was the big meal she was preparing” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐ μέλει σοι, ὅτι ἡ ἀδελφή μου μόνην με κατέλιπεν διακονεῖν?

Martha is complaining that Jesus is allowing Mary to sit listening to him when there is so much work to do. Martha respects the Lord, so she uses a rhetorical question to make her complaint more polite. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate her words as a statement. Alternate translation: “it seems as if you do not care that my sister has left me alone to serve.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 10:41

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῇ ὁ Κύριος

Together answering and said mean that Jesus responded to Martha’s request. Alternate translation: “But the Lord replied to her” (See: Hendiadys)

ὁ Κύριος

Here Luke refers to Jesus by the respectful title the Lord. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

Μάρθα, Μάρθα

Jesus repeats Martha’s name for emphasis. Alternate translation: “My dear Martha”

μεριμνᾷς καὶ θορυβάζῃ περὶ πολλά

The terms anxious and troubled mean similar things. Jesus uses the two terms together for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate them with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “you are worrying too much about things” (See: Doublet)

θορυβάζῃ περὶ πολλά

If you do not combine the term for troubled with the word anxious into a single phrase, you could state are … troubled with an active form. Alternate translation: “you are … letting too many things bother you” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 10:42

ἑνός δέ ἐστιν χρεία

Jesus says one thing as an overstatement for emphasis. Other things actually are necessary for life, but this is the most important one. Alternate translation: “but one thing is more important than all the others” (See: Hyperbole)

ἑνός δέ ἐστιν χρεία

The implication is that this most important thing is what Jesus is teaching about God, and that Martha should have been concentrating on that. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “but one thing, what I am teaching about God, is more important than all the others, and you should have been concentrating on that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Μαριὰμ…τὴν ἀγαθὴν μερίδα ἐξελέξατο

While Jesus spoke just earlier about “one thing” as opposed to “many things,” here he seems to contrast only two things, the good part with another part, perhaps not “the bad part,” but at least the part that is not to be preferred. This likely refers to the two activities that Mary and Martha have chosen to pursue while Jesus is present in their home. Alternate translation: “Mary has chosen the better activity”

ἥτις οὐκ ἀφαιρεθήσεται ἀπ’ αὐτῆς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. This could mean: (1) “I will not take that opportunity away from her.” (2) “God will not let her lose what she has gained from listening to me.” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 11

Luke 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus teaches about prayer (11:1-13)
2. Jesus teaches about driving out demons and other subjects (11:14-36)
3. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and experts in the law (11:37-54)

ULT sets the lines in 11:2-4 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are a special prayer.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Lord’s Prayer

When Jesus’ followers asked him to teach them how to pray, he taught them this prayer. He did not expect them to use the same words every time they prayed, but he did want them to know what God wanted them to pray about.

Jonah

Jonah was an Old Testament prophet whom God sent to the Gentile city of Nineveh to tell the people there to repent. When he went and preached to them, they did repent. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and repent, repentance)

Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, that is, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. The Bible speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, that is, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Washing

The Pharisees would wash themselves and the things they ate with. They would even wash things that were not dirty. The law of Moses did not tell them to wash those things, but they would wash them anyway. They did that because they thought that if they obeyed both the rules that God had made and some rules that their ancestors had added, God would think that they were better people. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and clean, wash)

Important textual issues in this chapter

Bread and stone, fish and snake

In 11:11, some ancient manuscripts have a longer reading, which also is found in Matthew 7:9. It says, “Which father among you, if your son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? Or a fish, will give him a snake?” ULT uses the shorter reading, which mentions just the fish and snake. This shorter reading is well attested to in many other ancient manuscripts. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow its reading. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of ULT. (See: Textual Variants)

Luke 11:1

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Ἰωάννης

This disciple is referring to John the Baptist. you could state that explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:2

Πάτερ

Jesus is commanding the disciples to honor the name of God the Father by addressing him as Father when praying to him. This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου

Jesus is not saying that God’s name is not already holy in itself. Rather, he is referring to how people consider God’s name. Alternate translation: “may people treat your name as holy” or “may people regard your name as holy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “may people treat your name as holy” or “may people regard your name as holy” (See: Active or Passive)

ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου

The term name is a figurative way of referring to an entire person by reference to something associated with them. Alternate translation: “may all people honor you” (See: Metonymy)

ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” As the General Introduction to Luke explains, in one sense, the kingdom of God is already present on earth, while in another sense, it is still a future reality. Try to translate this in a way that acknowledges both aspects. Alternate translation: “Come and rule more and more throughout the earth” (See: Abstract Nouns)

σου

Here, your is singular because Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray to God. If your language has a formal form of “you” that it uses to address a superior respectfully, you may wish to use that form for your in its two instances here and for you in 11:4. Alternatively, it might be more appropriate in your culture to address God using a familiar form, such as friends would use with one another. Use your best judgment about what form to use. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Formal or Informal)

Luke 11:3

δίδου ἡμῖν

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please give us” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

δίδου ἡμῖν

Jesus teaches his disciples to speak to God in the plural because he wants them to pray together in community about the matters he describes. Since the word us would refer to the people praying, but not to God, it would be exclusive, if your language marks that form. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον

Jesus refers figuratively to bread, one common food, to mean food in general. Alternate translation: “the food we need that day” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 11:4

ἄφες ἡμῖν…μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς

These are imperatives, but they should be translated as polite requests rather than as commands. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” in each case to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please forgive us … please do not lead us” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

παντὶ ὀφείλοντι ἡμῖν

Jesus uses the image of being in debt figuratively to describe having sinned against a person. Alternate translation: “everyone who has sinned against us” (See: Metaphor)

μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν

You could state this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “please lead us away from temptation”

Luke 11:5

τίς ἐξ ὑμῶν ἕξει φίλον, καὶ πορεύσεται πρὸς αὐτὸν μεσονυκτίου

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to teach his disciples. Alternate translation: “Suppose one of you went to the house of a friend in the middle of the night” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

καὶ εἴπῃ αὐτῷ, φίλε, χρῆσόν μοι τρεῖς ἄρτους

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and asked his friend to let him borrow three loaves of bread” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

χρῆσόν μοι τρεῖς ἄρτους

Alternate translation: “let me borrow three loaves of bread” or “give me three loaves of bread, and I will pay you back later”

Luke 11:6

ἐπειδὴ φίλος μου παρεγένετο ἐξ ὁδοῦ πρός με, καὶ οὐκ ἔχω ὃ παραθήσω αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation (continuing the sentence from the previous verse): “explaining that another friend has just arrived on a journey and that he does not have enough food to feed him” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἐπειδὴ

The speaker uses this word to introduce the reason why he is making this request at this time. If you translate this as a direct quotation, it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you why I am asking” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

παρεγένετο ἐξ ὁδοῦ πρός με

The speaker uses the term road figuratively to describe being on a journey. Alternate translation: “another friend of mine is on a journey and has just arrived at my house” (See: Metonymy)

ὃ παραθήσω αὐτῷ

It is unlikely that the speaker has no food at all in his house that he could serve his friend. Rather, this is an exaggeration for emphasis. Alternate translation: “enough food to feed him” (See: Hyperbole)

ὃ παραθήσω αὐτῷ

This could mean: (1) as UST implies, while his family has the ingredients to make a meal, they do not want to make a weary traveler wait the time it would take for them to bake bread and prepare other food. Alternate translation: “any food prepared to feed him” (2) the speaker wants to extend hospitality by sharing a meal with his guest, and so he needs enough food for a family meal. Alternate translation: “enough food to share a meal with him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:7

ἀποκριθεὶς εἴπῃ

The word answering indicates that what this friend may say would be a response. Alternate translation: “he may reply” (See: Hendiadys)

εἴπῃ, μή μοι κόπους πάρεχε; ἤδη ἡ θύρα κέκλεισται, καὶ τὰ παιδία μου μετ’ ἐμοῦ εἰς τὴν κοίτην εἰσίν; οὐ δύναμαι ἀναστὰς δοῦναί σοι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he may tell you not to bother him, because he has already locked the door for the night and his children are in bed with him, so he cannot get up and give you anything” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἤδη ἡ θύρα κέκλεισται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “We have already closed and locked the door” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐ δύναμαι ἀναστὰς

The friend inside is not literally incapable of getting up. Rather, this is an exaggeration for emphasis. Alternate translation: “It would be very difficult for me to get up” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 11:8

λέγω ὑμῖν

Even though Jesus began this hypothetical situation by asking “which of you,” that is, “which one of you,” here he is addressing all of the disciples together, not the hypothetical single disciple who might go to a friend’s house at midnight. So here, the word you is plural. (See: Forms of You)

διά γε τὴν ἀναίδειαν αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun persistence, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “continue.” Alternate translation: “because you continue to ask him urgently” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐγερθεὶς

Alternate translation: “getting out of bed”

Luke 11:9

ὑμῖν λέγω…ὑμῖν…εὑρήσετε…ὑμῖν

In the first instance in this verse, you is plural because Jesus is speaking to the disciples. In the next three instances, even though Jesus is describing what could be an individual situation of a person praying to God, you is also plural because Jesus is still speaking to the disciples as a group. (See: Forms of You)

αἰτεῖτε…ζητεῖτε

It might be customary in your language to say what a person would be asking for and seeking, and from whom. Alternate translation: “keep asking God for what you need … keep seeking what you need from God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

δοθήσεται ὑμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will give it to you” or “you will receive it” (See: Active or Passive)

κρούετε

To knock at a door means to hit it a few times to let a person inside the house know you are standing outside. You could translate this expression with the way people in your culture show that they have arrived at a house, such as “call out” or “cough” or “clap.” (See: Translate Unknowns)

κρούετε

Jesus is using the expression knock figuratively to mean getting someone’s attention. Alternate translation: “seek God’s attention in prayer” or “let God know you are depending on him” (See: Metaphor)

ἀνοιγήσεται ὑμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will open the door for you” or “God will welcome you inside” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀνοιγήσεται ὑμῖν

This phrase continues the metaphor of prayer as knocking on a door. Alternate translation: “God will give you what you need” or “God will enable you to do what you are praying about” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 11:10

τῷ κρούοντι

See how you translated the word “knock” in 11:9. Alternate translation: “to the one who calls out” or “to the one who coughs” or “to the one who claps” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἀνοιγήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will open the door” or “God will welcome you inside” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀνοιγήσεται

This phrase continues the metaphor of prayer as knocking on a door. Alternate translation: “God will give you what you need” or “God will enable you to do what you are praying about” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 11:11

τίνα δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν τὸν πατέρα αἰτήσει ὁ υἱὸς ἰχθύν, καὶ ἀντὶ ἰχθύος, ὄφιν αὐτῷ ἐπιδώσει?

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to use this reading or a longer one that is found in some ancient manuscripts. (See: Textual Variants)

τίνα δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν τὸν πατέρα αἰτήσει ὁ υἱὸς ἰχθύν, καὶ ἀντὶ ἰχθύος, ὄφιν αὐτῷ ἐπιδώσει

Alternate translation: “Which of you fathers, if his son asked for a fish, would give him a snake instead of a fish”

τίνα δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν τὸν πατέρα αἰτήσει ὁ υἱὸς ἰχθύν, καὶ ἀντὶ ἰχθύος, ὄφιν αὐτῷ ἐπιδώσει?

Jesus is using the question form to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “None of you fathers would give your son a snake if he asked for a fish!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίνα δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν τὸν πατέρα αἰτήσει ὁ υἱὸς ἰχθύν, καὶ ἀντὶ ἰχθύος, ὄφιν αὐτῷ ἐπιδώσει?

Jesus is also using a hypothetical situation to teach, and you could translate his words that way. Alternate translation: “Suppose one of you had a son who asked for a fish to eat. None of you fathers would give him a snake instead.” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ὄφιν

In this culture, people did not eat snakes. So Jesus is saying that a father would not give a son something the son could not eat if the son asked for something that he could eat. If people do eat snakes in your culture, you could use the name of something that they do not eat, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “something he cannot eat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:12

ἢ καὶ αἰτήσει ᾠόν, ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ σκορπίον

Jesus is speaking in an abbreviated way. Alternate translation: “Or if a son asked for an egg, would his father give him a scorpion” (See: Ellipsis)

ἢ καὶ αἰτήσει ᾠόν, ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ σκορπίον?

Jesus is using the question form to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “And no father would give his son a scorpion if he asked for an egg!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ καὶ αἰτήσει ᾠόν, ἐπιδώσει αὐτῷ σκορπίον?

Jesus is also using a hypothetical situation to teach. You could translate his words that way. Alternate translation: “Or suppose a son asked for an egg to eat. His father would not give him a scorpion instead.” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

σκορπίον

A scorpion is a small animal related to the spider. It has two claws and a poisonous stinger in its tail. If your readers would not be familiar with scorpions, you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a poisonous stinging animal” (See: Translate Unknowns)

σκορπίον

In this culture, people did not eat scorpions. So Jesus is saying that a father would not give a son something the son could not eat if the son asked for something that he could eat. If people do eat scorpions in your culture, you could use the name of something that they do not eat, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “something he cannot eat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:13

εἰ…ὑμεῖς πονηροὶ ὑπάρχοντες, οἴδατε

Jesus is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Jesus is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since you who are evil know” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὁ Πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, δώσει Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον τοῖς αἰτοῦσιν αὐτόν?

Jesus is using the question form to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “your Heavenly Father will even more certainly give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 11:14

καὶ

Luke uses this word to begin relating a new event by introducing background information that will help readers understand what happens. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἦν ἐκβάλλων δαιμόνιον κωφόν

The demon itself was not unable to speak. Rather, it was preventing the man whom it was controlling from speaking. Alternate translation: “Jesus was driving out a demon that was causing a man to be unable to speak” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to mark where the action begins that this episode centers around. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

τοῦ δαιμονίου ἐξελθόντος

Luke is relating this episode briefly, and he does not say from whom the demon had gone out. Your language may require you to say that. Alternate translation: “when the demon had gone out of the man” or “once the demon had left the man” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός

Alternate translation: “the man who had been unable to speak then spoke”

Luke 11:15

ἐν Βεελζεβοὺλ

These people are using the name of this chief demon figuratively to refer by association to his power, which they are accusing Jesus of using. Alternate translation: “By the power of Beelzebul” (See: Metonymy)

Βεελζεβοὺλ

Beelzebul is the name of the supposed ruler of the demons. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 11:16

ἕτεροι δὲ πειράζοντες

The pronoun him refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Other people challenged Jesus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

σημεῖον ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἐζήτουν παρ’ αὐτοῦ

Luke uses the term heaven to refer to God figuratively by association, since heaven is the abode of God. Alternate translation: “demanding that he ask God to do a miracle” (See: Metonymy)

σημεῖον ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἐζήτουν παρ’ αὐτοῦ

The implication is that the people who were challenging Jesus wanted him to ask God for a miracle to prove that his authority came from God. Alternate translation: “by demanding that he ask God to do a miracle to show that God had given him his authority” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:17

πᾶσα βασιλεία ἐφ’ ἑαυτὴν διαμερισθεῖσα ἐρημοῦται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use active verbs to express the ideas behind the two passive verb forms divided and is made desolate. Alternate translation: “If the people of a kingdom fight among themselves, they will destroy their own kingdom” (See: Active or Passive)

βασιλεία

Jesus uses the term kingdom to refer figuratively to the people who live in it. Alternate translation: “the people of a kingdom” (See: Metonymy)

οἶκος ἐπὶ οἶκον πίπτει

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. The sense of divided can be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “any house that is divided against itself will collapse” (See: Ellipsis)

οἶκος ἐπὶ οἶκον πίπτει

The term house refers figuratively to the people of a family who live in the same house. Alternate translation: “if family members fight against each other, they will ruin their family” (See: Metonymy)

πίπτει

This image of a house collapsing figuratively depicts the destruction of a family when the members fight against each other. Alternate translation: “they will ruin their family” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 11:18

εἰ δὲ καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐφ’ ἑαυτὸν διεμερίσθη, πῶς σταθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ?

Jesus is using the question form as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “But if Satan is divided against himself, then his kingdom cannot last.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

εἰ δὲ καὶ ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐφ’ ἑαυτὸν διεμερίσθη, πῶς σταθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ?

Jesus is also using a conditional statement to teach. Specifically, he is suggesting a condition that is not true in order to show by the results of the condition that it is certainly not true. Alternate translation: “Suppose Satan and all the other members of his kingdom are fighting among themselves. In that case, his kingdom cannot last.” (See: Connect — Contrary to Fact Conditions)

εἰ…ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐφ’ ἑαυτὸν διεμερίσθη

Here Jesus uses the person of Satan to refer figuratively to all of the demons who follow Satan, as well as to Satan himself. Alternate translation: “if Satan and all of his demons are … fighting among themselves” (See: Synecdoche)

εἰ…ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐφ’ ἑαυτὸν διεμερίσθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “if Satan and all of his demons are … fighting among themselves” (See: Active or Passive)

πῶς σταθήσεται ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ?

Jesus asks figuratively how a kingdom could stand as if it were a building or a person. Alternate translation: “how can his kingdom last?” or “then his kingdom cannot last.” (See: Metaphor)

ὅτι λέγετε, ἐν Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐκβάλλειν με τὰ δαιμόνια

The implication is that if Jesus is doing this, then Satan’s kingdom is divided against itself. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. It may also be helpful to say who people considered Beelzebul to be. Alternate translation: “You are saying that I make demons leave people by using the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons. That would mean that Satan is divided against himself” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Βεελζεβοὺλ

See how you translated the name Beelzebul in 11:15. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 11:19

εἰ δὲ ἐγὼ ἐν Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐκβάλλω τὰ δαιμόνια, οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν ἐν τίνι ἐκβάλλουσιν?

Jesus is using the question form as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “If I am making demons leave people by using the power of Beelzebul, then your followers must be using that same power.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

εἰ δὲ ἐγὼ ἐν Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐκβάλλω τὰ δαιμόνια, οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν ἐν τίνι ἐκβάλλουσιν?

Jesus is also using a conditional statement to teach. Specifically, he is suggesting a condition that is not true in order to show by the results of the condition that it is certainly not true. Alternate translation: “Suppose I am making demons leave people by using the power of Beelzebul. In that case, your followers must be using that same power themselves.” (See: Connect — Contrary to Fact Conditions)

εἰ δὲ ἐγὼ ἐν Βεελζεβοὺλ ἐκβάλλω τὰ δαιμόνια, οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν ἐν τίνι ἐκβάλλουσιν?

The implication is that the people challenging Jesus would not say that their own followers were using the power of Beelzebul, and so they should agree that he is not using that power himself. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “If I am making demons leave people by using the power of Beelzebul, then your followers must be using that same power. But you do not believe that is true about them. So it must not be true about me, either” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Βεελζεβοὺλ

See how you translated the name Beelzebul in 11:15. (See: How to Translate Names)

οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν

Here, Jesus uses the word sons figuratively to mean “followers.” Alternate translation: “your followers” (See: Metaphor)

αὐτοὶ ὑμῶν κριταὶ ἔσονται

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the implications of this statement more explicitly. Alternate translation: “your own followers will say that you are wrong for claiming that I make demons leave people by using the power of Beelzebul, because they know that they are not using that power themselves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:20

εἰ…ἐν δακτύλῳ Θεοῦ, ἐγὼ ἐκβάλλω τὰ δαιμόνια, ἄρα ἔφθασεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus speaks as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Jesus is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “So I must be making demons leave people by the power of God. This shows that the kingdom of God has come to you” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

ἐν δακτύλῳ Θεοῦ

This phrase refers figuratively to God’s power. Alternate translation: “by the power of God” (See: Metonymy)

ἔφθασεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” This could mean: (1) the kingdom of God has arrived in this place, that is, its activities are happening here. Alternate translation: “God is ruling in this area” (2) the kingdom of God has arrived in time, that is, it already beginning. Alternate translation: “God is beginning to rule as king” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 11:21

ὅταν ὁ ἰσχυρὸς καθωπλισμένος

To help the people in the crowd understand what he has been teaching, Jesus tells a brief story that provides an illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus told the crowd this story to help them understand. ‘When a strong man who has all his weapons’” (See: Parables)

ὁ ἰσχυρὸς καθωπλισμένος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “a strong man who has all his weapons” (See: Active or Passive)

φυλάσσῃ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ αὐλήν

Jesus speaks of one part of a house, its courtyard or entrance area, to refer figuratively to the entire house. Alternate translation: “is guarding his own house” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐν εἰρήνῃ ἐστὶν τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ

This expression means that no one will disturb the man’s possessions, that is, they are safe from being stolen. Alternate translation: “no one can steal his possessions” (See: Idiom)

Luke 11:22

ἰσχυρότερος αὐτοῦ

Jesus is using the adjective stronger as a noun in order to indicate a type of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “someone who is stronger than he is” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τὰ σκῦλα αὐτοῦ διαδίδωσιν

Jesus speaks figuratively of the first man’s possessions as if they were the spoils of war. He also says figuratively that the stronger man will divide these possessions, as if he were a soldier who needed to share them with other soldiers. Alternate translation: “take away his possessions” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ σκῦλα αὐτοῦ διαδίδωσιν

The implication of this parable is that Jesus must be stronger than Satan, because he has been overpowering him and rescuing the people whom Satan formerly controlled. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “take away his possessions. So I must be stronger than Satan and overpowering Satan, because I am taking away from him the people he formerly controlled” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:23

ὁ μὴ ὢν μετ’ ἐμοῦ, κατ’ ἐμοῦ ἐστιν; καὶ ὁ μὴ συνάγων μετ’ ἐμοῦ, σκορπίζει

Jesus is not referring to a specific individual. Rather, he is making a general statement that applies to any person or group of people. Alternate translation: “Anyone who is not with me is against me, and anyone who does not gather with me scatters” or “Those who are not with me are against me, and those who do not gather with me scatter”

ὁ μὴ ὢν μετ’ ἐμοῦ

Alternate translation: “Anyone who is not working with me”

κατ’ ἐμοῦ ἐστιν

Alternate translation: “is working against me”

ὁ μὴ συνάγων μετ’ ἐμοῦ, σκορπίζει

Jesus is referring implicitly to the work of gathering disciples to follow him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “anyone who is not working to help people come and follow me is keeping them away from me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:24

ὅταν τὸ ἀκάθαρτον πνεῦμα ἐξέλθῃ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, διέρχεται δι’ ἀνύδρων τόπων ζητοῦν ἀνάπαυσιν

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to teach. Alternate translation: “Suppose a demon goes out of a person. And suppose it then wanders through the desert looking for another place to live” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

τὸ ἀκάθαρτον πνεῦμα

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “a demon” (See: Idiom)

τοῦ ἀνθρώπου

Here Jesus is using the term man in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “a person” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἀνύδρων τόπων

Jesus is describing the desert figuratively by reference to the lack of water there. Alternate translation: “the desert” (See: Metonymy)

ζητοῦν ἀνάπαυσιν

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “looking for another place to live” (See: Idiom)

καὶ μὴ εὑρίσκον, λέγει, ὑποστρέψω εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου, ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον

Jesus continues to use a hypothetical situation to teach. If you show that directly in your translation, it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “And suppose the demon does not find another place to live. Then it would say, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

λέγει, ὑποστρέψω εἰς τὸν οἶκόν μου, ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον

Luke is quoting Jesus, and Jesus is quoting the unclean spirit. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “it says that it will return to the house from which it came” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τὸν οἶκόν μου, ὅθεν ἐξῆλθον

The demon is referring figuratively to the person it formerly controlled as its house. Alternate translation: “the person I used to control” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 11:25

εὑρίσκει σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “it finds that someone has swept the house and put it in order” (See: Active or Passive)

εὑρίσκει σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον

Jesus speaks about the person whom the demon left by continuing the metaphor of a house. You could express this metaphor as a simile if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the demon finds that the person it left is like a house that someone has swept clean and organized by putting everything where it belongs” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

εὑρίσκει σεσαρωμένον καὶ κεκοσμημένον

The implication is that the house is still empty. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the demon finds that the person it left is like a house that someone has swept clean and organized by putting everything where it belongs, but which is still empty” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:26

γίνεται τὰ ἔσχατα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου, χείρονα τῶν πρώτων

Here the adjectives last and first function as nouns. They are plural, and ULT supplies the noun things in each case to show that. If your language does not use adjectives in this way, you could supply a more specific singular noun. Alternate translation: “the final condition of that person is worse than his original condition” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου

Here Jesus is using the term man in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “that person” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 11:27

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐπάρασά…φωνὴν…εἶπεν

The idiom lifting up her voice means that the woman spoke loudly. Alternate translation: “said in a loud voice” (See: Idiom)

ἐπάρασά…φωνὴν…εἶπεν

Lifting up her voice tells how the woman said what she did. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these two terms. Alternate translation: “shouted out” (See: Hendiadys)

μακαρία ἡ κοιλία ἡ βαστάσασά σε, καὶ μαστοὶ οὓς ἐθήλασας

The woman who is shouting out to Jesus is using some of a woman’s body to refer to the whole woman. Alternate translation: “How good it is for the woman who gave birth to you and nursed you” or “How happy the woman must be who gave birth to you and nursed you” (See: Synecdoche)

μακαρία ἡ κοιλία ἡ βαστάσασά σε, καὶ μαστοὶ οὓς ἐθήλασας

While this woman is speaking about the mother of Jesus, she is actually pronouncing a blessing on him. Alternate translation: “I bless you, because this world is a better place because your mother brought you into it”

Luke 11:28

μενοῦν, μακάριοι

Jesus is not saying that his mother is not blessed. He is saying that the people he is about to describe are even more blessed. Alternate translation: “It is even better for”

οἱ ἀκούοντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ φυλάσσοντες

Alternate translation: “those who listen carefully to the message God has spoken and obey it”

τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus uses the term word figuratively to describe the message that has come from God in the form of words. Alternate translation: “the message God has spoken” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 11:29

τῶν δὲ ὄχλων ἐπαθροιζομένων

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state what these crowds were. Alternate translation: “as the crowds around Jesus were growing larger” or “as more people kept joining the crowds around Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη γενεὰ πονηρά ἐστιν; σημεῖον ζητεῖ

Jesus uses the term generation figuratively to mean the people who were born in the current generation. Alternate translation: “The people living at this time are evil people. They seek” (See: Metonymy)

σημεῖον ζητεῖ

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the purpose of the sign that the people were seeking. Alternate translation: “They want me to perform a miracle to prove that I have come from God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

σημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ, εἰ μὴ τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “God will only give it the sign of Jonah” (See: Connect — Exception Clauses)

σημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “God will not give it a sign” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ

Alternate translation: “a miracle like the one that God did for Jonah”

Luke 11:30

καθὼς…ἐγένετο Ἰωνᾶς τοῖς Νινευείταις σημεῖον, οὕτως ἔσται καὶ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly in what way Jesus will be a sign to this generation the way Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites. Alternate translation: “God did a miracle to show the people who lived long ago in the city of Nineveh that Jonah was his prophet. He brought Jonah out alive after he had been inside the great fish for three days. In the same way, God will do a miracle to show the people living at this time that I have come from him. He will bring me out alive after I have been in the grave for three days” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῖς Νινευείταις

Ninevites describes the people who lived in the ancient city of Nineveh. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated this title in 5:24. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ

Jesus uses the term generation figuratively to mean the people who were born in the current generation. Alternate translation: “to the people living at this time” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 11:31

βασίλισσα νότου

This means the Queen of Sheba. Sheba was a kingdom south of Israel. Alternate translation: “The Queen of Sheba” (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐγερθήσεται…μετὰ τῶν ἀνδρῶν τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

In this culture, a person would stand up to give testimony in a legal proceeding. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain that this will be the reason for her action. Alternate translation: “will stand up … to give testimony before God against the people who lived at this time” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἐν τῇ κρίσει

Alternate translation: “at the time when God judges people”

τῶν ἀνδρῶν τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

Here Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “the people who lived at this time” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἦλθεν ἐκ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς

This is an idiom that means she came from very far away. Alternate translation: “she traveled a great distance” or “she came from a faraway place” (See: Idiom)

τὴν σοφίαν Σολομῶνος

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun wisdom, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “the wise things that Solomon said” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses the term behold to get the crowd to focus its attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “now listen carefully” (See: Metaphor)

πλεῖον Σολομῶνος ὧδε

Jesus is using the adjective greater as a noun in order to indicate a kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate the word with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “someone who is greater than Solomon is here” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

πλεῖον Σολομῶνος ὧδε

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “I, who am greater than Solomon, am here” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

πλεῖον Σολομῶνος ὧδε

It may be helpful to state explicitly that these people have not listened to Jesus. Alternate translation: “even though I, who am greater than Solomon, am here, the people of this time have not listened to me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:32

ἄνδρες Νινευεῖται

It may be helpful to state explicitly that Nineveh refers to the ancient city of Nineveh. Alternate translation: “The people who lived in the ancient city of Nineveh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄνδρες

Here, men is generic and includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “The people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἀναστήσονται…μετὰ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

Here, rise up means to stand up. In this culture, people would stand up to give testimony in a legal proceeding. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain that this will be the reason for their action. Alternate translation: “will stand up … to give testimony before God against the people who lived at this time” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἐν τῇ κρίσει

Alternate translation: “at the time when God judges people”

τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

Alternate translation: “the people who lived at this time”

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses the term behold to get the crowd to focus its attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “indeed” (See: Metaphor)

πλεῖον Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε

Jesus is using the adjective greater as a noun in order to indicate a kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate the word with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “someone who is greater than Jonah is here” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

πλεῖον Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “I, who am greater than Jonah, am here” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

πλεῖον Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε

It may be helpful to state explicitly that these people have not repented after hearing the message of Jesus. Alternate translation: “even though I, who am greater than Jonah, am here, you still have not repented after hearing my message” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:33

οὐδεὶς λύχνον ἅψας

To help the people in the crowd understand what he has been teaching, Jesus offers a brief illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus gave the crowd this illustration to help them understand. ‘No one who lights a lamp’” (See: Parables)

κρύπτην

This expression means a place in a house that would not ordinarily be seen. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use the name of any part of a dwelling in your culture that would not ordinarily be seen. Alternate translation: “a closet” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὸν μόδιον

The term the measure refers to a container for dry material that had a capacity of about eight liters or about two gallons. You can represent the term in your translation with the name of a corresponding container in your culture. Alternate translation: “a basket” or “a bowl” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ τὴν λυχνίαν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could supply the understood subject and verb in this clause. It may also be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Instead, a person places a lighted lamp on a lampstand” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 11:34

ὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου

The eye is a lamp in a figurative sense. It is not a source of light, but a channel of light. Alternate translation: “Your eye lets light into your body” (See: Metaphor)

σου

Even though Jesus is speaking to the crowd, he is addressing an individual situation, so your and you are singular in 11:34-36. But if the singular form of these pronouns would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

ὅταν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ἁπλοῦς ᾖ, καὶ ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου φωτεινόν ἐστιν

Jesus is drawing an extended comparison between physical vision and spiritual receptivity. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the comparison. Alternate translation: “When your eye is healthy, it lets light into your whole body. In the same way, if you are willing to obey God, you will understand and live by his message for every part of your life” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

ἐπὰν δὲ πονηρὸς ᾖ, καὶ τὸ σῶμά σου σκοτεινόν

Jesus continues to draw an extended comparison between physical vision and spiritual receptivity. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the comparison. Alternate translation: “But when your eye is unhealthy, it does not let light into any of your body. In the same way, if you are not willing to obey God, you will not understand and live by his message for any part of your life” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

ἐπὰν δὲ πονηρὸς ᾖ

In this context, Jesus is using the term evil to contrast with healthy, so it means “unhealthy.” Alternate translation: “But when your eye is unhealthy”

Luke 11:35

σκόπει…μὴ τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος ἐστίν

Jesus continues to draw an extended comparison between physical vision and spiritual receptivity. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the comparison. Alternate translation: “It would be dangerous for you to think that you could see clearly if you actually could not. In the same way, be careful not to think that you understand and live by God’s message if you really do not” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

Luke 11:36

ἔσται φωτεινὸν ὅλον, ὡς ὅταν ὁ λύχνος τῇ ἀστραπῇ φωτίζῃ σε

Jesus now uses a simile to connect the illustration of the lamp with the extended metaphor of the eye. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the meaning of the simile. Alternate translation: “light will come into your whole body. In the same way, if you are willing to obey God, you will be able to understand his message and live by it completely, just as a lamp shines a bright light that allows you to see yourself and everything around you clearly” (See: Simile)

Luke 11:37

ἐν δὲ τῷ λαλῆσαι

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Alternate translation: “and when Jesus had finished saying these things” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐρωτᾷ αὐτὸν Φαρισαῖος

To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “a Pharisee asked him”

Φαρισαῖος

This introduces a new character into the story. Alternate translation: “a Pharisee who was there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἀνέπεσεν

It was the custom in this culture at a relaxed meal such as this one for host and guests to eat while lying down comfortably around the table. You could translate this by using the expression in your language for the customary posture at a meal. Alternate translation: “sat down at the table” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 11:38

οὐ πρῶτον ἐβαπτίσθη

The Pharisees had a rule that people had to wash their hands before eating in order to be ceremonially clean before God. Alternate translation: “wash his hands in order to be ceremonially clean” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:39

ὁ Κύριος

Here Luke refers to Jesus by the respectful title the Lord. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

ὑμεῖς οἱ Φαρισαῖοι τὸ ἔξωθεν τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τοῦ πίνακος καθαρίζετε, τὸ δὲ ἔσωθεν ὑμῶν γέμει ἁρπαγῆς καὶ πονηρίας

It becomes clear from the second part of this sentence that Jesus is using the cup and the bowl figuratively in the first part to represent the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “You Pharisees are careful to maintain good appearances on the outside, but your true character is that you are greedy and wicked people” (See: Metaphor)

ὑμεῖς…τὸ ἔξωθεν τοῦ ποτηρίου καὶ τοῦ πίνακος καθαρίζετε

Washing of the outside of containers was a part of the ritual practices of the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “as part of your rituals, you … always clean the things that you are going to eat and drink from” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ δὲ ἔσωθεν ὑμῶν γέμει ἁρπαγῆς καὶ πονηρίας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns greed and evil with adjectives, as UST does. Alternate translation: “but your true character is that you are greedy and wicked people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 11:40

ἄφρονες

Jesus is using an adjective as a noun. ULT adds the term ones to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate the term with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “You foolish people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

οὐχ ὁ ποιήσας τὸ ἔξωθεν, καὶ τὸ ἔσωθεν ἐποίησεν?

Jesus is using the question form to challenge and correct the Pharisees. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “The one who made the outside also made the inside!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 11:41

τὰ ἐνόντα δότε ἐλεημοσύνην

Jesus assumes that the Pharisees will know that he is now referring literally to the cups and bowls because he wants to speak about what they contain. So in this saying, they no longer represent the Pharisees figuratively. Alternate translation: “give to the poor what is in your cups and bowls” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὰ ἐνόντα δότε ἐλεημοσύνην

Jesus is referring to food by association with the cups and bowls that the food is inside. Alternate translation: “share your food with the poor” (See: Metonymy)

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses the term behold to get the Pharisees to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “indeed” (See: Metaphor)

πάντα καθαρὰ ὑμῖν ἐστιν

The implication is that if the Pharisees devote themselves to what is most important, helping people in need, then they will recognize that ceremonial cleansing is less important and less worthy of their attention. Alternate translation: “you will not have to be so concerned about ritually washing cups and bowls” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:42

ἀποδεκατοῦτε τὸ ἡδύοσμον, καὶ τὸ πήγανον, καὶ πᾶν λάχανον

The implication is that the Pharisees are counting the leaves on their garden herbs and giving a tenth of those to God, and that by doing that, they are going to almost absurd extremes in pursuing that devotional practice. Alternate translation: “you are so extreme that you give every tenth leaf from your mint and rue and other garden plants to God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ ἡδύοσμον, καὶ τὸ πήγανον

These are the names of herbs. People put just a little bit of their leaves into their food to give it flavor. If your readers would not know what mint and rue are, you could use the name of herbs that they would know. (See: Translate Unknowns)

πᾶν λάχανον

This does not mean every herb that exists, but every herb that the Pharisees were growing in their gardens. Alternate translation: “every other herb in your gardens” (See: Hyperbole)

τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ

Alternate translation: “to make sure that people are treated fairly and compassionately, as God would want”

ταῦτα…κἀκεῖνα

By these things, Jesus means the justice and the love of God. By those things, he means devotional practices such as tithing. Your language may have its own way of expressing distinctions like this. Alternate translation: “the latter, and … the former”

κἀκεῖνα μὴ παρεῖναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this double negative, which consists of a negative particle and a negative verb, as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “while making sure to express your devotion to God as well” (See: Double Negatives)

Luke 11:43

τὴν πρωτοκαθεδρίαν

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the best seats” (See: Idiom)

τοὺς ἀσπασμοὺς

The implication is that people would greet the Pharisees in public by addressing them with honorary titles. Alternate translation: “for people to greet you with special titles” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:44

ἐστὲ ὡς τὰ μνημεῖα τὰ ἄδηλα, καὶ οἱ ἄνθρωποι οἱ περιπατοῦντες ἐπάνω οὐκ οἴδασιν

Jesus is saying that the Pharisees are like unmarked graves because they appear to be ceremonially clean, and so people do not realize that they should avoid them and their teaching. Alternate translation: “you are like burial places that people should not go near, but people do not realize that because the places are unmarked” (See: Simile)

ἐστὲ ὡς τὰ μνημεῖα τὰ ἄδηλα

The implication is that these graves are unseen, that is, people do not know that they are there, because they do not have markers such as the stones or plaques that are customarily used to identify graves and to memorialize the people who are buried in them. Alternate translation: “you are like unmarked graves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μνημεῖα

The term graves refers to holes dug in the ground where dead bodies are buried. If your readers would not be familiar with graves, you can use a general term. Alternate translation: “burial places” (See: Translate Unknowns)

καὶ οἱ ἄνθρωποι οἱ περιπατοῦντες ἐπάνω

Here Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “that people walk over” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

οὐκ οἴδασιν

The implication is that if the Jews walked over a grave, they would become ceremonially unclean because they had come close to a dead body. Unmarked graves would cause them to do that accidentally. Alternate translation: “do not realize that and so become ceremonially unclean” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐκ οἴδασιν

Jesus is using the implied ceremonial uncleanness figuratively to represent not doing what pleases God. He has just said in 11:42 that this is really a matter of showing love and justice to others. Alternate translation: “without realizing it and so, because they follow your teaching, they do not do the things that God wants them to do most” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 11:45

ἀποκριθεὶς δέ τις τῶν νομικῶν λέγει αὐτῷ

To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then one of the experts in the Jewish law who was there said to him”

ἀποκριθεὶς…λέγει

Together the two verbs answering and says mean that this lawyer was responding to what Jesus had said about the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “responded” (See: Hendiadys)

τις τῶν νομικῶν

This phrase introduces a new character into the story. Alternate translation: “one of the experts in the Jewish law who was there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

τις τῶν νομικῶν

See how you translated this in 7:30. Alternate translation: “one of the experts in the Jewish law who was there” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Διδάσκαλε

Teacher is a respectful title. You could translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

ταῦτα λέγων, καὶ ἡμᾶς ὑβρίζεις

Alternate translation: “those are not very nice things to say, and they apply to us too”

Luke 11:46

καὶ ὑμῖν τοῖς νομικοῖς οὐαί

The implication is that Jesus did intend to condemn the actions of the experts in the law along with the actions of the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “God is just as displeased with you experts in the law” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῖς νομικοῖς

See how you translated this in 11:45. Alternate translation: “experts in the Jewish law” (See: Translate Unknowns)

φορτίζετε τοὺς ἀνθρώπους φορτία δυσβάστακτα

Jesus is figuratively describing the many rules that these experts give people as burdens that are too heavy to carry. Alternate translation: “you give people more rules than they can possibly follow” (See: Metaphor)

τοὺς ἀνθρώπους

Here Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

αὐτοὶ ἑνὶ τῶν δακτύλων ὑμῶν οὐ προσψαύετε τοῖς φορτίοις

Jesus uses the least possible thing someone could do to help someone else carry a burden, lifting part of it with a single finger, to emphasize how little these experts are actually doing to help people follow the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “you are not doing anything at all to help people truly obey the law” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 11:47

πατέρες

Jesus is using the term fathers in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “ancestors” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 11:48

μαρτυρεῖτε καὶ συνευδοκεῖτε τοῖς ἔργοις τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν

The implication is that the Pharisees and experts in the law are not really honoring the prophets whom their ancestors killed when they build elaborate tombs for them. Rather, their ancestors began the job by actually killing them, and now they are finishing the job by burying them. Alternate translation: “you show that you approve of and agree with what your ancestors did when you bury the prophets to finish the job of killing them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν

Jesus is using the term fathers in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “your ancestors” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ὑμεῖς…οἰκοδομεῖτε

The implication is that the Pharisees and law experts are building tombs for the prophets, as 11:47 says explicitly. Alternate translation: “you are building tombs for them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 11:49

διὰ τοῦτο

The expression Because of this refers to the way that the current generation was effectively continuing the actions of its ancestors, who had killed the prophets. Alternate translation: “Because you are just as hostile to the prophets as your ancestors were”

ἡ σοφία τοῦ Θεοῦ εἶπεν

Jesus speaks figuratively of God’s wisdom as if it were able to speak by itself. Alternate translation: “God in his wisdom said” or “God wisely said” (See: Personification)

ἀποστελῶ εἰς αὐτοὺς προφήτας καὶ ἀποστόλους, καὶ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἀποκτενοῦσιν καὶ διώξουσιν

Jesus is saying that God was not so foolish or naïve as to think that the Israelites would welcome the message of the prophets and apostles. God in his wisdom knew that they would oppose his messengers. But he sent them anyway, because their message was necessary and important. Alternate translation: “I am going to send prophets and apostles to them with my message, even though I know they will persecute and kill some of them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀποκτενοῦσιν καὶ διώξουσιν

Here, Jesus may be expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word persecute may be telling why and how the people would kill the prophets. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “persecute even to the point of killing” (See: Hendiadys)

Luke 11:50

ἵνα ἐκζητηθῇ τὸ αἷμα πάντων τῶν προφητῶν, τὸ ἐκχυννόμενον ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου, ἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

The implication seems to be that God will also send prophets to the people living at this time because the people’s violent persecution of the prophets will constitute a conscious, deliberate rejection of God’s message that will provide grounds for definitive judgment. That is because the people of this time should know better than to persecute the prophets, based on the prominent bad example of their own ancestors. Alternate translation: “so that the people living at this time, who should have known better, can be held accountable for the blood that people have shed of all the prophets since the beginning of the world” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἵνα ἐκζητηθῇ…ἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “so that God can hold the people living at this time accountable for” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ αἷμα…τὸ ἐκχυννόμενον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “the blood … that people have shed” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ αἷμα…τὸ ἐκχυννόμενον

Jesus uses the term the blood … that has been shed to refer to the deaths of the prophets figuratively by association with their blood. Alternate translation: “the deaths” (See: Metonymy)

ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου

Alternate translation: “since the beginning of the world” or “since God made the world”

τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

Jesus uses the term generation figuratively to mean the people who were born in the current generation. Alternate translation: “the people living at this time” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 11:51

αἵματος Ἂβελ…αἵματος Ζαχαρίου

Jesus uses the terms the blood of Abel … the blood of Zechariah to refer to the deaths of these men figuratively by association with the shedding of their blood. Alternate translation: “the death of Abel … the death of Zechariah” (See: Metonymy)

Ἂβελ

Abel is the name of a man. He was the son of Adam, the first man, and God commended him for doing what was right. His brother Cain murdered him. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ζαχαρίου

Zechariah is the name of a man. It is not the same man as father of John the Baptist, whose story Luke tells at the beginning of this book. Rather, Jesus means the priest whom King Joash ordered the officials of Judah to stone to death in the temple courtyard after he rebuked the people of Judah for worshipping idols. See 2 Chronicles 24:21. (See: How to Translate Names)

τοῦ οἴκου

Jesus figuratively calls the temple the house, meaning the “house of God,” since God’s presence was in the temple. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκζητηθήσεται ἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will hold the people living at this time accountable for all these deaths” (See: Active or Passive)

τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

Jesus uses the term generation figuratively to mean the people who were born in the current generation. Alternate translation: “the people living at this time” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 11:52

τοῖς νομικοῖς

See how you translated this in 11:45. Alternate translation: “experts in the Jewish law” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἤρατε τὴν κλεῖδα τῆς γνώσεως

Jesus speaks figuratively about the knowledge of God’s truth as if it were in a building whose door was locked, and about proper teaching as if it were a key that could unlock that door. Alternate translation: “you prevent people from knowing God’s truth” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν κλεῖδα

A key is a small metal device that opens a lock that is used to keep things like a door, a box, or a drawer closed. If your readers would not know what a key is, you could use the name of a comparable device in your culture. (See: Translate Unknowns)

αὐτοὶ οὐκ εἰσήλθατε, καὶ τοὺς εἰσερχομένους ἐκωλύσατε

Jesus continues the metaphor by saying figuratively that these experts in the law have not gone into the building where they could learn God’s truth, and they have not given others the key that would allow them to unlock the door and go inside to learn. Alternate translation: “you do not know God’s truth yourselves, and you are preventing others from knowing it as well” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 11:53

κἀκεῖθεν ἐξελθόντος αὐτοῦ

In this verse and the next verse, Luke comments on what happened as a result of the episode he has just related. Alternate translation: “After Jesus left the Pharisee’s house” (See: End of Story)

Luke 11:54

ἐνεδρεύοντες αὐτὸν θηρεῦσαί τι ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

Luke speaks figuratively of the scribes and Pharisees trying to find grounds to accuse Jesus as if they were hunters hiding behind cover in order to catch an animal. Luke then speaks figuratively of what Jesus was saying as if it were the animal that these hunters were trying to catch. Alternate translation: “listening carefully to Jesus to see if they could use something he said to accuse him of teaching the wrong things” (See: Metaphor)

τι ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

Luke figuratively describes what Jesus was saying by association with his mouth, by which he spoke these things. Alternate translation: “something he said” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 12

Luke 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus teaches about trusting and honoring God (12:1-12)
2. Jesus tells a parable about a man who trusted in money (12:13-21)
3. Jesus teaches not to trust in money (12:22-34)
4. Jesus teaches about being ready for his return (12:35-59)

Special concepts in this chapter

“Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit”

Jesus says in 12:10 that anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. This is a descriptive statement, not a prescriptive one. Jesus is not saying that if people happen to speak certain words, then God will refuse to forgive them, no matter how sorry they are afterwards. Rather, it is the Holy Spirit who brings conviction of sin and of the need to repent. “Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” means attributing the influence of the Holy Spirit to evil powers, as the Pharisees did when they said in 11:15 that Jesus drove out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons. By definition, then, if a person thinks that the influence of the Holy Spirit is an evil influence, they will not respond to it, and so they will not experience conviction of sin, repent, and be forgiven. That is why people who “blaspheme against the Holy Spirit” will not be forgiven. (See: blasphemy, blaspheme, blasphemous and Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit)

Servants

God expects his people to remember that everything in the world belongs to God. God gives his people things so they can serve him. He wants them to please him by doing what he wants them to do with everything he has given them. One day Jesus will ask his servants what they have done with everything he gave them to use. He will give a reward to those who have done what he wanted them to do, and he will punish those who have not. Jesus teaches about this in 12:34-40.

Division

Jesus knew that those who did not choose to follow him would hate those who did choose to follow him. He also knew that most people love their families more than they love anyone else. So he wanted his followers to understand that following and pleasing him had to be more important to them than having their family love them. Jesus teaches about this in 12:49-53.

Luke 12:1

ἐν οἷς

Luke uses these words to mark the beginning of a new event. This phrase seems to refer back to 11:54. Alternate translation: “While the scribes and Pharisees were still looking for a way to trap him” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐπισυναχθεισῶν τῶν μυριάδων τοῦ ὄχλου, ὥστε καταπατεῖν ἀλλήλους

Luke provides this background information to give the setting for the events he is about to describe. Alternate translation: “while tens of thousands of the common people were gathering” (See: Connect — Background Information)

μυριάδων

The word myriads is the plural of the Greek word “myriad,” which means ten thousand (10,000). You can express this number in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “tens of thousands” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τοῦ ὄχλου

In this context, the word crowd refers to ordinary people. Alternate translation: “of the common people”

ἐπισυναχθεισῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “were coming together” or “were crowding around” (See: Active or Passive)

ὥστε καταπατεῖν ἀλλήλους

This could be an exaggeration to emphasize how tightly packed together the crowd as. Alternate translation: “so that they were all tightly packed together” (See: Hyperbole)

ἤρξατο λέγειν πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ πρῶτον

This could mean: (1) Jesus addressed his disciples before speaking to the crowd. Alternate translation: “Jesus first started speaking to his disciples, and said to them” (2) this was the first thing Jesus said to his disciples when he began to speak to them. Alternate translation: “Jesus started speaking to his disciples, and the first thing he said was”

προσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς ἀπὸ τῆς ζύμης, τῶν Φαρισαίων, ἥτις ἐστὶν ὑπόκρισις

Jesus is describing the influence of the Pharisees figuratively by comparing its spread throughout the community to the way yeast spreads through a whole batch of dough or batter. You could represent this metaphor as a simile in your translation. Alternate translation: “Be careful that you do not become hypocrites like the Pharisees, whose behavior is influencing everyone around them, just as yeast spreads through a whole batch of dough” (See: Metaphor)

ζύμης

Yeast is a substance that causes fermentation and expansion within a batch of dough or batter. If your readers would not be familiar with yeast, you could use the name of a substance that they would be familiar with, or you could use a general term. Alternate translation: “leaven” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 12:2

δὲ

But connects the statement it introduces to the previous statement about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. In your translation, you can use the term that would show this connection in the way that is most natural in your language. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

οὐδὲν…συνκεκαλυμμένον ἐστὶν, ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται

These two phrases mean similar things. Jesus uses them together to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine them, especially if including both phrases might be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “people will learn about everything that others try to hide” (See: Parallelism)

οὐδὲν…συνκεκαλυμμένον ἐστὶν, ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “everything that is now concealed will be revealed” (See: Double Negatives)

οὐδὲν…συνκεκαλυμμένον ἐστὶν, ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use active verbal forms in place of the two passive forms here, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will reveal everything that people are now concealing” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and nothing is hidden that will not be known” (See: Ellipsis)

καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται

Supplying nothing from earlier in the sentence shows that this is a double negative. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “and everything that is now hidden will be known” (See: Double Negatives)

καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use active verbal forms in place of the two passive forms here, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “and God will let everyone know about everything that people are now hiding” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 12:3

ὅσα ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ εἴπατε

Jesus uses the image of darkness to represent the idea of concealment. Alternate translation: “whatever you have said secretly” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῷ φωτὶ ἀκουσθήσεται

Jesus uses the image of light to represent the idea of no concealment. Alternate translation: “people will hear openly” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῷ φωτὶ ἀκουσθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “people will hear openly” (See: Active or Passive)

πρὸς τὸ οὖς ἐλαλήσατε

Alternate translation: “whispered to another person” (See: Idiom)

ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις

Jesus uses the image of this location to represent the idea of privacy. Alternate translation: “privately” (See: Metaphor)

κηρυχθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “people will proclaim” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων

Houses in Israel had flat roofs that were reached by stairs or ladders, so people could easily go up and stand on top of them. If houses are different in your culture and you think your readers might wonder how people would get up onto housetops and stand there, you could translate this with a general expression. Alternate translation: “from a high place from which everyone will be able to hear” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 12:4

λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν, τοῖς φίλοις μου

Jesus readdresses his disciples to mark a shift in his speech to a new topic, about not being afraid. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you, friends”

τὸ σῶμα

Jesus speaks figuratively about a person by association with the body, which is mortal. Alternate translation: “a person” (See: Metonymy)

μὴ ἐχόντων περισσότερόν τι ποιῆσαι

Alternate translation: “cannot cause any more harm”

Luke 12:5

φοβήθητε τὸν…ἔχοντα ἐξουσίαν

The expression the one refers to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Fear God, who … has authority” or “Fear God, because he … has authority” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μετὰ τὸ ἀποκτεῖναι

Jesus is not suggesting that God actively kills each person. Alternate translation: “after a person dies”

Γέενναν

Gehenna is the Greek name for a place, the Valley of Hinnom just outside Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

Γέενναν

Jesus figuratively uses the name of this place, where refuse was thrown and fires burned continually, to mean hell. (See: Metaphor)

Luke 12:6

οὐχὶ πέντε στρουθία πωλοῦνται ἀσσαρίων δύο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who does the action. Alternate translation: “Do people not sell five sparrows for only two small copper coins” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐχὶ πέντε στρουθία πωλοῦνται ἀσσαρίων δύο?

Jesus is using this question to teach the disciples. He is not asking them to verify the market price for sparrows. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that five sparrows are sold for only two small copper coins.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

στρουθία

Sparrows are small, seed-eating birds. If your readers would not know what sparrows are, you could use a general expression instead. Alternate translation: “small birds” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἀσσαρίων δύο

The word assaria is the plural of “assarion.” An assarion was a small copper coin equivalent to about half an hour’s wage. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “two small copper coins” or “half an hour’s wages” (See: Biblical Money)

ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐκ ἔστιν ἐπιλελησμένον ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “God never forgets a single one of them” (See: Active or Passive)

ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐκ ἔστιν ἐπιλελησμένον ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this double negative, which consists of a negative particle and a negative verb, as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “God is always aware of every one of them” (See: Double Negatives)

ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐκ ἔστιν ἐπιλελησμένον ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

The expression before God means “in front of God,” that is, “where God can see.” Sight, in turn, figuratively represents attention. Alternate translation: “God is always aware of every one of them” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 12:7

καὶ αἱ τρίχες τῆς κεφαλῆς ὑμῶν πᾶσαι ἠρίθμηνται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “God has even counted all the hairs on your head” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ αἱ τρίχες τῆς κεφαλῆς ὑμῶν πᾶσαι ἠρίθμηνται

Jesus is figuratively using one small part of a person, the hairs on the head, to indicate the entire person. Alternate translation: “God is aware of everything about you, right down to the smallest detail” (See: Synecdoche)

τῆς κεφαλῆς ὑμῶν

Although head is singular because Jesus is describing an individual situation, your is plural because he is speaking to his disciples as a group. (See: Forms of You)

ἠρίθμηνται

This word can also mean “counted.” Jesus is not necessarily saying that God has assigned a number to each individual hair on a person’s head. Alternate translation: “counted”

μὴ φοβεῖσθε, πολλῶν στρουθίων διαφέρετε

The implication is that if God is aware of and concerned for sparrows, which are of less value, then God is certainly aware of and concerned for people, who are of greater value. And so followers of Jesus do not need to be afraid, since God is watching over them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “You are more valuable than many sparrows, so God is certainly even more aware of you and concerned for you, and so you do not need to be afraid” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 12:8

λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν

Jesus readdresses his disciples to mark a shift in his speech to a new topic, confession. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you”

πᾶς ὃς ἂν ὁμολογήσῃ ἐν ἐμοὶ ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly what someone would confess or acknowledge. Alternate translation: “whoever tells other people that he believes in me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων

Here, before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” other people. Alternate translation: “in the presence of other people” or “so other people can hear” (See: Metaphor)

τῶν ἀνθρώπων

Here Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “other people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

καὶ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ὁμολογήσει, ἐν αὐτῷ

Here Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, will also say that he belongs to me” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated this title in 5:24. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀγγέλων

Here, before means “in front of” or “in the presence of.” Alternate translation: “in the presence of the angels” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 12:9

ὁ δὲ ἀρνησάμενός με ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀνθρώπων

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly what someone who denies might say. Alternate translation: “whoever denies to others that he is my disciple” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀνθρώπων

Here, before means “in front of” or “in the presence of.” Alternate translation: “in the presence of other people” or “so other people can hear” (See: Metaphor)

τῶν ἀνθρώπων

Here, Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “other people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἀπαρνηθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will would do the action. Alternate translation: “the Son of Man will deny that he belongs to him” or (if you translated with the first person) “I will deny that he belongs to me” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀγγέλων

Here, before means “in front of” or “in the presence of.” Alternate translation: “in the presence of the angels” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 12:10

καὶ πᾶς ὃς ἐρεῖ λόγον εἰς τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus uses word figuratively to describe something someone might say by using words. Alternate translation: “And everyone who says something bad about the Son of Man” (See: Metonymy)

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Here Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “me, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated this title in 5:24. Alternate translation: “me, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will forgive” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will not extend forgiveness” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 12:11

ὅταν…εἰσφέρωσιν ὑμᾶς

The implication is that the opponents of Jesus would do this to his disciples. Alternate translation: “when my opponents bring you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπὶ τὰς συναγωγὰς

Jesus is referring figuratively to local Jewish tribunals by reference to the place where they met, in synagogues. Alternate translation: “to be tried by local Jewish tribunals” (See: Metonymy)

τὰς ἀρχὰς, καὶ τὰς ἐξουσίας

These two terms mean similar things. Jesus may be using them together for emphasis. He is referring to officials of the Roman Empire. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the terms into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the officials whom the Romans have appointed” (See: Doublet)

Luke 12:12

τὸ…Ἅγιον Πνεῦμα διδάξει ὑμᾶς…ἃ δεῖ εἰπεῖν

Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit will tell you … what to say” or “the Holy Spirit will give you … the words to say”

ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ

Jesus is using the term hour figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at that time” or “in that moment” (See: Idiom)

Luke 12:13

εἶπεν δέ τις ἐκ τοῦ ὄχλου αὐτῷ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. Alternate translation: “Then a man who was there in the crowd said to Jesus” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Διδάσκαλε

Teacher is a respectful title. You can translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

μερίσασθαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ τὴν κληρονομίαν

In this culture, inheritances came from the father, usually after the father had died. You may need to make explicit that the speaker’s father had probably died. Alternate translation: “to divide the family property with me now that our father is dead” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 12:14

ἄνθρωπε

Here Jesus is using the impersonal term man to put some social distance between himself and the questioner, by contrast with the way he called his disciples “friends” in 12:4. He is effectively rebuking the man for asking such a question. Your language might have a way of addressing people in a similar situation. Alternate translation: “Mister”

τίς με κατέστησεν κριτὴν ἢ μεριστὴν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς?

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the man. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one appointed me to be a judge or mediator over you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

κριτὴν ἢ μεριστὴν

These two terms mean similar things. Jesus may be using them together for emphasis as he rebukes this man. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate them with a single word that would carry the meaning of both terms. Alternate translation: “an arbitrator” (See: Doublet)

κριτὴν ἢ μεριστὴν

Jesus could also be using these two words to express a single idea. The term mediator may explain for what purpose a person was appointed as a judge, specifically, to settle disputes. Alternate translation: “a judge who settles disputes” (See: Hendiadys)

ὑμᾶς

The term you refers to the man and his brother. It would be in the dual form if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

Luke 12:15

εἶπεν…πρὸς αὐτούς

The implication is that Jesus said what follows to the whole crowd, which included the man who asked about the inheritance. Alternate translation: “Jesus said to the crowd” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁρᾶτε

Jesus figuratively uses a word for seeing to indicate a need for caution. Alternate translation: “Watch out” or “Be careful” (See: Metaphor)

πάσης πλεονεξίας

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun covetousness, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the urge to have more things” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῷ περισσεύειν τινὶ…ἐκ τῶν ὑπαρχόντων αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “the number of things he has”

Luke 12:16

εἶπεν δὲ παραβολὴν πρὸς αὐτοὺς

Jesus now gives a brief illustration to teach something that is true in a way that is easy to understand and remember. Alternate translation: “Then he told them this story to help them understand this teaching” (See: Parables)

αὐτοὺς

The pronoun them refers to the whole crowd, to which Jesus is continuing to speak. Alternate translation: “the whole crowd” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

εὐφόρησεν

Alternate translation: “produced a very good harvest”

Luke 12:17

διελογίζετο ἐν ἑαυτῷ λέγων, τί ποιήσω, ὅτι οὐκ ἔχω ποῦ συνάξω τοὺς καρπούς μου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he asked himself what he should do, since he did not have anywhere to store his crops” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ποῦ

This is a generalization for emphasis. As the man says in the next verse, he already does have some barns. He means that those barns do not have the capacity to store this new large harvest. Alternate translation: “anywhere large enough” or “enough room in my barns” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 12:18

εἶπεν, τοῦτο ποιήσω: καθελῶ μου τὰς ἀποθήκας καὶ μείζονας οἰκοδομήσω, καὶ συνάξω ἐκεῖ πάντα τὸν σῖτον καὶ τὰ ἀγαθά μου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he finally decided that he should tear down the barns he had and build bigger barns so that he could store all of his grain and other possessions in them” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τὰς ἀποθήκας

The term barns describes buildings in which farmers store crops they have harvested. If your readers would not be familiar with barns, you could use a general term. Alternate translation: “storage buildings” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὰ ἀγαθά μου

Alternate translation: “my other possessions”

Luke 12:19

ἐρῶ τῇ ψυχῇ μου, ψυχή, ἔχεις πολλὰ ἀγαθὰ κείμενα εἰς ἔτη πολλά; ἀναπαύου, φάγε, πίε, εὐφραίνου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, and then another quotation within that one. Alternate translation: “He told himself that he had many goods stored up for many years, and so he could relax, eat, drink, be merry” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τῇ ψυχῇ μου

The man figuratively addresses one part of himself, his soul or inner being, in order to speak to all of himself. Alternate translation: “to myself” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 12:20

εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ Θεός, ἄφρων, ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτὶ, τὴν ψυχήν σου ἀπαιτοῦσιν ἀπὸ σοῦ; ἃ δὲ ἡτοίμασας, τίνι ἔσται?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, and then another quotation within that one. Alternate translation: “But God told him that he was very foolish, because he was going to die that night, and the things he had stored up would belong to someone else” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἄφρων

God is using the adjective foolish as a noun in order to indicate what kind of person this man is. ULT adds the term one to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate the term with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “You foolish person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτὶ, τὴν ψυχήν σου ἀπαιτοῦσιν ἀπὸ σοῦ

This is an indefinite construction, such as many languages use, but God is the actual subject. Alternate translation: “I am demanding your soul from you this very night”

ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτὶ, τὴν ψυχήν σου ἀπαιτοῦσιν ἀπὸ σοῦ

The term soul means the life of a person. God is using the same term as the man did, but with a different meaning, to show that he was foolish to have such confidence in his possessions. Alternate translation: “you are going to lose your life this very night” (See: Idiom)

τὴν ψυχήν σου ἀπαιτοῦσιν ἀπὸ σοῦ

This expression speaks about death in a discreet way. Alternate translation: “you are going to die” (See: Euphemism)

ἃ δὲ ἡτοίμασας, τίνι ἔσται?

God does not expect the man to tell him who will inherit his things. Rather, God is using the question as a teaching tool, to make the man realize that he could not count on possessing those things, and so he was wrong to put his confidence in them. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate these words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “the things you have stored up will belong to someone else!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 12:21

ὁ θησαυρίζων

Alternate translation: “a person who saves up valuable things”

μὴ εἰς Θεὸν πλουτῶν

Jesus uses the term rich figuratively to mean using one’s time and possessions for the things that are important to God. Alternate translation: “has not invested in the things that matter to God” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 12:22

εἶπεν…πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ

Since Peter asks in 12:41 whether Jesus has been speaking only to the disciples, or also to the crowd as well, the implication is that Jesus did not say these things to his disciples privately, as in 12:1-12, but rather to them publicly so that the crowd could also hear. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he said to his disciples, as the crowd was listening” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

διὰ τοῦτο

By this Jesus means the lesson of the story, that it is foolish to be overly concerned about having a lot of food and possessions. Alternate translation: “In light of what this story teaches” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λέγω ὑμῖν, μὴ μεριμνᾶτε

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples. Alternate translation: “I want you to know that you should not worry”

τῷ σώματι τί ἐνδύσησθε

Alternate translation: “about having clothes to put on your body”

Luke 12:23

ἡ γὰρ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστιν τῆς τροφῆς, καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος

Jesus leaves out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes” (See: Ellipsis)

ἡ γὰρ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστιν τῆς τροφῆς, καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος

This is a general statement of value. Alternate translation: “There is more to life than the food you eat, and there is more to the body than the clothes that you wear”

Luke 12:24

τοὺς κόρακας

The word ravens refers to large black birds, and it can apply either to crows or to actual ravens. If your readers would not be familiar with either of those birds, you could use a general term. Alternate translation: “the birds” (See: Translate Unknowns)

οὐκ…ταμεῖον οὐδὲ ἀποθήκη

These two words mean similar things. Jesus may be using them together to express a general meaning. Alternate translation: “no place to store food” (See: Doublet)

οὐκ…ταμεῖον οὐδὲ ἀποθήκη

These are places where food is stored. If your readers would not be familiar with either term, you could use a more general one. Alternate translation: “no place to store food” (See: Translate Unknowns)

πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὑμεῖς διαφέρετε τῶν πετεινῶν!

This is an exclamation, not a question. Jesus uses the exclamation to emphasize the point he wants his listeners to realize. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “You need to realize how much more valuable people are to God than birds.” (See: Exclamations)

Luke 12:25

τίς…ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν, δύναται ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ προσθεῖναι πῆχυν?

Jesus is using the question form to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “no one can make his life any longer by being anxious!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ προσθεῖναι πῆχυν

Jesus is speaking figuratively of the lifespan as if it were measured in length rather than in time. Alternate translation: “make his life any longer” (See: Metaphor)

πῆχυν

A cubit is a measure of length equal to about half a meter or about a foot and a half. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this length using the measure that is customary your culture. (See: Translate Unknowns)

πῆχυν

The implication may be that since a cubit is a relatively short distance, it figuratively represents only a short time. Alternate translation: “even a little bit” or “even a short time” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 12:26

εἰ οὖν οὐδὲ ἐλάχιστον δύνασθε, τί περὶ τῶν λοιπῶν μεριμνᾶτε?

Jesus is using the question form to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “Since you cannot do even this small thing, you should not worry about the other things!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐλάχιστον

Jesus is using the adjective least as a noun. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “such a very little thing” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τῶν λοιπῶν

The implication in context is that Jesus is referring to having food to eat and clothes to wear. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “having food and clothing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 12:27

κατανοήσατε τὰ κρίνα πῶς αὐξάνει

Alternate translation: “Think about how the lilies grow”

τὰ κρίνα

The word lilies describes beautiful flowers that grow wild in the fields. If your language does not have a word for this flower, you could use the name of a similar flower that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general term. Alternate translation: “the flowers” (See: Translate Unknowns)

οὐδὲ νήθει

In this context, to spin means to make thread or yarn for cloth. It does not mean to turn in a circle while standing in one place. If your readers might be confused by the term, you could explain the meaning with a phrase. Alternate translation: “and they do not make thread for cloth” or “and they do not make yarn for cloth” (See: Translate Unknowns)

λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν, οὐδὲ Σολομὼν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples. Alternate translation: “I can assure you that not even Solomon”

Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ

The abstract noun glory could mean: (1) “Solomon, who had great wealth.” (2) “Solomon, who wore beautiful clothes.” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Σολομὼν

Solomon is the name of a man, a great king of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 12:28

εἰ…ἐν ἀγρῷ τὸν χόρτον ὄντα σήμερον, καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον, ὁ Θεὸς οὕτως ἀμφιέζει

Jesus speaks figuratively of God making the wild plants beautiful as if God were putting beautiful clothing on them. Alternate translation: “if God makes the wild plants beautiful like this, even though they are alive today and are thrown into the oven tomorrow” (See: Metaphor)

εἰ…ἐν ἀγρῷ τὸν χόρτον ὄντα σήμερον, καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον, ὁ Θεὸς οὕτως ἀμφιέζει

Jesus speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it must be true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Jesus is saying is uncertain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since God makes the wild plants so beautiful, even though they are alive today and are thrown into the oven tomorrow” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

ἐν ἀγρῷ τὸν χόρτον ὄντα σήμερον, καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον

While Jesus uses a term that typically means grass, in this context he must implicitly mean wild plants in general, since he is referring back to the wild lilies he has just mentioned. So you could express this with a general term in your translation. Alternate translation: “the wild plants, which are alive today and tomorrow are thrown into the oven” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν ἀγρῷ τὸν χόρτον ὄντα σήμερον, καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον

It would be particularly appropriate to use a general term in your translation if your readers would not know what grass is. Alternate translation: “the wild plants, which are alive today and tomorrow are thrown into the oven” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν ἀγρῷ τὸν χόρτον ὄντα σήμερον, καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who does the action. Alternate translation: “the grass in the field, which exists today, but tomorrow someone throws it into an oven” or, if you decided to say “plants,” “the wild plants, which exist today, but tomorrow someone throws them into an oven” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν ἀγρῷ τὸν χόρτον ὄντα σήμερον, καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον

The implication is that dried plant matter would be used for fuel, for heating and cooking. If your readers would not be familiar with this practice, you could describe it explicitly. Alternate translation: “the grass in the field, which exists today, but tomorrow people use it for fuel” or, if you decided to say “plants,” “the wild plants, which exist today, but tomorrow people use them for fuel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “how much more will God clothe you” (See: Ellipsis)

πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς

This is an exclamation, not a question. Jesus is emphasizing that God will certainly take care of people even better than he takes care of grass. Alternate translation: “God will certainly clothe you even better” (See: Exclamations)

Luke 12:29

ὑμεῖς μὴ ζητεῖτε τί φάγητε, καὶ τί πίητε

The word seek has a specific meaning here. It does not mean to look for these things because they have been lost. Alternate translation: “do not concentrate on what you will eat and drink”

Luke 12:30

πάντα τὰ ἔθνη τοῦ κόσμου

The term nations means non-Jewish people groups. The term all is not a generalization for emphasis. Jesus is saying that this is the way of life for any group that does not know God. Alternate translation: “all the people groups who do not know God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὑμῶν…ὁ Πατὴρ

Father is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Luke 12:31

ζητεῖτε τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ

As in 12:29, the word seek has a specific meaning here. Alternate translation: “concentrate on God’s kingdom”

ταῦτα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will also give you these things” (See: Active or Passive)

ταῦτα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν

In context, the expression these things refers to food and clothing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God will also give you the food and clothing that you need” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 12:32

τὸ μικρὸν ποίμνιον

Jesus speaks to his disciples as if they were a small group of sheep or goats. The image means that as a shepherd cares for his flock, God will care for the disciples. Alternate translation: “my dear disciples” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ Πατὴρ

Father is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Luke 12:33

πωλήσατε τὰ ὑπάρχοντα ὑμῶν, καὶ δότε ἐλεημοσύνην

This culture referred to charitable donations or gifts to the poor as alms. Alternate translation: “Sell your possessions and give the proceeds to the poor” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ποιήσατε ἑαυτοῖς

The implication is that this will be the result of selling one’s possessions and giving the proceeds to the poor. Alternate translation: “In this way you will make for yourselves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

βαλλάντια μὴ παλαιούμενα, θησαυρὸν ἀνέκλειπτον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine them, especially if putting both phrases in your translation might be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “treasure that will always be safe in heaven” (See: Parallelism)

βαλλάντια μὴ παλαιούμενα

If you would like to reproduce the figure of speech that Jesus uses, but you think your readers might not know what purses are, you could explain that term, or you could use the name of a different container that people in your culture use to keep valuable things safe. Alternate translation: “moneybags that will not get holes in them” or “a jar that will never break” (See: Translate Unknowns)

βαλλάντια μὴ παλαιούμενα

Jesus is figuratively describing valuable things that will last by reference to purses or moneybags that will keep these things safe because they will never wear out. He makes this clear by speaking literally of unfailing treasure right afterwards. Alternate translation: “wealth that will always be safe” (See: Metonymy)

θησαυρὸν ἀνέκλειπτον

You could state this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “treasure that will always last”

ὅπου κλέπτης οὐκ ἐγγίζει

Jesus speaks figuratively of a thief coming near to wealth to mean stealing it. Alternate translation: “where no thief ever steals anything” (See: Metonymy)

οὐδὲ σὴς διαφθείρει

Jesus leaves out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “and where no moth ever destroys anything” (See: Ellipsis)

σὴς

A moth is a small insect that eats holes in fabric. If your readers would not know what a moth is, you could use the name of a different insect they would recognize that destroys materials, such as an ant or termite. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 12:34

ὅπου…ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρὸς ὑμῶν, ἐκεῖ καὶ ἡ καρδία ὑμῶν ἔσται

Jesus speaks figuratively of a person’s heart and treasure being in the same location. Alternate translation: “the things you value are the things you will think about and try to obtain” (See: Metaphor)

ὅπου…ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρὸς ὑμῶν

Jesus uses the word treasure figuratively to mean what a person values. Alternate translation: “the things you value” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ ἡ καρδία ὑμῶν ἔσται

Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: “are the things you will think about and want to have” (See: Metaphor)

ὑμῶν…ὑμῶν

Jesus is speaking of each individual person’s values and desires, but your is plural because he is addressing the disciples as a group. You could use the singular form of your in your translation if that is what your language would do in a context like this. (See: Forms of You)

Luke 12:35

ἔστωσαν ὑμῶν αἱ ὀσφύες περιεζωσμέναι

To help his disciples understand what he has been teaching, Jesus provides an illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus gave his disciples this illustration to help them understand. ‘Wrap the lower part of your robe around your hips’” (See: Parables)

ἔστωσαν ὑμῶν αἱ ὀσφύες περιεζωσμέναι

People in this culture wore long flowing robes. They would wrap the lower part of the robe around their hips to keep it out of the way while they engaged in physical activity. Alternate translation: “Wrap the lower part of your robe around your hips” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἔστωσαν ὑμῶν αἱ ὀσφύες περιεζωσμέναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Wrap the lower part of your robe around your hips” (See: Active or Passive)

ἔστωσαν ὑμῶν αἱ ὀσφύες περιεζωσμέναι

The implication within the illustration is that a servant would do this in order to be ready to do any physical activity that was needed as soon as the master returned. Alternate translation: “Be dressed and ready to serve” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔστωσαν ὑμῶν αἱ ὀσφύες περιεζωσμέναι

Jesus is speaking of what an individual should do, but your is plural because he is addressing the disciples as a group. You could use the singular form of your in your translation if that is what your language would do in a context like this. (See: Forms of You)

καὶ οἱ λύχνοι καιόμενοι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and keep the lamps burning” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ οἱ λύχνοι καιόμενοι

The implication within the illustration is that a servant would do this so that the house would be well lit when the master returned. Alternate translation: “and make sure that the house is well lit” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 12:36

ὑμεῖς ὅμοιοι ἀνθρώποις προσδεχομένοις

This is a simile. Alternate translation: “you should be like people who are waiting” (See: Simile)

ὑμεῖς ὅμοιοι ἀνθρώποις προσδεχομένοις

The implication is that Jesus’ disciples should be like this as they wait for his return. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as you wait for my return, you should be like people who are waiting” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀνθρώποις

Since household servants would probably include women as well as men, Jesus is likely using the term men here in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

πότε ἀναλύσῃ ἐκ τῶν γάμων

Alternate translation: “to come home after a wedding celebration”

κρούσαντος

See how you translated the word “knock” in 11:9. Alternate translation: “calls out” or “coughs” or “claps” (See: Translate Unknowns)

εὐθέως ἀνοίξωσιν αὐτῷ

The phrase open for him refers to the door of the master’s house. It was the responsibility of his servants to open it for him. Alternate translation: “they can open the door for him right away” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 12:37

μακάριοι

Alternate translation: “How good it will be for”

οὓς ἐλθὼν, ὁ Κύριος εὑρήσει γρηγοροῦντας

Alternate translation: “whose master finds them waiting for him when he returns” or “who are ready when the master returns”

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

παρελθὼν, διακονήσει αὐτοῖς

The implication is that, because the servants were faithful in their tasks and they were ready to serve their master when he arrived, the master will now reward them by serving them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he will come and serve them as a reward” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 12:38

κἂν ἐν τῇ δευτέρᾳ κἂν ἐν τῇ τρίτῃ φυλακῇ ἔλθῃ

Alternate translation: “Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night”

ἐν τῇ δευτέρᾳ…φυλακῇ

The second watch of the night was from 9:00 PM until midnight. Alternate translation: “late at night” (See: Translate Unknowns)

κἂν ἐν τῇ τρίτῃ φυλακῇ

The third watch was from midnight until 3:00 AM. Alternate translation: “or even after midnight” (See: Translate Unknowns)

καὶ εὕρῃ οὕτως, μακάριοί εἰσιν ἐκεῖνοι

Alternate translation: “how good it will be for servants whom he finds waiting for him” or “how good it will be for servants who are ready when he returns”

Luke 12:39

τοῦτο δὲ γινώσκετε

Jesus says this to encourage his disciples to think carefully about what he is going to tell them. Alternate translation: “Now I want you to think carefully about this”

εἰ ᾔδει ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης

To help his disciples understand what he has been teaching, Jesus provides a further illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus gave his disciples this further illustration to help them understand. ‘If the owner of the house had known’” (See: Parables)

εἰ ᾔδει ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης ποίᾳ ὥρᾳ ὁ κλέπτης ἔρχεται

The illustration that Jesus chooses involves a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose a thief were going to rob a house, and suppose the owner of the house knew when the thief was coming” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ποίᾳ ὥρᾳ

Jesus uses the term hour figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “when” or “at what time” (See: Idiom)

οὐκ ἂν ἀφῆκεν διορυχθῆναι τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “he would not have let the thief break into his house” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐκ ἂν ἀφῆκεν διορυχθῆναι τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ

If you translated the earlier part of this verse as a hypothetical condition, you can translate this part as the result. You may want to make this part a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Then he would not let the thief break into his house” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Luke 12:40

ᾗ ὥρᾳ οὐ δοκεῖτε

Jesus is using the term hour figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “at a time when you are not expecting him” (See: Idiom)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἔρχεται

Here Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, will return” (and for the previous phrase, “at a time when you are not expecting me”) (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἔρχεται

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah, will return” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 12:41

εἶπεν δὲ ὁ Πέτρος

Luke says this to reintroduce Peter as a participant in the story. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could remind them who Peter was. Alternate translation: “Then Peter, one of his disciples, asked” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἡμᾶς

By us, Peter means “me and the rest of your disciples” but not Jesus himself. So us would be exclusive, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

πάντας

Peter is generalizing to mean “everyone who can hear you.” Alternate translation: “everyone here” or “the crowd” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 12:42

ὁ Κύριος

Here, Luke refers to Jesus by the respectful title the Lord. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

τίς ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ πιστὸς οἰκονόμος ὁ φρόνιμος

Jesus uses a question to answer Peter’s question indirectly. He means that he expected that those who recognized that they should be like faithful managers would understand that the parable had been about them. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “I said it for everyone who would recognize that they should be like a faithful, wise manager” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίς ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ πιστὸς οἰκονόμος ὁ φρόνιμος

In the course of using a question to answer Peter’s question indirectly, Jesus provides a further illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus gave Peter this further illustration to answer his question. ‘I said it for everyone who would recognize that they should be like a faithful, wise manager’” (See: Parables)

ὃν καταστήσει ὁ Κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς θεραπείας αὐτοῦ

Jesus refers to the other servants figuratively as the master’s care by association with the way they care for him. Alternate translation: “will put in charge of his other servants” (See: Metonymy)

ὃν καταστήσει ὁ Κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς θεραπείας αὐτοῦ

The implication, as the rest of the parable makes clear, is that the master is making this arrangement temporarily and provisionally because he is going to be absent for a time. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “will put in charge of his other servants while he goes away for a while” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 12:43

μακάριος ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος

Alternate translation: “How good it will be for that servant”

ὃν ἐλθὼν, ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ εὑρήσει ποιοῦντα οὕτως

Alternate translation: “if his master finds him doing that work when he comes back”

Luke 12:44

ἀληθῶς λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

ἐπὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς ὑπάρχουσιν αὐτοῦ καταστήσει αὐτόν

Alternate translation: “he will put him in charge of all of his property”

Luke 12:45

ἐὰν δὲ εἴπῃ ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ, χρονίζει ὁ κύριός μου ἔρχεσθαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But if that servant thinks to himself that his master is going to come back later than he said” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἐὰν δὲ εἴπῃ ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ…καὶ ἄρξηται

The illustration that Jesus is using involves a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “But suppose that servant thinks to himself … and suppose he begins” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

εἴπῃ…ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ

Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts. Alternate translation: “thinks to himself” (See: Metaphor)

χρονίζει ὁ κύριός μου ἔρχεσθαι

Alternate translation: “My master is going to come back later than he said”

τοὺς παῖδας καὶ τὰς παιδίσκας

Jesus is figuratively using the two types of servants to mean all of the master’s servants. Alternate translation: “all the other servants” (See: Merism)

Luke 12:46

ἥξει ὁ κύριος τοῦ δούλου ἐκείνου

If you translated the previous verse as a hypothetical condition, you can translate this verse as the result of that condition. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then the master of that servant will arrive” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ᾗ οὐ προσδοκᾷ, καὶ ἐν ὥρᾳ ᾗ οὐ γινώσκει

These two phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is likely using the repetition to emphasize that the return of the master will be completely unexpected by the servant. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases, especially if putting both of them in your translation might be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “at a time that is a complete surprise to the servant” (See: Parallelism)

ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ᾗ οὐ προσδοκᾷ

Here, Jesus uses the term day figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at a time when he is not expecting him” (See: Idiom)

ἐν ὥρᾳ ᾗ οὐ γινώσκει

Here, Jesus uses the term hour figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at a time when he does not think he will come” (See: Idiom)

διχοτομήσει αὐτὸν

The expression cut him in two could mean one of two things, depending on how the word unfaithful is understood (see next note): (1) if unfaithful means “untrustworthy,” then the expression is probably figurative, since the master could not reassign this servant to less important responsibilities if he cut him in two. Alternate translation: “will punish him severely” (2) if unfaithful means “unbelieving,” then the expression is more literal, since it would describe something that will happen when God judges the world. Alternate translation: “destroy his body” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀπίστων θήσει

The term that ULT translates as unfaithful could mean: (1) “untrustworthy.” The meaning would be that the master will assign this servant to less important responsibilities, along with other servants who have shown that they cannot be trusted with important ones. Alternate translation: “will give him unimportant responsibilities, like other servants who have shown that they cannot be trusted” (2) “unbelieving.” The master in the parable represents God, and Jesus would be speaking of what God will do, when he judges the world, to people who show by their disobedience that they do not have genuine faith. Alternate translation: “will assign him a place with the unbelievers”

τῶν ἀπίστων

Jesus is using the adjective unfaithful as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this expression with an equivalent phrase. The meaning will depend on how you decided to translate unfaithful (see previous note). Alternate translation: “servants who have shown that they cannot be trusted” or “people who have shown that they are not genuine believers” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 12:47

ἐκεῖνος δὲ ὁ δοῦλος, ὁ γνοὺς τὸ θέλημα τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ, καὶ μὴ ἑτοιμάσας ἢ ποιήσας πρὸς τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ, δαρήσεται πολλάς

Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation. It may be helpful to use two sentences if you translate it that way. Alternate translation: “Suppose a servant knew what his master wanted him to do, and suppose he did not get ready or do what the master wanted. Then his master would punish him severely” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

τὸ θέλημα τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “what his master wanted him to do”

δαρήσεται πολλάς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “his master will punish him severely” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 12:48

ὁ δὲ μὴ γνοὺς, ποιήσας δὲ ἄξια πληγῶν, δαρήσεται ὀλίγας

Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation. It may be helpful to use two sentences if you translate it that way. Alternate translation: “But suppose a servant did not know what his master wanted him to do, and suppose he did things that deserved punishment. Then his master would punish him lightly” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

δαρήσεται ὀλίγας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “his master would punish him lightly” (See: Active or Passive)

παντὶ…ᾧ ἐδόθη πολύ, πολὺ ζητηθήσεται παρ’ αὐτοῦ; καὶ ᾧ παρέθεντο πολύ, περισσότερον αἰτήσουσιν αὐτόν

These two clauses mean the same thing. Jesus is using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine them, especially if putting both of them in your translation might be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “if someone entrusts many resources to a person, he will expect that person to produce much from those resources” (See: Parallelism)

παντὶ…ᾧ ἐδόθη πολύ, πολὺ ζητηθήσεται παρ’ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use active verbal forms to express the meaning of the two passive verbal forms here. Alternate translation: “the master will require more of everyone to whom he has given much” (See: Active or Passive)

ᾧ παρέθεντο πολύ, περισσότερον αἰτήσουσιν αὐτόν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use active verbal forms to express the meaning of the two passive verbal forms here. Alternate translation: “the master will ask even more of the one to whom he has given much property to care for” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 12:49

πῦρ ἦλθον βαλεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν

Jesus is speaking figuratively of the effects of his ministry and teaching. In context, since he says contrastingly in 12:51 that he did not come to bring peace to the earth, fire likely represents the passionate responses to him, both favorable and unfavorable, that would lead to the divisions he describes in 12:52-53. Alternate translation: “My coming will lead to conflict among people” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν γῆν

Jesus says the earth figuratively to mean the people living on the earth. Alternate translation: “people” (See: Metonymy)

τί θέλω εἰ ἤδη ἀνήφθη

This exclamation emphasizes how much Jesus wants this to happen. Alternate translation: “I wish very much that this fire were already lit” (See: Exclamations)

τί θέλω εἰ ἤδη ἀνήφθη

This exclamation continues the metaphor of fire as conflict. Alternate translation: “how I wish that people were already taking sides” (See: Metaphor)

ἤδη ἀνήφθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the fire were already burning” or “people were already taking sides” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 12:50

δὲ

Jesus uses this word to indicate that he cannot do what the previous sentence describes until after he does what this sentence describes. Alternate translation: “But first” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

βάπτισμα…ἔχω βαπτισθῆναι

Jesus speaks figuratively of baptism to describe how he must suffer. Just as water covers a person during baptism, suffering will overwhelm Jesus. Alternate translation: “I must be overwhelmed by suffering” (See: Metaphor)

βάπτισμα…ἔχω βαπτισθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “suffering must overwhelm me” (See: Active or Passive)

πῶς συνέχομαι ἕως ὅτου τελεσθῇ

This exclamation emphasizes how distressed Jesus is. Alternate translation: “I am terribly distressed and will continue to be distressed until my suffering is completed” (See: Exclamations)

πῶς συνέχομαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you can state what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “this suffering will continue to distress me terribly” (See: Active or Passive)

ἕως ὅτου τελεσθῇ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you can state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “until I have endured all of it” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 12:51

δοκεῖτε ὅτι εἰρήνην παρεγενόμην δοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ?

Jesus is not asking the people in the crowd to tell him what they think. He is using the question form as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate these words as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

δοκεῖτε ὅτι εἰρήνην παρεγενόμην δοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ

Jesus says the earth figuratively to mean the people living on the earth. Alternate translation: “Do you think that I came to make peace between people” (See: Metonymy)

εἰρήνην…δοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun peace, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “to make people get along with one another” (See: Abstract Nouns)

οὐχί…ἀλλ’ ἢ διαμερισμόν

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. These words can be supplied from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “No … I came to bring division instead” (See: Ellipsis)

οὐχί…ἀλλ’ ἢ διαμερισμόν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun division, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “No … my coming will cause people to oppose each other” (See: Abstract Nouns)

λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus uses this expression to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples and the crowd. Alternate translation: “I want you to understand”

Luke 12:52

πέντε ἐν ἑνὶ οἴκῳ

Jesus uses the term house to refer figuratively to people who live together in a house, that is, to a family. Alternate translation: “five members of the same family” (See: Metonymy)

διαμεμερισμένοι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who will take sides against one another” (See: Active or Passive)

τρεῖς ἐπὶ δυσὶν, καὶ δύο ἐπὶ τρισίν

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from what he says figuratively earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “three of the family members will be on one side, and the other two will be on the opposing side” (See: Ellipsis)

τρεῖς ἐπὶ δυσὶν, καὶ δύο ἐπὶ τρισίν

These two phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “three of the family members will be on one side, and the other two will be on the opposing side” (See: Parallelism)

Luke 12:53

διαμερισθήσονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Family members will oppose one another” (See: Active or Passive)

πατὴρ ἐπὶ υἱῷ, καὶ υἱὸς ἐπὶ πατρί

These two phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases and make them a sentence of their own. Alternate translation: “Fathers and sons will oppose one another” (See: Parallelism)

μήτηρ ἐπὶ τὴν θυγατέρα, καὶ θυγάτηρ ἐπὶ τὴν μητέρα

These two phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases and make them a sentence of their own. Alternate translation: “mothers and daughters will oppose one another” (See: Parallelism)

πενθερὰ ἐπὶ τὴν νύμφην αὐτῆς, καὶ νύμφη ἐπὶ τὴν πενθεράν

These two phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases and make them a sentence of their own. Alternate translation: “mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law will oppose one another” (See: Parallelism)

Luke 12:54

ὅταν ἴδητε νεφέλην ἀνατέλλουσαν

A cloud rising in this direction would indicate that rain was coming in Israel, because the sea was to the west. If rainstorms tend to come from a different direction in your region, you could use a general expression here. Alternate translation: “clouds forming in a certain direction” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λέγετε, ὅτι ὄμβρος ἔρχεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you say that it is going to rain” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

καὶ γίνεται οὕτως

Alternate translation: “and it does rain”

Luke 12:55

νότον πνέοντα

Wind coming from this direction would indicate that hot weather was coming in Israel, because the desert was to the south. If hot winds blow from a different direction in your region, you could use a general expression here. Alternate translation: “the wind is blowing from a certain direction” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λέγετε, ὅτι καύσων ἔσται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you say that it is going to be very hot” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

καὶ γίνεται

Alternate translation: “and it does get hot”

Luke 12:56

ὑποκριταί!

The implication, which Jesus draws out in the rest of this verse, is that people who could understand the weather from signs such as wind and clouds also ought to be able to understand what God was doing through Jesus from the signs surrounding his ministry. So if they did not welcome him, it was not because they did not see or understand these signs. Rather, it was because they were pretending not to see or understand them. Alternate translation: “You are pretending not to understand!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ πρόσωπον

Jesus uses the term face figuratively to mean “appearance.” Alternate translation: “the appearance” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν καιρὸν δὲ τοῦτον, πῶς οὐκ οἴδατε δοκιμάζειν?

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the crowd. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “so you ought to be able to understand what is happening right now.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 12:57

τί δὲ καὶ ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν, οὐ κρίνετε τὸ δίκαιον?

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the crowd. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “You ought to discern on your own what is right.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 12:58

ὡς γὰρ ὑπάγεις μετὰ τοῦ ἀντιδίκου σου ἐπ’ ἄρχοντα

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to teach the crowd. Alternate translation: “Suppose you owed someone money, and suppose they were taking you to court to collect it” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ὡς γὰρ ὑπάγεις μετὰ τοῦ ἀντιδίκου σου ἐπ’ ἄρχοντα

This hypothetical situation is also an illustration designed to help the people understand that they should be welcoming Jesus. Just as the debtor is going to be judged imminently, God is going to judge them imminently based on their responses to Jesus, and so they should make a positive response now, before it is too late. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus gave the crowd this illustration to help them understand. ‘Suppose you owed someone money, and suppose he was taking you to court to collect it’” (See: Parables)

ὑπάγεις…σου…σε

Even though Jesus is speaking to the crowd, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular throughout this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of you and your in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

τοῦ ἀντιδίκου σου

In the context of this story, the term adversary means specifically an opponent in a legal proceeding. You could translate it with the equivalent term in your language. Alternatively, since the next verse indicates that the adversary is trying to collect a debt, you could describe him in a way that indicates that. Alternate translation: “your opponent” or “your creditor” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἄρχοντα

Magistrate is a general term for a person in legal authority. You can translate it with the equivalent general term in your language. Alternate translation: “the official” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἀπηλλάχθαι ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “to settle the matter out of court” or “to have him forgive your debt” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸν κριτήν

The term the judge refers to the same person as the magistrate, but the term here is more specific and threatening. In your translation you can use the specific term in your language that describes someone with the power to deliver a verdict and pass sentence on a defendant. (See: Translate Unknowns)

τῷ πράκτορι

In the context of the story, the term the officer refers to a court official who was empowered to collect debts that a judge had ruled were owed and to put the debtor in prison if he did not pay. Your language may have a similar term that you can use. Alternate translation: “the bailiff” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 12:59

λέγω σοι

Jesus uses this expression to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples and the crowd. If you translated the previous verse as a hypothetical condition, you could translate this expression as an introduction to the result of that condition. Alternate translation: “If that happens, then” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

λέγω σοι

Even though Jesus is speaking directly to the crowd, he is still addressing an individual situation, so you is singular here and in the rest of this verse. But if the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural form of you in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

καὶ τὸ ἔσχατον λεπτὸν

A lepton was the smallest and least valuable coin in circulation in this place and time. It was equivalent to about a tenth of an hour’s wage. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might use the name of the least valuable coin in your culture, or a general expression. Alternate translation: “the very last penny” or “every bit of money that your creditor demands” (See: Biblical Money)

Luke 13

Luke 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus teaches with parables (13:1-30)
2. Jesus speaks about Herod and Jerusalem (13:31-35)

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Unknown events

The people and Jesus speak about two events that they knew about, but about which no one today knows anything except what Luke has written. These events are Pilate executing some Galileans in the temple, 13:1-2, and 18 people being killed when a tower collapsed in Jerusalem, 13:4. In your translation, you should tell your readers no more than what Luke tells about what happened. Your translation should tell only what Luke tells.

Paradox

A paradox is a statement that describes two things that seem as if they cannot both be true at the same time, but which actually are both true. Jesus speaks a paradox in this chapter: “Those who are least important will be first, and those who are most important will be last” (Luke 13:30)

Luke 13:1

δέ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what Jesus teaches next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

παρῆσαν…τινες ἐν αὐτῷ τῷ καιρῷ, ἀπαγγέλλοντες αὐτῷ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce new characters into the story. Alternate translation: “There were some people present at that time who were telling him” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἐν αὐτῷ τῷ καιρῷ

This implicitly means while Jesus was still teaching the crowds, as Luke said he was doing in 11:54. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “while he was still teaching the crowds” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὧν τὸ αἷμα Πειλᾶτος ἔμιξεν μετὰ τῶν θυσιῶν αὐτῶν

Luke is speaking figuratively about this event to indicate that the blood of the Galileans was shed at the same time as the blood of their animal sacrifices. Alternate translation: “whom Pilate had killed while they were offering sacrifices at the temple” (See: Metaphor)

ὧν τὸ αἷμα Πειλᾶτος ἔμιξεν μετὰ τῶν θυσιῶν αὐτῶν

Luke uses the term blood figuratively to refer to the death of these Galileans. Alternate translation: “whom Pilate had killed while they were offering sacrifices at the temple” (See: Metonymy)

ὧν τὸ αἷμα Πειλᾶτος ἔμιξεν μετὰ τῶν θυσιῶν αὐτῶν

Pilate likely did not kill these Galileans personally. Rather, he ordered his soldiers to kill them. Alternate translation: “whom Pilate’s soldiers had killed as they were offering sacrifices at the temple” or “whom Pilate had ordered his soldiers to kill as they were offering sacrifices at the temple” (See: Metonymy)

Πειλᾶτος

Pilate is the name of a man; he was the Roman ruler of Judea in this time. See how you translated his name in 3:1. His name occurs many times later in the book. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 13:2

ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς

Together the two words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to what the people in the crowd told him. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded to them” (See: Hendiadys)

δοκεῖτε ὅτι

Jesus is using the question form to teach these people and the whole crowd. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not think that” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἁμαρτωλοὶ παρὰ πάντας τοὺς Γαλιλαίους

Alternate translation: “more sinful than all the other Galileans” or “the most sinful of all Galileans”

ταῦτα πεπόνθασιν

Alternate translation: “this happened to them”

Luke 13:3

οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus uses this expression to emphasize what he is about to tell these people and the crowd. Alternate translation: “That is certainly not the case”

πάντες ὁμοίως ἀπολεῖσθε

This statement seems to be similar to the one that Jesus makes in 19:41-44, in which he says that if the Jewish people reject him and instead follow violent false messiahs, this will bring them into conflict with the Romans and they will be destroyed. That seems to be the implicit meaning here as well, and you could express that in your translation. Alternate translation: “you too will be destroyed by the Romans” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 13:4

ἢ ἐκεῖνοι

Jesus is giving a second example of people who suffered. Alternate translation: “Also consider those”

ἐκεῖνοι οἱ δεκαοκτὼ

Jesus is using the adjective 18 (eighteen) as a noun in order to indicate a certain group of people. Alternate translation: “those 18 people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Σιλωὰμ

Siloam is the name of an area in Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

δοκεῖτε ὅτι

Jesus is using the question form to teach these the crowd. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not think that” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὀφειλέται

This is a figurative way of describing someone as a sinner. Alternate translation: “sinners” (See: Metaphor)

ἀνθρώπους

Here Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 13:5

οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus uses this expression to emphasize what he is about to tell these people and the crowd. Alternate translation: “That is certainly not the case”

πάντες ὡσαύτως ἀπολεῖσθε

See how you translated the similar statement in 13:3. In this case, the people whom Jesus is using as an example were not destroyed by the Romans, so the comparison does not include that detail. Alternate translation: “you too will be destroyed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 13:6

ἔλεγεν δὲ ταύτην τὴν παραβολήν

Jesus now gives a brief illustration to help the crowd understand what he has been saying. Alternate translation: “Then he told them this story to help them understand what he had been saying” (See: Parables)

συκῆν εἶχέν τις πεφυτευμένην ἐν τῷ ἀμπελῶνι αὐτοῦ

This introduces a character in the parable. Alternate translation: “There was a man who owned a vineyard in which a fig tree had been planted” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

συκῆν εἶχέν τις πεφυτευμένην

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Someone had planted a fig tree” (See: Active or Passive)

συκῆν

A fig tree is a type of fruit tree that is common in the land of Israel. If your readers would not know what a fig tree is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a fruit tree” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἦλθεν ζητῶν καρπὸν ἐν αὐτῇ, καὶ οὐχ εὗρεν

This is background information that helps listeners understand what happens next in the story. Alternate translation: “he went to see if there were any figs on the tree, but there were none” (See: Background Information)

ἦλθεν ζητῶν καρπὸν ἐν αὐτῇ

Here your language might use a form of “go” rather than a form of “come.” Alternate translation: “he went to see if there were any figs on the tree” (See: Go and Come)

Luke 13:7

εἶπεν…πρὸς τὸν ἀμπελουργόν, ἰδοὺ, τρία ἔτη ἀφ’ οὗ ἔρχομαι ζητῶν καρπὸν ἐν τῇ συκῇ ταύτῃ, καὶ οὐχ εὑρίσκω. ἔκκοψον αὐτήν, ἵνα τί καὶ τὴν γῆν καταργεῖ?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he told the gardener to pay attention, that he had been coming for three years to look for fruit on the fig tree, but he had not found any, and so the gardener should cut the tree down because it was keeping the ground from being productive” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἰδοὺ

The man uses the term behold to get the gardener to pay attention to what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Pay attention” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα τί καὶ τὴν γῆν καταργεῖ?

The man uses the question form to emphasize that the tree is useless and that the gardener should cut it down. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not let it keep the ground from being productive any longer.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὴν γῆν καταργεῖ

The man speaks figuratively of the tree as if it were keeping the ground from working, since the ground would be productive if a different tree that actually was bearing fruit were in its place. Alternate translation: “is it … keeping the ground from being productive” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 13:8

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς λέγει αὐτῷ

To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “But he responded”

ὁ…ἀποκριθεὶς λέγει

Together the terms answering and says mean that the gardener responded to what his master told him to do. Alternate translation: “he responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ἄφες αὐτὴν καὶ τοῦτο τὸ ἔτος

Alternate translation: “wait one more year before cutting down the tree”

βάλω κόπρια

The word manure means animal dung. In some places people mix it into the ground to make the soil more fertile for plants and trees. If your readers would not be familiar with this practice, you could explain it, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “mix animal dung into the soil to enrich it” or “fertilize it” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 13:9

κἂν μὲν ποιήσῃ καρπὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον

The gardener does not specify what he thinks the master should do with the tree if it does bear fruit, but you can supply that information from the context. Alternate translation: “If the tree has figs on it next year, then you can allow it to keep growing” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐκκόψεις αὐτήν

The servant is using a statement to make a suggestion. He is not giving a command in the form of a future statement, as some languages allow speakers to do. Alternate translation: “you can have me cut it down for you” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

Luke 13:10

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἐν τοῖς Σάββασιν

Your language might use an indefinite article rather than the definite article here, since Luke does not specify which particular Sabbath day this was. Alternate translation: “on a Sabbath day”

Luke 13:11

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to calls the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

γυνὴ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was a woman there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

πνεῦμα ἔχουσα ἀσθενείας

Alternate translation: “whom an evil spirit had been making weak”

εἰς τὸ παντελές

Luke is using the adjective complete as a noun in order to indicate the woman’s full height. Alternate translation: “to her complete height” or “completely” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 13:12

γύναι

Unlike the term man in 12:14, in this context Jesus uses the term woman gently and compassionately. Alternate translation: “My dear woman” (See: Idiom)

ἀπολέλυσαι τῆς ἀσθενείας σου

By saying this, Jesus healed the woman. You could express this in your translation with a statement that shows that Jesus was causing this to happen. Alternate translation: “I now set you free from your weakness” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

γύναι, ἀπολέλυσαι τῆς ἀσθενείας σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “I now set you free from your weakness” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 13:13

ἀνωρθώθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “she stood up straight” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 13:14

ἀποκριθεὶς…ἔλεγεν

Together the two words answering and said mean that the synagogue leader spoke in response to the healing he had just witnessed. Alternate translation: “responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ἓξ ἡμέραι εἰσὶν ἐν αἷς δεῖ ἐργάζεσθαι

Alternate translation: “You must only do work on the first six days of the week”

ἐν αὐταῖς…ἐρχόμενοι θεραπεύεσθε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “come and have Jesus heal you on those days” (See: Active or Passive)

τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ Σαββάτου

Your language might use an indefinite article rather than the definite article here, since the synagogue ruler is not speaking of a specific Sabbath. Alternate translation: “on a Sabbath day”

Luke 13:15

ὁ Κύριος

Here Luke refers to Jesus by the respectful title the Lord. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

ἀπεκρίθη…αὐτῷ…καὶ εἶπεν

Together the two words answered and said mean that Jesus responded to the synagogue ruler. Alternate translation: “responded to the synagogue ruler” (See: Hendiadys)

ὑποκριταί

Jesus is speaking directly to the synagogue ruler, but the plural form indicates that he is including other religious leaders as well. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “You and your fellow religious leaders are hypocrites” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἕκαστος ὑμῶν τῷ Σαββάτῳ οὐ λύει

Jesus is using the question form as a teaching tool. He is not asking his listeners to tell him whether they would do this. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “On the Sabbath, each one of you unties” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸν βοῦν αὐτοῦ, ἢ τὸν ὄνον

These are domesticated animals. If your readers would not be familiar with what an ox or a donkey is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “his farm animals” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τῷ Σαββάτῳ

Here your language might use an indefinite article rather than the definite article, since Jesus is not speaking of a specific Sabbath. Alternate translation: “even on a Sabbath day”

Luke 13:16

θυγατέρα Ἀβραὰμ

Jesus is using the word daughter figuratively to mean “descendant.” Alternate translation: “a descendant of Abraham” (See: Metaphor)

ἣν ἔδησεν ὁ Σατανᾶς

Jesus speaks figuratively of the evil spirit causing the crippling disease as if Satan had tied the woman up. Alternate translation: “whom Satan kept crippled by this illness” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ Σατανᾶς

Jesus figuratively calls the evil spirit Satan by association with the leader of the evil spirits. Alternate translation: “this evil spirit” (See: Metonymy)

ἰδοὺ, δέκα καὶ ὀκτὼ ἔτη

Jesus uses the term behold to emphasize the fact that eighteen years was a very long time for the woman to suffer. Your language may have its own way of emphasizing this. Alternate translation: “for eighteen long years” (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ ἔδει λυθῆναι ἀπὸ τοῦ δεσμοῦ τούτου τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ Σαββάτου?

Jesus is using the question form to challenge the synagogue ruler’s assertion that people should not come for healing on the Sabbath. If your readers would misunderstand this, you can translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “it is right to free her” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἀπὸ τοῦ δεσμοῦ τούτου

Jesus speaks again about the woman’s disease figuratively as if it had kept her tied up. Alternate translation: “from this crippling illness” (See: Metaphor)

τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ Σαββάτου

Here your language might use an indefinite article rather than the definite article, since Jesus is not speaking of a specific Sabbath. Alternate translation: “on a Sabbath day”

Luke 13:17

κατῃσχύνοντο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “felt ashamed” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῖς ἐνδόξοις τοῖς γινομένοις ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the glorious things Jesus was doing” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 13:18

τίνι ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τίνι ὁμοιώσω αὐτήν

These two questions mean basically the same thing. Jesus uses the repetition to catch the attention of his audience. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine the questions, especially if it might be confusing for your readers if you put both of them in. Alternate translation: “What example can I use to show you what the kingdom of God is like” (See: Parallelism)

τίνι ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τίνι ὁμοιώσω αὐτήν?

Jesus is using the question form as teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. It may be helpful to make this two sentences. Alternate translation: “I want to tell you what the kingdom of God is like. I am going to compare it with something” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίνι ὁμοία ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “What is it like when God rules” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 13:19

ὁμοία ἐστὶν κόκκῳ σινάπεως

This is a simile or comparison. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed” (See: Simile)

ὁμοία ἐστὶν κόκκῳ σινάπεως

This comparison is also a parable, a brief illustration designed to help the people understand what Jesus is teaching. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus gave the people in the synagogue this illustration to help them understand. ‘The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed’” (See: Parables)

κόκκῳ σινάπεως

A mustard seed is a very small seed that grows into a large plant. If your readers would not be familiar with it, in your translation you can use the name of another seed like it, or you can use a general phrase. Alternate translation: “a very small seed” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἄνθρωπος

This could: (1) be a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “a person” (2) refers to a man and a woman in paired examples to offer a comprehensive teaching about the kingdom of God, since Jesus speaks in his next illustration of a woman doing something. In that case, it would be appropriate to say a man here. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἔβαλεν εἰς κῆπον ἑαυτοῦ

In this culture, people planted some kinds of seeds by throwing them so that they scattered in a garden. Jesus assumes that his listeners will know this. Alternate translation: “planted in his garden” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατεσκήνωσεν ἐν τοῖς κλάδοις αὐτοῦ

In your language, it might seem that this phrase expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you could abbreviate it. However, you could also use an action clause to keep the sense of “sky.” Alternate translation: “birds built their nests in its branches” or “birds flew down and made nests in its branches” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

Luke 13:20

τίνι ὁμοιώσω τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ?

Jesus once again uses a question as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am going to compare the kingdom of God to something else.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίνι ὁμοιώσω τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ?

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “I am going to use another comparison to show you what is it like when God rules” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 13:21

ὁμοία ἐστὶν ζύμῃ

This is a simile or comparison. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of God is like yeast” (See: Simile)

ὁμοία ἐστὶν ζύμῃ

This comparison is also a parable, a brief illustration designed to help the crowds understand what Jesus is teaching. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus gave them this further illustration to help them understand. ‘The kingdom of God is like yeast’” (See: Parables)

ζύμῃ

See how you translated yeast in 12:1. Alternate translation: “leaven” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ζύμῃ

Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that only a little bit of yeast is needed to make a lot of dough rise. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a little bit of yeast” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀλεύρου σάτα τρία

The term seahs is the plural of “seah,” a dry measure equivalent to nearly eight liters or two gallons. You can express this quantity in terms of a measure that your culture uses, or you can use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a large amount of flour” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐζυμώθη ὅλον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the yeast caused all of it to rise” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 13:22

καὶ διεπορεύετο κατὰ πόλεις καὶ κώμας

Luke provides this background information to help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now he was traveling through cities and villages” (See: Connect — Background Information)

Luke 13:23

εἶπεν…τις αὐτῷ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. Alternate translation: “someone in one of those places asked him” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

εἰ ὀλίγοι οἱ σῳζόμενοι?

This was an idiomatic way of asking a question. Alternate translation: “is God going to save only a few people?” (See: Idiom)

εἰ ὀλίγοι οἱ σῳζόμενοι?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “is God going to save only a few people?” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ…εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς

The implication is that a crowd had gathered to meet Jesus as he went through this place on his journey, and that the questioner was one person in the crowd. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus replied to this person and to the whole crowd that was there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 13:24

ἀγωνίζεσθε εἰσελθεῖν διὰ τῆς στενῆς θύρας

Jesus is speaking about God’s kingdom as if people had to go through a small doorway with great difficulty to enter it. Alternate translation: “work hard to overcome every difficulty that would keep you from entering God’s kingdom” (See: Metaphor)

λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is telling the crowd. Alternate translation: “you must understand”

λέγω ὑμῖν

Even though Jesus is answering an individual’s question, he is talking to the whole crowd, so the word you is plural. The implied you in the command to struggle earlier in this verse is also plural. (See: Forms of You)

πολλοί…ζητήσουσιν εἰσελθεῖν καὶ οὐκ ἰσχύσουσιν

The implication is that they will not be able to enter because it is so difficult. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “many of the people who try to enter the kingdom of God … will not be able to, because it is so difficult” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 13:25

ἀφ’ οὗ ἂν ἐγερθῇ ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης καὶ ἀποκλείσῃ τὴν θύραν

Jesus extends the metaphor of the door by speaking of God at the time of final judgment as if God were the owner of a house and the people he is addressing were outside the house trying to get in. Alternate translation: “After God has admitted everyone who is going to enter his kingdom and is not letting anyone else in” (See: Biblical Imagery — Extended Metaphors)

ἄρξησθε…ὑμῖν…ὑμᾶς

Even though Jesus is answering an individual’s question, he is talking to the whole crowd, so the word you is plural in all of these cases. (See: Forms of You)

κρούειν τὴν θύραν λέγοντες, κύριε, ἄνοιξον ἡμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “knock on the door and ask the Lord to open it for you” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

κρούειν τὴν θύραν

See how you translated the word “knock” in 11:9. Alternate translation: “call out” or “cough” or “clap” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἡμῖν

The people knocking on the door mean themselves but not the owner of the house, so if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive us, use the exclusive form here. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἀποκριθεὶς ἐρεῖ

Together the two words answer and say mean that the owner of the house will respond to the people who are knocking on the door. Alternate translation: “will respond” (See: Hendiadys)

ἀποκριθεὶς ἐρεῖ ὑμῖν, οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς, πόθεν ἐστέ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he will respond that he does not know you or where you are from” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς, πόθεν ἐστέ

The owner is speaking in an abbreviated way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could draw on the first phrase to supply the words that are missing from the second phrase, as UST does. Alternate translation: “I do not know you, and I do not know where you are from” (See: Ellipsis)

οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς, πόθεν ἐστέ

The owner is also using repetition for emphasis. If this would not be clear in your language and your readers might wonder why he was saying the same thing twice, you could translate this with a single phrase that expresses the basic meaning. Alternate translation: “I do not know who you are” (See: Parallelism)

Luke 13:26

ἄρξεσθε λέγειν, ἐφάγομεν ἐνώπιόν σου καὶ ἐπίομεν, καὶ ἐν ταῖς πλατείαις ἡμῶν ἐδίδαξας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you will begin to tell him that you shared meals with him and he taught in the streets of your town” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἐφάγομεν ἐνώπιόν σου καὶ ἐπίομεν

Here, before figuratively means “in the presence” of another person. Alternate translation: “you were with us when we ate and drank” or “we ate and drank together with you” (See: Metaphor)

ἐφάγομεν…καὶ ἐπίομεν

The people are figuratively using the two components of a meal to mean an entire meal. Alternate translation: “We shared meals” (See: Merism)

σου

Since the people are addressing the owner alone, the pronoun you would be singular here, and also in any case where it is needed in your language as a pronoun for a verb, for example, you taught. (See: Forms of You)

ἐν ταῖς πλατείαις ἡμῶν

Within the extended metaphor, the people are addressing Jesus, who was not from their town, but who taught them as he traveled through. So the people would consider the streets to be theirs but not his, and our would be exclusive, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Luke 13:27

ἐρεῖ λέγων ὑμῖν, οὐκ οἶδα πόθεν ἐστέ; ἀπόστητε ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ, πάντες ἐργάται ἀδικίας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he will reply that he does not know where you are from, and he will tell you to go away because you are evildoers” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἐρεῖ λέγων ὑμῖν

In your language, it might seem that this phrase expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you could abbreviate it. Alternate translation: “he will tell you” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

ὑμῖν…πάντες

Since the owner of the house is speaking to the people outside, you would be plural in these instances. The implied “you” in the command to get away would also be plural. (See: Forms of You)

οὐκ οἶδα πόθεν ἐστέ

This is a shorter version of what the house owner says at first. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the implicit meaning in your translation. Alternate translation: “I do not know who you are” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπόστητε ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ

Alternate translation: “Go away from here”

ἐργάται ἀδικίας

Alternate translation: “you evildoers”

Luke 13:28

ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων

These are actions that indicate deep regret and sadness. If people in your culture would not express themselves in this way, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “actions that express great mourning” (See: Symbolic Action)

Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ Ἰακὼβ

These are the names of three men. See how you translated them in 3:34. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “in the place where God rules” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὑμᾶς δὲ ἐκβαλλομένους ἔξω

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will have done the action. Alternate translation: “when God will have thrown you outside” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 13:29

ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ δυσμῶν καὶ ἀπὸ βορρᾶ καὶ νότου

Jesus speaks figuratively of all directions in order to include everything in between. Alternate translation: “from all over the world” (See: Merism)

ἀνακλιθήσονται ἐν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus speaks of the joy that people will share in God’s kingdom as if they were all having a feast. Alternate translation: “will feast together in the kingdom of God” or “will rejoice together in the kingdom of God” (See: Metaphor)

ἀνακλιθήσονται

If you decide to translate this phrase literally, see how you did that in 5:29. Alternate translation: “will take their places at the table” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate this phrase in 13:28. Alternate translation: “in the place where God rules” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 13:30

καὶ ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses this expression to call attention to what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Indeed” (See: Metaphor)

εἰσὶν ἔσχατοι οἳ ἔσονται πρῶτοι

Being last figuratively represents having few privileges, being first figuratively represents having many privileges. Alternate translation: “people who are not privileged now will come to have great privileges” (See: Metaphor)

ἔσχατοι

Jesus is using the adjective last as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. ULT adds the word ones to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this term with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are not privileged” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

εἰσὶν πρῶτοι οἳ ἔσονται ἔσχατοι

Being first figuratively represents having many privileges, and being last figuratively represents having few privileges. Alternate translation: “people who are greatly privileged now will lose those privileges” (See: Metaphor)

πρῶτοι

Jesus is using the adjective first as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. ULT adds the word ones to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this term with an equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are greatly privileged” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 13:31

ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ

Luke uses the term hour figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “At that same time” (See: Idiom)

ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ

Luke also uses this time reference to introduce a new event in the story. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate the phrase in a way that shows how this next event follows the previous event. Alternate translation: “Soon after Jesus finished speaking” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

προσῆλθάν τινες Φαρισαῖοι λέγοντες αὐτῷ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce new characters into the story. Alternate translation: “some Pharisees who were there came and told him” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἔξελθε καὶ πορεύου ἐντεῦθεν

These two expressions mean the same thing. The Pharisees are using repetition to emphasize how urgent they believe it is for Jesus to flee for his life. Alternate translation: “You need to get away from here right now” (See: Doublet)

Ἡρῴδης θέλει σε ἀποκτεῖναι

Herod would not kill Jesus personally. Rather, he would order people to do it. Alternate translation: “Herod plans to send his soldiers to kill you” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 13:32

πορευθέντες εἴπατε τῇ ἀλώπεκι ταύτῃ, ἰδοὺ, ἐκβάλλω δαιμόνια, καὶ ἰάσεις ἀποτελῶ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Go and tell that fox that I will certainly continue to drive out demons and perform healings” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τῇ ἀλώπεκι ταύτῃ

A fox is a small wild dog. If your readers would not be familiar with what a fox is, you could use the name of a similar animal in your region, or a general expression. Alternate translation: “that little dog” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τῇ ἀλώπεκι ταύτῃ

Jesus is referring to Herod figuratively as a fox. This could mean: (1) since foxes need to rely on cunning to catch their prey, Jesus may be saying that Herod is devious. Alternate translation: “that devious person” (2) since a fox is a small animal, Jesus may be saying that Herod was not much of a threat. Alternate translation: “that insignificant person” (See: Metaphor)

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses the term behold to call attention to what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Indeed” (See: Metaphor)

ἐκβάλλω δαιμόνια, καὶ ἰάσεις ἀποτελῶ σήμερον καὶ αὔριον

The expression today and tomorrow is an idiom that means “at the present time” or “for now.” Alternate translation: “for now I will continue to drive out demons and perform healings” (See: Idiom)

ἐκβάλλω δαιμόνια, καὶ ἰάσεις ἀποτελῶ σήμερον καὶ αὔριον

Jesus speaks of two parts of his ministry, driving out demons and performing healings, to mean all of his ministry, which also included teaching and other things. Alternate translation: “for now I will continue to carry on my ministry” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐκβάλλω δαιμόνια, καὶ ἰάσεις ἀποτελῶ σήμερον καὶ αὔριον

The implication is that Jesus is saying he knows he does not need to be afraid of Herod’s deadly intentions, even though he is in territory that Herod rules, because God will keep him safe while he carries out his ministry. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I know that for now, with God’s protection, I can safely carry on my ministry even in Herod’s territory” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῇ τρίτῃ

In this culture, the third day meant “the day after tomorrow.” Jesus is using the expression as an idiom. Alternate translation: “at a short time in the future” or “soon” (See: Idiom)

τελειοῦμαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. This could mean: (1) Jesus is saying he will soon complete his work of teaching and healing. Alternate translation: “I will complete my ministry” (2) this expression refers to someone reaching a goal or destination. Alternate translation: “I will finish traveling through Herod’s territory and reach Jerusalem” (3) Jesus is referring to a goal or destination figuratively, and mean that he will reach the end of his life. Alternate translation: “I will give my life as a sacrifice” (4) the expression describes someone reaching maturity or perfection of character, and if that is what it means here, it would describe the character that Jesus demonstrated when he gave his life as the Savior. Alternate translation: “I will demonstrate supreme love” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 13:33

πλὴν δεῖ με…πορεύεσθαι

Alternate translation: “But I must keep traveling”

σήμερον καὶ αὔριον καὶ τῇ ἐχομένῃ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “now and in the time just ahead” (See: Idiom)

οὐκ ἐνδέχεται προφήτην ἀπολέσθαι ἔξω Ἰερουσαλήμ

This could also mean “it is not acceptable.” Either way, Jesus is speaking ironically. The Jewish leaders claimed to serve God, and yet their ancestors killed many of God’s prophets in Jerusalem. Jesus knew that they would kill him there too. Alternate translation: “it is in Jerusalem that the Jewish leaders have killed so many of God’s messengers” (See: Irony)

Luke 13:34

Ἰερουσαλὴμ, Ἰερουσαλήμ

Jesus is figuratively addressing something he knows cannot hear him, the city of Jerusalem, in order to show his listeners in a strong way how he feels about it. Alternate translation: “I am very upset with the city of Jerusalem” or, if you decide to use the second person (see later note), “I am very upset with you, Jerusalem” (See: Apostrophe)

ἡ ἀποκτείνουσα τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ λιθοβολοῦσα τοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν

These two phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “who kills the prophets God sends her by stoning them” (See: Parallelism)

ἡ ἀποκτείνουσα τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ λιθοβολοῦσα τοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν

Jesus speaks figuratively of the city as if it were female. Your language may customarily use neuter pronouns for cities. Alternate translation: “which kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it” (See: Personification)

ἡ ἀποκτείνουσα τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ λιθοβολοῦσα τοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν

If your readers would find it strange that Jesus is addressing the city, you could make it clear that he is really speaking about the people who live in the city: “whose people kill the prophets and stone those sent to them” (See: Metonymy)

ἡ ἀποκτείνουσα τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ λιθοβολοῦσα τοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν

Jesus speaks of the city in the third person, even though he is addressing it directly. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “those God has sent to her” or “those God has sent to it” or “those God has sent to you” (See: Active or Passive)

ποσάκις ἠθέλησα

This is an exclamation and not a question. Alternate translation: “I have desired so often” (See: Exclamations)

ἐπισυνάξαι τὰ τέκνα σου

Jesus is figuratively describing the people who live in Jerusalem as if they were the children of the city. Alternate translation: “to gather your people” (See: Metaphor)

ὃν τρόπον ὄρνις τὴν ἑαυτῆς νοσσιὰν ὑπὸ τὰς πτέρυγας

Jesus is leaving out the word gathers that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply this word from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “the way a hen gathers her own brood under her wings” (See: Ellipsis)

σου

Even though Jesus is speaking of the people who live in Jerusalem, he is figuratively addressing the city, so your would be singular. The pronoun you would also be a singular pronoun in any case where it is needed in your language as a pronoun for a verb, for example, “you were not willing,” and in the phrase “sent to you,” if you decide to use the second person. (See: Forms of You)

ὃν τρόπον ὄρνις τὴν ἑαυτῆς νοσσιὰν ὑπὸ τὰς πτέρυγας

Jesus uses this comparison to describe how he wishes he could care for the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “just as if I were a hen gathering her chicks under her wings” (See: Simile)

τὴν ἑαυτῆς νοσσιὰν

The term brood refers collectively to all of the young offspring of a bird. Alternate translation: “her chicks” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὑπὸ τὰς πτέρυγας

The implication is that a hen would put her baby chicks there to protect them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “under her wings to protect them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 13:35

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses the term Behold to call attention to what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Indeed” (See: Metaphor)

ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν

Jesus is figuratively using the past tense in order to refer to something that will happen in the future. He is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “your house will be left to you alone” (See: Predictive Past)

ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν

Jesus speaks figuratively of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a house in which its people lived. Alternate translation: “your city will be left to you alone” (See: Metaphor)

ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God is going to leave your city to you alone” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν

The implications of this statement are that God will no longer consider that Jerusalem belongs to him, as a holy city where he dwells in his temple, and that God will therefore not protect the people of Jerusalem from their enemies. Alternate translation: “God will not protect you from your enemies” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὑμῖν…ὑμῶν…ὑμῖν

Jesus is now speaking directly to the people who live in Jerusalem, so your and you would be plural. The pronoun you would also be a plural pronoun in any case where it is needed in your language as a pronoun for a verb, for example, “you say.” (See: Forms of You)

λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is telling the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

οὐ μὴ με ἴδητέ ἕως ἥξει ὅτε εἴπητε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make this a positive statement. Alternate translation: “the next time you see me, you will say”

ἕως ἥξει ὅτε εἴπητε

The expression it comes means “the time comes.” You could express that in your translation, or, if your language does not speak of time as “coming,” you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “until the time comes when you say” or “until the time when you say” (See: Idiom)

ὅτε εἴπητε, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “when you say that the one who comes in the name of the Lord is blessed” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου

God’s name figuratively represents his power and authority. Alternate translation: “as God’s representative” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 14

Luke 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus attends a banquet and tells a parable about a banquet (14:1-24)
2. Jesus teaches more about being his disciple (14:25-35)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Parable

Jesus told the parable in Luke 14:15-24 to teach that the kingdom of God will be something that everyone can enjoy, but many people will refuse to be part of it. (See: Metaphor and kingdom of God, kingdom of heaven)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a statement that describes two things that seem as if they cannot both be true at the same time, but which actually are both true. Jesus speaks a paradox in this chapter: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (14:11).

Luke 14:1

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

αὐτὸν

The pronoun he refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

φαγεῖν ἄρτον

Luke refers figuratively to bread, one kind of food, to mean food in general. Alternate translation: “to have a meal” (See: Synecdoche)

καὶ αὐτοὶ ἦσαν παρατηρούμενοι αὐτόν

The implication is that other Pharisees were also present, as 14:3 indicates explicitly, and that they all wanted to find a way to accuse Jesus of saying or doing something wrong. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. It might be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Many other Pharisees were present, and they were all watching Jesus closely to try to catch him saying or doing something wrong” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 14:2

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to calls the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

ἄνθρωπός τις

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was a man there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἦν ὑδρωπικὸς

This means that the man had edema. That is a condition that causes swelling when water builds up in parts of the body. Your language may have a specific name for this condition. If not, you can use a general expression. Alternate translation: “who was suffering because parts of his body were swollen with water” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἦν ὑδρωπικὸς

Luke provides this background information about the man to help readers understand what happens in this episode. Jesus was facing the issue of whether to heal this man on the Sabbath, which the Pharisees thought was wrong. Alternate translation: “who was suffering because parts of his body were swollen with water” (See: Background Information)

ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ

Here, the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “was in the presence of Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 14:3

ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν

The term answering indicates that Jesus spoke in response to the situation that he observed. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “when he saw the man, Jesus spoke” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοὺς νομικοὺς

See how you translated this in 7:30. In this context, the term lawyers refers to experts in the law of Moses and its application to various situations. Alternate translation: “the experts in the Jewish law” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἔξεστιν τῷ Σαββάτῳ θεραπεῦσαι ἢ οὔ?

Jesus is not asking this question for information or to get guidance about what he should do. Rather, he is using the question to challenge the Pharisees and lawyers to think about the meaning and purpose of the Sabbath. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as an imperative. Alternate translation: “If you think the law does not permit healing on the Sabbath, explain why.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 14:4

οἱ δὲ ἡσύχασαν

Alternate translation: “But the religious leaders would not answer Jesus’ question”

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Because the religious leaders made no objection to healing on the Sabbath, as a result, Jesus healed the man. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐπιλαβόμενος

Alternate translation: “Jesus took hold of the man who was suffering from edema and” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 14:5

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τίνος ὑμῶν υἱὸς ἢ βοῦς εἰς φρέαρ πεσεῖται, καὶ οὐκ εὐθέως ἀνασπάσει αὐτὸν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ Σαββάτου

Jesus does not expect these religious leaders to tell him whether they would do this. Rather, he is using the question form as a teaching tool. He wants these religious leaders to recognize that on the Sabbath day, they themselves would do something to address a situation of suffering and need. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. It may be helpful to make this two sentences. Alternate translation: “If one of you had a son who fell into a well on the Sabbath, surely you would pull him out immediately. You would even do the same thing for your ox.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 14:6

καὶ οὐκ ἴσχυσαν ἀνταποκριθῆναι πρὸς ταῦτα

Alternate translation: “And there was nothing they could say in response”

Luke 14:7

ἔλεγεν…παραβολήν…ἐπέχων πῶς τὰς πρωτοκλισίας ἐξελέγοντο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of the phrases in this verse, since the second phrase gives the reason for the action that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Jesus noticed that those whom the leader of the Pharisees had invited to the meal were trying to sit in the seats for honored guests, so he gave them an illustration” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἔλεγεν…παραβολήν

In this instance, Luke is not using the term parable to mean a brief story that teaches something true in a way that is easy to understand and remember. Jesus used a hypothetical situation as an illustration to get the guests at this meal to consider how they should behave at feasts. Alternate translation: “he gave an illustration” (See: Parables)

τοὺς κεκλημένους

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who had done the action. Alternate translation: “those whom this Pharisee had invited to the meal” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰς πρωτοκλισίας

The term first figuratively represents being important and honored. If your culture has a way of placing people at meals to show honor, you can use that in your translation. Otherwise, you can use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the seats closest to the host” or “the seats for honored guests” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 14:8

ὅταν κληθῇς ὑπό τινος εἰς γάμους, μὴ κατακλιθῇς

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to teach the guests at this meal. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone invites you to a wedding celebration. Then you should not take your place at the table” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ὅταν κληθῇς ὑπό τινος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “When someone invites you” (See: Active or Passive)

μὴ κατακλιθῇς

See how you translated this in 5:29. Alternate translation: “do not take your place at the table” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὴν πρωτοκλισίαν

See how you translated this in 14:7. Alternate translation: “in a seat for an honored guest” (See: Metaphor)

ἐντιμότερός σου ᾖ κεκλημένος ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the host may also have invited a person who is more important than you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐντιμότερός

Jesus is using the comparative adjective more honorable as a noun. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “a person who is more important” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

σου

Even though Jesus is speaking to the crowd, he is addressing an individual situation, so you and your are singular in 14:8-10. But if the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Luke 14:9

ἐλθὼν, ὁ σὲ καὶ αὐτὸν καλέσας

In this culture, the host would come into the banquet hall after all the guests were seated. If the practice is different in your culture, you can use a general expression in your translation here. Alternate translation: “when the person who invited both of you sees the seating arrangements” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἄρξῃ μετὰ αἰσχύνης τὸν ἔσχατον τόπον κατέχειν

Jesus uses the term begin idiomatically to suggest slowly unfolding, reluctant action. Alternate translation: “you will be ashamed and reluctantly have to take the last place” (See: Idiom)

τὸν ἔσχατον τόπον

The term last figuratively represents being unimportant and not honored. If your culture has a way of placing people at meals to show honor, you can use that in your translation. Otherwise, you can use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a seat far from the host” or “a seat for the least important person” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν ἔσχατον τόπον

The implication is that this guest must go to the least important section of seats because all the other places have been taken in the meantime. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a seat for the least important person, since all the other seats will be taken” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 14:10

ὅταν κληθῇς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who does the action. Alternate translation: “when someone invites you to a feast” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀνάπεσε

See how you translated this in 14:8. Alternate translation: “take your place at the table” (See: Translate Unknowns)

εἰς τὸν ἔσχατον τόπον

See how you translated this in 14:9. Alternate translation: “among the least important people” (See: Metaphor)

ὅταν ἔλθῃ ὁ κεκληκώς σε

In this culture, the host would come into the banqueting hall after all the guests were seated. If the practice is different in your culture, you can use a general expression in your translation here. Alternate translation: “when the person who invited you sees where you are sitting” (See: Translate Unknowns)

προσανάβηθι ἀνώτερον

The host speaks figuratively of the more important places at the feast being higher than the less important ones. Alternate translation: “move to a seat for a more important person” (See: Metaphor)

ἔσται σοι δόξα

This is an idiom. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state who would make this happen. Alternate translation: “your host will honor you” (See: Idiom)

ἐνώπιον

Here, the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of.” Alternate translation: “in the presence of all the other guests” or “as all the other guests are watching” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 14:11

ὁ ὑψῶν ἑαυτὸν

Alternate translation: “who tries to look important” or “who takes an important position”

ταπεινωθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “will have to act humbly” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ ταπεινῶν ἑαυτὸν

Alternate translation: “who chooses to look unimportant” or “who takes an unimportant position”

ὑψωθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “will receive honor” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 14:12

τῷ κεκληκότι αὐτόν

Alternate translation: “the Pharisee who had invited him to his house for a meal”

ὅταν ποιῇς

Even though this is general advice for everyone listening, the word you is singular here, and you and your are singular in all of 14:12-14, because Jesus is speaking directly to the Pharisee who invited him. (See: Forms of You)

μὴ φώνει

Jesus is probably not telling his host never to invite such people. Rather, this is likely a generalization that means he should invite others as well. Alternate translation: “do not invite only” (See: Hyperbole)

τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου…τοὺς συγγενεῖς σου

The term brothers probably refers figuratively to close family members, while the term relatives likely indicates more distant members of an extended family. Alternate translation: “your close family members … other relatives” (See: Metaphor)

τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου

If brothers is a figurative term, then Jesus is using it in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “your close family members” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

μήποτε καὶ αὐτοὶ ἀντικαλέσωσίν σε

Alternate translation: “because they might feel an obligation to invite you to a banquet of their own”

γένηται ἀνταπόδομά σοι

Your language may require you to say who would make this happen. Alternate translation: “and they would repay you”

Luke 14:13

κάλει

It may be helpful to add “also” in your translation, since, as in 14:12, Jesus probably does not mean to invite only these people. Alternate translation: “also invite”

πτωχούς, ἀναπείρους, χωλούς, τυφλούς

Jesus is using these adjectives as nouns to refer to groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are poor, people with disabilities, people who are handicapped, and people who are blind” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 14:14

μακάριος ἔσῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will bless you” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἀνταποδοῦναί σοι

This expression does not mean that these people would not have a social obligation to return hospitality, the way others would. Rather, Jesus is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “they do not have the means to repay you” or “they cannot invite you to a banquet in return” (See: Ellipsis)

ἀνταποδοθήσεται…σοι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will repay you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει τῶν δικαίων

Alternate translation: “when God brings righteous people back to life”

Luke 14:15

δέ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

τις τῶν συνανακειμένων

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. Alternate translation: “another one of the guests at that meal” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

τις τῶν συνανακειμένων

See how you translated the expression “recline to eat” in 14:8. Alternate translation: “another one of the guests at that meal” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὅστις φάγεται ἄρτον ἐν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

This man is using the word bread to refer to an entire meal. Alternate translation: “anyone who is invited to the feast in the kingdom of God” (See: Synecdoche)

ὅστις φάγεται ἄρτον ἐν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

This man is using the image of a feast to depict the joy that people will share in God’s kingdom. Alternate translation: “anyone who will rejoice with others in the kingdom of God” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate this phrase in 13:28. Alternate translation: “in the place where God rules” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 14:16

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, ἄνθρωπός τις ἐποίει δεῖπνον μέγα

To help this guest understand better what he has been teaching, Jesus tells a brief story that provides an illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “In response, Jesus told this guest a story to help him understand. ‘There was a man who prepared a large banquet’” (See: Parables)

ἄνθρωπός τις

This introduces a character in the parable. Alternate translation: “There was a man who” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἐποίει δεῖπνον μέγα, καὶ ἐκάλεσεν πολλούς

The implication is that this man had his servants prepare the meal and invite the guests. Alternate translation: “told his servants to prepare a large banquet and to invite many guests” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 14:17

τῇ ὥρᾳ τοῦ δείπνου

Jesus is using the term hour figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at the time for the dinner” or “when the dinner was about to begin” (See: Idiom)

τοῖς κεκλημένοις

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “to those he had invited” (See: Active or Passive)

ἔρχεσθε, ὅτι ἤδη ἕτοιμά ἐστιν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that they should come because everything was now ready” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Luke 14:18

καὶ

This word introduces a contrast between what was expected, that all the invited guests would come to the dinner, and what happened, that they all declined to do that. Alternate translation: “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀπὸ μιᾶς πάντες

Jesus is leaving out a word that this sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. This could mean a number of things, depending on what word is supplied, but the general sense is the same in every case: (1) “all from one mind” or “all from one voice,” that is, unanimously. Alternate translation: “all alike” (2) “all from one manner.” Alternate translation: “all in the same way” (3) “all from one time” Alternate translation: “all, as soon as the servant came to them” (See: Ellipsis)

παραιτεῖσθαι

Alternate translation: “to give polite reasons why they could not come to the dinner”

ὁ πρῶτος εἶπεν αὐτῷ

While him refers to the servant, the implication is that this first guest was giving the servant a message for his master, since it would be the master, not the servant, who would excuse him from attending the banquet. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The first guest whom the servant approached told him to give this message to his master” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ πρῶτος

Jesus is using the adjective first as a noun in order to indicate a person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate the term with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “The first guest whom the servant approached” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἀγρὸν ἠγόρασα καὶ ἔχω ἀνάγκην ἐξελθὼν ἰδεῖν αὐτόν; ἐρωτῶ σε ἔχε με παρῃτημένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that he had just bought a field and that he needed to go out and look at it, so he wanted to be excused” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἐρωτῶ σε ἔχε με παρῃτημένον

In this culture, this was a polite formula for declining a social invitation. If your language has a similar formula, you can use it in your translation. Alternate translation: “Please accept my apology for not being able to attend” (See: Idiom)

ἔχε με παρῃτημένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “excuse me from attending” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 14:19

ἕτερος εἶπεν

See how you translated this in 14:18. Alternate translation: “another guest told the servant to give this message to his master” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ζεύγη βοῶν ἠγόρασα πέντε καὶ πορεύομαι δοκιμάσαι αὐτά; ἐρωτῶ σε ἔχε με παρῃτημένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that he had just bought five pairs of oxen and that he was going to try them out, so he wanted to be excused” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ζεύγη βοῶν…πέντε

Oxen are large cattle. In this culture, they were used in pairs to pull farming tools such as plows. Alternate translation: “five pairs of oxen to work in my fields” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐρωτῶ σε ἔχε με παρῃτημένον

See how you translated this in 14:18. Alternate translation: “Please accept my apology for not being able to attend” (See: Idiom)

ἔχε με παρῃτημένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “excuse me from attending” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 14:20

ἕτερος εἶπεν

See how you translated this in 14:18. Alternate translation: “Another guest told the servant to give this message to his master” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

γυναῖκα ἔγημα καὶ διὰ τοῦτο οὐ δύναμαι ἐλθεῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that he had just gotten married and so he could not come” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

γυναῖκα ἔγημα

In your language, it might seem that this phrase expresses unnecessary extra information. If so, you could abbreviate it. Use the expression that is most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have just gotten married” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

οὐ δύναμαι ἐλθεῖν

This is not the same polite formula that the previous two people used. This man feels he has solid grounds to decline the invitation, and he says so directly. Reflect this difference in the way your language naturally would. Alternate translation: “I will not be coming”

Luke 14:21

ὀργισθεὶς

The implication is that the host became angry with the people who had turned down his invitation, not with his servant. Alternate translation: “becoming angry with the people he had invited” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰσάγαγε ὧδε

Alternate translation: “invite to my house”

τοὺς πτωχοὺς, καὶ ἀναπείρους, καὶ τυφλοὺς, καὶ χωλοὺς

Jesus is using these adjectives as nouns to refer to groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are poor, people with disabilities, people who are blind, and people who are handicapped” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 14:22

καὶ εἶπεν ὁ δοῦλος

The implication is that the servant did what the master commanded him and then came back with this report. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “After the servant went out and did that, he came back and reported” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Κύριε, γέγονεν ὃ ἐπέταξας, καὶ ἔτι τόπος ἐστίν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that he had done what the master had commanded but there was still room” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

γέγονεν ὃ ἐπέταξας

Alternate translation: “I have done what you commanded”

Luke 14:23

εἶπεν ὁ κύριος πρὸς τὸν δοῦλον, ἔξελθε εἰς τὰς ὁδοὺς καὶ φραγμοὺς, καὶ ἀνάγκασον εἰσελθεῖν, ἵνα γεμισθῇ μου ὁ οἶκος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the master told the servant to go out into the roads and hedges and compel people to come in so that his house would be filled” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

φραγμοὺς

The word hedges describes boundary fences that enclose and protect fields and buildings. They may be made of bushes and shrubs growing closely together, or they may be made of wood or stone or similar building materials. This could mean: (1) actual hedges. In that case, you could use the equivalent term in your language or a general expression. Alternate translation: “boundary fences” (2) since the term is paired with roads, it may figuratively mean the footpaths that run along hedges at the borders of fields. Alternate translation: “paths” (See: Metonymy)

ἵνα γεμισθῇ μου ὁ οἶκος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “so that guests may fill my house” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 14:24

λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν, ὅτι οὐδεὶς τῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐκείνων τῶν κεκλημένων, γεύσεταί μου τοῦ δείπνου

The master is using a future statement to express the result he desires from the instructions he has just given his servants. Alternate translation: “For I say to you that I do not want any of those men who were invited to taste of my supper” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν, ὅτι οὐδεὶς τῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐκείνων τῶν κεκλημένων, γεύσεταί μου τοῦ δείπνου

While the word you is singular in 14:21-23 because the master and the servant are addressing one another individually, here the word you is plural. It is not clear why. Possibly it may be assumed that other servants have been helping and that the master is now addressing all of the servants at once. In that case, it would make sense to translate you using the plural form, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Forms of You)

λέγω…ὑμῖν

The master says this to emphasize what he is telling his servants. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν, ὅτι οὐδεὶς τῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐκείνων τῶν κεκλημένων, γεύσεταί μου τοῦ δείπνου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The master told all of his servants that he did not want any of the men he had invited to taste his supper” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐκείνων

Here, the word for men means “male adults,” not people in general. So it would be appropriate to use a specifically masculine term in your translation. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

τῶν κεκλημένων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “whom I invited” (See: Active or Passive)

γεύσεταί μου τοῦ δείπνου

The master may be using the word taste figuratively to mean eating the meal. Alternate translation: “will enjoy the dinner that I have prepared” (See: Metonymy)

γεύσεταί μου τοῦ δείπνου

Alternatively, the master may be making an extreme statement for emphasis. Alternate translation: “will get even a taste of the dinner that I have prepared” (See: Hyperbole)

μου τοῦ δείπνου

By this expression, the master does not mean his own meal, but the dinner that he has prepared for others. Alternate translation: “the dinner that I have prepared”

Luke 14:25

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

συνεπορεύοντο…αὐτῷ ὄχλοι πολλοί

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Jesus is no longer at the dinner at the home of the Pharisee. He has resumed his journey to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could introduce this new situation more fully. Alternate translation: “Jesus then continued on his way to Jerusalem, and large crowds were traveling with him” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Luke 14:26

εἴ τις ἔρχεται πρός με,

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “If anyone wants to be my disciple” (See: Idiom)

εἴ τις…οὐ μισεῖ…οὐ δύναται εἶναί μου μαθητής

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “Only someone … who loves me more than … is able to be my disciple” (See: Double Negatives)

καὶ

Jesus uses this word to introduce a contrast. Alternate translation: “but” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

οὐ μισεῖ

Jesus is using the word hate figuratively as an exaggeration to say that his disciples are not to love other people and themselves more than they love Jesus. Alternate translation: “does not love me more than” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 14:27

ὅστις οὐ βαστάζει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔρχεται ὀπίσω μου, οὐ δύναται εἶναί μου μαθητής

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must carry his cross and follow me” (See: Double Negatives)

οὐ βαστάζει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ

Jesus assumes that the crowds will know that the Romans executed some criminals by nailing them to a wooden beam with crossbar that was set upright so that the criminals would slowly suffocate. Jesus assumes that the crowds will also know that the Romans made these criminals carry these wooden crosses through the streets to the place where they were going to be executed. Alternate translation: “does not carry the wooden cross on which he will be executed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐ βαστάζει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ

Jesus uses the phrase carry his cross, referring to this practice of execution figuratively, to say that his disciples must be people who have given up their lives to God and who are willing to suffer. Alternate translation: “does not surrender his life to God and be willing to suffer” (See: Metaphor)

ἔρχεται ὀπίσω μου

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “follow my example” or “obey me” (See: Idiom)

Luke 14:28

τίς γὰρ ἐξ ὑμῶν θέλων πύργον οἰκοδομῆσαι, οὐχὶ πρῶτον καθίσας, ψηφίζει τὴν δαπάνην, εἰ ἔχει εἰς ἀπαρτισμόν?

Jesus is using this question as a teaching tool. Alternate translation: “If one of you wanted to build a tower, he would certainly sit down first and determine whether he had enough money to complete it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίς γὰρ ἐξ ὑμῶν θέλων πύργον οἰκοδομῆσαι, οὐχὶ πρῶτον καθίσας, ψηφίζει τὴν δαπάνην, εἰ ἔχει εἰς ἀπαρτισμόν?

Jesus is offering the crowds an illustration that involves a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose one of you wanted to build a tower. Then you would certainly sit down first and determine whether you had enough money to complete it.” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

πύργον

This may mean a watchtower. In one of his parables, recorded in Matthew 21:33, Jesus uses this same word to describe a watchtower that a man built for a vineyard he was planting. Alternate translation: “a high lookout platform” (See: Translate Unknowns)

εἰ ἔχει εἰς ἀπαρτισμόν

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “whether he has enough money to complete the project” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 14:29

ἵνα μήποτε

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the implicit meaning here. Alternate translation: “If he does not first calculate the cost” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

θέντος αὐτοῦ θεμέλιον

See how you translated the word foundation in 6:48. Alternate translation: “once he has built a base” or “once he has completed the lower part of the building” (See: Translate Unknowns)

καὶ μὴ ἰσχύοντος ἐκτελέσαι

The implication is that this person was not able to finish the building because he did not have enough money. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “but does not have enough money to finish the whole building” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πάντες οἱ θεωροῦντες

This is a generalization that describes what the common reaction would be. Alternate translation: “those who see it” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 14:30

οὗτος ὁ ἄνθρωπος

Since Jesus addresses his question in 14:28 to the whole crowd, his illustration envisions all of them, so the term man here may be generic. Alternate translation: “this person” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

καὶ

This word introduces a contrast between what the man planned to do and what he failed to do in the end. Alternate translation: “but” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Luke 14:31

ἢ τίς βασιλεὺς πορευόμενος ἑτέρῳ βασιλεῖ συμβαλεῖν εἰς πόλεμον, οὐχὶ καθίσας πρῶτον βουλεύσεται, εἰ δυνατός ἐστιν ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν ὑπαντῆσαι τῷ μετὰ εἴκοσι χιλιάδων ἐρχομένῳ ἐπ’ αὐτόν?

Jesus is using this question as a teaching tool. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Certainly a king who was going to war against another king would sit down first and determine whether with 10,000 troops he would be able to defeat a king who was attacking him with 20,000 troops.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἢ τίς βασιλεὺς πορευόμενος ἑτέρῳ βασιλεῖ συμβαλεῖν εἰς πόλεμον, οὐχὶ καθίσας πρῶτον βουλεύσεται

Jesus is offering the crowds an illustration that involves a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Or suppose one king were going to fight a war against another king. Then he would certainly sit down first and determine” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

βουλεύσεται

This could mean: (1) he would think carefully about it. (2) he would consult with his advisors to decide.

Luke 14:32

εἰ δὲ μή γε

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the implicit meaning here. Alternate translation: “If he realizes that he will not be able to defeat the other king” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔτι αὐτοῦ πόρρω ὄντος, πρεσβείαν ἀποστείλας ἐρωτᾷ τὰ πρὸς εἰρήνην

Alternate translation: “while the other king is still far away, the first king sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace”

τὰ πρὸς εἰρήνην

Alternate translation: “for terms to end the war” or “what the other king wants him to do so that he will not attack”

Luke 14:33

πᾶς ἐξ ὑμῶν ὃς οὐκ ἀποτάσσεται πᾶσιν τοῖς ἑαυτοῦ ὑπάρχουσιν, οὐ δύναται εἶναί μου μαθητής

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “only those of you who give up all that you have are able be my disciples” (See: Double Negatives)

ὃς οὐκ ἀποτάσσεται πᾶσιν τοῖς ἑαυτοῦ ὑπάρχουσιν

Alternate translation: “who is not willing to give up everything he owns”

Luke 14:34

καλὸν οὖν τὸ ἅλας

To help the people in the crowd understand what he has been teaching, Jesus provides an illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus gave the crowd this illustration to help them understand. ‘Salt is certainly useful’” (See: Parables)

ἐὰν…τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “if something causes salt to lose its flavor” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τίνι ἀρτυθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “what can make it salty again” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τίνι ἀρτυθήσεται?

Jesus is using this question as a teaching tool. He does not expect the crowd to tell him how the flavor of salt can be restored. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “nothing can make it salty again.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 14:35

εἰς κοπρίαν

See how you translated this phrase in 13:8. Alternate translation: “to use as fertilizer” or “to add to the compost heap” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἔξω βάλλουσιν αὐτό

They does not refer to any individuals in particular. This is an indefinite usage. Alternate translation: “People throw it outside” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω

Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize that what he has just said is important and that it may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase ears to hear figuratively represents the willingness to understand and obey by association with the part of the body by which his listeners have been taking in his teaching. Alternate translation: “If anyone is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω

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, then listen” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω

If you choose to translate this in the second person, you would be plural, since Jesus is speaking to the crowd. (See: Forms of You)

Luke 15

Luke 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus tells parables about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son (15:1-32)

Special concepts in this chapter

The parable of the prodigal son

The story that Jesus tells in Luke 15:11-32 is known as The Parable of the Prodigal Son, although he does not give the story that title himself. Most interpreters understand the father in the story to represent God (the Father), the sinful younger son to represent those who repent and come to faith in Jesus, and the self-righteous older son to represent the Pharisees. In the story, the older son becomes angry at the father for forgiving the younger son’s sins. He will not even go in to the party that the father is giving to welcome the younger son home. Jesus knew that the Pharisees wanted God to think that only they were good and not forgive other people’s sins. Jesus was teaching them that they would never become part of God’s kingdom if they continued to think that way. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned and Parables)

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 such as stealing or sexual sins. But Jesus told three parables (15:4-7, 15:8-10, and 15:11-32) to teach that the people who acknowledge that they are sinners and who repent are the people who truly please God. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and repent, repentance and Parables)

Luke 15:1

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἦσαν…αὐτῷ ἐγγίζοντες πάντες οἱ τελῶναι καὶ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀκούειν αὐτοῦ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce new characters into the story. These people were part of the crowd that Luke described generally in 14:25. Alternate translation: “many of the people who were coming to listen to Jesus were tax collectors and sinners” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἦσαν…αὐτῷ ἐγγίζοντες πάντες οἱ τελῶναι καὶ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀκούειν αὐτοῦ

The word all is an overstatement for emphasis. Alternate translation: “many of the people who were coming to listen to Jesus were tax collectors and sinners” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 15:2

καὶ

Luke uses this word to indicate the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “As a result” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

διεγόγγυζον οἵ τε Φαρισαῖοι καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς

Luke uses this phrase to reintroduce these characters into the story. While these may not be exactly the same individuals whom Jesus encountered in places such as 5:17-30, the members of this group in general function as the same character throughout the story. Alternate translation: “some Pharisees and scribes were there, and they were grumbling” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

οὗτος ἁμαρτωλοὺς προσδέχεται

Alternate translation: “This man lets sinners into his presence” or “This man associates with sinners”

οὗτος

This expression implicitly means Jesus. Alternate translation: “This man” or “Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 15:3

δὲ

Luke uses this word to indicate the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

εἶπεν…πρὸς αὐτοὺς τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην

Alternate translation: “Jesus told this story to the Pharisees and scribes to help them understand” (See: Parables)

Luke 15:4

τίς ἄνθρωπος ἐξ ὑμῶν, ἔχων ἑκατὸν πρόβατα καὶ ἀπολέσας ἐξ αὐτῶν ἓν, οὐ καταλείπει τὰ ἐνενήκοντα ἐννέα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, καὶ πορεύεται ἐπὶ τὸ ἀπολωλὸς, ἕως εὕρῃ αὐτό?

Jesus is using this question as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “If one of you had 100 sheep and lost one of them, he would certainly leave the other 99 sheep in the wilderness and go looking for the sheep that had wandered off until he found it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίς ἄνθρωπος ἐξ ὑμῶν, ἔχων ἑκατὸν πρόβατα καὶ ἀπολέσας ἐξ αὐτῶν ἓν, οὐ καταλείπει

Jesus is offering the Pharisees and scribes an illustration that involves a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose one of you had 100 sheep and you lost one of them. Then you would certainly leave” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

τίς ἄνθρωπος ἐξ ὑμῶν, ἔχων ἑκατὸν πρόβατα…ἕως εὕρῃ αὐτό

Since Jesus begins the parable by asking, “Which man among you,” some languages would continue the parable in the second person. Alternate translation: “Which one of you, if you had 100 sheep … until you found it” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τίς ἄνθρωπος ἐξ ὑμῶν

This could mean: (1) while all of the Pharisees and scribes who are grumbling are probably men, Jesus is describing what any person, man or woman, would likely do in this situation, and he is telling the parable for the whole crowd to hear. So the term man here may be generic. Alternate translation: “Which person among you” (2) since Jesus speaks in his next parable of a woman doing something, he may be using a man and a woman in paired examples to offer a comprehensive teaching about the kingdom of God. In that case, the term man here would not be generic. Alternate translation: “Which of you men” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 15:5

καὶ εὑρὼν, ἐπιτίθησιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους αὐτοῦ χαίρων

If you decided in the previous verse that your language would continue this parable in the second person, use the second person here as well. Alternate translation: “Once you found it, you would very happily lay it across your shoulders” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ἐπιτίθησιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους αὐτοῦ

This is the way a shepherd carries a sheep. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he lays it across his shoulders to carry it home” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 15:6

καὶ ἐλθὼν εἰς τὸν οἶκον, συνκαλεῖ τοὺς φίλους καὶ τοὺς γείτονας

If you decided that your language would continue this parable in the second person, use the second person here as well. Alternate translation: “And when you got back to your house, you would call together your friends and neighbors” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

λέγων αὐτοῖς, συνχάρητέ μοι, ὅτι εὗρον τὸ πρόβατόν μου τὸ ἀπολωλός

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and tells them to rejoice with him because he has found his sheep that was lost” or, if you decided to use the second person, “and you would tell them to rejoice with you because you had found your sheep that was lost” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Luke 15:7

λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell these Pharisees and scribes. Alternate translation: “I can assure you that”

οὕτως

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the implicit meaning here. Alternate translation: “just as the shepherd and his friends and neighbors would rejoice” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

χαρὰ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ ἔσται

Jesus is using the word heaven figuratively to mean the inhabitants of heaven. Alternate translation: “everyone in heaven will rejoice” (See: Metonymy)

δικαίοις

Jesus is using the adjective righteous as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate the word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are righteous” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 15:8

τίς γυνὴ δραχμὰς ἔχουσα δέκα, ἐὰν ἀπολέσῃ δραχμὴν μίαν, οὐχὶ ἅπτει λύχνον, καὶ σαροῖ τὴν οἰκίαν, καὶ ζητεῖ ἐπιμελῶς, ἕως οὗ εὕρῃ?

Jesus is using this question as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “if a woman had ten drachma coins and she lost one of them, she would certainly light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she found it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίς γυνὴ δραχμὰς ἔχουσα δέκα, ἐὰν ἀπολέσῃ δραχμὴν μίαν, οὐχὶ ἅπτει λύχνον, καὶ σαροῖ τὴν οἰκίαν, καὶ ζητεῖ ἐπιμελῶς, ἕως οὗ εὕρῃ?

Jesus is offering an illustration that involves a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose a woman had ten drachma coins and she lost one of them. Then she would certainly light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she found it.” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

δραχμὰς

A drachma was a silver coin equivalent to a day’s wage. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “valuable silver coins” or “coins each worth a day’s wages” (See: Biblical Money)

σαροῖ τὴν οἰκίαν

Jesus speaks of the whole house to refer figuratively to one part of it, the floor. Alternate translation: “sweep the floor” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 15:9

λέγουσα, συνχάρητέ μοι, ὅτι εὗρον τὴν δραχμὴν ἣν ἀπώλεσα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and tells them to rejoice with her because she has found the drachma that she lost” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Luke 15:10

οὕτως

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the implicit meaning here. Alternate translation: “Just as the woman and her friends and neighbors would rejoice” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell these Pharisees and scribes. Alternate translation: “indeed”

ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀγγέλων τοῦ Θεοῦ

The term before figuratively means “in the presence” of someone. Alternate translation: “in the presence of God’s angels” or “among the angels of God” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 15:11

εἶπεν δέ

To help the Pharisees and scribes understand what he has been teaching, Jesus tells a brief story that provides a further illustration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus told the Pharisees and scribes this story to help them understand” (See: Parables)

ἄνθρωπός τις εἶχεν δύο υἱούς

Jesus uses this phrase to introduce the main characters in the parable. Alternate translation: “There was a man who had two sons” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Luke 15:12

εἶπεν…τῷ πατρί, Πάτερ, δός μοι τὸ ἐπιβάλλον μέρος τῆς οὐσίας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “told his father that he wanted the share of the estate that he would inherit” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

δός μοι

The son wanted his father to give him his inheritance immediately. If your language has a command form that indicates that the speaker wants something done immediately, it would be appropriate to use that form here. (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

τὸ ἐπιβάλλον μέρος τῆς οὐσίας

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the part of your wealth that you intend to leave to me when you die” or “the share of the estate that I would inherit” (See: Idiom)

καὶ

Jesus uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation (as in UST): “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

διεῖλεν αὐτοῖς τὸν βίον

Alternate translation: “he divided his wealth between his two sons”

Luke 15:13

οὐ πολλὰς ἡμέρας

This is a figure of speech that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “only a few days” (See: Litotes)

συναγαγὼν πάντα

Alternate translation: “packed all of his things”

ἀσώτως

Alternate translation: “without thinking about the consequences of his actions”

Luke 15:14

δὲ

Jesus uses this word to introduce background information that will help his listeners understand what happens next in the parable. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἐγένετο λιμὸς ἰσχυρὰ κατὰ τὴν χώραν ἐκείνην

Alternate translation: “something happened so that the entire country did not have enough food”

ὑστερεῖσθαι

Alternate translation: “to lack what he needed” or “not to have enough to live on”

Luke 15:15

καὶ

Jesus uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation (as in UST): “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

πορευθεὶς, ἐκολλήθη ἑνὶ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he began to work for one” (See: Idiom)

ἑνὶ τῶν πολιτῶν τῆς χώρας ἐκείνης

Alternate translation: “to someone who lived in that country”

βόσκειν χοίρους

Alternate translation: “to feed the pigs that the man owned”

Luke 15:16

ἐπεθύμει χορτασθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “he wished he could satisfy his hunger” (See: Active or Passive)

κερατίων

These are the husks of the beans that grow on the carob tree. If your readers would not be familiar with this tree, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “bean husks” (See: Translate Unknowns)

καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐδίδου αὐτῷ

This could mean one of two things. Alternate translation: “because no one was giving him anything else to eat” or “but his master would not allow him to eat even those”

Luke 15:17

εἰς ἑαυτὸν…ἐλθὼν

This idiom means that he became able to understand his situation clearly and realized that he had made a terrible mistake. Alternate translation: “realizing the situation he was in” (See: Idiom)

ἔφη, πόσοι μίσθιοι τοῦ πατρός μου περισσεύονται ἄρτων, ἐγὼ δὲ λιμῷ ὧδε ἀπόλλυμαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he told himself that all of his father’s hired servants had more than enough food to eat, but he was perishing from hunger where he was” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

πόσοι μίσθιοι τοῦ πατρός μου περισσεύονται ἄρτων, ἐγὼ δὲ λιμῷ ὧδε ἀπόλλυμαι

This is an exclamation, not a question. Alternate translation: “All of my father’s hired servants have more than enough food to eat, but I am perishing from hunger here” (See: Exclamations)

ἄρτων

The young man is using one kind of food, bread, figuratively to mean food in general. Alternate translation: “food” (See: Synecdoche)

λιμῷ…ἀπόλλυμαι

This could mean: (1) it is a figurative overstatement for emphasis. Alternate translation: “have so little to eat” (2) the young man has literally been starving. Alternate translation: “am about to die of starvation” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 15:18

ἀναστὰς, πορεύσομαι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου, καὶ ἐρῶ αὐτῷ, Πάτερ, ἥμαρτον εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐνώπιόν σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, and then another quotation within that one. Alternate translation: “He decided that he would leave that place and go to his father and tell him that he had sinned against God and directly against him” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἀναστὰς

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will leave this place” (See: Idiom)

τὸν οὐρανὸν

In order to honor the commandment not to misuse God’s name, Jewish people often avoided saying the word “God” and used the word heaven instead. Alternate translation: “God” (See: Euphemism)

ἐνώπιόν

The term before figuratively means “in the presence” of another person. In the speech he is planning, the younger son makes a distinction between the way he has sinned against heaven, by committing many sins, and before his father, by causing him personal shame and loss. Alternate translation: “directly against” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 15:19

οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου. ποίησόν με ὡς ἕνα τῶν μισθίων σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that it is not a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “He decided he would tell his father that he did not deserve to be his son any more, but that he hoped his father would hire him as one of his servants” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “I am no longer worthy for you to call me your son” (See: Active or Passive)

κληθῆναι

This expression could also be an idiom that means “to be.” See how you translated it in 1:32, 1:76, and 2:23. Alternate translation: “to be” (See: Idiom)

ποίησόν με ὡς ἕνα τῶν μισθίων σου

This is a request, not a command. To show that, it may be helpful to add “please,” as UST does. Alternate translation: “please hire me as one of your servants” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 15:20

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentences described. Alternate translation (as in UST): “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀναστὰς

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he left that place” (See: Idiom)

ἔτι δὲ αὐτοῦ μακρὰν ἀπέχοντος

This does not mean that the younger son was still in the other country. Alternate translation: “while he was still at a great distance from his father’s house”

ἐσπλαγχνίσθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “had pity on him” or “loved him deeply from his heart” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν

The father did these things to show his son that he loved him and that he was glad he was coming home. If men in your culture would not show affection to their sons in this way, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “welcomed him affectionately” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “gave him a hug” or “hugged him tightly” (See: Idiom)

Luke 15:21

εἶπεν δὲ ὁ υἱὸς αὐτῷ, Πάτερ, ἥμαρτον εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐνώπιόν σου; οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that it is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Then the son told his father that he had sinned against God and directly against him, and that he did not deserve to be called his son anymore” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τὸν οὐρανὸν

In order to honor the commandment not to misuse God’s name, Jewish people often avoided saying the word “God” and used the word heaven instead. Alternate translation: “God” (See: Euphemism)

ἐνώπιόν

The term before figuratively means “in the presence” of another person. The young man is making a distinction between the way he has sinned against heaven, by committing many sins, and before his father, by causing him personal shame and loss. Alternate translation: “directly against” (See: Metaphor)

οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “I am no longer worthy for you to call me your son” (See: Active or Passive)

κληθῆναι

This expression could also be an idiom that means “to be.” See how you translated it in 1:32, 1:76, and 2:23. Alternate translation: “to be” (See: Idiom)

Luke 15:22

εἶπεν δὲ ὁ πατὴρ πρὸς τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ, ταχὺ ἐξενέγκατε στολὴν τὴν πρώτην, καὶ ἐνδύσατε αὐτόν, καὶ δότε δακτύλιον εἰς τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ὑποδήματα εἰς τοὺς πόδας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that it is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But the father told his servants quickly to bring the best robe they had and put it on his son, and to put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἐξενέγκατε…ἐνδύσατε…δότε

Since the father is speaking to a number of servants, the implied you in these imperatives would be plural. Your language may need to show that distinction explicitly. (See: Forms of You)

στολὴν τὴν πρώτην…δακτύλιον…ὑποδήματα

By having his servants put these things on his son, the father was showing that he was welcoming his son back as a member of the family in good standing. These were all signs of status, authority, and privilege. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in some way in your translation. (See: Symbolic Action)

στολὴν τὴν πρώτην

As in 14:7, here the word first figuratively means “best.” Alternate translation: “the best robe we have” or “the festive garment we save for special occasions” (See: Metaphor)

δότε δακτύλιον εἰς τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ

The father figuratively says hand to mean one part of the hand, a finger. Alternate translation: “put a ring on his finger” (See: Synecdoche)

ὑποδήματα

In this culture, poorer people went barefoot, while more affluent people wore sandals. They are a type of open footwear, typically made of leather, consisting of a sole that is held onto the foot with straps. The modern equivalent in many cultures where the poor go barefoot and the more affluent have footwear would be shoes. Alternate translation: “shoes” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 15:23

καὶ φέρετε τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν, θύσατε, καὶ φαγόντες εὐφρανθῶμεν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that it is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “He also told his servants to bring the calf they had been fattening and butcher it so that they could have a celebration feast” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

φέρετε…θύσατε

Since the father is speaking to a number of servants, the implied you in these imperatives would be plural. Your language may need to show that distinction explicitly. (See: Forms of You)

μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν

A calf is a young cow. People would give one of their calves special food so that it would grow well, and then, when they wanted to have a special feast, they would butcher and eat that calf. If your readers would not know what a calf or a cow is, or if a description of eating a cow would be offensive to them, you could use a general expression here. Alternate translation: “the young animal we have been making fat” (See: Translate Unknowns)

θύσατε

In this context, the term kill means to slaughter an animal and prepare its meat to be eaten. The implication is that the servants were also to cook the meat for the feast that the father wanted to have. Alternate translation: “butcher and cook” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

φαγόντες εὐφρανθῶμεν

The phrase eat and celebrate expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word eat indicates how the father wants to celebrate his son’s homecoming. Alternate translation: “celebrate by having a feast” (See: Hendiadys)

φαγόντες εὐφρανθῶμεν

The word us includes the addressees, since the father means the whole household, including the servants to whom he is speaking. So use the inclusive form of us in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Other languages might say “all of us.” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Luke 15:24

ὅτι οὗτος ὁ υἱός μου νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέζησεν, ἦν ἀπολωλὼς καὶ εὑρέθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that it is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The father said that it was as if his son had died and come back to life, as if he had lost him and found him again” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ὁ υἱός μου νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέζησεν

The father says figuratively that when his son was in the faraway country, it was as if he was dead. You could translate this as a simile or comparison if your readers might otherwise take the father’s statement to mean that the son actually had died. Alternate translation: “it was as if my son had died, but now I see he is very much alive” (See: Metaphor)

ἦν ἀπολωλὼς καὶ εὑρέθη

The father says figuratively that when his son was in faraway country, it was as if he was lost and no one knew where to find him. You could translate this as a simile or comparison if your readers might otherwise take the father’s statement to mean that the son actually had been missing. Alternate translation: “it was as if my son was missing, but now I have found him again” (See: Metaphor)

εὑρέθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “I have found him again” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ ἤρξαντο εὐφραίνεσθαι

And introduces the results of what the previous sentence described. The servants carried out the father’s orders and prepared a feast, and the people in the household then began to enjoy it. Alternate translation: “Then they began to celebrate” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 15:25

δὲ

Jesus uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἦν…ἐν ἀγρῷ

The implication was that he was out in the field because he was working there. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “was out working in the field” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὡς ἐρχόμενος

Alternate translation: “as he came back home from the field” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἤκουσεν συμφωνίας καὶ χορῶν

The older son could not literally hear dancing, so Jesus is using the term heard figuratively in that case. Alternate translation: “he heard music and the sound of people dancing” or “he heard music and could tell that people were dancing” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 15:26

καὶ

Jesus uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. When the older son heard these sounds, he wondered what was going on, so he called for a servant and asked him. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἕνα τῶν παίδων

Here the word that is translated as servant ordinarily means “boy.” So here it may indicate that the servant was young. Alternate translation: “a young servant” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τί ἂν εἴη ταῦτα

Alternate translation: “what was happening”

Luke 15:27

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἥκει, καὶ ἔθυσεν ὁ πατήρ σου τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν, ὅτι ὑγιαίνοντα αὐτὸν ἀπέλαβεν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The servant told him that his brother had come home and that his father had killed the fattened calf because he had received him back in good health” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἔθυσεν ὁ πατήρ σου τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν

The father did not do this personally. Alternate translation: “your father ordered us to butcher and cook the fattened calf” (See: Metonymy)

ἔθυσεν ὁ πατήρ σου τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν

The implication, as the father says explicitly in 15:23, was that this was in order to have a celebration. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “your father ordered us to butcher and cook the fattened calf so we could have a celebration” (See: Metonymy)

τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν

See how you translated this in 15:23. Alternate translation: “the young animal we had been making fat” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὅτι ὑγιαίνοντα αὐτὸν ἀπέλαβεν

Alternate translation: “because his son has come home safely”

Luke 15:28

ὁ δὲ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἐξελθὼν, παρεκάλει αὐτόν

Here Jesus uses the term and to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “So his father came outside and pleaded with him” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 15:29

ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν τῷ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ, ἰδοὺ, τοσαῦτα ἔτη δουλεύω σοι, καὶ οὐδέποτε ἐντολήν σου παρῆλθον, καὶ ἐμοὶ οὐδέποτε ἔδωκας ἔριφον, ἵνα μετὰ τῶν φίλων μου εὐφρανθῶ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But he responded to his father that even though he had been slaving for him for so many years and had never disobeyed one of his commands, his father had never given him a young goat so that he could celebrate with his friends” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν

Together the words answering and said mean that the older son said what follows in response to his father’s pleadings. Alternate translation: “he responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ἰδοὺ

The older son uses behold to get his father to focus his attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Now listen” (See: Metaphor)

δουλεύω σοι

To emphasize how hard he believes he has worked for his father, the older son figuratively describes himself as a slave. You could translate this metaphor as a simile. Alternate translation: “I have been working like a slave for you” (See: Metaphor)

οὐδέποτε ἐντολήν σου παρῆλθον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “I have always done what you told me to do” (See: Double Negatives)

οὐδέποτε ἐντολήν σου παρῆλθον

To emphasize how carefully he believes he has obeyed his father, the older son makes a figurative generalization and says never. Alternate translation: “I have not disobeyed your commands” or “I have done what you told me to do” (See: Hyperbole)

ἔριφον

A young goat was smaller and much less expensive than a fatted calf. The son’s implication is that his father has not done even a small thing to show appreciation for him. You could express that more explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “even a young goat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 15:30

ὅτε δὲ ὁ υἱός σου οὗτος, ὁ καταφαγών σου τὸν βίον μετὰ πορνῶν ἦλθεν, ἔθυσας αὐτῷ τὸν σιτευτὸν μόσχον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation (continuing the sentence from the previous verse, if you translated it as an indirect quotation): “but that when this son of his came home, who had wasted his money on prostitutes, he killed the fattened calf for him” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ὁ υἱός σου οὗτος

The older son refers to his brother as this son of yours because he does not want to be associated with him. He does not want to call him “my brother.” Alternate translation: “that other son of yours”

ὁ καταφαγών σου τὸν βίον

The older son figuratively describes his brother as having eaten up the wealth his father gave him, to the point where there is nothing left. Alternate translation: “who squandered your wealth” (See: Metaphor)

μετὰ πορνῶν

In order to depict how the younger son wasted his father’s money on reckless living, the older son speaks figuratively of one thing he assumes the younger son spent money on. Alternate translation: “living recklessly” (See: Synecdoche)

ἔθυσας αὐτῷ τὸν σιτευτὸν μόσχον

The father did not do this personally. Alternate translation: “you told the servants to butcher and cook the fattened calf” (See: Metonymy)

ἔθυσας αὐτῷ τὸν σιτευτὸν μόσχον

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly the implicit purpose for this action. Alternate translation: “you told the servants to butcher and cook the fattened calf so you could hold a celebration for him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸν σιτευτὸν μόσχον

See how you translated this in 15:23. Alternate translation: “the young animal we had been making fat” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 15:31

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, τέκνον, σὺ πάντοτε μετ’ ἐμοῦ εἶ, καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐμὰ σά ἐστιν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But his father called him his dear son and acknowledged his loyal service and reminded him that now he was heir to the entire remaining estate” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τέκνον

The father is using this word as a term of affection. Alternate translation: “My dear son”

σὺ πάντοτε μετ’ ἐμοῦ εἶ

Alternate translation: “I appreciate the way you have stayed here and helped me”

Luke 15:32

εὐφρανθῆναι δὲ καὶ χαρῆναι ἔδει…ἀπολωλὼς καὶ εὑρέθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But he insisted that it was right to have a celebration for his brother, since it was as if he had died and come back to life, and as if he had been lost and had been found” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

εὐφρανθῆναι…καὶ χαρῆναι

The phrase celebrate and rejoice expresses a single idea emphatically by using two similar words connected with and. Alternate translation: “celebrate joyfully” (See: Hendiadys)

ὁ ἀδελφός σου οὗτος

The older son had referred to “this son of yours,” but the father wants him to recognize him as his brother. Alternate translation: “your very own brother”

ὁ ἀδελφός σου οὗτος, νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἔζησεν

See how you translated this figurative expression in 15:24. Alternate translation: “it is as if your very own brother had died and come back to life” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπολωλὼς καὶ εὑρέθη

See how you translated this figurative expression in 15:24. Alternate translation: “it is as if he had been missing and we found him again” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ εὑρέθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “we found him again” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 16

Luke 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus tells a parable about a household manager (16:1-15)
2. Jesus gives further teachings (16:16-18)
3. Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who died (16:19-31)

Luke 16:1

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what Jesus teaches next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἔλεγεν…καὶ πρὸς τοὺς μαθητάς

Luke uses this phrase to reintroduce these characters into the story. Jesus directed the previous three parables to the Pharisees and scribes, although the disciplesmay have been part of the crowd that was listening. He directs this next parable to the disciples. Alternate translation: “Jesus then said to his disciples, who were there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἔλεγεν δὲ καὶ πρὸς τοὺς μαθητάς

One theme of the story of the two sons was the use of possessions. To help his disciples understand something further about that, Jesus tells them a brief story that provides an illustration. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Jesus then told his disciples an illustrative story” (See: Parables)

ἄνθρωπός τις ἦν πλούσιος, ὃς εἶχεν οἰκονόμον

This introduces the main characters in the parable. Alternate translation: “There once was a rich man who employed a manager” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

οὗτος διεβλήθη αὐτῷ ὡς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “people reported to the rich man that his manager was” (See: Active or Passive)

διασκορπίζων τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “managing his wealth badly”

Luke 16:2

καὶ

Jesus uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation (as in UST): “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

φωνήσας αὐτὸν

The pronoun he refers to the rich man, and him refers to the manager. Alternate translation: “the rich man called the manager” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

εἶπεν αὐτῷ, τί τοῦτο ἀκούω περὶ σοῦ? ἀπόδος τὸν λόγον τῆς οἰκονομίας σου; οὐ γὰρ δύνῃ ἔτι οἰκονομεῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “told him that he had been hearing bad things about him and that he needed to turn over his financial records, since he would not be the manager any more” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τί τοῦτο ἀκούω περὶ σοῦ?

The rich man is not looking for information. He is using the question form to scold the manager. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I have heard what you are doing!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἀπόδος τὸν λόγον τῆς οἰκονομίας σου

Alternate translation: “Turn over your financial records” or “Set your records in order to pass on to someone else”

οὐ γὰρ δύνῃ ἔτι οἰκονομεῖν

Alternate translation: “since you cannot be my financial manager any longer”

Luke 16:3

εἶπεν…ἐν ἑαυτῷ…τί ποιήσω, ὅτι ὁ κύριός μου ἀφαιρεῖται τὴν οἰκονομίαν ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ? σκάπτειν οὐκ ἰσχύω; ἐπαιτεῖν αἰσχύνομαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “asked himself what he should do, since his master was taking the management job away from him. He realized that he was not strong enough to dig ditches, and that he would be ashamed to beg for money” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ὁ κύριός μου

The expression my master refers to the rich man. The manager was not a slave, although he was financially dependent on the rich man for his housing, food, etc. Alternate translation: “my employer” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

σκάπτειν οὐκ ἰσχύω

The manager is saying that he is not strong enough to work all day digging ditches in the ground. He is likely using this one kind of manual work figuratively to represent all work that would require sustained physical exertion. Alternate translation: “I am not strong enough to do manual labor” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 16:4

ἔγνων τί ποιήσω, ἵνα ὅταν μετασταθῶ ἐκ τῆς οἰκονομίας, δέξωνταί με εἰς τοὺς οἴκους αὐτῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “He realized that there was something he could do so that when his master took away his management job, his master’s debtors would welcome him into their houses” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ὅταν μετασταθῶ ἐκ τῆς οἰκονομίας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “when my master takes away my management job” (See: Active or Passive)

δέξωνταί με εἰς τοὺς οἴκους αὐτῶν

By they, the manager means his master’s debtors, as the next verse indicates explicitly. Alternate translation: “my master’s debtors will welcome me into their houses” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

δέξωνταί με εἰς τοὺς οἴκους αὐτῶν

The expression welcome me into their houses likely refers to providing food and lodging, and perhaps other necessities, for some period of time in acknowledgment of a previous favor. The manager speaks figuratively of this by reference to where it would happen. Alternate translation: “my master’s debtors will provide for my needs” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 16:5

τῶν χρεοφιλετῶν τοῦ κυρίου ἑαυτοῦ

Alternate translation: “the people who were in debt to his master” or “the people who owed things to his master”

τῷ πρώτῳ

Jesus is using the adjective first as a noun. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate the term with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “to the first of the debtors” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἔλεγεν τῷ πρώτῳ, πόσον ὀφείλεις τῷ κυρίῳ μου?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he asked the first of the debtors how much he owed his master” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Luke 16:6

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, ἑκατὸν βάτους ἐλαίου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “This first debtor told the manager that he owed 100 baths of olive oil” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἑκατὸν βάτους

The word baths is the plural of “bath,” an ancient measurement equal to about 30 liters or about 8 gallons. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use the equivalent modern measurement in your translation. Alternate translation: “3,000 liters” or “800 gallons” (See: Biblical Volume)

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, δέξαι σου τὰ γράμματα καὶ καθίσας ταχέως γράψον πεντήκοντα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “So the manager told him to take his bill and sit down and quickly change that to 50 baths” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

σου τὰ γράμματα

A bill is a piece of paper that tells how much someone owes. Your language may have a specific term for this. Alternate translation: “your statement” or “your note” (See: Translate Unknowns)

πεντήκοντα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use the equivalent modern measurement in your translation. Alternate translation: “1,500 liters” or “400 gallons” (See: Biblical Volume)

Luke 16:7

ἔπειτα ἑτέρῳ εἶπεν, σὺ δὲ πόσον ὀφείλεις?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Then the manager asked another debtor how much he owed” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἑκατὸν κόρους

The word cors is the plural of “cor,” an ancient measurement equal to about one fifth of a metric ton or about ten bushels. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use the equivalent modern measurement in your translation. You could also use a general term, as UST does. Alternate translation: “20 tons” (metric tons) or “1,000 bushels” (See: Biblical Volume)

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, ἑκατὸν κόρους σίτου. λέγει αὐτῷ, δέξαι σου τὰ γράμματα καὶ γράψον ὀγδοήκοντα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “He told the manager that he owed 100 cors of wheat. The manager told him to take his bill and change that to 80 cors” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

λέγει αὐτῷ

To convey vividness and immediacy, the parable uses the present tense in past narration here. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “He said to him”

σου τὰ γράμματα

See how you translated this in 16:6. Alternate translation: “your statement” or “your note” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὀγδοήκοντα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent modern measurement in your translation. Alternate translation: “16 tons” or “800 bushels” (See: Biblical Volume)

Luke 16:8

φρονίμως ἐποίησεν

Alternate translation: “he had looked out for himself” or “he had planned for the future”

οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου

The expression sons of is an idiom that means the people in view share the qualities of something. In this case, Jesus is describing people who share the values and outlook of the present world. Alternate translation: “the people of this present world” (See: Idiom)

τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου

The term age means specifically the long period of time defined by the duration of the created world and, by association, the world itself. Alternate translation: “this present world” (See: Metonymy)

τοὺς υἱοὺς τοῦ φωτὸς

The expression sons of is once again an idiom that means the people in view share the qualities of something, in this case the influence of God. Alternate translation: “the people of God” or “godly people” (See: Metaphor)

τοὺς υἱοὺς τοῦ φωτὸς

The term light is a metaphor for the presence and influence of God in the world. Alternate translation: “the people of God” or “godly people” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὴν γενεὰν τὴν ἑαυτῶν

Jesus speaks figuratively of the sons of this age as if they had all been born in the same generation. Alternate translation: “in relation to their own kind” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 16:9

καὶ ἐγὼ ὑμῖν λέγω

Jesus uses the phrase I say to you to mark the end of the story and to introduce a teaching about how his disciples can apply the story to their lives. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “And you should do something similar” (See: End of Story)

ἑαυτοῖς ποιήσατε φίλους ἐκ τοῦ μαμωνᾶ τῆς ἀδικίας, ἵνα ὅταν ἐκλίπῃ, δέξωνται ὑμᾶς εἰς τὰς αἰωνίους σκηνάς

The identity of these friends is unclear. Interpreters understand them in a variety of ways. It is also unclear whether it is these friends who would welcome someone into the eternal dwellings or whether the expression is indefinite, equivalent to “you will be welcomed into the eternal dwellings.” Because the meaning is unclear and it is interpreted in such a variety of ways, it might be best if your translation did not say any more about this than ULT does.

τοῦ μαμωνᾶ τῆς ἀδικίας

Here, the term unrighteous is an echo of the previous verse, in which Jesus described the manager by the same term. It likely refers to the various shrewd means by which the people of this world make money. Jesus is applying it by association to money itself. Alternate translation: “the money you have in this world” (See: Metonymy)

ὅταν ἐκλίπῃ

Alternate translation: “when it is gone” or “when it no longer has any value”

Luke 16:10

ὁ πιστὸς ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ

Be sure that this does not sound as if it is describing a person who is not very faithful. Alternate translation: “Someone who is trustworthy even in very small matters”

ὁ ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ ἄδικος

Be sure that this does not sound as if it is describing a person who is only infrequently unrighteous. Alternate translation: “someone who is not trustworthy even in very small matters”

Luke 16:11

τῷ ἀδίκῳ μαμωνᾷ

See how you translated this in 16:9. Alternate translation: “with the money that you have in this world” (See: Metonymy)

τὸ ἀληθινὸν τίς ὑμῖν πιστεύσει?

Jesus is using the question form as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “no one will trust you with genuine wealth.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸ ἀληθινὸν

Jesus is using the adjective true as a noun to mean wealth that is more genuine, real, or lasting than money. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate the term with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “genuine wealth” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 16:12

τὸ ὑμέτερον τίς ὑμῖν δώσει?

Jesus is using the question form as a teaching tool. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “no one will give you property of your own.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 16:13

οὐδεὶς οἰκέτης δύναται δυσὶ κυρίοις δουλεύειν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make the subject positive and the verb negative in this expression. Alternate translation: “A servant cannot serve two masters”

δυσὶ κυρίοις

The implication is that a servant could not meet the competing demands of two different masters at the same time with equal loyalty. Alternate translation: “two different masters equally well at the same time” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἢ γὰρ τὸν ἕνα μισήσει, καὶ τὸν ἕτερον ἀγαπήσει; ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται, καὶ τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει

Jesus is basically saying the same thing in two different ways. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these statements. Alternate translation: “for he is certain to love and serve one of them much better than the other” (See: Parallelism)

ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται

Alternate translation: “love the first master very strongly”

τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει

Alternate translation: “he will hold the second master in contempt” or “he will hate the second master”

οὐ δύνασθε…δουλεύειν

Even though Jesus has been describing the situation of an individual servant, as he draws this application, he is addressing his disciples as a group, so you is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Luke 16:14

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

οἱ Φαρισαῖοι

Here Luke reintroduces the Pharisees as participants in the story, but they have been present all along. Jesus told them the three parables in 15:3-32, and they have since been listening to what Jesus has been teaching his disciples. Alternate translation: “the Pharisees who were present” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

φιλάργυροι ὑπάρχοντες

Alternate translation: “who loved having money” or “who were very greedy for money”

Luke 16:15

ὑμεῖς ἐστε οἱ δικαιοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς

Alternate translation: “You are people who try to make yourselves look good”

ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀνθρώπων

Jesus is using this expression to mean “where people can see,” and it refers figuratively to perception and judgment. Alternate translation: “from the perspective of others” (See: Metaphor)

ἀνθρώπων

Here Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “people” or “others” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ὁ δὲ Θεὸς γινώσκει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν

Here, hearts figuratively represent people’s motivations and desires. Alternate translation: “God understands your true desires” or “God knows your real motives” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ ἐν ἀνθρώποις ὑψηλὸν

Jesus is using a spatial metaphor to describe things that are valued or honored as if they were high up. Alternate translation: “what people value” or “what people respect” (See: Metaphor)

ἀνθρώποις

Here, Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

βδέλυγμα

The term abomination comes from the regulations for religious life in the Jewish law. It refers to something that provokes feelings of horror and revulsion and must be avoided. Alternate translation: “is detestable” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Jesus is using this expression to mean “where God can see,” and it refers figuratively to perception and judgment. Alternate translation: “from God’s perspective” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 16:16

ὁ νόμος καὶ οἱ προφῆται

Jesus is referring figuratively to all of God’s word that had been written up to that time. He is using the names of two of its major components to do so. Alternate translation: “The Scriptures” (See: Merism)

μέχρι

Alternate translation: “led up to the time of”

Ἰωάννου

Jesus assumes that the Pharisees will know that he is referring to John the Baptist. Alternate translation: “John the Baptist” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ εὐαγγελίζεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has been doing the action. Alternate translation: “I have been teaching people the good news about the kingdom of God” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate this phrase in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “how God will rule” (See: Abstract Nouns)

πᾶς εἰς αὐτὴν βιάζεται

Jesus says figuratively that people have been forcing their way into the kingdom to mean that they have been doing everything they can to enter it. Alternate translation: “people have been doing everything they can to enter it” (See: Hyperbole)

πᾶς

The term everyone is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “people” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 16:17

εὐκοπώτερον δέ ἐστιν τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν παρελθεῖν, ἢ τοῦ νόμου μίαν κερέαν πεσεῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state this contrast in the reverse order. Alternate translation: “Even the smallest detail of the law will remain valid for longer than the whole creation exists”

τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν

Jesus is figuratively describing all of creation by referring to its two components. Alternate translation: “all of creation” (See: Merism)

παρελθεῖν

Alternate translation: “to go out of existence”

ἢ τοῦ νόμου μίαν κερέαν

A stroke is the smallest part of a letter. Jesus is referring figuratively to the teachings of the law by association with the way they have been recorded in written letters. Alternate translation: “than for any of the law” (See: Metonymy)

πεσεῖν

Jesus uses the term fall figuratively to mean to be of no further use, such as a building would be if it collapsed. Alternate translation: “to become invalid” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 16:18

πᾶς ὁ ἀπολύων τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ

Here Jesus is implicitly giving an example of something in the law that is still valid. Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that the Pharisees allowed divorce, and he is teaching that they should not do that. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “For example, you Pharisees allow divorce. But that is not what God wants. Anyone who divorces his wife” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πᾶς ὁ ἀπολύων τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “Anyone who divorces his wife” or “Any man who divorces his wife”

μοιχεύει

Alternate translation: “is guilty of adultery”

ὁ…γαμῶν

Alternate translation: “any man who marries”

ὁ ἀπολελυμένην ἀπὸ ἀνδρὸς γαμῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “a woman whose husband has divorced her” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 16:19

δέ

Jesus uses the term now to introduce a story that will help people understand better what he has been teaching. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly, as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Here is an illustration to help you understand” (See: Parables)

ἄνθρωπος…τις ἦν πλούσιος

This introduces one of the characters in the parable. It is not clear whether this is a real person, or simply a person in a story that Jesus is telling in order to make a point. You may need to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “There once was a rich man” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

καὶ ἐνεδιδύσκετο πορφύραν καὶ βύσσον

Jesus is figuratively using two specific types of expensive clothing to mean expensive clothing in general. These were likely not the only types of clothes that the man owned and wore. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He wore very expensive clothes” (See: Synecdoche)

πορφύραν

Jesus uses the term purple figuratively to mean clothing colored with purple dye, which was very expensive. Alternate translation: “clothing colored with purple dye” (See: Metonymy)

εὐφραινόμενος καθ’ ἡμέραν λαμπρῶς

Alternate translation: “and he enjoyed eating expensive food every day”

Luke 16:20

πτωχὸς δέ τις ὀνόματι Λάζαρος

This introduces another character in the parable. It is not clear whether this is a real person or simply a person in a story that Jesus is telling in order to make a point. Alternate translation: “There was also a poor man named Lazarus” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Λάζαρος

Lazarus is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐβέβλητο πρὸς τὸν πυλῶνα αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “whom people laid at his gate” (See: Active or Passive)

πρὸς τὸν πυλῶνα αὐτοῦ

The implication is that people brought Lazarus there so that he could beg for money and food from those who went in and out. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the gate to the rich man’s house so that he could beg there” or “at the entrance to the rich man’s property so that he could beg there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἱλκωμένος

It might be helpful to make this a new sentence. Alternate translation: “He was covered with sores” or “He had sores all over his body”

Luke 16:21

ἐπιθυμῶν χορτασθῆναι ἀπὸ τῶν πιπτόντων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “wishing he could eat the scraps of food that fell” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀλλὰ καὶ οἱ κύνες ἐρχόμενοι

Jesus uses the word even to show that what follows is worse than what he has already told about Lazarus. Alternate translation: “Worse yet, the dogs came”

οἱ κύνες

The Jews considered dogs to be unclean animals. Lazarus was too sick and weak to stop them from licking his wounds, so in addition to being poor and sick, he was always ceremonially unclean. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the unclean dogs” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 16:22

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἀπενεχθῆναι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀγγέλων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the angels carried him away” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς τὸν κόλπον Ἀβραάμ

The implication is that Abraham and Lazarus were reclining next to each other at a feast. Within the story, this feast likely represents the joys of heaven, and Jesus may be depicting Abraham, the ancestor of the Jews, as the host. In that case, Lazarus would be in a place of honor next to him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to a place of honor next to Abraham at the heavenly feast” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐτάφη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “people buried him” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 16:23

ἐν τῷ ᾍδῃ

Hades was the Greek name for the abode of the dead. You could use that name in your translation, or you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “he went to Hades, where” or “he went to hell, where” or “he went to the place of the dead, where” (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he looked up” (See: Idiom)

ὑπάρχων ἐν βασάνοις

Alternate translation: “while suffering in terrible pain”

ὁρᾷ

To call attention to a significant development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he saw”

ἐν τοῖς κόλποις αὐτοῦ

See how you translated this expression in 16:22. Alternate translation: “in a place of honor next to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 16:24

αὐτὸς φωνήσας εἶπεν, Πάτερ Ἀβραάμ, ἐλέησόν με καὶ πέμψον Λάζαρον, ἵνα βάψῃ τὸ ἄκρον τοῦ δακτύλου αὐτοῦ ὕδατος, καὶ καταψύξῃ τὴν γλῶσσάν μου; ὅτι ὀδυνῶμαι ἐν τῇ φλογὶ ταύτῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he shouted over to Abraham, addressing him respectfully as his ancestor, and asked him to have mercy on him and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue, because he was in a flame that was making him suffer greatly” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

αὐτὸς φωνήσας εἶπεν

Together the terms crying out and said mean that the rich man spoke what follows as a loud cry. Alternate translation: “the rich man shouted out” (See: Hendiadys)

Πάτερ Ἀβραάμ

The rich man is using the term Father, which figuratively means “ancestor,” as a respectful title. Abraham was the ancestor of all the Jews. Alternate translation: “Abraham, my father” or “Abraham, my ancestor” (See: Metaphor)

ἐλέησόν με

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “please have pity on me” or “please help me” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

καὶ πέμψον Λάζαρον

Alternate translation: “by sending Lazarus” or “and tell Lazarus to come to me”

βάψῃ τὸ ἄκρον τοῦ δακτύλου αὐτοῦ ὕδατος, καὶ καταψύξῃ τὴν γλῶσσάν μου

The rich man is making an exaggeratedly small request in order to emphasize how hot and thirsty he is. In your translation, you could indicate that this is not the most he would want Lazarus to do. Alternate translation: “so that he can at least dip his finger in water and cool my tongue with a drop of it” or “so he can bring me water to drink that will cool my tongue” (See: Hyperbole)

καὶ καταψύξῃ τὴν γλῶσσάν μου

The rich man is figuratively describing how thirsty he is by association with the way his tongue feels hot. Alternate translation: “so that I will not be so thirsty” (See: Hyperbole)

ὀδυνῶμαι ἐν τῇ φλογὶ ταύτῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “this flame is making me suffer greatly” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 16:25

εἶπεν δὲ Ἀβραάμ, τέκνον, μνήσθητι ὅτι ἀπέλαβες τὰ ἀγαθά σου ἐν τῇ ζωῇ σου, καὶ Λάζαρος ὁμοίως τὰ κακά. νῦν δὲ ὧδε παρακαλεῖται, σὺ δὲ ὀδυνᾶσαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But Abraham, addressing the rich man as his descendant, told him to remember that he had received good things in his lifetime, while Lazarus had received bad things in his lifetime, but now Lazarus was receiving comforts with him, while the rich man was suffering greatly” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τέκνον

Abraham is using the term child figuratively to mean “descendant.” As a Jew, the rich man was a descendant of Abraham. Abraham is likely using the term in a compassionate way. Alternate translation: “My dear child” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ ἀγαθά σου

Abraham is using the adjective good as a noun. It is plural. If your language does not use adjectives as nouns, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “your good things” or “things that you enjoyed” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ὁμοίως

Abraham is referring to the fact that both men received something while they lived on earth. He is not saying that what they received was the same. Alternate translation: “while he was living received”

τὰ κακά

Abraham is using the adjective bad as a noun. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. It is plural. Alternate translation: “bad things” or “things that caused him to suffer” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

παρακαλεῖται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “he is comfortable” or “he is receiving things that make him happy” (See: Active or Passive)

σὺ…ὀδυνᾶσαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “you are suffering greatly” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 16:26

καὶ ἐν πᾶσι τούτοις, μεταξὺ ἡμῶν καὶ ὑμῶν χάσμα μέγα ἐστήρικται, ὅπως οἱ θέλοντες διαβῆναι ἔνθεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς μὴ δύνωνται, μηδὲ ἐκεῖθεν πρὸς ἡμᾶς διαπερῶσιν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Abraham also told him that God had placed a huge pit between them, so that no one who wanted to cross over to where the rich man was, and no one who wanted to come over from there to where Abraham was, would be able to do that” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

καὶ ἐν πᾶσι τούτοις

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “In addition to this reason” (See: Idiom)

ἡμῶν…ἡμᾶς

Abraham means himself and the people who are with him, but not the rich man, so us is exclusive in both instances in this verse, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ὑμῶν…ὑμᾶς

Even though Abraham is speaking to the rich man individually, he is referring to all of the people who are in Hades with him, so you is plural in both instances in this verse. Alternate translation: “all of you” (See: Forms of You)

χάσμα μέγα ἐστήρικται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “God has placed a huge pit” (See: Active or Passive)

μηδὲ ἐκεῖθεν πρὸς ἡμᾶς διαπερῶσιν

Abraham is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and so that those who want to come across from where you are to where we are will not be able to do that” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 16:27

εἶπεν δέ, ἐρωτῶ οὖν σε Πάτερ, ἵνα πέμψῃς αὐτὸν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “So the rich man then begged Abraham, addressing him respectfully as his ancestor, to send Lazarus to his family” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Πάτερ

The rich man is using the term Father, which figuratively means “ancestor,” as a respectful title. Alternate translation: “Abraham, my father” or “Abraham, my ancestor” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου

The rich man is using the word house figuratively to mean the people who live together in a household. Alternate translation: “to my family” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 16:28

ἔχω γὰρ πέντε ἀδελφούς, ὅπως διαμαρτύρηται αὐτοῖς, ἵνα μὴ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔλθωσιν εἰς τὸν τόπον τοῦτον τῆς βασάνου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “The rich man explained that he had five brothers and that he wanted Lazarus to warn them so that they would not also come to where he was, in a place where they would suffer greatly” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ὅπως διαμαρτύρηται αὐτοῖς

The implication is that the rich man wanted Lazarus to warn his brothers not to act as he had. He had been selfish, self-indulgent, and unconcerned about the needs of people around him who were poor and suffering. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that he can warn them not to be self-indulgent and callous, as I was” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 16:29

λέγει δὲ Ἀβραάμ

To call attention to a significant development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration here. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “But Abraham said”

λέγει δὲ Ἀβραάμ, ἔχουσι Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας; ἀκουσάτωσαν αὐτῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But Abraham told the rich man that his brothers had what Moses and the prophets had written, and that they should obey their teaching” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἔχουσι Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας

The implication is that Abraham is refusing to send Lazarus to the rich man’s brothers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “No, I will not do that, because your brothers have what Moses and the prophets have written” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας

Abraham is using the names of the authors of the biblical books to refer figuratively to their writings. Alternate translation: “what Moses and the prophets have written” (See: Metonymy)

Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας

Abraham is referring figuratively to all of God’s Word that had been written up to that time. He is using two of its major collections of writings to do so. Alternate translation: “the Scriptures” (See: Merism)

ἀκουσάτωσαν αὐτῶν

Here, listen to is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “let them obey their teaching” (See: Idiom)

ἀκουσάτωσαν αὐτῶν

The implication is that the rich man’s brothers do not need Lazarus to come and warn them, because in the Scriptures they already have all the warning they need. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “your brothers should obey their teaching, because it provides all the warning they need” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 16:30

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, οὐχί, Πάτερ Ἀβραάμ, ἀλλ’ ἐάν τις ἀπὸ νεκρῶν πορευθῇ πρὸς αὐτοὺς, μετανοήσουσιν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But the rich man told Abraham, addressing him respectfully as his ancestor, that his brothers would not repent based on the teaching of the Scriptures, but that if someone came to them from the dead, then they would repent” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

οὐχί

The rich man uses this word to indicate that what Abraham has just said is not true. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the meaning more fully. Alternate translation: “No, my brothers would not repent based on the teaching of the Scriptures” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐάν τις ἀπὸ νεκρῶν πορευθῇ πρὸς αὐτοὺς, μετανοήσουσιν

The rich man is describing a hypothetical situation that he would like to happen. Alternate translation: “suppose someone who had died went and warned them. Then they would repent” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἀπὸ νεκρῶν

The rich man is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “from among the people who have died” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 16:31

εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ, εἰ Μωϋσέως καὶ τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἀκούουσιν, οὐδ’ ἐάν τις ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ, πεισθήσονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But Abraham told the rich man that if his brothers would not obey the teaching of Moses and the prophets, then they would not change their ways even if someone who had died came back to life and warned them” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

εἰ Μωϋσέως καὶ τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἀκούουσιν, οὐδ’ ἐάν τις ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ, πεισθήσονται

Abraham is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Abraham is saying is not actually the case, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since they will not obey the teaching of Moses and the prophets, a dead person who came back to life would not be able to convince them either” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

εἰ Μωϋσέως καὶ τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἀκούουσιν

The term listen to is an idiom that means “obey.” See how you translated this idiom in 16:29. Alternate translation: “If they will not obey what Moses and the prophets have written” (See: Idiom)

Μωϋσέως καὶ τῶν προφητῶν

Abraham is using the names of the authors of the biblical books to refer figuratively to their writings. Alternate translation: “what Moses and the prophets have written” (See: Metonymy)

Μωϋσέως καὶ τῶν προφητῶν

Abraham is referring figuratively to all of God’s Word that had been written up to that time. He is using two of its major collections of writings to do so. Alternate translation: “the Scriptures” (See: Merism)

οὐδ’ ἐάν τις ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ, πεισθήσονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “a dead person who came back to life would not be able to convince them either” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐκ νεκρῶν

Abraham is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “from among the people who have died” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 17

Luke 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus teaches about forgiveness, faith, and service (17:1-10)
2. Jesus heals ten lepers (17:11-19)
3. Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God coming (17:20-37)

Special concepts in this chapter

Old Testament Examples

Jesus uses Noah and Lot’s wife as examples to teach his followers. Noah was ready for the flood when it came, and followers of Jesus need to be ready for him to return, because he will not warn them when he is about to come. Lot’s wife loved the evil city she had been living in so much that God also punished her when he destroyed it. Followers of Jesus need to love him more than anything else. You may need to provide some background information that Jesus assumed his listeners would know so that people who read your translation today can understand what Jesus is teaching here.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Jesus asks his disciples three questions in (17:7-9) to teach them that even those who serve him well are righteous only because of his grace. (See: Rhetorical Question and grace, gracious and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a statement that describes two things that seem as if they cannot both be true at the same time, but which actually are both true. Jesus speaks a paradox in this chapter: “Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will save it” (17:33).

Important textual issues in this chapter

“In his day”

At the end of 17:24, some ancient manuscripts of the Bible have the phrase “in his day,” but the manuscripts considered to be the most accurate do not. ULT does not have the phrase in its text, but it does have it in a footnote.

“There will be two in the field”

Some ancient manuscripts of the Bible include the verse 17:36, but the manuscripts considered to be the most accurate do not. ULT does not have this verse in its text, but it does have it in a footnote.

In both of these cases, if a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to include the verse if it does, but leave it out if it does not include it. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of ULT. (See: Textual Variants)

Luke 17:1

ἀνένδεκτόν ἐστιν τοῦ τὰ σκάνδαλα μὴ ἐλθεῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this double negative as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “Traps will certainly come” (See: Double Negatives)

τὰ σκάνδαλα

The term traps refers to a device that a person or animal would unknowingly activate and that would then confine them in a net, cage, or pit. Your language may have a term for a similar device, and you could use it here. (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὰ σκάνδαλα

Jesus is using the word traps figuratively. Alternate translation: “temptations” (See: Metaphor)

οὐαὶ δι’ οὗ ἔρχεται!

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “how terrible it will be for anyone who causes these temptations to come” or “how terrible it will be for any person who tempts others to sin” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 17:2

λυσιτελεῖ αὐτῷ εἰ

Jesus is drawing a comparison to the punishment for causing people to sin. He means that this person’s punishment for causing people to sin will be worse than if he had drowned in the sea. No one would actually put a stone around his neck and throw him into the sea as an alternative to that punishment, and Jesus is not saying that anyone will do so. Alternate translation: “The punishment he will receive will be worse than if” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λίθος μυλικὸς περίκειται περὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ

The implication is that someone would tie the stone around the person’s neck. Alternate translation: “if someone were to attach a millstone around his neck” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λίθος μυλικὸς

A millstone is a very large, heavy, circular stone that is used for grinding grain into flour. If your readers would not be familiar with a millstone, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “a heavy stone” or “a heavy wheel” (See: Translate Unknowns)

σκανδαλίσῃ

See how you translated this in 17:1. Jesus is using the word trap figuratively. Alternate translation: “he should tempt to sin” (See: Metaphor)

τῶν μικρῶν τούτων

This could be: (1) a reference to children who love Jesus and who are physically little compared to adults. Alternate translation: “these children who believe in me” (2) a figurative reference to people whose faith is new and has not yet become mature and strong. Alternate translation: “these new believers” or (3) a figurative reference to people who are not important from a human perspective. Alternate translation: “these common people” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 17:3

προσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς

Since Jesus is teaching about how important it is not to sin and not to encourage others to sin, the implication is that this statement means that he wants his disciples to help one another not to sin. Alternate translation: “Help one another not to sin” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

προσέχετε

The implied “you” in this imperative is plural, since Jesus is speaking to his disciples. (See: Forms of You)

σου…ἐπιτίμησον…ἄφες

The word your and the implied “you” in the imperatives rebuke and forgive are singular, since Jesus is addressing an individual situation, even though he is speaking to a group. If these singular forms would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use plural forms in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

ἐὰν ἁμάρτῃ ὁ ἀδελφός σου, ἐπιτίμησον αὐτῷ

Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell his disciples what they should do if it takes place. Alternate translation: “Suppose a fellow believer were to sin. Then you should rebuke him” (See: Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

ὁ ἀδελφός σου

Jesus is using the term brother figuratively to mean someone who shares the same faith. Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ ἀδελφός σου

Although the term brother is masculine, Jesus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “a fellow believer” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἐπιτίμησον αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “correct him” or “tell him strongly that what he did was wrong”

καὶ ἐὰν μετανοήσῃ, ἄφες αὐτῷ

Jesus is describing another hypothetical situation in order to tell his disciples what they should do if it takes place. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “And suppose that believer were to repent. Then you should forgive him” (See: Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

Luke 17:4

ἐὰν ἑπτάκις τῆς ἡμέρας ἁμαρτήσῃ εἰς σὲ, καὶ ἑπτάκις ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς σὲ, λέγων μετανοῶ, ἀφήσεις αὐτῷ

Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation in order to tell his disciples what they should do if it takes place. Alternate translation: “Suppose a fellow believer were to sin against you seven times in the same day. And suppose each time he came to you and said, ‘I am sorry.’ Then you would have to forgive him each time” (See: Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

ἑπτάκις τῆς ἡμέρας…καὶ ἑπτάκις

The number seven in the Bible figuratively represents a large or sufficient quantity. Alternate translation: “many times in the same day, and each time” (See: Idiom)

τῆς ἡμέρας

Alternate translation: “in the same day”

σὲ…σὲ…ἀφήσεις

The word you is singular in this verse, since Jesus is addressing an individual situation, even though he is speaking to a group. If these singular forms would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use plural forms in your translation. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς σὲ, λέγων μετανοῶ, ἀφήσεις αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “comes to you and says that he is sorry, you must forgive him” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἀφήσεις αὐτῷ

Jesus is using a future statement to give an instruction and command. Alternate translation: “you must forgive him” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

Luke 17:5

οἱ ἀπόστολοι

This means the 12 disciples whom Jesus appointed as his authoritative representatives in 6:13. See how you translated the term there.

τῷ Κυρίῳ

Here Luke is referring to Jesus by a respectful title. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

πρόσθες ἡμῖν πίστιν

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request, rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please give us more faith” or “Please help us to trust God better” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 17:6

ὁ Κύριος

Here Luke is referring to Jesus by a respectful title. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

εἰ ἔχετε πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως, ἐλέγετε ἂν τῇ συκαμίνῳ ταύτῃ

Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation. He is asserting that if the condition is true, then the result will necessarily follow. Alternate translation: “I can assure you that if you had faith like a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree” (See: Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

ἔχετε…ἐλέγετε…ὑμῖν

Even though Jesus is describing something that an individual might do, you is plural in this verse because he is speaking to his 12 apostles in response to their request. (See: Forms of You)

εἰ ἔχετε πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως

A mustard seed is a very small seed. Jesus is using this seed figuratively in a simile to mean a very small amount. Alternate translation: “If you had even a tiny amount of faith” (See: Simile)

κόκκον σινάπεως

If your readers would not be familiar with a mustard seed, you could use the name of another small seed with which they would be familiar, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a very small seed” (See: Translate Unknowns)

συκαμίνῳ

Jesus likely uses a mulberry tree as an example because it has an extensive root system that makes it very difficult to uproot. If your readers would not be familiar with this tree, you could use the name of another type of tree with extensive roots that they would be familiar with, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “firmly rooted tree” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐλέγετε ἂν τῇ συκαμίνῳ ταύτῃ, ἐκριζώθητι καὶ φυτεύθητι ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you could tell this mulberry tree to pull its roots out of the ground and put them down in the sea” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἐκριζώθητι καὶ φυτεύθητι ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use active forms for both of these verbs. Alternate translation: “Uproot yourself and plant yourself in the sea” or “Take your roots out of the ground and put them down into the sea” (See: Active or Passive)

ὑπήκουσεν ἂν ὑμῖν

Here, listen to is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “the tree would obey you” (See: Idiom)

Luke 17:7

τίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν δοῦλον ἔχων, ἀροτριῶντα ἢ ποιμαίνοντα, ὃς εἰσελθόντι ἐκ τοῦ ἀγροῦ ἐρεῖ αὐτῷ, εὐθέως παρελθὼν ἀνάπεσε?

Jesus is using the question form to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “But none of you who had a servant who was out plowing or tending sheep would say to him when he came in from the field, ‘Come immediately and recline to eat’!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν δοῦλον ἔχων, ἀροτριῶντα ἢ ποιμαίνοντα, ὃς εἰσελθόντι ἐκ τοῦ ἀγροῦ ἐρεῖ αὐτῷ, εὐθέως παρελθὼν ἀνάπεσε?

Jesus is using an illustration that involves a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose one of you had a servant who was out plowing or tending sheep. You would not say to him when he came in from the field, ‘Come immediately and recline to eat.’” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

εἰσελθόντι ἐκ τοῦ ἀγροῦ ἐρεῖ αὐτῷ, εὐθέως παρελθὼν ἀνάπεσε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “would tell him as soon as he came in from the field to sit right down and have his own supper” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

δοῦλον…ἀροτριῶντα ἢ ποιμαίνοντα

It may be helpful to say explicitly that the land and sheep hypothetically belong to the person who is being asked to consider what he would do in this situation. Alternate translation: “a servant who had been out plowing your land or taking care of your sheep” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀνάπεσε

See how you translated this in 5:29. Alternate translation: “sit down to eat” or “sit down and have your supper” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 17:8

οὐχὶ ἐρεῖ αὐτῷ, ἑτοίμασον τί δειπνήσω, καὶ περιζωσάμενος διακόνει μοι, ἕως φάγω καὶ πίω; καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα φάγεσαι καὶ πίεσαι σύ?

Jesus uses a second question as a further teaching tool, to emphasize how a person actually would treat a servant. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “he would certainly say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and then wrap your robe around your hips so you can serve me while I eat and drink, and after that you yourself can eat and drink’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐχὶ ἐρεῖ αὐτῷ, ἑτοίμασον τί δειπνήσω, καὶ περιζωσάμενος διακόνει μοι, ἕως φάγω καὶ πίω; καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα φάγεσαι καὶ πίεσαι σύ?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he would certainly tell the servant to prepare something for him to eat, and then to wrap his robe around his hips so he could serve him while he ate and drank, and that only after doing that the servant himself could eat and drink” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

περιζωσάμενος διακόνει μοι

See how you translated this in 12:35. Alternate translation: “wrap the lower part of your robe around your hips so that you can serve me” (See: Translate Unknowns)

καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα

Alternate translation: “Then, after you have served me”

φάγεσαι καὶ πίεσαι σύ

The master is using a future statement to give permission. Alternate translation: “you may eat and drink” or “you may have your own supper” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

Luke 17:9

μὴ ἔχει χάριν τῷ δούλῳ, ὅτι ἐποίησεν τὰ διαταχθέντα?

The first word of this sentence in Greek is a negative word that can be used to turn a statement into a question that expects a negative answer. ULT shows this by adding, does he? Your language may have other ways of asking a question that expects a negative answer, for example, by changing the word order of a positive statement. Alternate translation: “Would he thank the servant for doing what he had been commanded to do?” (See: Double Negatives)

μὴ ἔχει χάριν τῷ δούλῳ, ὅτι ἐποίησεν τὰ διαταχθέντα?

The implicit answer to the question is “no.” Masters expect their servants to do what they command them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation, add an additional sentence: “No, a master would not do that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μὴ ἔχει χάριν τῷ δούλῳ, ὅτι ἐποίησεν τὰ διαταχθέντα?

Jesus is using the question form to teach. He wants his disciples to reflect on the nature of the master-servant relationship in order to understand better how they should relate to God. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “A master would certainly not thank a servant for doing just what he had been commanded to do!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

μὴ ἔχει χάριν τῷ δούλῳ

Alternate translation: “he does not need to thank the servant”

τὰ διαταχθέντα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the things he commanded him to do” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 17:10

τὰ διαταχθέντα ὑμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “the things God commanded you to do” (See: Active or Passive)

λέγετε, ὅτι δοῦλοι ἀχρεῖοί ἐσμεν, ὃ ὠφείλομεν ποιῆσαι πεποιήκαμεν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “say that you are unworthy servants and that you have only what you ought to do” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

δοῦλοι ἀχρεῖοί ἐσμεν, ὃ ὠφείλομεν ποιῆσαι πεποιήκαμεν

People who would say this would be speaking about themselves but not about God, to whom they would be speaking, so if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive we, use the exclusive form here. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

δοῦλοι ἀχρεῖοί ἐσμεν

This is an exaggeration that means the servants have not done anything worthy of praise or thanks or a special reward. Alternate translation: “We are unworthy servants” or “We have not done anything while serving you that deserves special thanks” (See: Hyperbole)

ὃ ὠφείλομεν ποιῆσαι πεποιήκαμεν

Alternate translation: “We have only done our duty”

Luke 17:11

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῷ πορεύεσθαι εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ

Alternate translation: “as Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem”

αὐτὸς διήρχετο διὰ μέσον Σαμαρείας καὶ Γαλιλαίας

Luke provides this background information about Jesus’ location to help readers understand what happens in this episode, in which Jesus engages a group of men that includes both Jews and at least one Samaritan. Alternate translation: “Jesus was traveling along the border between Samaria and Galilee” (See: Background Information)

Luke 17:12

ἀπήντησαν δέκα λεπροὶ ἄνδρες

Luke uses this phrase to introduce these new characters into the story. Alternate translation: “ten men who were lepers came out to meet him” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

οἳ ἔστησαν πόρρωθεν

The lepers were not reluctant to engage Jesus. Rather, this was a respectful gesture, since they were not allowed to approach other people. According to the law of Moses, they were ceremonially unclean for as long as they had a skin disease. Luke assumes that his readers will know that, but if it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate it explicitly. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “They stood at a distance, as they were required to do because they were ceremonially unclean” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 17:13

αὐτοὶ ἦραν φωνὴν

This idiom means that they spoke loudly. Alternate translation: “they called out in loud voices” or “they shouted out” (See: Idiom)

αὐτοὶ ἦραν φωνὴν

If it would be unusual in your language for someone to speak as if a group of people had only one voice, you can use the plural form here. Alternate translation: “they called out in loud voices”

ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request, rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “please have mercy on us” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς

The ten lepers assume that Jesus will know that they are specifically asking to be healed. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “please have mercy on us and heal us” or “please be merciful to us by healing us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 17:14

πορευθέντες ἐπιδείξατε ἑαυτοὺς τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν

People who had been lepers but who had been healed were required under the law of Moses to have the priests verify that fact. So the implication of this command is that Jesus is healing the men. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “You are healed. Now go and show yourselves to the priests so they can verify that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a significant development in the episode. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐκαθαρίσθησαν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you can state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God healed them” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐκαθαρίσθησαν

Luke uses the term cleansed for the healing of these lepers because when they were healed, they were no longer ceremonially unclean. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God healed them and so they were no longer ceremonially unclean” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 17:15

ἰδὼν ὅτι ἰάθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you can state who did the action. Alternate translation: “when he realized that Jesus had healed him” (See: Active or Passive)

ὑπέστρεψεν

Alternate translation: “came back to where Jesus was”

μετὰ φωνῆς μεγάλης δοξάζων τὸν Θεόν

This is an idiom that means the leper raised the volume of his voice. Alternate translation: “loudly praising God” or “shouting praises God” (See: Idiom)

Luke 17:16

ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον παρὰ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ

Bowing or lying down in front of Jesus was a humble sign of gratitude and respect for him. Be sure that it is clear in your translation that this man did not fall down accidentally. Alternate translation: “he bowed down in front of Jesus” (See: Symbolic Action)

καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν Σαμαρείτης

Luke provides this background information about the man to help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now he was a Samaritan” (See: Background Information)

Luke 17:17

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν

Together the two words answering and said mean that Jesus spoke in response to the Samaritan man coming back to thank him. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν

Jesus responded to what the man did, but he did so by speaking about the man to the group of people around him, rather than to the man directly. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said to the crowd” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐχὶ οἱ δέκα ἐκαθαρίσθησαν?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Did I not cleanse ten lepers?” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐχὶ οἱ δέκα ἐκαθαρίσθησαν?

Jesus is using the question form for emphasis, to show the people around him how surprised and disappointed he is that only one of the ten men whom he healed came back to thank and praise God. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “I know that I healed ten men of their leprosy.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οἱ δὲ ἐννέα ποῦ?

Jesus is not asking the crowd to tell him where the other nine men are. He is using the question form for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “The other nine men should have come back too!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 17:18

οὐχ εὑρέθησαν ὑποστρέψαντες δοῦναι δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ, εἰ μὴ ὁ ἀλλογενὴς οὗτος

If, in your language, it would appear that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “Was this foreigner the only one who returned to give glory to God” (See: Connect — Exception Clauses)

οὐχ εὑρέθησαν ὑποστρέψαντες δοῦναι δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ, εἰ μὴ ὁ ἀλλογενὴς οὗτος?

Jesus is using the question form for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one but this foreigner came back to give glory to God!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐχ εὑρέθησαν ὑποστρέψαντες

The pronoun they refers to the lepers who were healed. Alternate translation: “Did none of the lepers I healed return” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

οὐχ εὑρέθησαν ὑποστρέψαντες

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make the subject negative and the verb positive here. Alternate translation: “Did none of the lepers I healed return”

οὐχ εὑρέθησαν ὑποστρέψαντες

The term found is an idiom that means “could be found” or “was there.” Alternate translation: “Was there no one else who returned” (See: Idiom)

ὁ ἀλλογενὴς οὗτος

Samaritans had non-Jewish ancestors, and they did not worship God in the same way that the Jews did. The implication is that some of the lepers in the group were Jews, and Jesus would have expected them to return to give thanks to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “this foreigner, when the Jewish men should certainly have returned to thank God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 17:19

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun faith, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “believe.” Alternate translation: “Because you believed, that has saved you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

While the word saved can mean “healed,” as in 7:3 and 8:48, that does not seem to be the meaning here. Since all ten of the lepers were healed, but only this man demonstrated that he believed, Jesus seems to be saying that beyond being healed, he received salvation through faith. Alternate translation: “Because you believed, you have received salvation” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

Jesus speaks figuratively of the leper’s faith as if it had actively saved him. Alternate translation: “Because you believed, you have received salvation” (See: Personification)

Luke 17:20

ἐπερωτηθεὶς δὲ ὑπὸ τῶν Φαρισαίων πότε ἔρχεται ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

Luke uses this phrase to begin relating a new event by introducing background information that will help readers understand what happens next. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Now when some Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God was coming” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἐπερωτηθεὶς δὲ ὑπὸ τῶν Φαρισαίων πότε ἔρχεται ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could present this as a direct quotation rather than as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Now some Pharisees asked Jesus, ‘When is the kingdom of God coming?’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

ἐπερωτηθεὶς…ὑπὸ τῶν Φαρισαίων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who was the recipient of the action. Alternate translation: “some Pharisees asked Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

πότε ἔρχεται ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “when God would begin to rule” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς καὶ εἶπεν

Together the two words answered and said mean that Jesus said what follows in response to the question that the Pharisees asked him. Alternate translation: “he responded” (See: Hendiadys)

οὐκ ἔρχεται ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ μετὰ παρατηρήσεως

Jesus uses the word observation figuratively to mean things that people can observe. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs that people can observe” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ ἔρχεται ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “God is not going to begin to rule” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 17:21

οὐδὲ ἐροῦσιν, ἰδοὺ, ὧδε, ἤ, ἐκεῖ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “People will not say that they see it near them in one place or over in another place” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἰδοὺ, ὧδε, ἤ, ἐκεῖ

These people would be using the term behold to get others to focus their attention on what they were saying. In this case, it would be appropriate to translate the term with a popular expression in your language that has this meaning. Alternate translation: “‘Hey, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’” (See: Metaphor)

ἰδοὺ γὰρ

Jesus is using the term behold to get the Pharisees to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “For indeed” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐντὸς ὑμῶν ἐστιν

This could mean: (1) the kingdom is not coming with observable signs because it is a matter of what people believe and decide within themselves. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of God is inside of you” (2) since the word you is plural here, Jesus may be saying that the kingdom is not coming with observable signs because it is a matter of something that happens within communities of people. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of God is in your midst” (See: Forms of You)

ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐντὸς ὑμῶν ἐστιν

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “God is ruling inside of you” or “God is ruling in your midst” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 17:22

ἐλεύσονται ἡμέραι ὅτε

Jesus is using the term days figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “There will be a time when” (See: Idiom)

ἐπιθυμήσετε…ἰδεῖν

Jesus is using the term see figuratively to mean “experience.” Alternate translation: “you will want very much to experience” (See: Idiom)

μίαν τῶν ἡμερῶν τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is using his title the Son of Man figuratively to refer to the time when he will rule as king. Alternate translation: “one of the days when the Son of Man will rule as king” (See: Metonymy)

μίαν τῶν ἡμερῶν τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is using one of these days to refer figuratively to the whole time that it belongs to. Alternate translation: “the time when the Son of Man will rule as king” (See: Synecdoche)

τῶν ἡμερῶν τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “of my days as the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τῶν ἡμερῶν τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “of my days as the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ οὐκ ὄψεσθε

Jesus is using the term see figuratively to mean “experience.” Alternate translation: “but you will not experience it yet” (See: Idiom)

Luke 17:23

ἐροῦσιν ὑμῖν, ἰδοὺ, ἐκεῖ, ἤ, ἰδοὺ, ὧδε

The implication in context is that Jesus is speaking of the Son of Man or Messiah. Alternate translation: “People will say to you, ‘Look, the Messiah is over there!’ or, ‘Look, the Messiah is over here!’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐροῦσιν ὑμῖν, ἰδοὺ, ἐκεῖ, ἤ, ἰδοὺ, ὧδε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “people will tell you that the Messiah is over in one place or with them in another place” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἰδοὺ…ἰδοὺ

These people would be using the term behold to get others to focus their attention on what they were saying. Alternate translation: “Hey … Hey” (See: Metaphor)

μὴ ἀπέλθητε μηδὲ διώξητε

The expressions go out and run after mean similar things. Jesus is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these terms into a single expression. Alternate translation: “Do not go where they tell you” (See: Doublet)

μὴ ἀπέλθητε μηδὲ διώξητε

The implication is that people would go to look for the Messiah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Do not go where they tell you to look for the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 17:24

ἡ ἀστραπὴ ἀστράπτουσα ἐκ τῆς ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰς τὴν ὑπ’ οὐρανὸν λάμπει

Alternate translation: “just as lightning that flashes lights up the sky from one end to the other”

ἡ ἀστραπὴ ἀστράπτουσα ἐκ τῆς ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰς τὴν ὑπ’ οὐρανὸν λάμπει

Jesus is using this comparison to indicate that he will be revealed suddenly and visibly as the Messiah and the world’s reigning king. Alternate translation: “the lightning appears suddenly and visibly across the sky” (See: Simile)

οὕτως ἔσται ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include the phrase “in his day” at the end of this verse in your translation. The note below suggests one way to do that. (See: Textual Variants)

οὕτως ἔσται ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

The implication is that so will the Son of Man be refers to the future reign of Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. (If you have chosen to represent the phrase “in his day” in your translation, the alternate translation offered here would be expressing that as explicit meaning.) Alternate translation: “it will be like that when the Son of Man comes to reign” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὕτως ἔσται ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “so will I, the Son of Man, be” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

οὕτως ἔσται ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “so will I, the Messiah, be” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 17:25

δεῖ αὐτὸν…παθεῖν

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “it is necessary for me to suffer” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ἀποδοκιμασθῆναι ἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “the people of this generation must reject him” or, if you translated with the first person, “the people of this generation must reject me” (See: Active or Passive)

τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης

Jesus is using the term generation figuratively to mean the people who were born in the current generation. Alternate translation: “the people living at this time” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 17:26

καθὼς ἐγένετο…οὕτως ἔσται καὶ

Alternate translation: “just as people were doing certain things … so people will be doing the same things”

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Νῶε

Jesus is using the term days figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at the time when Noah was living” (See: Idiom)

Νῶε

Noah is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is using the term days figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at the time when the Son of Man is about to return” (See: Idiom)

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “in my days as the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “in my days as the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 17:27

ἤσθιον, ἔπινον, ἐγάμουν, ἐγαμίζοντο

Jesus describes several regular activities to refer figuratively to regular activities in general. Alternate translation: “They were going about their normal lives” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐγαμίζοντο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who was doing the action. Alternate translation: “parents were giving their daughters in marriage” (See: Active or Passive)

ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας

While Noah and his family did enter the ark on a specific day, Jesus is likely using the word day figuratively to mean a specific time. Alternate translation: “right up to the moment when” (See: Idiom)

τὴν κιβωτόν

The term the ark refers to the structure that Noah built on God’s instructions to save himself and his family from the flood. If your readers would not recognize this specific term, you could use a more general one. Alternate translation: “the ship he built” or “the barge he built” (See: Translate Unknowns)

πάντας

Here, them all does not include Noah and his family, who were in the ark. Alternate translation: “all those who were not in the ark” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 17:28

καθὼς ἐγένετο ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Λώτ

Jesus is drawing another analogy like the one in 17:27, but in this case he does not specify the object of the comparison right away. He does not do so explicitly until 17:30. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could supply that information here. Alternate translation: “people were doing certain things at the time when Lot lived, and people will be doing the same things at the time when I am about to return” (See: Ellipsis)

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Λώτ

Jesus is using the term days figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at the time when Lot was living” (See: Idiom)

Λώτ

Lot is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἤσθιον, ἔπινον, ἠγόραζον, ἐπώλουν, ἐφύτευον, ᾠκοδόμουν

Jesus describes several regular activities to refer figuratively to regular activities in general. Alternate translation: “they were going about their normal lives” (See: Synecdoche)

ἤσθιον

The implication from 17:29 is that the pronoun they refers to the people of Sodom. Alternate translation: “the people of Sodom were eating” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 17:29

ᾗ δὲ ἡμέρᾳ

While Lot did leave Sodom on a specific day, Jesus is likely using the word day figuratively to mean a specific time. Alternate translation: “But at the moment when” or “But as soon as” (See: Idiom)

Σοδόμων

Sodom is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἔβρεξεν πῦρ καὶ θεῖον ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ

In some languages, rained can mean “fell in large quantities.” If the verb for water falling from the sky does not have that extended meaning in your language, you can translate this as a simile. Alternate translation: “fire and burning sulfur fell from the sky like rain” (See: Simile)

πάντας

Here, them all does not include Lot and his family. Alternate translation: “all those who stayed in the city” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 17:30

κατὰ ταὐτὰ ἔσται

Alternate translation: “It will be just like that”

κατὰ ταὐτὰ ἔσται

The implication is that people will be occupied with ordinary activities and not expecting anything out of the ordinary to happen. Alternate translation: “In the same way, people will not be ready” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ

Jesus is using the term day figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at the time when” (See: Idiom)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἀποκαλύπτεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Son of Man appears” or “the Son of man returns” (See: Active or Passive)

ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἀποκαλύπτεται

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “when I, the Son of Man, am revealed” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἀποκαλύπτεται

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “when I, the Messiah, am revealed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 17:31

ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ

Jesus is using the term day figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “At that time” (See: Idiom)

ὃς ἔσται ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος, καὶ τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ, μὴ καταβάτω ἆραι αὐτά

Jesus is speaking of a hypothetical situation that might occur at this time. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone is doing something on the roof of his house. Then he should not go inside to get his valuables” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἐπὶ τοῦ δώματος

In this culture, housetops were flat and people could go up onto them without being in danger of sliding off. Housetops were used for a variety of purposes, such as storing and ripening grain and fruit, sleeping in hot weather, and gathering in a large open space. If housetops or roofs are different in your culture and your readers would not understand that Jesus is speaking of someone doing an ordinary activity, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “doing something outside the house” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “his possessions” or “his valuables”

μὴ καταβάτω ἆραι αὐτά

The implication is that people should flee immediately without even taking the time to secure their valuables. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he should flee immediately, without going inside to get his valuables” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ὁ ἐν ἀγρῷ, ὁμοίως μὴ ἐπιστρεψάτω εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω

Jesus is speaking of a hypothetical situation that might occur at this time. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone is out working in the field. Then he too should not go back into the house for anything” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

μὴ ἐπιστρεψάτω εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω

The implication once again is that people should flee immediately without even taking the time to secure their valuables. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he should flee immediately, without going back to the house to get his valuables” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 17:32

μνημονεύετε τῆς γυναικὸς Λώτ

Jesus assumes that his disciples will know that Lot’s wife looked back toward Sodom and that God punished her along with the people of Sodom. Alternate translation: “Remember what happened to Lot’s wife when she looked back toward Sodom” or “Do not do what Lot’s wife did and wish you were back among people whom God is punishing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Λώτ

Lot is the name of a man. See how you translated it in 17:28. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 17:33

ὃς ἐὰν ζητήσῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ περιποιήσασθαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν

Alternate translation: “Whoever tries to save his old way of living will lose his life”

ὃς δ’ ἂν ἀπολέσει, ζῳογονήσει αὐτήν

Alternate translation: “but whoever gives up his old way of living will save his life”

Luke 17:34

λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples. Alternate translation: “Indeed”

ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτὶ ἔσονται δύο ἐπὶ κλίνης μιᾶς

Jesus is speaking of a hypothetical situation that might occur at this time. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Suppose this were to happen at night, and suppose there were two people sleeping in the same bed” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἐπὶ κλίνης μιᾶς

If your readers would not be familiar with what a bed is, you could use the name of the sleeping furniture that people in your own culture use, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “sleeping on one mat” or “sleeping side by side” or “sleeping in the same place” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὁ εἷς παραλημφθήσεται, καὶ ὁ ἕτερος ἀφεθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use active forms for both of these verbs, and you can state who would do the actions. This could mean: (1) the person who is taken may be one whom God takes out of a situation in which they would be destroyed, as God brought Lot out of Sodom, and the person who is left may be one who remains in a situation where they will be destroyed, like the people who remained in Sodom. That is the interpretation of UST. Alternate translation: “God will spare one of them but destroy the other” (2) in the parallel to this passage in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that the people living in Noah’s time “knew nothing until the flood came and took them all away” (Matthew 24:39 ULT). So the person who is taken may actually be one whom God destroys, and the one who is left may be one whom God spares and allows to remain alive. Alternate translation: “God will destroy one of them but spare the other” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ εἷς παραλημφθήσεται

If you translated the first sentence in this verse as the condition of a hypothetical situation, translate this sentence as the result of that condition. Alternate translation: “Then one of them will be taken” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Luke 17:35

ἔσονται δύο ἀλήθουσαι ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό

Jesus is speaking of a hypothetical situation that might occur at this time. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Suppose that when this happens, two women are grinding grain together” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

δύο

The verb is feminine, so this means “two women.” (In 17:34 and 17:36, grammatically masculine forms are used, but conventionally in Greek that means that the people are not known to be all women; they could be men or women, so a general term such as “people” would be appropriate in those verses.) Alternate translation: “two women”

ἀλήθουσαι

The term grinding refers to the process of breaking up grain into very small pieces so that it can be used for cooking. If your readers would not be familiar with grain, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “grinding grain” or “preparing food” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἡ μία παραλημφθήσεται, ἡ δὲ ἑτέρα ἀφεθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use active forms for both of these verbs, and you can state who would do the actions. See how you decided to translate this in 17:34. Alternate translation: “God will spare one of them but destroy the other” or “God will destroy one of them but spare the other” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡ μία παραλημφθήσεται

If you translated the first sentence in this verse as the condition of a hypothetical situation, translate this sentence as the result of that condition. Alternate translation: “Then one of them will be taken” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Luke 17:36

δύο ἐν ἀγρῷ εἰς παραληφθήσεται καὶ ὁ ἕτερος ἀφεθήσεται

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include this verse in your translation. The notes below discuss translation issues in the verse, for those who decide to include it. (See: Textual Variants)

δύο ἐν ἀγρῷ

Jesus is speaking of a hypothetical situation that might occur at this time. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Suppose that when this happens, two people are out working in a field” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

εἰς παραληφθήσεται καὶ ὁ ἕτερος ἀφεθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use active forms for both of these verbs, and you can state who would do the actions. See how you decided to translate this in 17:34. Alternate translation: “God will spare one of them but destroy the other” or “God will destroy one of them but spare the other” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς παραληφθήσεται

If you translated the beginning of this verse as the condition of a hypothetical situation, translate this as the result of that condition, as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Then one of them will be taken” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Luke 17:37

ἀποκριθέντες λέγουσιν αὐτῷ

To convey the vividness and immediacy of the disciples’ question, Luke uses the present tense in past narration here. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “the disciples responded to him”

ἀποκριθέντες λέγουσιν αὐτῷ

Together the two words answering and say mean that the disciples responded to what Jesus had been telling them by asking him a question about it. Alternate translation: “the disciples responded to him” (See: Hendiadys)

ποῦ, Κύριε

The implication is that the disciples are asking where the things that Jesus has been describing will happen. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Lord, where will these things happen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅπου τὸ σῶμα, ἐκεῖ καὶ οἱ ἀετοὶ ἐπισυναχθήσονται

Jesus may be quoting a popular proverb of the time. Alternate translation: “The location will be obvious from the things that you see happening there” (See: Proverbs)

ὅπου τὸ σῶμα, ἐκεῖ καὶ οἱ ἀετοὶ ἐπισυναχθήσονται

In this proverb, the body and the vultures are figurative. If you would like to present the same image to your readers but your language does not use metaphors, you could express this as a simile. Alternate translation: “Just as vultures gather where there is a dead body, so the things I have described will indicate where this is about to happen” (See: Metaphor)

οἱ ἀετοὶ

The word vultures describes large birds that travel in flocks and eat the flesh of dead animals that they find. If your readers would not be familiar with vultures, you could use the name of similar birds in your area, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the scavenger birds” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐπισυναχθήσονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “will flock together” or “will assemble” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 18

Luke 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus tells a parable about a widow and a judge (18:1-8)
2. Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector (18:9-14)
3. Jesus blesses little children (18:15-17)
4. Jesus teaches about wealth and the kingdom of God (18:18-30)
5. Jesus warns about his impending death (18:31-34)
6. Jesus heals a blind man in Jericho (18:35-43)

Special concepts in this chapter

Judges

People expected judges always to do what God said was right and to make sure that other people did what was right. But some judges did not care about doing right or making sure others did right. Jesus called this kind of judge “unjust.” (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Pharisees and tax collectors

The Pharisees thought that they themselves were the best examples of good, righteous people, and they thought that tax collectors were the most unrighteous of sinners. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Important textual issues in this chapter

“that he had become sad”

At the beginning of 18:24, in the story of the ruler who asked Jesus how he could have eternal life, some ancient manuscripts of the Bible say that Jesus saw “that he had become sad.” However, the ancient manuscripts considered to be the most accurate do not have that phrase. They say simply that Jesus looked at him. ULT does not have the phrase in its text, but it does have it in a footnote.

“we have left everything”

In 18:28, in some ancient manuscripts of the Bible, Peter says that the disciples have left “everything” to follow Jesus. In other manuscripts, the expression is “our own possessions.” ULT says “everything” in its text, but it acknowledges the variant “our own possessions” in a footnote.

In each of these cases, if a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow its reading. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of ULT. (See: Textual Variants)

Luke 18:1

ἔλεγεν δὲ παραβολὴν αὐτοῖς, πρὸς τὸ

Alternate translation: “Then Jesus told his disciples this story to help them understand that it was necessary” (See: Parables)

Luke 18:2

λέγων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He said”

κριτής τις ἦν ἔν τινι πόλει

Jesus uses this phrase to introduce one of the main characters in this parable. Alternate translation: “There once was a judge who lived in a certain city” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

τὸν Θεὸν μὴ φοβούμενος καὶ ἄνθρωπον μὴ ἐντρεπόμενος

Jesus provides this background information about the judge to help his disciples understand what happens in the story. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He did not make his decisions based on what God wanted or on what other people thought” (See: Background Information)

ἄνθρωπον

Here, Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “other people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 18:3

χήρα δὲ ἦν ἐν τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ

Jesus uses this phrase to introduce the other main character into the story. Alternate translation: “There was also a woman who lived in that city whose husband had died” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

χήρα

A widow is a woman whose husband has died and who has not remarried. Jesus assumes that his disciples will know that in this culture, she would have had no one to protect her from anyone who was trying to take advantage of her. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a woman whose husband had died, and so she had no one to protect her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἤρχετο πρὸς αὐτὸν

Here the Greek verb indicates repeated or continual action. Alternate translation: “she kept coming to the judge”

λέγουσα, ἐκδίκησόν με ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀντιδίκου μου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and asking him to make a fair ruling in her case against her opponent” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἐκδίκησόν με ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀντιδίκου μου

This is an imperative, but since the woman is not in a position to make a demand, it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please give me a fair ruling in my case against my opponent” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

τοῦ ἀντιδίκου μου

The term opponent refers specifically to the opposing party in a lawsuit. It is not clear whether the widow is suing the man to protect her interests, or the man is suing the widow to try to take things from her unfairly. If your language has a specific term for a legal adversary, you can use it here. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 18:4

μετὰ ταῦτα

Alternate translation: “later on” or “eventually”

εἶπεν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, εἰ καὶ τὸν Θεὸν οὐ φοβοῦμαι οὐδὲ ἄνθρωπον ἐντρέπομαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he decided that even though he did not make his decisions based on what God wanted or on what other people thought” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

εἰ καὶ τὸν Θεὸν οὐ φοβοῦμαι οὐδὲ ἄνθρωπον ἐντρέπομαι

The judge speaks as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what the judge is saying is not actually the case, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Even though I do not make my decisions based on what God wants or on what other people think” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

ἄνθρωπον

The judge is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “other people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 18:5

διά γε τὸ παρέχειν μοι κόπον τὴν χήραν ταύτην, ἐκδικήσω αὐτήν, ἵνα μὴ εἰς τέλος ἐρχομένη ὑπωπιάζῃ με

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation (continuing the sentence from the previous verse): “because this widow bothered him, he would give a fair ruling in her case, so that she would not wear him out by coming incessantly” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

παρέχειν μοι κόπον

Alternate translation: “bothers me”

μὴ…ὑπωπιάζῃ με

The judge speaks figuratively of the wearying effect of the widow’s constant pleas as if they were physically pummeling him. Alternate translation: “she will not wear me out” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τέλος ἐρχομένη

The expression to the end is an idiom that means “perpetually” or “forever.” Alternate translation: “by coming to me incessantly” (See: Idiom)

Luke 18:6

ὁ Κύριος

Here Luke refers to Jesus by the respectful title the Lord. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

ἀκούσατε τί ὁ κριτὴς τῆς ἀδικίας λέγει

Listen to is an idiom that means “think about.” Jesus says this to get his disciples to reflect on what the judge said at the end of the parable. He is not introducing a further statement from the judge. Translate this in such a way that your readers will understand that Jesus has already related what the judge said. Alternate translation: “Think about what the unjust judge said” (See: Idiom)

Luke 18:7

ὁ δὲ Θεὸς οὐ μὴ ποιήσῃ τὴν ἐκδίκησιν τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν αὐτοῦ

Jesus is using the question form for emphasis as he teaches his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “Now God will certainly answer the prayers of the people he has chosen” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ δὲ Θεὸς οὐ μὴ ποιήσῃ τὴν ἐκδίκησιν τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν αὐτοῦ

Jesus is drawing an implicit comparison between the unrighteous human judge and God, who is the perfectly righteous divine judge. The implication is that if even the human judge would ensure justice for someone who persevered in pleading for it, God would certainly do so. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “If an unrighteous human judge would ensure justice for someone who persevered in pleading for it, God will certainly answer the prayers of the people he has chosen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν αὐτοῦ

Jesus is using the adjective elect as a noun in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “for the people whom he chose” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τῶν βοώντων αὐτῷ ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός

Jesus is using the phrase day and night figuratively to describe all of time, by referring to its two components. Alternate translation: “who pray to him all the time” or “who ask him for help continually” (See: Merism)

καὶ μακροθυμεῖ ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς

Here Jesus may be using the word and in an idiomatic sense to mean “even if.” (UST offers another possible interpretation of this phrase.) Alternate translation: “even if he takes a long time to answer their prayers” (See: Idiom)

Luke 18:8

λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

ποιήσει τὴν ἐκδίκησιν αὐτῶν ἐν τάχει

The point of the parable and of this teaching is that people should continue to pray even if God does not answer right away. So this statement might seem contradictory, since it suggests that God will answer right away. The implication may be that God is concerned for his people and will begin to act immediately to help them, even if his actions do not become apparent for some time. If you think your readers would be puzzled or troubled by the apparent contradiction, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he will start to answer their prayers right away” or “he will begin to send them help right away” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πλὴν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐλθὼν, ἆρα εὑρήσει τὴν πίστιν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς?

Jesus is using the question form as a teaching tool. This particular question uses a word that anticipates a negative answer. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless, it is doubtful that the Son of Man will find faith on the earth when he returns.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

πλὴν

The reference of this word is implied in the context. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make it explicit. Alternate translation: “Even though God readily answers prayer” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐλθὼν

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “when I, the Son of Man, come” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐλθὼν

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “when I, the Messiah, come” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὴν πίστιν

When Jesus asks whether he will find faith on the earth, he may be referring implicitly to the kind of persevering trust in God that would lead a person to continue praying even when the answer was delayed. (UST offers another possible interpretation of this word.) Alternate translation: “this kind of persevering faith” or “this kind of persevering trust in God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 18:9

εἶπεν δὲ καὶ πρός τινας…τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην

Jesus now tells a brief story to correct some wrong attitudes that he realized certain people had. The story is designed teach something that is true in a way that is easy to understand and remember. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus told this story to correct certain people” (See: Parables)

πρός τινας

Luke uses this phrase to introduce some new characters, but he does not say specifically who these people were. (The story that Jesus tells suggests that they may have been Pharisees.) Alternate translation: “to some people who were there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

τοὺς πεποιθότας ἐφ’ ἑαυτοῖς, ὅτι εἰσὶν δίκαιοι

Alternate translation: “who had convinced themselves that they were righteous” or “who considered themselves to be righteous”

καὶ ἐξουθενοῦντας τοὺς λοιποὺς

Alternate translation: “and who thought they were superior to other people”

Luke 18:10

ἄνθρωποι δύο

Jesus uses this phrase to introduce the characters in this parable. Alternate translation: “Once there were two men who” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἀνέβησαν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν προσεύξασθαι

When Jesus says that these men went up, he likely means that they traveled to Jerusalem. That was the customary way of speaking about going there, since the city was up on a mountain. Alternate translation: “went to pray in the temple courtyard” (See: Idiom)

εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν

Since only priests could enter the temple building, this means the temple courtyard. Jesus is using the word for the entire building to refer to one part of it. Alternate translation: “into the temple courtyard” (See: Synecdoche)

ὁ εἷς Φαρισαῖος καὶ ὁ ἕτερος τελώνης

Jesus provides this background information to help his listeners understand what happens in the story. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Now one of these men was a Pharisee, and the other man was a tax collector” (See: Background Information)

Luke 18:11

ταῦτα πρὸς ἑαυτὸν προσηύχετο, ὁ Θεός, εὐχαριστῶ σοι ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ ὥσπερ οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἅρπαγες, ἄδικοι, μοιχοί, ἢ καὶ ὡς οὗτος ὁ τελώνης

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “prayed about himself and thanked God that he was not like other people, who were robbers, unrighteous, and adulterers, or even like the tax collector who was there” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

εὐχαριστῶ σοι

Here, the pronoun you is singular because the Pharisee is addressing God. If your language has a formal form of you that it uses to address a superior respectfully, you may wish to use that form here. Alternatively, it might be effective to show this man addressing God using a familiar form, as if he could presume on God’s friendship and approval. Use your best judgment about what form to use. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Formal or Informal)

οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων

The Pharisee is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “other people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἅρπαγες

The word robbers describes people who steal from other people by forcing them to give things to them. Your language may have a specific term for this kind of person. Alternate translation: “bandits” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἄδικοι

The Pharisee is using the adjective unrighteous as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “evildoers” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἢ καὶ ὡς οὗτος ὁ τελώνης

The Pharisees believed that any tax collector would be dishonest and cheat others, and so as a group they were as sinful as robbers, unrighteous people, and adulterers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, as UST does. Alternate translation: “and I am certainly not like this sinful tax collector who cheats people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 18:12

νηστεύω δὶς τοῦ σαββάτου; ἀποδεκατεύω πάντα, ὅσα κτῶμαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “He boasted that he fasted twice a week and that he gave ten percent of all his income to God” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἀποδεκατεύω πάντα, ὅσα κτῶμαι

To tithe means to give ten percent of one’s income to God, as required in the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “I give you ten percent of all my income” (See: Idiom)

Luke 18:13

ὁ δὲ τελώνης μακρόθεν ἑστὼς

This was a sign of humility. The tax collector did not feel worthy to be near the Pharisee and the other people in the temple courtyard. It may be helpful to make each of the phrases in this verse a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “But the tax collector humbly stood by himself, away from the other people who were there” (See: Symbolic Action)

οὐκ ἤθελεν οὐδὲ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς ἐπᾶραι εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν

The phrase lift up his eyes means to look at something. Alternate translation: “did not even want to look up toward heaven” (See: Idiom)

εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν

See how you translated the similar expression in 9:16. Alternate translation: “beyond the sky towards God in heaven” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀλλ’ ἔτυπτε τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ

This was a physical expression of great sorrow, and it showed this man’s repentance and humility. Alternate translation: “Instead, he hit his chest to demonstrate his shame and sorrow over his sins” (See: Symbolic Action)

λέγων, ὁ Θεός, ἱλάσθητί μοι, τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “He admitted that he was a sinner and asked God to have mercy on him” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ὁ Θεός, ἱλάσθητί μοι, τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “God, please be merciful to me, I confess that I am a sinner” or “God, please forgive me for the many sins I have committed” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 18:14

λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

κατέβη οὗτος δεδικαιωμένος εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ, παρ’ ἐκεῖνον

The implication is that the tax collector was right with God because God forgave his sin when he prayed humbly and repentantly. Alternate translation: “the tax collector was right with God when he went home, rather than the Pharisee, because God forgave his sin” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὗτος…παρ’ ἐκεῖνον

Alternate translation: “the latter … rather than the former” or “the tax collector … rather than the Pharisee”

δεδικαιωμένος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning of the passive verbal form justified with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “right with God” (See: Active or Passive)

κατέβη…εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ

When Jesus says that this man went down to his house, he likely means that he returned home from Jerusalem, since the city was up on a mountain. Alternate translation: “returned to his home” (See: Idiom)

παρ’ ἐκεῖνον

The implication is that the Pharisee was not right with God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “but the Pharisee was not right with God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ταπεινωθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will humble” (See: Active or Passive)

ὑψωθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will honor” (See: Active or Passive)

ὑψωθήσεται

Jesus is using a spatial metaphor to describe someone who is honored as if he were high up. Alternate translation: “God will honor” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 18:15

δὲ

Luke uses this word to begin relating a new event by introducing background information that will help readers understand what happens. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

προσέφερον…αὐτῷ καὶ τὰ βρέφη

Here, they refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “people were bringing their children to Jesus, even their newborns” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἵνα αὐτῶν ἅπτηται

If Jesus would touch the babies, this would express God’s love for them and convey God’s blessing to them. Alternate translation: “so that he could put his hands on them and bless them” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἐπετίμων αὐτοῖς

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state more explicitly what this means. Alternate translation: “they tried to stop the parents from bringing their children to Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 18:16

ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς προσεκαλέσατο αὐτὰ λέγων

Alternate translation: “But Jesus called the children to come to him, telling his disciples” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἄφετε τὰ παιδία ἔρχεσθαι πρός με, καὶ μὴ κωλύετε αὐτά

The verb in the first phrase indicates a one-time action, while the verb in the second phrase indicates an ongoing action. Alternate translation: “Allow these children to come to me, and do not ever forbid children to come” (See: Verbs)

τῶν…τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

It becomes clear in 18:17 that this is simile. You could express it as one here. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of God consists of people who are like these little children” (See: Simile)

τῶν…τοιούτων ἐστὶν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “people who are like children will let God rule their lives” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 18:17

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν, ὃς ἂν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “I can assure you that whoever”

δέξηται τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “let God rule over him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὡς παιδίον

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the basis of this comparison. Alternate translation: “with trust and humility like a child” (See: Simile)

οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθῃ εἰς αὐτήν

Alternate translation: “will not let God rule over him at all”

Luke 18:18

καὶ ἐπηρώτησέν τις αὐτὸν ἄρχων

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. Alternate translation: “Then a Jewish leader came up to Jesus and asked him a question” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

τί ποιήσας…κληρονομήσω

Alternate translation: “what do I need to do to inherit”

κληρονομήσω

The ruler is using the term inherit figuratively to mean coming into possession of something. Alternate translation: “will I receive” or “will I obtain” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 18:19

τί με λέγεις ἀγαθόν? οὐδεὶς ἀγαθὸς, εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός

Jesus is using the question form as a teaching tool. He is not asking the ruler to explain why he used this term. Jesus is also not denying that he is God. Rather, he is challenging the ruler to reflect on whether, in light of God’s holiness, he should consider any human being to be good. The ruler apparently considers Jesus to be a good human being, and he wants to know how he can be good enough himself to earn God’s approval. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate Jesus’ words as a statement, and it may be helpful to combine that statement with the next sentence in the verse. Alternate translation: “You should not consider any human being to be good, since no one is good except God alone” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Luke 18:20

τὰς ἐντολὰς οἶδας

The implication is that Jesus is saying this in response to the ruler’s question. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “As for what God expects from us, you know what he has commanded” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μὴ μοιχεύσῃς, μὴ φονεύσῃς, μὴ κλέψῃς, μὴ ψευδομαρτυρήσῃς, τίμα τὸν πατέρα σου καὶ τὴν μητέρα

You may wish to represent these commandments as a second-level direct quotation within Jesus’ reply to the ruler, using the capitalization and punctuation conventions of your language. That is what UST does. However, that would be a quotation within a quotation, and you may wish to avoid that by leaving the commandments as an indirect quotation. (See: Quotes within Quotes)

σου

Jesus is reciting these commandments from the Scriptures, and the word your is singular because that is the way Moses spoke the commandments, since even though he gave them to the Israelites as a group, each individual person was supposed to obey them. So in your translation, it would be appropriate to use the singular form of your. The implied you in the imperative verbs would also be singular. (See: Singular Pronouns that refer to Groups)

Luke 18:21

ταῦτα πάντα ἐφύλαξα ἐκ νεότητος μου

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun youth, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective such as “young.” Alternate translation: “I have obeyed all of these commandments ever since I was young” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 18:22

ἀκούσας δὲ, ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “When Jesus heard the ruler say that, he responded”

ἔτι ἕν σοι λείπει

Alternate translation: “You still need to do one more thing” or “There is one thing that you have not yet done”

πάντα ὅσα ἔχεις, πώλησον

Alternate translation: “Sell all your possessions” or “Sell everything that you own”

πτωχοῖς

Jesus is using the adjective poor as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are poor” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

δεῦρο, ἀκολούθει μοι

As in 5:27, to follow Jesus means to be one of his disciples. Alternate translation: “come with me as my disciple” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 18:23

ὁ δὲ ἀκούσας ταῦτα…ἐγενήθη

Alternate translation: “But when the ruler heard what Jesus said, he said” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 18:24

ἰδὼν δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς

Many manuscripts have two additional Greek words here, so that this says, “Then Jesus, seeing him having become sad.” See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to represent those words in your translation. Alternate translation (if you choose to represent them): “Then Jesus, noticing how sad the ruler had become” (See: Textual Variants)

πῶς δυσκόλως οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες, εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσπορεύονται

This is an exclamation, not a question. Alternate translation: “It is so very difficult for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God” (See: Exclamations)

πῶς δυσκόλως οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες, εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσπορεύονται

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “It is so very difficult for those who are rich to allow God to rule their lives” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 18:25

εὐκοπώτερον γάρ ἐστιν κάμηλον διὰ τρήματος βελόνης εἰσελθεῖν, ἢ

It is impossible for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle Jesus is using an exaggeration to express how difficult it is for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom. Alternate translation: “It is extremely difficult” (See: Hyperbole)

κάμηλον

A camel is a large animal that was used in this culture to transport people and goods. If your readers would not know what a camel is, you could use the name of a similar animal that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a huge beast of burden” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τρήματος βελόνης

The eye of a needle is the hole in a sewing needle through which the thread is passed. If your language has an expression of its own that describes this hole, you can use it in your translation. Otherwise, you can use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the tiny hole for thread in a needle” (See: Translate Unknowns)

εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν

See how you translated this phrase in 18:24. Alternate translation: “to allow God to rule his life” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 18:26

οἱ ἀκούσαντες

Alternate translation: “the people who were listening to Jesus”

καὶ τίς δύναται σωθῆναι?

It is possible that these people were asking for an answer. But it is more likely that they were using the question form to emphasize their surprise at what Jesus said. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “Then no one can be saved!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

καὶ τίς δύναται σωθῆναι?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could specify the agent. Alternate translation: “Then God is not going to save anyone!” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 18:27

τὰ ἀδύνατα παρὰ ἀνθρώποις, δυνατὰ παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ ἐστιν

Jesus is using the adjectives impossible and possible as nouns to describe types of things. The terms are plural. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these terms with equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “The things that are impossible for people to do are possible for God to do” or “God is able to do the things that people are not able to do” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 18:28

ἰδοὺ

Peter uses the term Behold to get Jesus to focus his attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Listen” (See: Metaphor)

ἡμεῖς ἀφήκαμεν…ἠκολουθήσαμέν

Peter is referring to himself and his fellow disciples, but not to Jesus, so if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive we, use the exclusive form in both of these cases. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

πάντα

This is not hyperbole. Peter and the others did leave behind everything they had in order to become Jesus’ disciples. Alternate translation: “all our possessions”

πάντα

Some manuscripts say “our own possessions” here instead of “everything.” See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide which reading to use in your translation. (See: Textual Variants)

καὶ ἠκολουθήσαμέν σοι

As in 18:22, to follow Jesus means to be one of his disciples. Alternate translation: “in order to become your disciples” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 18:29

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize the importance of what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

οὐδείς ἐστιν ὃς ἀφῆκεν

A double negative statement begins in this verse and concludes in the next verse. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate the entire double negative statement as a positive statement. Alternate translation, beginning here: “anyone who has left” (See: Double Negatives)

εἵνεκεν τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “in order to allow God to rule over his life” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 18:30

ὃς οὐχὶ μὴ ἀπολάβῃ

This is the conclusion of the double negative statement that began in the previous verse with “there is no one who has left.” If you started to translate it there as a positive statement, you can finish that translation here. Alternate translation: “will certainly receive” (See: Double Negatives)

ἐν τῷ καιρῷ τούτῳ…ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τῷ ἐρχομένῳ

Jesus is using the word time in the same figurative sense as the word age in 16:8, to mean the long period of time defined by the duration of the created world; by association, it means the world itself. Here, Jesus is using the word age similarly to mean the new world that God will introduce after the end of this present world. Alternate translation: “in this present world … in the world to come” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τῷ ἐρχομένῳ, ζωὴν αἰώνιον

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from what he says earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and they will also receive eternal life in the world to come” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 18:31

παραλαβὼν…τοὺς δώδεκα

Alternate translation: “Jesus took the Twelve to a place away from other people where they would be alone”

τοὺς δώδεκα

See how you translated this in 8:1. You may have decided to translate the nominal adjective Twelve with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “his 12 apostles” or “the 12 men he had appointed to be apostles” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τοὺς δώδεκα

You may have decided instead in 8:1 to translate this as a title, even if your language does not ordinarily use adjectives as nouns. If so, you can do the same thing here. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses the term behold to get his disciples to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Indeed” (See: Metaphor)

ἀναβαίνομεν εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ

When Jesus says that they are going up to Jerusalem, he means that they are traveling there. That was the customary way of speaking about going to Jerusalem, since the city was up on a mountain. Alternate translation: “we are traveling to Jerusalem” (See: Idiom)

πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα διὰ τῶν προφητῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “all the things that the prophets have written” (See: Active or Passive)

τὰ γεγραμμένα διὰ τῶν προφητῶν

Jesus assumes that his disciples will know that he is referring to the Old Testament prophets. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the things that the prophets have written in the Scriptures” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῷ Υἱῷ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “about me, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τῷ Υἱῷ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “about me, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τελεσθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “will occur” or “will take place” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 18:32

παραδοθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders will hand him over” (See: Active or Passive)

παραδοθήσεται

If you decided in 18:31 to use the second person for what Jesus is telling his disciples, also use it here. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders will hand me over” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τοῖς ἔθνεσιν

Jesus is speaking figuratively of the Roman authorities by association with the fact that they are not Jews. Alternate translation: “to the Roman authorities” (See: Metonymy)

ἐμπαιχθήσεται, καὶ ὑβρισθήσεται, καὶ ἐμπτυσθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they will mock him, mistreat him, and spit on him” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐμπαιχθήσεται, καὶ ὑβρισθήσεται, καὶ ἐμπτυσθήσεται

If you decided in 18:31 to use the second person for what Jesus is telling his disciples, also use it here. Alternate translation: “they will mock me, mistreat me, and spit on me” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Luke 18:33

καὶ μαστιγώσαντες, ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν; καὶ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ, ἀναστήσεται

If you decided in 18:31 to use the second person for what Jesus is telling his disciples, use it here as well. Alternate translation: “And after they have whipped me, they will kill me. But two days later I will come back to life” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

καὶ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ, ἀναστήσεται

See how you translated this in 9:22. In the idiom of this culture, today was the “first day,” tomorrow was the “second day,” and the day after tomorrow was the third day. To make sure that this is clear to your readers, you may wish to use a different expression than “the third day,” especially if, in your culture, this would mean one day longer than Jesus intends. Otherwise, your readers may be confused when they read later in the book that Jesus died on a Friday and came back to life on a Sunday, if that would be “the second day” according to the way your culture reckons time. Alternate translation: “and he will spend the next full day in the grave, but on the day after that, he will come back to life” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ

Jesus uses the word and to introduce a contrast between the belief of the authorities that they could kill him and the fact that he would come back to life. Alternate translation: “but on the third day” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “on day three” or, depending on how your culture reckons time, “on day two” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ἀναστήσεται

Jesus speaks figuratively of his coming back to life as if he will rise up, since he will come up out of the grave. Alternate translation: “he will come back to life” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 18:34

αὐτοὶ οὐδὲν τούτων συνῆκαν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make the verb negative and the object positive here. Alternate translation: “they did not understand any of these things”

οὐδὲν τούτων

Implicitly, these things refers to Jesus’ description of how he would suffer and die in Jerusalem and then rise from the dead. Alternate translation: “none of what Jesus had told them about what was going to happen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἦν τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο κεκρυμμένον ἀπ’ αὐτῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God prevented them from understanding the meaning of what Jesus was telling them” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο

Here Luke uses the term word in a specific sense. Alternate translation: “this saying” or “what Jesus was telling them”

τὰ λεγόμενα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “the things that Jesus said” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 18:35

ἐγένετο δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῷ ἐγγίζειν αὐτὸν εἰς Ἰερειχὼ

Jericho is the name of a city. Alternate translation: “as Jesus approached the city of Jericho” (See: How to Translate Names)

τυφλός τις

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. Alternate translation: “there was a blind man who” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Luke 18:36

τί εἴη τοῦτο

Alternate translation: “what was happening”

Luke 18:37

ἀπήγγειλαν…αὐτῷ

Here, they is indefinite. It does not refer to particular individuals. Alternate translation: “people in the crowd told the blind man” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Ἰησοῦς ὁ Ναζωραῖος

The people call Jesus the Nazarene because he was from the town of Nazareth in Galilee. Alternate translation: “Jesus from the town of Nazareth” (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 18:38

καὶ

Luke uses and to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. When the blind man learned that Jesus was walking by, he knew that Jesus would hear him if he called out, so as a result, he shouted to him. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐβόησεν

Alternate translation: “he called out” or “he shouted”

Υἱὲ Δαυείδ

The blind man is using the word Son figuratively to mean “descendant.” Alternate translation: “Descendant of David” (See: Metaphor)

Υἱὲ Δαυείδ

David was Israel’s most important king, and God had promised him that one of his descendants would be the Messiah. So the title Son of David implicitly meant “Messiah.” Alternate translation: “Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Δαυείδ

David is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐλέησόν με

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “please be merciful to me” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἐλέησόν με

The blind man assumes that Jesus will know that he is asking specifically to be healed. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “please have mercy on me and heal me” or “please be merciful to me by healing me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 18:39

οἱ προάγοντες

Alternate translation: “the people who were walking ahead of Jesus”

ἐπετίμων αὐτῷ, ἵνα σιγήσῃ

Alternate translation: “kept telling him not to shout”

πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἔκραζεν

This could mean: (1) “he shouted even louder.” (2) “he called out even more persistently.”

Υἱὲ Δαυείδ, ἐλέησόν με

See how you decided to translate this phrase in 18:38. Alternate translation: “Messiah, please have mercy on me and heal me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 18:40

αὐτὸν ἀχθῆναι πρὸς αὐτόν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the people to bring the blind man to him” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 18:41

ἵνα ἀναβλέψω

Alternate translation: “I want to be able to see again” or “I want you to restore my sight”

Luke 18:42

ἀνάβλεψον

This was not a command that the man was capable of obeying. Instead, this was a command that directly caused the man to be healed. Alternate translation: “I have restored your sight” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun faith, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “believe.” Alternate translation: “Because you believed, you have been healed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

Jesus speaks figuratively of the man’s faith as if it had actively healed him. Alternate translation: “Because you believed, you have been healed” (See: Personification)

ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε

Here Jesus seems to be using the word saved in one of its particular senses, to mean “healed.” Alternate translation: “Because you believed, you have been healed”

Luke 18:43

ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ

Here, followed does not necessarily have the figurative meaning of “became a disciple.” Alternate translation: “he walked down the road with the rest of the crowd that was around Jesus”

δοξάζων τὸν Θεόν

Alternate translation: “giving glory to God” or “praising God”

Luke 19

Luke 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus helps a man named Zacchaeus repent of his sins (19:1-10)
2. Jesus tells a parable about a man who entrusted money to his servants (19:11-27)
3. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a colt (19:28-48)

Special concepts in this chapter

“Sinner”

The Pharisees refer to a group of people as “sinners.” The Jewish leaders thought these people were sinful, but in reality the leaders were also sinful. This can be taken as irony. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and Irony)

Servants

God expects his people to remember that everything in the world belongs to God. God gives his people things so they can serve him. He wants them to please him by doing what he wants them to do with everything he has given them. One day Jesus will ask his servants what they have done with everything he gave them to use. He will give a reward to those who have done what he wanted them to do, and he will punish those who have not.

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 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 the disciples brought Jesus both a donkey and 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 ULT without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 21:1-7 and Mark 11:1-7 and Luke 19:29-36 and John 12:14-15)

Spreading garments and branches

When kings would enter the cities they ruled, people would cut branches from trees and take off the outer garments that they wore to stay warm in cold weather and spread them all on the road so the king would ride over them. They did this to honor the king and show that they loved him. (See: honor and Symbolic Action)

The merchants in the temple

Jesus forced the people who were selling animals in the temple to leave. He did this to show everyone that he had authority over the temple and that only those who were righteous, who did what God said was good, could be in it. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Luke 19:1

καὶ

Luke uses this word to begin relating a new event by introducing background information that will help readers understand what happens. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

Ἰερειχώ

Jericho is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 18:35. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 19:2

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to calls the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

ἀνὴρ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was a man who lived there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ὀνόματι καλούμενος Ζακχαῖος

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “whose name was Zacchaeus” (See: Idiom)

Ζακχαῖος

Zacchaeus is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν ἀρχιτελώνης, καὶ αὐτὸς πλούσιος

Luke provides this background information about Zacchaeus to help readers understand what happens in this episode. Alternate translation: “who had become wealthy through his work as a chief tax collector” (See: Background Information)

Luke 19:3

ἐζήτει ἰδεῖν τὸν Ἰησοῦν τίς ἐστιν

Alternate translation: “Zacchaeus was trying to get a good look at Jesus” or “Zacchaeus was trying to see what kind of man Jesus was”

οὐκ ἠδύνατο ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου, ὅτι τῇ ἡλικίᾳ μικρὸς ἦν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because he was short, he could not see over the crowd” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

οὐκ ἠδύνατο ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου, ὅτι τῇ ἡλικίᾳ μικρὸς ἦν

The implication may be that the people resented Zacchaeus for taking their money, and so they would not let him come forward and stand in front of them, even though they would have been able to see over him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he could not see over the crowd because he was short, and the people would not let him stand in the front, because they resented him for taking their money” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 19:4

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

συκομορέαν

This is a type of fig tree. It would have been tall enough and strong enough to hold Zacchaeus at a height from which he could see the street. If you readers would not be familiar with this particular tree, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a fig tree” or “a tree” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 19:5

ὡς ἦλθεν ἐπὶ τὸν τόπον

Alternate translation: “when Jesus got to that tree” or “when Jesus reached the place where Zacchaeus was”

Luke 19:6

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 19:7

πάντες διεγόγγυζον

Luke is using the term all as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “the people in the crowd complained” (See: Hyperbole)

παρὰ ἁμαρτωλῷ ἀνδρὶ εἰσῆλθεν καταλῦσαι

Alternate translation: “Jesus is going to stay in the house of an obvious sinner”

ἁμαρτωλῷ ἀνδρὶ

By using two terms together, rather than simply saying “sinner,” the crowd is emphasizing that Zacchaeus has openly done many wrong things. Alternate translation: “an obvious sinner”

Luke 19:8

σταθεὶς

At a relaxed meal such as this one, it was the custom in this culture for host and guests to eat while lying down comfortably around the table. So by standing up, Zacchaeus was signifying that he had something important to say. Alternate translation: “stood up from the meal to speak” (See: Symbolic Action)

τὸν Κύριον

Here Luke refers to Jesus by the respectful title the Lord. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

ἰδοὺ

Zacchaeus uses behold to get Jesus to focus his attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Please listen” (See: Metaphor)

Κύριε

Zacchaeus is addressing Jesus directly by a respectful title. It would be appropriate to represent the title with the corresponding term in your language and culture, rather than using the name “Jesus.”

εἴ τινός τι ἐσυκοφάντησα, ἀποδίδωμι τετραπλοῦν

Zacchaeus speaks as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. He is inviting anyone he has cheated to come to him for restitution. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Zacchaeus is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “I know that I have cheated many people out of their money, and I promise to pay each one back four times as much” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)

ἀποδίδωμι τετραπλοῦν

Alternate translation: “I will return to them four times as much as I took from them”

Luke 19:9

εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς

Jesus spoke not just to Zacchaeus but also to the people from the crowd who were complaining that he had gone to visit him. In this culture, people were allowed to stand around the walls of the banquet room in a private home and listen to what an invited guest was saying. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said to Zacchaeus and to the people from the crowd who were standing around the room” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

σωτηρία τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ ἐγένετο, καθότι καὶ αὐτὸς υἱὸς Ἀβραάμ ἐστιν

Jesus is speaking to Zacchaeus, but he addresses him in the third person because he is also speaking to the people from the crowd. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use the second person here. Alternate translation: “salvation has come to your household, because you too are a son of Abraham” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

σωτηρία τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ ἐγένετο

Jesus speaks figuratively of salvation as if it were a living thing that could come to the house of Zacchaeus. Alternate translation: “God has brought salvation to this household” (See: Personification)

σωτηρία τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ ἐγένετο

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun salvation, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “save,” and show that God has done the action. Alternate translation: “God has saved this household” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ

Jesus is using the word house figuratively to refer to the people living in the house. Alternate translation: “to this household” or “to this family” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ αὐτὸς

Alternate translation: “this man too” or “Zacchaeus also”

υἱὸς Ἀβραάμ

Jesus may be using the word son figuratively to mean “descendant.” Alternate translation: “a descendant of Abraham” or “one of our fellow Jews” (See: Metaphor)

υἱὸς Ἀβραάμ

Alternatively, Jesus could be using the expression son of as an idiom to mean someone who shares the qualities of someone else. Alternate translation: “a person who has faith as Abraham did” (See: Idiom)

Luke 19:10

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ ἀπολωλός

If you decided to use the second person in the previous verse, you could use it here as well. Alternate translation: “lost people like you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τὸ ἀπολωλός

Jesus is using the term lost figuratively. Alternate translation: “people who have wandered away from God” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 19:11

δὲ

Luke uses this word to begin relating a new event by introducing background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

προσθεὶς, εἶπεν παραβολὴν

To help the people in the crowd have the correct expectations about the kingdom of God, Jesus tells a brief story that provides an illustration. Alternate translation: “Jesus told the crowd this story to help them understand better” (See: Parables)

προσθεὶς, εἶπεν παραβολὴν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this clause last in the verse, since the two statements that follow give the reason for the result that it describes. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ὅτι παραχρῆμα μέλλει ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀναφαίνεσθαι

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “that God was going to begin to rule immediately” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 19:12

ἄνθρωπός τις εὐγενὴς

Jesus uses this phrase to introduce the main character into the story. Alternate translation: “There once was a nobleman who” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

λαβεῖν ἑαυτῷ βασιλείαν

Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that he is speaking of a lesser king going to a greater king or emperor. The emperor would give the lesser king the right and authority to rule over his own country. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to receive authorization from the emperor to rule over his own kingdom” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ὑποστρέψαι

Alternate translation: “and then to return and rule that kingdom in person”

Luke 19:13

καλέσας δὲ

It may be helpful to state that the man did this before he left to receive his kingdom. Alternate translation: “So before he left, the nobleman called” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς δέκα μνᾶς

Alternate translation: “he gave each of them one mina”

ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς δέκα μνᾶς

A mina was a unit of weight equal to about half a kilogram. The term refers to silver coins of that weight. Each one was equal to what people would be paid for about four months’ work. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation: “he gave each of them a valuable silver coin” or “he gave each of them four months’ wages” (See: Biblical Weight)

εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς, πραγματεύσασθαι ἐν ᾧ ἔρχομαι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “told them to trade with the money while he was away” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

πραγματεύσασθαι

Alternate translation: “Trade with this money” or “Use this money to earn more money”

ἐν ᾧ ἔρχομαι

Alternate translation: “while I am gone.”

Luke 19:14

οἱ…πολῖται αὐτοῦ

This means “the people of his country.” It suggests that all the people hated him, and that may be a generalization. In your translation, you may wish to say “many people of his country,” as UST does. (See: Hyperbole)

πρεσβείαν

Alternate translation: “a group of people to represent them”

ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ λέγοντες

The implication is that the citizens gave the delegation this message for the emperor who was going to appoint the nobleman as king. Alternate translation: “after him to tell the emperor” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ λέγοντες, οὐ θέλομεν τοῦτον βασιλεῦσαι ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “after him to tell the emperor that they did not want this nobleman to be their king” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Luke 19:15

καὶ ἐγένετο

Jesus uses this phrase to mark an important development in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

λαβόντα τὴν βασιλείαν

Alternate translation: “after the emperor had appointed him king”

εἶπεν φωνηθῆναι αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “he told some of his other servants to bring in” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ ἀργύριον

Jesus is speaking figuratively of the money by reference to the precious metal, silver, that gives it its value. Alternate translation: “the money” (See: Metonymy)

τί διεπραγματεύσαντο

Alternate translation: “how much money they had earned with the money he had given them”

Luke 19:16

παρεγένετο…ὁ πρῶτος λέγων, Κύριε, ἡ μνᾶ σου, δέκα προσηργάσατο μνᾶς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the first servant came and told him that he had used his mina to earn ten more minas” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ὁ πρῶτος

Jesus is using the adjective first as a noun in order to indicate a particular person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can specify the person. Alternate translation: “the first servant” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ὁ πρῶτος

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “servant number one” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ἡ μνᾶ σου, δέκα προσηργάσατο μνᾶς

The servant is speaking figuratively of the mina as if it had earned the money. Alternate translation: “I used the mina you gave me to earn ten more minas” (See: Personification)

μνᾶ

See how you translated mina in 19:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Luke 19:17

καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, εὖ ἀγαθὲ δοῦλε! ὅτι ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ, πιστὸς ἐγένου, ἴσθι ἐξουσίαν ἔχων ἐπάνω δέκα πόλεων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “So the king told this first servant that he had done a good job, and that because he had shown in a small task that he was faithful, he was making him the ruler of ten cities” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ

Jesus uses this phrase to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “So the king said to the first servant” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

εὖ ἀγαθὲ δοῦλε!

Your language may have a phrase that an employer would use to show approval. If so, you can use it in your translation. Alternate translation: “Good job!” (See: Exclamations)

ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ

This could mean: (1) “in a small responsibility.” (2) “with a little bit of money.”

ἴσθι ἐξουσίαν ἔχων ἐπάνω δέκα πόλεων

The new king speaks this as a command, but it is not one that the servant is capable of obeying on his own. Rather, the king is using the command form to appoint the servant to a position of authority. Alternate translation: “I am making you the ruler of ten cities” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 19:18

ἦλθεν ὁ δεύτερος λέγων, ἡ μνᾶ σου, Κύριε, ἐποίησεν πέντε μνᾶς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the second servant came and told him that he had used his mina to make five more minas” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ὁ δεύτερος

Jesus is using the adjective second as a noun in order to indicate a particular person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can specify the person. Alternate translation: “the second servant” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ὁ δεύτερος

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “servant number two” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ἡ μνᾶ σου…ἐποίησεν πέντε μνᾶς

The servant is speaking figuratively of the mina as if it had earned the money. Alternate translation: “I used the mina you gave me … to earn five more minas” (See: Personification)

μνᾶ

See how you translated mina in 19:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Luke 19:19

εἶπεν δὲ καὶ τούτῳ, καὶ σὺ ἐπάνω γίνου πέντε πόλεων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “So the king similarly told this second servant that he was making him the ruler of five cities” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

σὺ ἐπάνω γίνου πέντε πόλεων

The new king speaks this as a command, but it is not one that the servant is capable of obeying on his own. Rather, the king is using the command form to appoint the servant to a position of authority. Alternate translation: “I am making you the ruler of five cities” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

σὺ ἐπάνω γίνου πέντε πόλεων

In a spatial metaphor, the new king describes this servant as over these cities to mean that he will rule them. Alternate translation: “I am making you the ruler of five cities” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 19:20

ὁ ἕτερος

Alternate translation: “another servant to whom the nobleman had entrusted a mina”

λέγων, Κύριε, ἰδοὺ, ἡ μνᾶ σου, ἣν εἶχον ἀποκειμένην ἐν σουδαρίῳ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and gave the king back the mina he had entrusted to him, explaining that he had kept it hidden in a cloth” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἰδοὺ, ἡ μνᾶ σου

This does not seem to be a figurative use of the term behold. The servant wants the king to look and see that he is giving him the mina back. Alternate translation: “look, here is your mina back”

μνᾶ

See how you translated mina in 19:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

ἣν εἶχον ἀποκειμένην ἐν σουδαρίῳ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. It may be helpful to make this a new sentence, as UST does. Alternate translation: “I put it in a cloth to keep it safe” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 19:21

ἐφοβούμην γάρ σε, ὅτι ἄνθρωπος αὐστηρὸς εἶ; αἴρεις ὃ οὐκ ἔθηκας, καὶ θερίζεις ὃ οὐκ ἔσπειρας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that it is not a quotation within a quotation. If you do, it may be helpful to make this a new sentence. Alternate translation: “This servant told the king that he had been afraid of him because he was a demanding man who took other people’s property as his own and benefitted from other people’s hard work” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἄνθρωπος αὐστηρὸς

Alternate translation: “a man who is very demanding”

αἴρεις ὃ οὐκ ἔθηκας

The servant is speaking figuratively of the king as if he would pick up things that others had set down and take them away as his own property. Alternate translation: “You take other people’s property as your own” (See: Metaphor)

θερίζεις ὃ οὐκ ἔσπειρας

The servant is speaking figuratively of the king as if he would harvest a crop that someone else had planted. Alternate translation: “you benefit from other people’s hard work” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 19:22

λέγει αὐτῷ, ἐκ τοῦ στόματός σου κρίνω σε, πονηρὲ δοῦλε; ᾔδεις ὅτι ἐγὼ ἄνθρωπος αὐστηρός εἰμι, αἴρων ὃ οὐκ ἔθηκα, καὶ θερίζων ὃ οὐκ ἔσπειρα?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The king told him that he was a wicked servant and that he would judge him by what he had just said. The king said to suppose that he really was a harsh man who took other people’s property as his own and benefitted from other people’s hard work” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

λέγει αὐτῷ

To call attention to a development in the story, this parable uses the present tense here in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “The king said to this servant”

ἐκ τοῦ στόματός σου

The king is using the term mouth figuratively to refer to what the servant said using his mouth. Alternate translation: “based on what you have just said” (See: Metonymy)

ᾔδεις ὅτι ἐγὼ ἄνθρωπος αὐστηρός εἰμι, αἴρων ὃ οὐκ ἔθηκα, καὶ θερίζων ὃ οὐκ ἔσπειρα?

The king is not asking the servant to verify what he has just said. Rather, he is using the question form to challenge the servant. He is repeating what the servant said about him, but not to grant that it is true. Rather, he is about to tell the servant what he should have done if it actually had been true. Alternate translation: “So you thought I was a harsh man who took other people’s property as his own and benefitted from other people’s hard work” (See: Rhetorical Question)

αἴρων ὃ οὐκ ἔθηκα, καὶ θερίζων ὃ οὐκ ἔσπειρα

See how you translated these expressions in 19:21. Alternate translation: “who took other people’s property as his own and benefitted from other people’s hard work” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 19:23

καὶ διὰ τί οὐκ ἔδωκάς μου τὸ ἀργύριον ἐπὶ τράπεζαν, κἀγὼ ἐλθὼν, σὺν τόκῳ ἂν αὐτὸ ἔπραξα?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The king told him that in that case, he should have put his money in the bank so that he could have collected it with interest when he returned” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

καὶ διὰ τί οὐκ ἔδωκάς μου τὸ ἀργύριον ἐπὶ τράπεζαν, κἀγὼ ἐλθὼν, σὺν τόκῳ ἂν αὐτὸ ἔπραξα?

The king is not asking the servant to explain why he did not do this. Rather, he is using the question form to rebuke the servant. Alternate translation: “Even if I were like that, you had no reason not to put my money in the bank so that I could have collected it with interest when I returned” (See: Rhetorical Question)

καὶ

The king uses this word to introduce the results of what he said in the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “Then” or “Even if I was like that” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἔδωκάς μου τὸ ἀργύριον ἐπὶ τράπεζαν…σὺν τόκῳ

A bank is an institution that accepts deposits of money and uses them to make loans. It pays an interest premium on the deposits and charges an interest premium on the loans. If your culture does not have banks, or if your culture does not allow interest payments, you could translate this in a different way that would be meaningful to your readers. Alternate translation: “let someone borrow my money … with a share of the profits” (See: Translate Unknowns)

μου τὸ ἀργύριον

The king is speaking figuratively of the money by reference to the precious metal, silver, that gives it its value. Alternate translation: “my money” (See: Metonymy)

σὺν τόκῳ ἂν αὐτὸ ἔπραξα

Alternate translation: “I could have gotten that amount back plus the interest it would have earned” or “I would have gained a profit from it”

Luke 19:24

καὶ τοῖς παρεστῶσιν εἶπεν, ἄρατε ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ τὴν μνᾶν, καὶ δότε τῷ, τὰς δέκα μνᾶς ἔχοντι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And the king told his attendants to take the mina away from this servant and give it to the one who had the ten minas” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τοῖς παρεστῶσιν

The phrase those standing by refers to the king’s attendants, who would stand nearby him waiting to carry out any instructions that he gave. Alternate translation: “to his attendants”

τὴν μνᾶν…τὰς δέκα μνᾶς

See how you translated the term mina in 19:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Luke 19:25

καὶ

This word introduces a contrast between what the king wanted and what the attendants thought they should do. Alternate translation: “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

εἶπαν αὐτῷ, Κύριε, ἔχει δέκα μνᾶς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the attendants objected to the king that that servant already had ten minas” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἔχει δέκα μνᾶς

You could translate this as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “he already has ten minas!” (See: Exclamations)

μνᾶς

See how you translated the term mina in 19:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Luke 19:26

λέγω ὑμῖν, ὅτι παντὶ τῷ ἔχοντι, δοθήσεται; ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ μὴ ἔχοντος, καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The king responded that to everyone who had, it would be given, but from the one who did not have, even what he had would be taken away” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that the king is speaking. You may wish to indicate that explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “But the king replied, ‘I say to you’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λέγω ὑμῖν

The king says this to emphasize the importance of what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

ὑμῖν

The word you is plural because the king is speaking to his servants as a group. (See: Forms of You)

παντὶ τῷ ἔχοντι, δοθήσεται

The king means implicitly that what a servant has is the money he earned by using his mina faithfully. Alternate translation: “I will entrust more money to everyone who uses the money wisely that I have already given him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

δοθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “I will entrust more money” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀπὸ…τοῦ μὴ ἔχοντος, καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται

The king means implicitly that a servant who does not have is a servant who did not use his mina faithfully to earn more money. Alternate translation: “If someone does not use the money wisely that I have given him, I will take even that small amount away from him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “I will take even that small amount away from him” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 19:27

πλὴν τοὺς ἐχθρούς μου τούτους, τοὺς μὴ θελήσαντάς με βασιλεῦσαι ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς, ἀγάγετε ὧδε καὶ κατασφάξατε αὐτοὺς ἔμπροσθέν μου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The king then commanded his servants to bring in his enemies, the ones who had not wanted him to reign over them, and kill them in front of him” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τοὺς ἐχθρούς μου τούτους

Since the enemies were not right there, instead of these, some languages would say “those,” as UST does. Alternate translation: “those enemies of mine”

ἔμπροσθέν μου

Here, before means “in front of” or “in the presence of.” Alternate translation: “in my presence” or “where I can see them die” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 19:28

εἰπὼν ταῦτα

Alternate translation: “after Jesus had said these things”

ἀναβαίνων εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα

It was customary for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem, since the city was up on a mountain. Alternate translation: “traveling towards Jerusalem” (See: Idiom)

Luke 19:29

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to mark an important development in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

Βηθφαγὴ καὶ Βηθανίαν

These are the names of two small cities near Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

τὸ ὄρος τὸ καλούμενον Ἐλαιῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the hill that people call Olivet” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ ὄρος τὸ καλούμενον Ἐλαιῶν

You could also translate this entire expression as a proper name. Olivet is the name of a hill or mountain. Alternate translation: “the Mount of Olives” or “Olive Tree Mountain” (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 19:30

ὑπάγετε…ἐν ᾗ εἰσπορευόμενοι εὑρήσετε…λύσαντες…ἀγάγετε

Since Jesus is speaking to two of his disciples, you as a pronoun and as implied in the participle and imperative verbs would be in the dual form, if your language uses the dual form. Otherwise, all of those things would be plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

τὴν κατέναντι κώμην

Alternate translation: “that village right ahead of us”

πῶλον

The term colt refers to a young donkey. If your readers would not be familiar with what a donkey is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a young donkey” or “a young riding animal” (See: Translate Unknowns)

δεδεμένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “whose owner has tied its reins securely” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐφ’ ὃν οὐδεὶς πώποτε ἀνθρώπων ἐκάθισεν

Here Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “that no person has ever ridden” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἐφ’ ὃν οὐδεὶς πώποτε ἀνθρώπων ἐκάθισεν

Jesus is using the term sat to refer to riding on an animal by association with the way people sit on an animal they are riding. Alternate translation: “that no person has ever ridden” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 19:31

ἐάν τις ὑμᾶς ἐρωτᾷ, διὰ τί λύετε? οὕτως ἐρεῖτε, ὅτι ὁ Κύριος αὐτοῦ χρείαν ἔχει

Jesus is describing a hypothetical situation that could occur. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ Then you should tell him, ‘The Lord needs to use it’” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἐάν τις ὑμᾶς ἐρωτᾷ, διὰ τί λύετε? οὕτως ἐρεῖτε, ὅτι ὁ Κύριος αὐτοῦ χρείαν ἔχει

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “if anyone asks you why you are untying it, tell them that the Lord needs to use it’” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ὑμᾶς…διὰ τί λύετε?…ἐρεῖτε

Since the word you applies to the two disciples in all of these instances, it would be dual, if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

ἐρεῖτε

Jesus is using a future statement to give an instruction. Alternate translation: “you are to say” or “you should say” (See: Statements — Other Uses)

ὁ Κύριος

The disciples are to refer to Jesus by a respectful title. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

Luke 19:32

οἱ ἀπεσταλμένοι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “the two disciples whom Jesus sent” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 19:33

τί λύετε

The owners of the colt are speaking to the two disciples, so you would be dual, if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

τὸν πῶλον

See how you translated colt in 19:30. Alternate translation: “the young donkey … this young donkey” or “the young riding animal … this young riding animal” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 19:34

οἱ δὲ εἶπαν, ὅτι ὁ Κύριος αὐτοῦ χρείαν ἔχει

The implication is that when the owners of the colt heard this, they allowed the disciples to take it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “So they said, ‘The Lord has need of it.’ And the owners let them take it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ Κύριος

The disciples refer to Jesus by a respectful title. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

Luke 19:35

ἐπιρίψαντες αὐτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐπὶ τὸν πῶλον

The disciples did this to show that the person riding the colt was special and important. In this culture, animals that important people rode were draped with rich fabrics. Alternate translation: “draping the colt with their cloaks as a sign of honor” (See: Symbolic Action)

τὰ ἱμάτια

The word cloaks refers to outer garments. You could translate this with the name of an outer garment that your readers would recognize, or with a general expression. Alternate translation: “coats” or “outer garments” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐπεβίβασαν τὸν Ἰησοῦν

Alternate translation: “helped Jesus get up onto the colt so he could ride it”

Luke 19:36

ὑπεστρώννυον τὰ ἱμάτια ἑαυτῶν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ

The word they refers to other people besides the disciples. Alternate translation: “other people began spreading their cloaks on the road” (See: Symbolic Action)

ὑπεστρώννυον τὰ ἱμάτια ἑαυτῶν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ

This was a way of showing honor to someone. Alternate translation: “other people began spreading their cloaks on the road in front of Jesus as a sign of honor” (See: Symbolic Action)

τὰ ἱμάτια

See how you translated cloaks in 19:35. Alternate translation: “coats” or “outer garments” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 19:37

δὲ

Luke uses this word to indicate that this event came after the event he has just described. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

τῇ καταβάσει τοῦ Ὄρους τῶν Ἐλαιῶν

Alternate translation: “where the road goes down from the Mount of Olives”

τοῦ Ὄρους τῶν Ἐλαιῶν

This is the name of a hill or mountain. See how you translated it in 19:29. Alternate translation: “Olive Tree Mountain” (See: How to Translate Names)

χαίροντες αἰνεῖν τὸν Θεὸν

The phrase rejoice and praise expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word rejoice tells how they began to praise. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to praise God joyfully” (See: Hendiadys)

φωνῇ μεγάλῃ

This is an idiom that means the people in the crowd raised the volume of their voices. Alternate translation: “loudly” or “shouting out loud” (See: Idiom)

φωνῇ μεγάλῃ

If you would like to reproduce this idiom, but it would be unusual in your language to speak as if a whole crowd had one voice, you could make this plural. Alternate translation: “with loud voices” or “in loud voices”

ὧν εἶδον δυνάμεων

This means implicitly the mighty works that they had seen Jesus do. Alternate translation: “the miracles that they had seen Jesus do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 19:38

λέγοντες

The implication is that the crowd was saying this about Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “saying about Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου

The term name refers figuratively to a person’s power and authority. Alternate translation: “with the Lord’s authority” or “as God’s representative” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν οὐρανῷ εἰρήνη

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun peace, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective such as “peaceful.” Alternate translation: “May heaven be peaceful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν οὐρανῷ εἰρήνη

The word heaven is a figurative way of referring to the inhabitants of heaven, and perhaps specifically to God. Alternate translation: “May everyone in heaven be peaceful towards this king” or “May God be peaceful towards this king” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις

The term highest is a spatial metaphor that figuratively describes heaven. Alternate translation: “and glory in heaven” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun glory, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective such as “glorious.” Alternate translation: “and may heaven be glorious” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καὶ δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις

The implication is that this glory is praise that would be given to God. Alternate translation: “and may God be praised in heaven” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις

The implication is that God would be praised for sending this king. Alternate translation: “and may God be praised in heaven for sending this king” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 19:39

καί

Luke uses this word to introduce a contrast between what the crowd was saying and what the Pharisees thought was appropriate. Alternate translation: “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Διδάσκαλε

Teacher is a respectful title. You can translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

ἐπιτίμησον τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου

Alternate translation: “tell your disciples to stop saying these things”

Luke 19:40

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce a contrast between what the Pharisees wanted Jesus to do and what he was willing to do. Alternate translation: “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν

Together the words answering and said mean that Jesus said what follows in response to the complaint of the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “he responded” (See: Hendiadys)

λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

ἐὰν οὗτοι σιωπήσουσιν, οἱ λίθοι κράξουσιν

The implication is that Jesus is refusing to do what the Pharisees are asking. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “No, I will not tell them to be silent, because if they were, then the stones would cry out” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ λίθοι κράξουσιν

Alternate translation: “the stones would shout out praises”

Luke 19:41

ὡς ἤγγισεν, ἰδὼν τὴν πόλιν

The phrase the city refers to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “when he got close enough to Jerusalem to see it well” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔκλαυσεν ἐπ’ αὐτήν

Luke is using the city of Jerusalem figuratively to mean the people who lived in it. Alternate translation: “he wept over the people who lived there” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 19:42

εἰ ἔγνως

Starting here and through 19:44, Jesus is figuratively addressing something that he knows cannot hear him, the city of Jerusalem. He is doing this to show his listeners in a strong way how he feels about the people who live there. Alternate translation: “I wish that you people of Jerusalem knew” (See: Apostrophe)

εἰ ἔγνως

Jesus is idiomatically using what sounds like a conditional statement to express a wish. Alternate translation: “I wish that you knew” (See: Idiom)

ἔγνως…καὶ σὺ…σου

The words you and your are singular because Jesus is speaking to the city. But if you decided to say “you people” in your translation, you can use plural forms of you and your. (See: Forms of You)

ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ταύτῃ

Jesus is using the term day figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at this time” (See: Idiom)

τὰ πρὸς εἰρήνην

The implication is that Jesus is speaking about people being at peace with God. Alternate translation: “the things that enable people to be at peace with God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐκρύβη ἀπὸ ὀφθαλμῶν σου

The term eyes figuratively means the ability to see. Alternate translation: “you are not able to see them” (See: Metonymy)

ἐκρύβη ἀπὸ ὀφθαλμῶν σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “you are not able to see them” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 19:43

ὅτι

Jesus uses this word to introduce the reason why he wishes the people of Jerusalem had known “the things toward peace,” as he said in the previous verse. Because they have not known them, their city will be surrounded by armies and destroyed. Alternate translation: “I wish you had known those things because” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἥξουσιν ἡμέραι ἐπὶ σὲ

This is an idiom that indicates that the people of Jerusalem will experience difficult times. If your language do not say that a particular time will come, you can use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “you are going to experience difficult times” (See: Idiom)

ἡμέραι

Jesus is using the term days figuratively to refer to specific times. Alternate translation: “times” (See: Idiom)

σὲ…σου…σοι…σε…σε

The words you and your are singular because Jesus is speaking to the city. But if you decided to say “you people” in 19:42, you can use the plural forms of you and your. (See: Forms of You)

χάρακά

The term barricade refers to a wooden wall with pointed stakes at the top that the enemies would make to keep people from getting out of the city. Your language may have a term for an enclosure like this. If not, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a palisade” or “a fence” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 19:44

ἐδαφιοῦσίν σε

Jesus is speaking figuratively. To dash something to the ground means to pick it up and throw it forcefully aganist the ground in order to destroy it. But the enemies of Jerusalem are not going to do this literally to the city. So Jesus means that they will destroy it completely. Alternate translation: “they will completely destroy you” (See: Metaphor)

ἐδαφιοῦσίν σε

As the first note to 19:42 explains, Jesus is figuratively addressing the city of Jerusalem. If it would be unusual in your language for someone to speak to a city that could not hear or understand him, you could explain the meaning of what Jesus is saying. Alternate translation: “the enemies of Jerusalem will completely destroy that city” (See: Apostrophe)

καὶ τὰ τέκνα σου ἐν σοί

To dash people to the ground figuratively means to kill them. Alternate translation: “and they will kill your children within you” (See: https://git.door43.org/Door43-Catalog/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md)

τὰ τέκνα σου ἐν σοί

Jesus speaks figuratively of the people who live in Jerusalem as if the city were their mother and they were her children. Here as well you could explain the meaning of what Jesus is saying, if someone in your language would not speak directly to a city. Alternate translation: “the people who live there” (See: Metaphor)

σε…σου…σοί…σοί…ἔγνως…σου

The words you and your are singular because Jesus is speaking to the city. But if you decided to say “you people” in 19:42, you can use the plural forms of you and your. (See: Forms of You)

οὐκ ἀφήσουσιν λίθον ἐπὶ λίθον ἐν σοί

This is a figurative overstatement to emphasize how completely the enemies will destroy the city. Alternate translation: “they will destroy the walls and buildings you have built of stone” (See: Hyperbole)

οὐκ ἔγνως τὸν καιρὸν τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς σου

Here, visitation is idiomatic, with the same meaning as the word “visit” in 1:68, 1:78, and 7:16. Alternate translation: “you did not recognize that God had sent me to help you, his people” (See: Idiom)

Luke 19:45

καὶ

Luke uses this word to indicate that this event came after the event he has just described. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

εἰσελθὼν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν

You may need to say explicitly that Jesus first entered Jerusalem, where the temple was located. Alternate translation: “Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courtyard” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ ἱερὸν

Only priests were allowed to enter the temple building, so Luke means that Jesus went into the temple courtyard. Luke is using the word for the entire building to refer to one part of it. Alternate translation: “the temple courtyard” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐκβάλλειν

Alternate translation: “throw out” or “force out”

Luke 19:46

γέγραπται, ὁ οἶκός μου οἶκος προσευχῆς; ὑμεῖς δὲ αὐτὸν ἐποιήσατε σπήλαιον λῃστῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “God says in the Scriptures that ‘his temple will be a place of prayer,’ but you have made it ‘a den of robbers’” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

γέγραπται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “God has said in the Scriptures” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ οἶκός μου

God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, refers figuratively to his temple as his house, because his presence is there. Alternate translation: “My temple will be” (See: Metaphor)

οἶκος προσευχῆς

God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, refers figuratively to a place where people would pray as a house. Alternate translation: “a place where people pray to me” (See: Metaphor)

σπήλαιον λῃστῶν

God, speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, refers figuratively to a place where thieves would gather to hide and plot their crimes as if it were a wild animal’s den or lair. Alternate translation: “a place where thieves gather” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 19:47

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Only priests were allowed to enter the temple building, so Luke means that Jesus was teaching in the temple courtyard. Luke is using the word for the entire building to refer to one part of it. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: Synecdoche)

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next in the story. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Background Information)

οἱ πρῶτοι τοῦ λαοῦ

Luke is using the adjective first as a noun in order to indicate a type of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. The term is plural. Alternate translation: “the leaders of the people” or “many prominent people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

οἱ πρῶτοι τοῦ λαοῦ

The term first figuratively represents being significant or important. Alternate translation: “the leaders of the people” or “many prominent people” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 19:48

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce a contrast between what the Jewish leaders were trying to do and what they were able to do. Alternate translation: “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

οὐχ εὕρισκον τὸ τί ποιήσωσιν

Alternate translation: “they were not able to find a way to kill Jesus”

ὁ λαὸς…ἅπας

Luke is using the term all as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “so many of the people” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐξεκρέμετο αὐτοῦ ἀκούων

Luke speaks figuratively of the people hanging on Jesus to emphasize how closely they were listening to what he said. Alternate translation: “were paying close attention to him to hear what he was saying” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20

Luke 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus answers a question about his authority (20:1-8)
2. Jesus tells a parable about a man who rented a vineyard to farmers (20:9-19)
3. Jesus answers a question about paying taxes to Caesar (20:20-26)
4. Jesus answers a question about marriage and the resurrection (20:27-40)
5. Jesus asks a challenging question about the Messiah (20:41-44)
6. Jesus warns about the scribes (20:45-47)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. ULT does this with the poetry in 20:17 and 20:42-43, which is quoted from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Questions that seem to have no good answer

In 20:4, Jesus asks the Pharisees a question that seems to have no good answer. His goal is to show them that they should have recognized John the Baptist as someone who came with God’s authority. So he asks them who gave John the authority to baptize. They could not answer, because any answer they gave would show that they should have respected John 20:5-6.

In 20:22, the Pharisees ask Jesus a question that seems to have no good answer. They thought that they would get Jesus in trouble either with the Roman government or the Jewish people when they asked him if people should pay taxes to Caesar. If he said “yes,” then the Jewish people would be angry with him for telling them to pay taxes to a foreign government. If he said “no,” then the religious leaders could tell the Romans that Jesus was teaching the people to break the Roman laws. But Jesus gave them an answer they had not anticipated, and instead everyone respected the wisdom of Jesus even more.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a statement that describes two things that seem as if they cannot both be true at the same time, but which actually are both true. In this chapter, Jesus quotes a psalm that records David calling his son “lord,” that is, “master.” However, to the Jews, ancestors were greater than their descendants, so a father would not call his son “master.” In this passage, Luke 20:41-44, Jesus is trying to lead his hearers to the true understanding that the Messiah will be divine, and that he himself is the Messiah. So David is speaking to his son, that is, his descendant, as the Messiah, and it is appropriate for him to address him as his “Lord.”

Luke 20:1

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Only priests were allowed to enter the temple building, so Luke means that Jesus was teaching in the temple courtyard. Luke is using the word for the entire building to refer to one part of it. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: Synecdoche)

ἐπέστησαν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς σὺν τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις

Luke uses this statement to reintroduce these characters into the story. He mentioned their activity in opposition to Jesus as background information in 19:47-48, but here he brings them back into the main action of the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Luke 20:2

εἰπὸν ἡμῖν ἐν ποίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ ταῦτα ποιεῖς, ἢ τίς ἐστιν ὁ δούς σοι τὴν ἐξουσίαν ταύτην

The Jewish leaders are using an imperative to ask a question, so you could translate this as a question. It may be helpful to make it two sentences. Alternate translation: “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 20:3

ἀποκριθεὶς…εἶπεν

Together the words answering and said mean that Jesus said what follows in response to the question from the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “he responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ἐρωτήσω ὑμᾶς κἀγὼ λόγον καὶ εἴπατέ μοι

Jesus begins his response with a statement, but then he gives a command, you say to me. It might be helpful to make the statement one sentence and the command another sentence, leading into the next verse. Alternate translation: “I will also ask you a question. Now you tell me”

λόγον

Here Jesus is using the term word in a specific sense. Alternate translation: “a question”

Luke 20:4

τὸ βάπτισμα Ἰωάννου, ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἦν ἢ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων?

Jesus knows that John’s authority came from God, so he is not asking the Jewish leaders for information. However, this is not a rhetorical question that could be translated as a statement, for example, “Surely you must admit that God, not people, gave John the authority to baptize.” This is an actual question that Jesus wants the Jewish leaders to try to answer, because he knows that either way they answer, they will have a problem. So his words should be translated as a question. Alternate translation: “Was it God who told John to baptize people, or did people tell him to do it?”

ἐξ οὐρανοῦ

In order to honor the commandment not to misuse God’s name, Jewish people often avoided saying the word “God” and used the word heaven instead. That seems to be what Jesus is doing here. Alternate translation: “from God” (See: Euphemism)

ἀνθρώπων

Here Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 20:5

οἱ…συνελογίσαντο πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς

Alternate translation: “they discussed with each other what they should say”

ἐὰν εἴπωμεν, ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ἐρεῖ, διὰ τί οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ

The Jewish leaders are describing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose we say, ‘From heaven.’ Then he will ask, ‘Then why did you not believe him’” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἐὰν εἴπωμεν, ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ἐρεῖ, διὰ τί οὐκ ἐπιστεύσατε αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “If we say that John’s authority came from God, Jesus will ask us why we did not believe him” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἐξ οὐρανοῦ

See how you translated this expression in 20:4. Alternate translation: “From God” (See: Euphemism)

Luke 20:6

ἐὰν δὲ εἴπωμεν, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων, ὁ λαὸς ἅπας καταλιθάσει ἡμᾶς

The Jewish leaders are describing another hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “But suppose we say, ‘From men.’ Then all the people will stone us” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἐὰν δὲ εἴπωμεν, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων, ὁ λαὸς ἅπας καταλιθάσει ἡμᾶς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But if we say that John’s authority came from people, then all the people will stone us” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἀνθρώπων

See how you translated this in 20:4. Alternate translation: “people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ὁ λαὸς ἅπας

For emphasis, the Jewish leaders speak figuratively as if every single person in the Jewish nation believed that John was God’s prophet and would stone them if they said otherwise. Alternate translation: “many of the Jewish people” (See: Hyperbole)

ὁ λαὸς

This was a customary way of speaking of the Jewish nation. Alternate translation: “the … Jewish people” (See: Idiom)

καταλιθάσει ἡμᾶς

The implication is that the people would do this as a punishment for blasphemy, for saying that one of God’s prophets had only human authority. Alternate translation: “kill us by throwing stones at us, as punishment for blasphemy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πεπεισμένος…ἐστιν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. If you translated the … people as “the Jewish people,” this would be plural. Alternate translation: “they firmly believe” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 20:7

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentences described. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀπεκρίθησαν, μὴ εἰδέναι πόθεν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “they replied, ‘We do not know where it came from’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

πόθεν

Luke leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply these words from 20:4. Alternate translation: “where John’s authority to baptize came from” or “who gave John the authority to baptize people” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 20:8

οὐδὲ ἐγὼ λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus is indicating that this is the result of what the Jewish leaders told him. Alternate translation: “Then I will not tell you” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 20:9

ἤρξατο δὲ πρὸς τὸν λαὸν λέγειν τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην

To help the people understand what the Jewish leaders were doing by rejecting him and John the Baptist, Jesus tells a brief story that provides an illustration. Alternate translation: “Jesus told the people this story to help them understand better” (See: Parables)

ἄνθρωπος ἐφύτευσεν ἀμπελῶνα

Jesus uses this phrase to introduce the main character into the story. Alternate translation: “There once was a man who planted a vineyard” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἐξέδετο αὐτὸν γεωργοῖς

As the rest of the story shows, the man rented the vineyard not for regular cash payments, but under an arrangement that entitled him to a share of the crop in exchange for the use of the land. If an arrangement like that would not be familiar to your readers, you could translate this in a way that explains it. Alternate translation: “allowed some grape farmers to use it in exchange for a share of the crop” (See: Translate Unknowns)

γεωργοῖς

While farmers is a general term for anyone who farms the ground, in this context it refers to people who tend grape vines and grow grapes. Alternate translation: “vine growers” or “grape farmers”

Luke 20:10

καιρῷ

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state more explicitly what time this was. Alternate translation: “at the time at which they had agreed to give him a share of the crop” or “at harvest time” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

γεωργοὺς…γεωργοὶ

See how you translated farmers in 20:9. Alternate translation: “vine growers” or “grape farmers”

ἀπὸ τοῦ καρποῦ τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος

The word fruit could be: (1) intended literally. Alternate translation: “some of the grapes they had grown” (2) figurative. Alternate translation: “some of what they had produced from the grapes they had grown” or “some of the money they had earned by selling their produce” (See: Metaphor)

οἱ…γεωργοὶ ἐξαπέστειλαν αὐτὸν, δείραντες κενόν

It may be helpful to state explicitly that the farmers did this after the servant arrived, as UST does. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐξαπέστειλαν αὐτὸν…κενόν

Jesus speaks figuratively of this servant as if he were a container with nothing in it. Alternate translation: “sent him away without giving him anything” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20:11

ἀτιμάσαντες

Alternate translation: “humiliated him”

ἐξαπέστειλαν κενόν

See how you translated this in 20:10. Alternate translation: “sent him away without giving him anything” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20:12

τρίτον

Jesus is using the adjective third as a noun in order to indicate a particular person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can specify the person. Alternate translation: “a third servant” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τρίτον

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “servant number three” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

οἱ…καὶ τοῦτον τραυματίσαντες

Alternate translation: “they injured that servant as well”

ἐξέβαλον

Jesus is likely speaking figuratively when he says that the farmers threw this servant out of the vineyard. It is unlikely that they actually picked him up and heaved him through the air. Alternate translation: “chased him off the property” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20:13

ὁ κύριος τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος

Alternate translation: “the owner of the vineyard” or “the man who had planted the vineyard”

εἶπεν…τί ποιήσω? πέμψω τὸν υἱόν μου τὸν ἀγαπητόν; ἴσως τοῦτον ἐντραπήσονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “asked himself what he should do. He decided to send his beloved son, hoping that the farmers would respect him” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἴσως τοῦτον ἐντραπήσονται

In this context, the term that ULT translates as perhaps indicates something that is not certain but should be expected. If your language has a word or phrase that indicates the same thing, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “They ought to respect him”

Luke 20:14

ἰδόντες δὲ αὐτὸν, οἱ γεωργοὶ

It may be helpful to state explicitly that this happened after the owner sent his son and he arrived. Alternate translation: “So the owner sent his son. But when he arrived and the farmers saw him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ γεωργοὶ

See how you translated farmers in 20:9. Alternate translation: “the vine growers” or “the grape farmers”

λέγοντες, οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ κληρονόμος; ἀποκτείνωμεν αὐτόν, ἵνα ἡμῶν γένηται ἡ κληρονομία

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying that the son was the owner’s heir, and that they should kill him in order to get for themselves the vineyard he would have inherited” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἡ κληρονομία

By inheritance, the farmers mean the vineyard, which the son would inherit. Alternate translation: “this vineyard, which he is going to inherit” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 20:15

καὶ

Jesus uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. The farmers carried out the plan they had decided on. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐκβαλόντες αὐτὸν ἔξω τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος

As in 20:12, Jesus is likely speaking figuratively when he says that the farmers threw the son out of the vineyard, as if they heaved him through the air. Alternate translation: “the vine growers forced the son out of the vineyard” (See: Metaphor)

τί οὖν ποιήσει αὐτοῖς ὁ κύριος τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος?

Jesus does not want the people to tell him what the owner of the vineyard will do. Rather, he is using the question form to get his listeners to pay attention to what he says the owner will do. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “So now, listen to what the lord of the vineyard will do to them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ κύριος τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος

Alternate translation: “the owner of the vineyard” or “the man who had planted the vineyard”

Luke 20:16

τοὺς γεωργοὺς τούτους

See how you translated the term farmers in 20:9. Your language might say “those” instead of these in a context like this. Alternate translation: “those vine growers” or “those grape farmers”

δώσει τὸν ἀμπελῶνα ἄλλοις

See how you translated the similar expression in 20:9. Alternate translation: “allow different grape farmers to use it in exchange for a share of the crop” (See: Translate Unknowns)

μὴ γένοιτο

This is an exclamation. Alternate translation: “May nothing like that ever happen” (See: Exclamations)

Luke 20:17

ὁ δὲ ἐμβλέψας αὐτοῖς εἶπεν

Jesus was looking at the people to hold them accountable for understanding what he was saying. Alternate translation: “But Jesus looked straight at them and said” (See: Symbolic Action)

τί οὖν ἐστιν τὸ γεγραμμένον τοῦτο, λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “What then does Scripture mean when it says that the stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

τί οὖν ἐστιν τὸ γεγραμμένον τοῦτο

Jesus does not expect the people to explain the meaning of the scripture he is quoting. Rather, he is using the question form to get them to consider its implications carefully. Alternate translation: “Think carefully about what this scripture is saying” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸ γεγραμμένον τοῦτο

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this passive verbal form with a noun. Alternate translation: “this scripture” (See: Active or Passive)

λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας

This is a quotation from Psalm 118, and it is a metaphor. It refers to the Messiah as if he were a stone that builders chose not to use. This means that people will reject him. When the psalm says that this stone became the cornerstone, this means figuratively that God will nevertheless make the Messiah the ruler of these people. However, since this is a quotation from Scripture, translate the words directly rather than providing a non-figurative explanation of them, even if your language does not customarily use such figures of speech. If you want to explain the meaning of the metaphor, we recommend that you do that in a footnote rather than in the Bible text. (See: Metaphor)

λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες

The psalm refers implicitly to the way people in this culture used stones to build the walls of houses and other buildings. Alternate translation: “The stone that the builders thought was not good enough to use for building” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κεφαλὴν γωνίας

The phrase the head of the corner is an idiom that refers to a large stone with straight edges that builders would place down first and use as a reference to make sure that the walls of a stone building were straight and that the building was oriented in the right direction. Your language may have its own term for such a stone. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the cornerstone” or “the reference stone for the whole building” (See: Idiom)

Luke 20:18

πᾶς ὁ πεσὼν ἐπ’ ἐκεῖνον τὸν λίθον, συνθλασθήσεται

Jesus is applying the metaphor from the psalm to himself. He is speaking figuratively of people who reject him as Messiah as if they would fall over a stone and be injured. Jesus’ words are a direct allusion to the figurative language of Scripture, and he does not explain the metaphor to the people who are listening. So it would not be appropriate to change them into a non-figurative explanation of the metaphor, even if your language does not customarily use such figures of speech. If you want to explain the meaning of the metaphor, we recommend that you do that in a footnote rather than in the Bible text. (See: Metaphor)

συνθλασθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “will break up into pieces” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐφ’ ὃν δ’ ἂν πέσῃ, λικμήσει αὐτόν

Jesus is making a further application of the metaphor from the psalm to himself. He is speaking figuratively of the Messiah judging those who reject him as if he were a large stone that would crush them. Once again it would not be appropriate to change Jesus’ words, which allude directly to the figurative language of Scripture, into a non-figurative explanation of the metaphor. However, you could explain the meaning of the metaphor in a footnote. (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20:19

ἐζήτησαν…ἐπιβαλεῖν ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὰς χεῖρας

The expression to lay hands on means figuratively to arrest a person by association with the way that arresting officers might physically take hold of the person with their hands. Alternate translation: “looked for a way to arrest Jesus” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ

Here Luke uses the term hour figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “right at that time” or “immediately” (See: Idiom)

καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν τὸν λαόν

Luke uses the word and to introduce a contrast between what the Jewish leaders wanted to do and this reason why they were not able to do. Alternate translation: “but they were afraid of what the people might do” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἐφοβήθησαν τὸν λαόν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly that the religious leaders did not arrest Jesus, even though they wanted to, and why they did not. Alternate translation: “but they knew that the people respected Jesus and they were afraid of what the people might do if they did arrest him, so they did not arrest him right then” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔγνωσαν γὰρ ὅτι πρὸς αὐτοὺς εἶπεν τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make this the first clause in the verse, since it gives the reason why the religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus. That is what UST does, making the clause a separate sentence. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 20:20

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. The religious leaders could not arrest Jesus openly, so this is what they did instead. Alternate translation: “So” or “Instead” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀπέστειλαν ἐνκαθέτους

Luke uses this statement to introduce these spies as new characters into the story. It may be helpful to say more about where they came from. Alternate translation: “they found some people who agreed to act as spies, and they sent them to Jesus” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ὑποκρινομένους ἑαυτοὺς δικαίους εἶναι

Alternate translation: “who pretended that they were sincere”

ἵνα ἐπιλάβωνται αὐτοῦ λόγου

Luke says figuratively that these religious leaders wanted to take hold of something Jesus said, as if they could physically grasp his words. Alternate translation: “because they wanted to use something he might say against him” (See: Metaphor)

αὐτοῦ λόγου

Luke uses the term word figuratively to mean something Jesus might say by using words. Alternate translation: “of something he might say” (See: Metonymy)

ὥστε παραδοῦναι αὐτὸν τῇ ἀρχῇ καὶ τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος

The terms rule and authority mean basically the same thing. Luke is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these terms into a single, equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “so that the governor would take Jesus into custody” or “so that the governor would arrest Jesus” (See: Doublet)

Luke 20:21

ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν

It may be helpful to state explicitly that this happened after the spies whom the leaders sent arrived where Jesus was. Alternate translation: “the spies came and asked Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν

Luke could mean that one spy spoke on behalf of the whole group. So instead of they, you could state “one of them,” as UST does. (See: Synecdoche)

Διδάσκαλε

Teacher is a respectful title. You could translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

οἴδαμεν

The spies are speaking only of themselves, so we would be exclusive, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

οὐ λαμβάνεις πρόσωπον

The spies are using the term face figuratively to mean “person.” Alternate translation: “it does not matter to you who a person is” (See: Metonymy)

τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ

The spies speak figuratively of how God wants people to live as if it were a way or path that people should follow. Alternate translation: “how God wants people to live” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20:22

ἔξεστιν

The spies are asking about God’s law, not the law of the Roman government. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Does God’s law permit” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

φόρον δοῦναι

Alternate translation: “to pay taxes”

Καίσαρι

The spies are referring figuratively to the Roman government by Caesar’s name, since he was its ruler. Alternate translation: “to the Roman government” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 20:23

κατανοήσας δὲ αὐτῶν τὴν πανουργίαν, εἶπεν

Alternate translation: “But Jesus realized that these spies were trying to trick him, and so he said”

Luke 20:24

δηνάριον

See how you translated this in 7:41. Alternate translation: “a Roman coin” (See: Biblical Money)

τίνος ἔχει εἰκόνα καὶ ἐπιγραφήν?

This is not a rhetorical question, since Jesus does want the spies to answer, even though he already knows the answer to the question himself and he is using it as a teaching tool. So it would not be appropriate to translate this as if it were a statement or an exclamation, for example, “Surely you can see whose picture and name are on this coin” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐπιγραφήν

Jesus is referring figuratively to the name on the coin by association with the fact that it is an inscription, that is, something written on the coin. Alternate translation: “name” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 20:25

ἀπόδοτε τὰ Καίσαρος Καίσαρι, καὶ τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῷ Θεῷ

Jesus is referring figuratively to the Roman government by the name of Caesar, its ruler. Alternate translation: “pay the Roman government what it deserves, and pay God what he deserves” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῷ Θεῷ

Jesus is speaking compactly and he does not repeat the verb give back, but it may be supplied from the previous phrase. AT: “and pay God what he deserves” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 20:26

οὐκ ἴσχυσαν ἐπιλαβέσθαι τοῦ ῥήματος

Luke says figuratively that the spies had wanted to take hold of something Jesus said, as if they could physically grasp his words. Alternate translation: “the spies were not able to use what he said against him” (See: Metaphor)

ἐναντίον τοῦ λαοῦ

Luke speaks of this spatially to refer figuratively to the people’s attention. Alternate translation: “while the people were watching” or “while the people were listening” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20:27

προσελθόντες δέ τινες τῶν Σαδδουκαίων

Luke uses this statement to introduce these new characters into the story. It may be helpful to introduce them more fully in your translation. Alternate translation: “Some members of the group of Jews called the Sadducees then came to Jesus” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

προσελθόντες δέ τινες τῶν Σαδδουκαίων

The implication is that these people also wanted to discredit Jesus. Alternate translation: “Because they too wanted to discredit Jesus, some members of the group of Jews called the Sadducees then came to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῶν Σαδδουκαίων

Sadducees is the name of a group of Jews. (See: How to Translate Names)

οἱ, λέγοντες ἀνάστασιν μὴ εἶναι

This phrase is identifying the Sadducees as a group of Jews that said no one would rise from the dead. It is not identifying the Sadducees who came to question Jesus as members of that group who held that belief, as if other members did not. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could begin a new sentence here to clarify this. Alternate translation: “The Sadducees believe that no one will rise from the dead” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

Luke 20:28

λέγοντες

Luke could mean that one Sadducee spoke on behalf of the whole group, and you could indicate that as UST does. If you decide to do that, it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “One of them said to Jesus” (See: Synecdoche)

Διδάσκαλε

Teacher is a respectful title. You can translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

Μωϋσῆς ἔγραψεν ἡμῖν

These Sadducees are figuratively describing Moses giving this instruction in the law by association with the way that he wrote it down. Alternate translation: “Moses instructed us in the law” (See: Metonymy)

ἡμῖν

Here, the word us would be inclusive, if your language marks that distinction. The Sadducces mean “us Jews,” and they are speaking to Jesus, who is also a Jew. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἐάν τινος ἀδελφὸς ἀποθάνῃ ἔχων γυναῖκα, καὶ οὗτος ἄτεκνος ᾖ, ἵνα

Alternate translation: “if a man’s brother dies who is married but who does not have children” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

λάβῃ ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ τὴν γυναῖκα

Alternate translation: “that man should marry his dead brother’s widow”

ἐξαναστήσῃ σπέρμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ

The Sadducees assume that Jesus will know that this law specified that if the widow had children by her late husband’s brother, those children would be considered the children of her late husband. Alternate translation: “and have children who will be considered his brother’s descendants” (See: Metaphor)

σπέρμα

See how you translated this figurative sense of the word seed in 1:55. Alternate translation: “descendants” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20:29

οὖν

The Sadducees are not saying this to draw a logical inference, but to lead into a question about a hypothetical possibility. Alternate translation (as a separate sentence): “We would like to ask you how this law would be applied in a possible situation” (See: Connect — Hypothetical Conditions)

ἑπτὰ οὖν ἀδελφοὶ ἦσαν; καὶ ὁ πρῶτος, λαβὼν γυναῖκα, ἀπέθανεν ἄτεκνος

While the Sadducees describe this as if it happened, they are actually asking about a hypothetical possibility in order to test Jesus. Alternate translation: “Suppose there were seven brothers, and the oldest brother got married, but he died before he had any children” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ὁ πρῶτος

Jesus is using the adjective first as a noun in order to indicate a particular person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can specify the person. Alternate translation: “the first brother” or “the oldest brother” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ὁ πρῶτος

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “brother number one” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Luke 20:30

καὶ

The Sadducees are continuing to describe a hypothetical situation. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “And suppose that” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

καὶ ὁ δεύτερος

The division at the end of this verse separates this subject from its verb, effectively creating an ellipsis that is not in the original Greek. The verb, “took her,” must now be supplied from the next verse. Alternate translation: “the second brother then married her” (See: Ellipsis)

καὶ ὁ δεύτερος

The implication, as the next verse says specifically, is that after this second brother married the first brother’s widow, he too died before they had any children. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and the second brother then married her, but he also died before they had any children” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ δεύτερος

Jesus is using the adjective second as a noun in order to indicate a particular person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can specify the person. Alternate translation: “the second brother” or “the next oldest brother” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ὁ δεύτερος

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “brother number two” or “the next oldest brother” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Luke 20:31

καὶ

The Sadducees are continuing to describe a hypothetical situation. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “And suppose that” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ὁ τρίτος ἔλαβεν αὐτήν

The implication, as the end of the verse says specifically, is that after this third brother married the widow, he too died before they had any children. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “The third brother then married her, but he also died before they had any children” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ τρίτος

Jesus is using the adjective third as a noun in order to indicate a particular person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can specify the person. Alternate translation: “the third brother” or “the next oldest brother” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ὁ τρίτος

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “brother number three” or “the next oldest brother” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ὡσαύτως δὲ καὶ οἱ ἑπτὰ, οὐ κατέλιπον τέκνα, καὶ ἀπέθανον

The Sadducees are speaking in a compact way in order to keep the story short. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could supply the information they leave out from the context. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “In the same way, the rest of the seven brothers married this widow, but they all died before they had any children” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 20:33

ἐν τῇ…ἀναστάσει

The Sadducees did not actually believe that there would be a resurrection. Your language may have a way of showing this. Alternate translation: “in the supposed resurrection” or “when people supposedly rise from the dead”

οὖν

This introduces the question that the Sadducees had planned all along to ask Jesus about the hypothetical situation they were describing. If you said “Suppose” in the previous three verses, you could begin this sentence with “Then.” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

οἱ…ἑπτὰ ἔσχον αὐτὴν γυναῖκα

Alternate translation: “each of the seven were married to her”

Luke 20:34

οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου γαμοῦσιν καὶ γαμίσκονται

In this culture, the idiom was to say that men married their wives and that women were given in marriage to their husbands by their parents. If your culture does not use different expressions like that, you can use a single term here. Alternate translation: “The people of this present world get married” (See: Idiom)

οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου γαμοῦσιν καὶ γαμίσκονται

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, but your culture does use different expressions for men and women when they marry, you can use two different active verbal forms here, and you can state who does the action in the second case. Alternate translation: “In this present world, men marry wives and parents give their daughters in marriage to husbands” (See: Active or Passive)

οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου

The term sons of is an idiom that means the people in view share the qualities of something. In this case, Jesus is describing people who share the quality of living in the present world. Alternate translation: “The people of this present world” (See: Idiom)

οἱ υἱοὶ

Jesus is using the word sons in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “The people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου

As in 16:8, here the term age means specifically the long period of time defined by the duration of the world; by association, it means the world itself. Alternate translation: “this present world” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 20:35

οἱ…καταξιωθέντες…οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται

As in 20:34, if your language does not use passive verbal forms, but your culture does use different expressions for men and women when they marry, you can use two different active verbal forms here, and you can specify the agent in the second case. Alternate translation: “among the people whom God considers worthy … the men will not marry wives and parents will not give their daughters in marriage to husbands” (See: Active or Passive)

οἱ…καταξιωθέντες

If your readers would misunderstand this, you can express this with an active form, and you can state who does the action. Alternate translation: “the people whom God considers worthy” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦ αἰῶνος ἐκείνου, τυχεῖν καὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως τῆς ἐκ νεκρῶν

Jesus is using the word age in the same figurative sense as in 18:30, to mean the new world that God will introduce after the end of this present world. See how you translated the expression there. Alternate translation: “to live in his new world when he brings back to life the people who have died” (See: Metonymy)

τυχεῖν…τῆς ἀναστάσεως τῆς ἐκ νεκρῶν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun resurrection, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “when he brings back to life the people who have died” (See: Abstract Nouns)

νεκρῶν

Jesus is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the people who have died” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται

If your culture does not use different expressions for men and women when they marry, you may have you translated this with a single term in 20:34. If so, you can do the same thing here. Alternate translation: “will not get married” (See: Idiom)

Luke 20:36

οὐδὲ…ἀποθανεῖν ἔτι δύνανται

The implication is that these people will not need to get married and have children anymore in order to carry on the human race, because they will not die. Alternate translation: “they will not need to have children anymore, since they will not die” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἰσάγγελοι γάρ εἰσιν

Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that angels do not die. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “because they will be like the angels, who do not die” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

υἱοί εἰσιν Θεοῦ

Here Jesus is using the term sons in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “they are God’s own children” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

τῆς ἀναστάσεως υἱοὶ ὄντες

Jesus is using the term sons in this second case idiomatically to mean people who share the qualities of something. In this case, Jesus is describing people who share the quality of God bringing them back to life after they have died. Alternate translation: “since God has brought them back to life” (See: Idiom)

Luke 20:37

ἐγείρονται οἱ νεκροὶ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you can express this with an active form, and you can state who does the action. Alternate translation: “God brings back to life people who have died” (See: Active or Passive)

οἱ νεκροὶ

Jesus is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “people who have died” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

καὶ Μωϋσῆς

Jesus is using the word even for emphasis. He is stressing the authority of Moses as someone to whom God gave an extensive revelation of his character and actions. Alternate translation: “Moses himself”

Μωϋσῆς

Moses is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐπὶ τῆς βάτου

Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that he means the bush in the desert that was burning without being consumed, at which Moses encountered God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the burning bush” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπὶ τῆς βάτου

Jesus is not referring to the actual encounter that Moses had with God at the burning bush, since during that encounter Moses did not say the words that Jesus attributes to him here. Rather, God said those words about himself, and Moses recorded them in the Scriptures. So Jesus is referring by association to the passage in which Moses describes his encounter with God at the burning bush. Alternate translation: “in the passage where he wrote about the burning bush” or “in the scripture about the burning bush” (See: Metonymy)

λέγει

In many languages, it is conventional to use the present tense to describe what a writer does within a composition. However, if that would not be natural in your language, you could use the past tense here. Alternate translation: “he called” (See: Verbs)

τὸν Θεὸν Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ Θεὸν Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ Θεὸν Ἰακώβ

The implication is that God would not have identified himself as the God of these men if they were not alive. This must mean that God brought them back to life after they died. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly, as UST does. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ἀβραὰμ…Ἰσαὰκ…Ἰακώβ

translate-names

Luke 20:38

δὲ

Jesus uses this word to introduce a teaching about God that will help the Sadducees understand how God’s description of himself at the burning bush proves that God raises people from the dead. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

οὐκ…νεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ ζώντων

These two phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is using repetition for emphasis. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can express this idea with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “of living people only” (See: Parallelism)

νεκρῶν

Jesus is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “people who have died” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ζώντων

Jesus is using the adjective living as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “people who are alive” or “people whom he has brought back to life” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

πάντες γὰρ αὐτῷ ζῶσιν

Interpreters understand this statement in various ways. One likely possibility is that Jesus is saying implicitly that after people die, while they are dead as far as other people are concerned, they are alive as far as God is concerned. That is because their spirits live on after death, and God is still able to relate to their spirits. Alternate translation: “because even after people die, God is still able to relate to them as living spirits” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 20:39

ἀποκριθέντες δέ τινες τῶν γραμματέων εἶπαν

Luke uses this statement to reintroduce these characters into the story. Alternate translation: “There were some scribes listening to what Jesus was saying, and they responded” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἀποκριθέντες…εἶπαν

Together the two words answering and said mean that these scribes responded to the teaching that Jesus gave in answer to the question that the Sadducees asked. Alternate translation: “responded” (See: Hendiadys)

Διδάσκαλε

Teacher is a respectful title. You could translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

Luke 20:40

οὐκέτι…ἐτόλμων ἐπερωτᾶν αὐτὸν οὐδέν

Here Luke uses a double negative in Greek for emphasis, saying no longer and “nothing.” The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning, “they still dared to ask him something.” If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here. (See: Double Negatives)

οὐκέτι…ἐτόλμων ἐπερωτᾶν αὐτὸν οὐδέν

The implication in context is that Jesus’ enemies were afraid that if they continued to ask him difficult questions, his wise answers would continue to show how much more he understood than they did. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they were afraid to ask him any more difficult questions, because they realized he would give more wise answers that would show how much more he understood than they did” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐκέτι…ἐτόλμων

It is unclear whether they refers to the scribes, the Sadducees, or everyone who had been trying to trap Jesus with difficult questions. It may be best to translate this with a general statement. Alternate translation: “Jesus’ enemies no longer dared” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 20:41

εἶπεν…πρὸς αὐτούς

As in 20:40, it is unclear to whom the pronoun them refers. It may be best to translate it with a general statement here as well. Alternate translation: “Jesus said to those who were listening” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

πῶς λέγουσιν τὸν Χριστὸν εἶναι Δαυεὶδ Υἱόν?

This does not seem to be a rhetorical question that Jesus is using as a teaching tool. Rather, it seems to be a question that Jesus wanted his listeners to try to answer. They had asked him some difficult questions, and they had admitted that he answered them well. Now, in return, he is asking them a difficult question. None of them will be able to answer it, and this will demonstrate his wisdom even further. His question actually will teach something to those who are able to recognize its implications. But it would be appropriate to leave it in question form and not translate it as a statement. (See: Rhetorical Question)

λέγουσιν

Here Jesus is using the pronoun they in an indefinite sense. He does not have specific individuals in mind. Alternate translation: “do people say that” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Δαυεὶδ Υἱόν

Here Jesus is using the term son figuratively to mean “descendant.” Alternate translation: “a descendant of King David” (See: Metaphor)

Δαυεὶδ

David is the name of a man, Israel’s most important king. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 20:42

αὐτὸς γὰρ Δαυεὶδ

Jesus uses the word himself here to emphasize to that it was David, the very person whom the scribes call the father of the Christ, who spoke the words in the quotation that follows. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “None other than David” or “David, the very person whom you call the father of the Christ” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

γὰρ

Jesus uses the word For to introduce the reason why he has asked this question. Alternate translation: “I ask this question because” See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

λέγει

In many languages, it is conventional to use the present tense to describe what a writer does within a composition. However, if that would not be natural in your language, you could use the past tense here. Alternate translation: “said”

λέγει ἐν βίβλῳ Ψαλμῶν, εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ μου, κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation, and then another quotation within that one. Alternate translation: “says in the book of Psalms that the Lord told his Lord to sit at his right side” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ μου

Here, the term Lord does not refer to the same person in both instances. The first instance is representing the name Yahweh, which David actually uses in this psalm. In order to honor the commandment not to misuse God’s name, Jewish people often avoided saying that name and said Lord instead. The second instance is the regular term for “lord” or “master.” ULT and UST capitalize the word because it refers to the Messiah. Alternate translation: “The Lord God said to my Lord” or “God said to my Lord” (See: Euphemism)

κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου

In this quotation, Yahweh is using the adjective right as a noun in order to indicate his right side. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could state that specifically. Alternate translation: “Sit at my right side” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου

The seat at the right side of a ruler was a position of great honor and authority. By telling the Messiah to sit there, God was symbolically conferring honor and authority on him. Alternate translation: “Sit in the place of honor beside me” (See: Symbolic Action)

Luke 20:43

ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου

This is the continuation of a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. If you decided in 20:42 to have only one level of quotation, you can make the same adjustment here. Alternate translation: “until he made his enemies a footstool for his feet” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου

The psalm speaks figuratively of the Messiah using his enemies as a footstool to mean that Yahweh would make those enemies stop resisting the Messiah and submit to him. Alternate translation: “until I conquer your enemies for you” (See: Metaphor)

ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου

If your readers would not know what a footstool is, you can use a general expression. Alternate translation: “something on which you can rest your feet” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20:44

Δαυεὶδ οὖν, Κύριον, αὐτὸν καλεῖ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “David therefore calls the Messiah his Lord” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

Δαυεὶδ οὖν, Κύριον, αὐτὸν καλεῖ

In this culture, an ancestor was more respected than a descendant. But to call someone Lord was to address that person as the more respected one. As the General Notes to this chapter describe, this is a paradox, that is, is a statement that describes two things that seem as if they cannot both be true at the same time, but which actually are both true. Jesus is calling attention to this paradox to get his listeners to think more deeply about who the Messiah is. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate explicitly what makes this a paradox. Alternate translation: “David therefore addresses the Messiah respectfully as his Lord. But if the Messiah is his descendant, David should be the more respected person” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ πῶς υἱός αὐτοῦ ἐστιν

Like the question in 20:41, this seems to be a question that Jesus wanted his listeners to try to answer, even though he is also using it to teach. It is a difficult question, like the ones they asked him, which he answered well. They will not be able to answer his question, and this should give them a further appreciation for his wisdom, in addition to what they might learn from reflecting on the question later. So it would be appropriate to leave it in question form and not translate it as a statement. Alternate translation: “So why do people say that the Messiah is David’s descendant” (See: Rhetorical Question)

καὶ

Jesus is using this word to show that a conclusion should be drawn as a result of what he has just said, and that this conclusion would be different from what his listeners had previously believed. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

υἱός

Here Jesus is using the term son figuratively to mean “descendant.” Alternate translation: “descendant” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20:45

δὲ

Luke uses this word to indicate that after asking his own difficult question to the people who had been trying to trap him, Jesus turned to speak to his disciples. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ

Luke is generalizing to refer to everyone who was present as Jesus was teaching. Alternate translation: “all the people who were there” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 20:46

προσέχετε ἀπὸ τῶν γραμματέων

Jesus says beware to warn about the influence of these people. He is not saying that the scribes themselves are physically dangerous, but that it would be dangerous spiritually to follow their example. Alternate translation: “Be careful not to follow the example of the scribes” (See: Metonymy)

θελόντων περιπατεῖν ἐν στολαῖς

In this culture, long robes were a symbol of wealth and status. To walk around in public in a long robe was to assert wealth and status. Alternate translation: “who like to walk around looking important in their long robes” (See: Symbolic Action)

φιλούντων ἀσπασμοὺς

The implication is that these would be respectful greetings, in which the scribes would be addressed by important titles. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “love to be greeted respectfully” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πρωτοκαθεδρίας…πρωτοκλισίας

As in 14:7, first here figuratively means “best.” Alternate translation: “the best seats … the best places” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 20:47

οἳ κατεσθίουσιν τὰς οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν

Jesus speaks figuratively of the houses of widows to mean their wealth and possessions, which they would have in their houses. Alternate translation: “They defraud widows of everything they own” (See: Metonymy)

οἳ κατεσθίουσιν τὰς οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν

Jesus says figuratively that the scribes devour or eat up the possessions of widows to mean that they continually ask the widows for money until the widows have none left. Alternate translation: “They defraud widows of everything they own” (See: Metaphor)

προφάσει μακρὰ προσεύχονται

Here, pretext refers to something that someone would do in order to appear a certain way. Alternate translation: “in order to seem godly, they offer long prayers”

οὗτοι λήμψονται περισσότερον κρίμα

Jesus is using the word condemnation figuratively to mean the punishment that a person would receive after being condemned (found guilty) for doing something wrong. Alternate translation: “These scribes will receive greater punishment” (See: Metonymy)

οὗτοι λήμψονται περισσότερον κρίμα

The implication seems to be that these proud and greedy scribes will receive greater punishment than they would have if they had not pretended to be so godly. It is also implicit that God will be the one who punishes them. Alternate translation: “God will punish these scribes more severely because they do all these wrong things while pretending to be godly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 21

Luke 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus teaches about a widow who gave her little money to God (21:1-4)
2. Jesus tells his disciples what will happen before he returns (21:5-38)

Special concepts in this chapter

“the times of the nations”

The Jews spoke of the time between when the Babylonians forced their ancestors to go to Babylon and the time when the Messiah would come as “the times of the nations.” In this expression, the term “nations” means people groups who are not Jews, that is, the Gentiles. So this expression meant the time when the Gentiles ruled over the Jews.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a statement that describes two things that seem as if they cannot both be true at the same time, but which actually are both true. There is a paradox in this chapter. Jesus tells his disciples in 21:16, “they will put to death some of you,” but then, in 21:18, he tells them, “not even a hair of your head will perish.” As a note to 21:18 explains, Jesus means this second statement in a spiritual sense.

Luke 21:1

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next in the story. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Background Information)

εἶδεν τοὺς βάλλοντας εἰς τὸ γαζοφυλάκιον τὰ δῶρα αὐτῶν πλουσίους

This background information that Luke provides introduces a new event in the story. Alternate translation: “he noticed that there were some rich people who were placing gifts of money in the offering boxes” (See: Introduction of a New Event)

τοὺς…πλουσίους

Jesus is using the adjective rich as a noun in order to indicate a type of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “rich people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τὰ δῶρα

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly what the gifts were. Alternate translation: “gifts of money” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ γαζοφυλάκιον

Luke is figuratively describing the boxes in the temple courtyard where people put money that they were giving to God by association with the name of the place where this money would be kept until it was needed, the treasury. Alternate translation: “the offering boxes” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 21:2

εἶδεν δέ τινα χήραν πενιχρὰν

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “There was also a poor widow there, and Jesus saw her” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

λεπτὰ δύο

The word lepta is the plural of “lepton.” A lepton was a small bronze or copper coin equivalent to a few minutes’ wages. It was the least valuable coin that people used in this culture. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you might use the name of the least valuable coin in your culture, or a general expression. Alternate translation: “two pennies” or “two small coins of little value” (See: Biblical Money)

Luke 21:3

εἶπεν

Jesus is still speaking to his disciples, as in 20:45. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he said to his disciples” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀληθῶς λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize the importance of what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

ἡ χήρα αὕτη ἡ πτωχὴ, πλεῖον πάντων ἔβαλεν

Even though it is not literally true that the widow has put more money into the offering box than all the rich people, this is still not figurative language. As Jesus explains in the next verse, he means that she has put in proportionately more than all the others, relative to her means, and that is literally true. But Jesus makes the seemingly untrue statement first, to get his disciples to reflect on how it can be true. So it would be appropriate to translate Jesus’ words directly and not interpret them as if they were figurative. For example, it would be a figurative interpretation to say, “God considers what this poor widow has given to be more valuable than the gifts of all the others” (See: Metaphor)

πάντων

In context, all means specifically all of the rich people who were putting large monetary gifts in the collection boxes. Alternate translation: “all of those rich people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 21:4

ἐκ τοῦ περισσεύοντος αὐτοῖς ἔβαλον εἰς τὰ δῶρα

Alternate translation: “had a lot of money but only gave a small portion of it”

αὕτη δὲ ἐκ τοῦ ὑστερήματος αὐτῆς, πάντα τὸν βίον ὃν εἶχεν ἔβαλεν

Alternate translation: “But she only had a very little money but gave everything she had to live on”

Luke 21:5

τινων

The implication is that these were some of Jesus’ disciples. Alternate translation: “some of Jesus’ disciples” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κεκόσμηται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “people had decorated it” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀναθέμασιν

In this context, offerings refers specifically to golden ornaments that people had given to beautify the temple and its courtyards. The ornaments were known by this name since people had given them as offerings. Alternate translation: “ornaments that people had donated” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 21:6

ταῦτα ἃ θεωρεῖτε

Alternate translation: “As for this beautiful temple and its decorations”

ἐλεύσονται ἡμέραι ἐν αἷς

Here Jesus is using the term days figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “there will be a time when” (See: Idiom)

οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται λίθος ἐπὶ λίθῳ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you can state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “your enemies will not leave one stone upon another” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται λίθος ἐπὶ λίθῳ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make this statement in positive form. Alternate translation: “your enemies will topple every stone off the stone it is resting on”

οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται λίθος ἐπὶ λίθῳ

See how you translated the similar expression “they will not leave stone upon stone” in 19:44. Here as well this is a figurative overstatement to emphasize how completely the enemies of the Jews will destroy the temple. Alternate translation: “your enemies will completely destroy this building of stone” (See: Hyperbole)

ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make this statement in positive form and make it a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Every stone will be torn down”

ὃς οὐ καταλυθήσεται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this as a separate sentence with an active form, and you can state who will do the action. (In the alternate translation that is suggested here, “they” would mean “your enemies,” and “it” would mean “this building of stone,” as in the alternate translation in the last note to the previous phrase in this verse.) Alternate translation: “They will tear it all down” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 21:7

ἐπηρώτησαν…αὐτὸν

The pronoun they refers to Jesus’ disciples, and the word him refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “the disciples asked Jesus” or “Jesus’ disciples asked him” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Διδάσκαλε

Teacher is a respectful title. You could translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

πότε οὖν ταῦτα ἔσται, καὶ τί τὸ σημεῖον ὅταν μέλλῃ ταῦτα γίνεσθαι

The phrase these things refers implicitly to what Jesus has just said about enemies destroying the temple. Alternate translation: “then when will the temple be destroyed, and how will we know that our enemies are about to destroy it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 21:8

βλέπετε μὴ πλανηθῆτε; πολλοὶ γὰρ ἐλεύσονται ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου λέγοντες, ἐγώ εἰμι, καί, ὁ καιρὸς ἤγγικεν

If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Be careful that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying that they are the Messiah. They will also say that the time has come near.” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

μὴ πλανηθῆτε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “no one deceives you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου

Here Jesus uses the word name figuratively to mean identity. The people he is talking about will likely not say that their name is Jesus, but they will claim to be the Messiah. Alternate translation: “claiming to be me” (See: Metonymy)

ἐγώ εἰμι

The implication is that he means the Messiah. Alternate translation: “I am the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ καιρὸς ἤγγικεν

This implicitly means the time when God will establish his kingdom, which these false Messiahs would understand to mean defeating their enemies. Alternate translation: “God is about to establish his kingdom” or “God is about to defeat all of our enemies” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μὴ πορευθῆτε ὀπίσω αὐτῶν

Here the expression go after seems to have a figurative sense like that of the term follow, found in 5:27 and several other places in the book, meaning to become someone’s disciple. Alternate translation: “Do not become their disciples” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 21:9

πολέμους καὶ ἀκαταστασίας

The term wars probably refers to countries fighting against each other, and the term rebellions probably refers to people fighting against their own leaders or against other people in their own countries. Jesus may be using the two terms together to refer generally to violent fighting. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “of armed conflicts” (See: Doublet)

μὴ πτοηθῆτε

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “do not let these things terrify you” (See: Active or Passive)

δεῖ γὰρ ταῦτα γενέσθαι πρῶτον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this phrase before do not be terrified, as UST does, since this phrase gives the reason why followers of Jesus should not be terrified. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀλλ’ οὐκ εὐθέως τὸ τέλος

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “but the end will not happen immediately” (See: Ellipsis)

τὸ τέλος

This implicitly means the end of the world. Alternate translation: “the end of the world” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 21:10

τότε ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς

The pronoun he refers to Jesus, and the word them refers to his disciples. Since this is a continuation of Jesus speaking from the previous verse, some languages may prefer to leave out this phrase, as UST does. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus said to his disciples” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐγερθήσεται ἔθνος ἐπ’ ἔθνος, καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Jesus is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “Different groups of people will attack each other” (See: Parallelism)

ἐγερθήσεται ἔθνος ἐπ’ ἔθνος

The word nation represents nations in general, not one particular nation. Alternate translation: “The people of some nations will attack the people of other nations” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

ἐγερθήσεται ἔθνος ἐπ’ ἔθνος

The term nation refers figuratively to the people of one nationality or ethnic group. Alternate translation: “The people of some nations will attack the people of other nations” (See: Metonymy)

ἐγερθήσεται ἔθνος ἐπ’ ἔθνος

The expression rise against is an idiom that means to attack. Alternate translation: “The people of some nations will attack the people of other nations” (See: Idiom)

καὶ βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν

Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and the people of some kingdoms will attack the people of other kingdoms” (See: Ellipsis)

βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν

The word kingdom represents kingdoms in general, not one particular kingdom. Alternate translation: “the people of some kingdoms will attack the people of other kingdoms” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

βασιλεία ἐπὶ βασιλείαν

The term kingdom figuratively represents the people of a kingdom. Alternate translation: “the people of some kingdoms will attack the people of other kingdoms” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 21:11

φόβηθρά

Alternate translation: “events that terrify people” or “events that cause people to be very afraid”

σημεῖα ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ μεγάλα

Here, the term heaven could mean: (1) based on what Jesus says in 21:25 about signs in the sun, moon, and stars, it has the sense of “sky.” Alternate translation: “great signs in the sky” (2) a way of referring to God figuratively by association, since heaven is the abode of God. Alternate translation: “great signs from God” or “great signs that God sends” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 21:12

τούτων

This refers implicitly to the things that Jesus has said will happen. Alternate translation: “these things that I have just described” (See: Metonymy)

ἐπιβαλοῦσιν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῶν

This expression figuratively means to arrest a person by association with the way that arresting officers might physically take hold of that person. Alternate translation: “they will arrest you” (See: Metonymy)

ἐπιβαλοῦσιν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῶν

The pronoun they refers to the government authorities, who will be led to arrest the followers of Jesus by their enemies, as Jesus explains in 21:16. Alternate translation: “the authorities will arrest you” or “your enemies will get the authorities to arrest you” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

παραδιδόντες εἰς τὰς συναγωγὰς

The term synagogues figuratively means the leaders of the synagogues, who had the authority to put Jews on trial. Alternate translation: “turning you over for trial to the leaders of the synagogues” (See: Metonymy)

τὰς συναγωγὰς καὶ φυλακάς, ἀπαγομένους ἐπὶ

Jesus is speaking compactly here. Alternate translation: “the synagogue rulers, who will put you in prison and bring you before” (See: Ellipsis)

ἀπαγομένους ἐπὶ

This expression figuratively means to turn someone over to an authority for trial, where the person would stand before the authority and answer the charges. Alternate translation: “turning you over for trial to” (See: Metonymy)

ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός μου

Here, name figuratively represents Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you are my disciples” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 21:13

ἀποβήσεται ὑμῖν εἰς μαρτύριον

Alternate translation: “This will give you an opportunity to speak about how you believe in me”

Luke 21:14

οὖν

But is usually translated “therefore” because it typically introduces a result or conclusion from something that has just been said. However, in some cases, including this one, the term instead indicates a contrast with what has just been said. Knowing they would be put on trial, Jesus’ disciples would naturally want to think about how to defend themselves, but Jesus is telling them, by contrast, not to do that. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless,” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

θέτε…ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

Jesus speaks figuratively of his disciples’ hearts as if they were containers in which the disciples could put the resolution he describes. Alternate translation: “make up your minds” or “decide firmly” (See: Metaphor)

θέτε…ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν

Jesus is using the disciples’ hearts figuratively to represent their minds. Alternate translation: “make up your minds” (See: Metaphor)

μὴ προμελετᾶν ἀπολογηθῆναι

The implication is that Jesus’ disciples would be thinking about how to defend themselves against their enemies’ accusations. Alternate translation: “not to try to figure out ahead of time what you should say in order to defend yourself against the accusations of your enemies” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπολογηθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “to defend yourselves” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 21:15

γὰρ

Jesus is giving the reason why his disciples should do what he told them in the previous verse. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this reason before the result by creating a verse bridge. You could combine 21:14 and 21:15, putting all of 21:15 first, followed by all of 21:14. You could begin 21:15 with “Since” and have no introductory word for 21:14, or you could have no introductory word for 21:15 and begin 21:14 with “So.” (See: Verse Bridges)

στόμα καὶ σοφίαν

Jesus is using the term mouth figuratively to refer to speech. Alternate translation: “speech and wisdom” (See: Metonymy)

στόμα καὶ σοφίαν

The phrase a mouth and wisdom expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word wisdom describes what kind of speech Jesus will give the disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “wise things to say” or “wise responses” (See: Hendiadys)

ᾗ οὐ δυνήσονται ἀντιστῆναι ἢ ἀντειπεῖν, πάντες οἱ ἀντικείμενοι ὑμῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning of the negative word not combined with the negative verbs resist and contradict as a single positive statement. (See note just below explaining that these two verbs likely form a doublet.) Alternate translation: “that all of your adversaries will have to agree are true” (See: Double Negatives)

ἀντιστῆναι ἢ ἀντειπεῖν

The terms resist and contradict mean basically the same thing. Jesus is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these terms into a single, equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “to deny” (See: Doublet)

Luke 21:16

παραδοθήσεσθε…καὶ ὑπὸ γονέων, καὶ ἀδελφῶν, καὶ συγγενῶν, καὶ φίλων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “even your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will turn you over to the authorities” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀδελφῶν

Here, the term brothers has a generic sense that includes both brothers and sisters. Alternate translation: “siblings” or “brothers and sisters” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

θανατώσουσιν ἐξ ὑμῶν

The pronoun they could mean: (1) “the authorities will kill some of you.” (2) “those who turn you in will kill some of you.” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 21:17

ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “everyone will hate you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων

The term all is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “many people will hate you” (See: Hyperbole)

διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου

Here, name figuratively represents Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you are my disciples” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 21:18

καὶ

Jesus uses this word to introduce a contrast with what he has just said. Alternate translation: “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

θρὶξ ἐκ τῆς κεφαλῆς ὑμῶν, οὐ μὴ ἀπόληται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning of the negative words not at all combined with the negative verb perish as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “God will keep you entirely safe” (See: Double Negatives)

θρὶξ ἐκ τῆς κεφαλῆς ὑμῶν, οὐ μὴ ἀπόληται

Jesus speaks of one of the smallest parts of a person to mean the entire person. Alternate translation: “God will keep you entirely safe” (See: Synecdoche)

θρὶξ ἐκ τῆς κεφαλῆς ὑμῶν, οὐ μὴ ἀπόληται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could indicate who will make sure that the disciples do not perish. Alternate translation: “God will keep you entirely safe”

θρὶξ ἐκ τῆς κεφαλῆς ὑμῶν, οὐ μὴ ἀπόληται

Since Jesus says in 21:16 that some of them would be put to death, he must be speaking figuratively here. He means that his disciples will not perish spiritually; that is, their souls will be saved. Alternate translation: “God will keep you entirely safe spiritually” or “God will save your souls” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 21:19

ἐν τῇ ὑπομονῇ ὑμῶν

Alternate translation: “If you remain faithful to me”

κτήσασθε τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν

The soul means the eternal part of a person. Alternate translation: “you will receive eternal life”

Luke 21:20

κυκλουμένην ὑπὸ στρατοπέδων Ἰερουσαλήμ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “armies surrounding Jerusalem” (See: Active or Passive)

Ἰερουσαλήμ

Jerusalem is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἤγγικεν ἡ ἐρήμωσις αὐτῆς

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun desolation, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “those armies will soon destroy it” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 21:21

τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ

Judea is the name of a province. Alternate translation: “the other parts of the province of Judea” (See: How to Translate Names)

εἰς τὰ ὄρη

The implication is that people who fled to the mountains would be safe there. Alternate translation: “to the mountains, where they will be safe” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῆς

Here the pronoun it means Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “within the city of Jerusalem” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

οἱ ἐν ταῖς χώραις, μὴ εἰσερχέσθωσαν εἰς αὐτήν

The term fields refers implicitly to the farms around Jerusalem that provided the main food supply for the city. Alternate translation: “the people living on the farms around the city should not seek shelter within its protective walls” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ ἐν ταῖς χώραις, μὴ εἰσερχέσθωσαν εἰς αὐτήν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state this positively. Alternate translation: “the people living on the farms around the city should stay outside of it where they will be safer”

Luke 21:22

ἡμέραι ἐκδικήσεως αὗταί εἰσιν

Jesus is using the term days figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “this will be the time when God punishes this city” (See: Idiom)

ἡμέραι ἐκδικήσεως αὗταί εἰσιν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun vengeance, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “punish.” Alternate translation: “this will be the time when God punishes this city” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦ πλησθῆναι πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “when all the things that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures will happen” (See: Active or Passive)

πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα

Here, all has a limited meaning. It does not mean everything that the prophets wrote about every subject. Rather, it means specifically all that the prophets wrote about this particular event. Alternate translation: “that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures about how Jerusalem would be destroyed” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 21:23

ταῖς ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσαις

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “to women who are pregnant” (See: Idiom)

ταῖς θηλαζούσαις

This does not mean babies who are nursing. Alternate translation: “mothers who are nursing their babies”

ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις

Jesus is using the term days figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at that time” (See: Idiom)

γὰρ

Jesus uses this word to introduce the reason why it will be very difficult for pregnant women and nursing mothers at this time. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put the sentence that this word introduces first in the verse, since it gives the reason for the results that the other sentence in the verse describes. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἔσται…ἀνάγκη μεγάλη ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὀργὴ τῷ λαῷ τούτῳ

If the word land figuratively means the people who live in the land (see note below), then these two phrases mean basically the same thing. Jesus may be using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “God will angrily punish the people who live in this land by making them suffer greatly” (See: Parallelism)

ἔσται…ἀνάγκη μεγάλη ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

The term land could be: (1) a figurative reference to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the people who live in this land will suffer greatly” (2) literal. Alternate translation: “there will be physical disasters in the land” (See: Metonymy)

ἔσται…ἀνάγκη μεγάλη ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun distress, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “suffer.” Alternate translation: “the people who live in this land will suffer greatly” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καὶ ὀργὴ τῷ λαῷ τούτῳ

Jesus is using the word wrath figuratively to mean what God will do in his wrath. Alternate translation: “and God will angrily punish this people” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 21:24

πεσοῦνται

Here, fall figuratively means to die by association with the way that people who die fall to the ground. Alternate translation: “they will die” (See: Metonymy)

στόματι μαχαίρης

Here, the term mouth may be a figurative way of saying “edge” or “end,” by analogy to the way that the mouth of an animal is typically at one end of the animal. Alternate translation: “by the edge of the sword” or “when soldiers kill them with their swords” (See: Metaphor)

στόματι μαχαίρης

This phrase could also be depicting the sword figuratively as a devouring monster. Alternate translation: “as if swords were eating them up” (See: Personification)

μαχαίρης

The word sword represents swords in general, not one particular sword. Alternate translation: “of the swords” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

μαχαίρης

Jesus may figuratively be using one kind of weapon, the sword, to represent all weapons. Alternate translation: “of the weapons” (See: Synecdoche)

αἰχμαλωτισθήσονται εἰς τὰ ἔθνη πάντα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you can state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “their enemies will capture them and take them away into other countries” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς τὰ ἔθνη πάντα

The word all is a generalization that emphasizes that their enemies will take the people away to many other countries. Alternate translation: “into many other countries” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐθνῶν

Jesus is using the term nations figuratively to mean the places where various people groups live. Alternate translation: “countries” (See: Metonymy)

Ἰερουσαλὴμ ἔσται πατουμένη ὑπὸ ἐθνῶν

Jesus speaks figuratively of the Gentiles walking all over the city of Jerusalem. This image could be: (1) of people walking around on land that they own or control. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles will occupy Jerusalem” (2) of walking over something to flatten it. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles will completely destroy Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor)

Ἰερουσαλὴμ ἔσται πατουμένη ὑπὸ ἐθνῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles will occupy Jerusalem” or “the Gentiles will completely destroy Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor)

ἐθνῶν

Jesus assumes that his listeners will know that by the nations, he means in this instance the people groups who are not Jews. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄχρι οὗ πληρωθῶσιν καιροὶ ἐθνῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. (See the discussion of the meaning of this phrase in the General Notes to this chapter.) Alternate translation: “until the time when the Gentiles rule the Jews is over” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 21:25

συνοχὴ ἐθνῶν

As in 21:10, the term nations here refers figuratively to the people of one nationality or ethnic group. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations will be distressed” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν ἀπορίᾳ ἤχους θαλάσσης καὶ σάλου

These storms could be literal. Jesus may be saying that there will be larger and more frequent hurricanes at this time. However, they could also be figurative. Jesus may be using the image of being in a storm at sea to portray how the people will feel about what they are experiencing. You could represent this possible metaphor as a simile in your translation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They will be as anxious as they would be in a great storm at sea” (See: Metaphor)

ἤχους θαλάσσης καὶ σάλου

Jesus may be using the words roaring and tossing together to depict a great storm in the ocean, whose waves would rise up high and make loud sounds. If you decide to retain the metaphor in your translation, you could translate these words with a single expression. Alternate translation: “about the great storms at sea” (See: Doublet)

Luke 21:26

ἀνθρώπων

Here Jesus is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἀπὸ φόβου καὶ προσδοκίας

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The term fear describes what the expectation of people will be like. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “from fearful expectation” (See: Hendiadys)

τῶν ἐπερχομένων τῇ οἰκουμένῃ

Alternate translation: “of the things that are happening in the world” or “of the things that are happening to the world”

αἱ γὰρ δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν σαλευθήσονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this statement first in the verse, since it gives the reason for the results that the rest of the verse describes. You could begin this statement with “Since,” or you could have no introductory word for it and introduce the rest of the verse with “and so.” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

αἱ…δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν σαλευθήσονται

The phrase the powers of the heavens is most likely an idiomatic reference back to the sun, moon, and stars, which Jesus mentioned at the beginning of the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the sun, moon, and stars will be shaken” (See: Idiom)

αἱ…δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν σαλευθήσονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you can state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will shake the sun, moon, and stars” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 21:27

ὄψονται

The pronoun they refers to the people of the nations, about whom Jesus has been speaking since 21:25. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations will see” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “me, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “me, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐρχόμενον ἐν νεφέλῃ

Jesus assumes that his disciples will know that this means coming down from heaven in a cloud. Alternate translation: “coming down from heaven in a cloud” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μετὰ δυνάμεως καὶ δόξης πολλῆς

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The term glory describes what kind of power Jesus will have. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “with very glorious power” or “shining brightly because he is so powerful” or, if you decided to use the first person, “shining brightly because I am so powerful” (See: Hendiadys)

μετὰ δυνάμεως καὶ δόξης πολλῆς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns power and glory with equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “shining brightly because he is so powerful” or, if you decided to use the first person, “shining brightly because I am so powerful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 21:28

ἀνακύψατε καὶ ἐπάρατε τὰς κεφαλὰς ὑμῶν

Jesus tells his disciples to assume this posture rather than fearfully crouching down and looking down, to demonstrate their confidence that God is coming to deliver them. Alternate translation: “confidently stand up straight and hold your heads high” (See: Symbolic Action)

διότι ἐγγίζει ἡ ἀπολύτρωσις ὑμῶν

Jesus is speaking figuratively of God as if he himself were the deliverance that he is going to bring. Alternate translation: “because God will soon deliver you” (See: Metonymy)

διότι ἐγγίζει ἡ ἀπολύτρωσις ὑμῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could represent the idea behind the abstract noun deliverance with a verb such as “deliver.” Alternate translation: “because God will soon deliver you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 21:29

καὶ εἶπεν παραβολὴν αὐτοῖς

Jesus now gives a brief illustration to teach something that is true in a way that is easy to understand and remember. Alternate translation: “Then he gave his disciples this illustration to help them understand what he had been saying” (See: Parables)

τὴν συκῆν

Jesus is speaking of these trees in general, not one particular fig tree. Alternate translation: “the fig trees” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

τὴν συκῆν

See how you translated this in 13:6. Alternate translation: “the fruit trees” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 21:30

ὅταν προβάλωσιν

Alternate translation: “When they start to grow new leaves”

ἤδη ἐγγὺς τὸ θέρος ἐστίν

Alternate translation: “summer is about to start” or “the warm season is about to start”

Luke 21:31

ταῦτα

Alternate translation: “the signs I have just described”

ἐγγύς ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “God will soon begin to rule as king” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 21:32

ἀμὴν, λέγω ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell his disciples. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη

Jesus uses the term generation figuratively to refer to the people who were born in a certain generation. This could mean: (1) “the people who are alive when these signs first start happening.” (2) “the people who are alive now.” (See: Metonymy)

οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ…ἕως ἂν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “will still be alive when”

οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ

Passing away is different verb tense than the ULT has)... Jesus is referring to death as passing away. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a different polite way of referring to this, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “will certainly not die” (See: Euphemism)

πάντα

Alternate translation: “all of these things”

Luke 21:33

ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ παρελεύσονται

Jesus is using heaven and earth together figuratively to describe all of creation. Here, the term heaven refers to the sky, not to the abode of God, which will not cease to exist. Alternate translation: “Everything that God originally created will someday cease to exist” (See: Merism)

οἱ δὲ λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρελεύσονται

Jesus is using the term words figuratively to refer to what he has just said. Alternate translation: “but everything that I have said will always continue to be true” (See: Metonymy)

οὐ μὴ παρελεύσονται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “will remain forever” or “will always be true”

Luke 21:34

μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι ἐν κρεπάλῃ, καὶ μέθῃ, καὶ μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “so that drunken hangovers and everyday worries do not dull your minds” (See: Active or Passive)

μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι ἐν κρεπάλῃ, καὶ μέθῃ, καὶ μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς

Jesus speaks figuratively of these things as if they would be a weight pressing down on the minds of his disciples. Alternate translation: “so that drunken hangovers and everyday worries do not dull your minds” (See: Metaphor)

ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι

Here, the heart figuratively represents the mind. Alternate translation: “your minds” (See: Metaphor)

κρεπάλῃ, καὶ μέθῃ

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The term drunkenness explains the source of the hangover. Alternate translation: “drunken hangovers” (See: Hendiadys)

μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς

Alternate translation: “the cares of this life”

ἐπιστῇ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη

Jesus speaks figuratively of this day as if it could actively spring upon his disciples like a trap. (The traditional verse divisions put the phrase “like a trap” at the start of the next verse. A note will discuss it there.) This could mean one of two things, depending on whether sudden is understood as an adjective or with the sense of an adverb. Alternate translation: “that day you are not expecting will come upon you” or “that day will come upon you suddenly” (See: Personification)

καὶ ἐπιστῇ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη

The implication is that this is why Jesus is telling his disciples to pay attention to themselves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “for if you are not careful, that day you are not expecting will come upon you” or “for if you are not careful, that day will come upon you suddenly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ἐπιστῇ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη

This implicitly means the day when Jesus will return. Alternate translation: “the day when I return, which you will not be expecting, will come upon you” or “the day when I return will come upon you suddenly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 21:35

ὡς παγίς

Jesus says figuratively that just as a trap closes on an animal when the animal is not expecting it, so he will return when people are not expecting it. Alternate translation: “as when a trap closes suddenly on an animal” (See: Simile)

ἐπεισελεύσεται…ἐπὶ πάντας

Alternate translation: “it will affect all the people”

τοὺς καθημένους

Jesus speaks figuratively of sitting to mean “living.” Alternate translation: “who are living” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπὶ πρόσωπον πάσης τῆς γῆς

Jesus speaks figuratively of the surface of the earth as if it were the outward part or face of a person. Alternate translation: “on the surface of the whole earth” or “all over the entire earth” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 21:36

δὲ

Jesus uses this word to introduce a contrast with what he has just said. Alternate translation: “Instead,” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀγρυπνεῖτε…ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ

The expression in every time means “all the time” or “always.” Jesus is using it figuratively, as a generalization. Alternate translation: “continue to watch” (See: Hyperbole)

ἀγρυπνεῖτε

Jesus is using this expression in a figurative sense. Alternate translation: “stay alert” or “watch” (See: Metaphor)

ἀγρυπνεῖτε

The implication is that Jesus is telling his disciples to do this so that they will not be surprised when he returns. Alternate translation: “watch for the signs of my coming” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ σταθῆναι ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Here, before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ σταθῆναι ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Here, stand is an idiom that means to be declared innocent when judged, as in Psalm 130:3, “If you, Yahweh, would mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?” (That is, “If you, Yahweh, kept a record of sins, no one would be declared innocent.”) Jesus is referring to the time when he will judge everyone. Alternate translation: “and so that the Son of Man will declare you innocent” (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “me, the Son of Man” or “I, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “me, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 21:37

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce information about ongoing action that continues after the part of the story in 20:1-21:36 ends. Your language may have its own way of showing how such information is related to the preceding part of a story. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: End of Story)

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Only priests were allowed to enter the temple building, so Luke means that Jesus was teaching in the temple courtyard. Luke is using the word for the entire building to refer to one part of it. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: Synecdoche)

τὸ ὄρος τὸ καλούμενον Ἐλαιῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the hill that people call Olivet” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸ ὄρος τὸ καλούμενον Ἐλαιῶν

You could also translate this entire expression as a proper name. Olivet is the name of a hill or mountain. See how you translated it in 19:29. Alternate translation: “the Mount of Olives” or “Olive Tree Mountain” (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 21:38

πᾶς ὁ λαὸς

The word all is a generalization that emphasizes how many people came to hear Jesus teach each morning. Alternate translation: “large numbers of people” (See: Hyperbole)

ὤρθριζεν πρὸς αὐτὸν

Here Luke is leaving out some words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “were getting up early to come to him” or “were coming to him starting early each morning” (See: Ellipsis)

ἀκούειν αὐτοῦ

The implication is that the people wanted to hear Jesus teach. Alternate translation: “to listen to him teach” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Only priests were allowed to enter the temple building, so Luke figuratively means the temple courtyard. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 22

Luke 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus to his enemies (22:1-6)
2. Jesus shares the Passover meal with his disciples (22:7-38)
3. Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives and is arrested there (22:39-53)
4. Peter denies Jesus (22:54-62)
5. Soldiers mock Jesus and the Jewish leaders question him (22:63-71)

Special concepts in this chapter

The meaning of the “body” and “blood” of Jesus

22:14-20 describes Jesus’ last meal with his followers. During this meal, Jesus said of the bread, “This is my body,” and of the wine, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” As Jesus instructed, Christian churches around the world re-enact this meal regularly, calling it “the Lord’s Supper,” the “Eucharist”, or “Holy Communion.” But they have different understandings of what Jesus meant by these sayings. Some churches believe that Jesus was speaking figuratively and that he meant that the bread and wine represented his body and blood. Other churches believe that he was speaking literally and that the actual body and blood of Jesus are really present in the bread and wine of this ceremony. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.

The new covenant

Some people think that Jesus established the new covenant during the supper. Others think he established it after he went up to heaven. Others think it will not be established until Jesus comes again. Your translation should say no more about this than ULT does. (See: covenant)

Important textual issues in this chapter

“And an angel from heaven appeared to him … his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground”

Verses 43 and 44 of Luke 22 are not in the earliest and most accurate manuscripts of the Bible, and so they are likely not an original part of the Gospel of Luke. However, many scholars consider them to provide accurate accounts of real events in Jesus’ life that were preserved in oral or written traditions about him and copied into the book of Luke at an early stage. ULT and UST include these verses, but some other versions do not. If you decide to translate these verses, you should put them inside square brackets to indicate that they are probably not original to Luke’s Gospel. (See: Textual Variants)

Luke 22:1

δὲ

Luke uses this word to begin relating a new event by introducing background information that will help readers understand what happens. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἡ ἑορτὴ τῶν Ἀζύμων

During this festival the Jews did not eat bread that was made with yeast. You could translate this as either a description or as a name. Alternate translation: “the festival during which the Jews did not eat any bread that was made with yeast” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡ λεγομένη Πάσχα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “which people call Passover” (See: Active or Passive)

Πάσχα

Passover is the name of a festival. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἤγγιζεν

Here Luke uses this phrase in the sense of near in time. Alternate translation: “was about to begin”

Luke 22:2

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce further background information that will help readers understand what happens next in the story. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Background Information)

τὸ πῶς ἀνέλωσιν αὐτόν

These leaders did not have the authority to kill Jesus themselves. Rather, they were hoping to get others to kill him. Alternate translation: “how they might cause Jesus to be put to death” or “how they could have Jesus killed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐφοβοῦντο γὰρ τὸν λαόν

These leaders were not trying to have Jesus killed because they were afraid of the people. Rather, they were seeking how to have him killed, by implication quietly, because they were afraid that the people would make a great disturbance if they did this publicly. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “quietly, because they were afraid that the people would riot if they did it publicly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸν λαόν

This means specifically the great crowds of people who had been coming to hear Jesus teach, as Luke describes in 21:38. Alternate translation: “the many people who were coming to hear him teach” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:3

Σατανᾶς

Satan is the name of the devil. See how you translated it in 10:18. (See: How to Translate Names)

εἰσῆλθεν…εἰς

This was probably very similar to demon possession. Alternate translation: “took control of”

Ἰούδαν…Ἰσκαριώτην

Judas is the name of a man, and Iscariot is a distinguishing surname. See how you translated these words in 6:16. (See: How to Translate Names)

τὸν καλούμενον Ἰσκαριώτην

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whom people called Iscariot” (See: Active or Passive)

ὄντα ἐκ τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τῶν δώδεκα

See how you translated this in 8:1. You may have decided to translate the nominal adjective Twelve with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “who was one of the 12 disciples whom Jesus had appointed to be apostles” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τῶν δώδεκα

You may have decided instead in 8:1 to translate this as a title, even if your language does not ordinarily use adjectives as nouns. If so, you can do the same thing here. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 22:4

στρατηγοῖς

The temple had its own guards, and these were their commanding officers. Alternate translation: “captains of the temple guard” or “temple military officers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πῶς αὐτοῖς παραδῷ αὐτόν

The pronoun him refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “how he could help them arrest Jesus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 22:5

ἐχάρησαν

Alternate translation: “this made the chief priests and captains very glad”

αὐτῷ ἀργύριον δοῦναι

Luke is speaking figuratively of money by reference to the precious metal, silver, that gives it its value. Alternate translation: “to pay Judas money for doing this” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 22:6

τοῦ παραδοῦναι αὐτὸν

Alternate translation: “to help the leaders arrest Jesus”

ἄτερ ὄχλου

Alternate translation: “when there was no crowd around him”

Luke 22:7

ἡ ἡμέρα τῶν Ἀζύμων

This was the first day of the seven-day festival described in 22:1. You could translate this as either a description or as a name, depending on what you did there. Alternate translation: “the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread” or “the day when the Jews removed all bread made with yeast from their homes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔδει θύεσθαι τὸ Πάσχα

Luke is using the name of this part of the festival, Passover, to refer figuratively to the lamb that the law of Moses told Jews to kill and eat for their celebration meal. Alternate translation: “people had to kill a lamb for their Passover meal” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 22:8

ἀπέστειλεν

The pronoun he refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus sent” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Πέτρον…Ἰωάννην

These are the names of two men. See how you translated them in 6:14. (See: How to Translate Names)

πορευθέντες, ἑτοιμάσατε

Since Jesus is speaking to two men, you as implied in the participle and imperative verb would be in the dual, if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

πορευθέντες

The implication is that Jesus is sending Peter and John into the city of Jerusalem to do this. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Your language might translate this as an imperative. Alternate translation: “Go into the city of Jerusalem and” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡμῖν…ἵνα φάγωμεν

Peter and John would be part of the group that would eat the meal, so the terms us and we would be inclusive, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

τὸ Πάσχα

Jesus is using the name of this part of the festival, Passover, to refer figuratively to the meal that people shared on that occasion. Alternate translation: “the Passover meal” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 22:9

θέλεις ἑτοιμάσωμεν

Jesus was not part of the group that would prepare the meal, so the word we does not include Jesus and it would be exclusive, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἑτοιμάσωμεν

Peter and John are speaking as a group of two, so this verb would be in the dual form if your language uses that form. (See: Verbs)

Luke 22:10

αὐτοῖς…ὑμῶν…ὑμῖν…ἀκολουθήσατε

Since Jesus is speaking to two men, the pronouns them and you and the implied you in the imperative verb would all be in the dual form, if your language uses that form. Otherwise, they would be plural. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses this word to tell Peter and John to pay close attention to what he is saying and to do exactly what he tells them. It may be helpful to explain the meaning of the word more fully and to do so as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Now pay close attention to these instructions” (See: Metaphor)

συναντήσει ὑμῖν ἄνθρωπος, κεράμιον ὕδατος βαστάζων

Alternate translation: “you will see a man carrying a pitcher of water”

κεράμιον ὕδατος

This means not a small serving pitcher, but a large earthen jug, which the man would likely be carrying on his shoulder. If your language has its own term for a large container that people use to transport water, you can use it here. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 22:11

ἐρεῖτε τῷ οἰκοδεσπότῃ τῆς οἰκίας, λέγει σοι ὁ διδάσκαλος, ποῦ ἐστιν τὸ κατάλυμα, ὅπου τὸ Πάσχα μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν μου φάγω?

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation and then another quotation within that one. Alternate translation: “tell the owner of the house that the Teacher wants to know where the guest room is where he can eat the Passover meal with his disciples” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

ὁ διδάσκαλος

Teacher is a respectful title for Jesus. You could translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use.

τὸ Πάσχα

Jesus is telling Peter and John to use the name of this part of the festival, Passover, to refer figuratively to the meal that people shared on that occasion. Alternate translation: “the Passover meal” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 22:12

κἀκεῖνος

Alternate translation: “And the owner of the house”

ἀνάγαιον

In this culture, in some houses, rooms were built above other rooms. If your community does not have houses like that, you can use another expression to describe a large indoor space that people could use for a celebration meal. (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐστρωμένον

This is a passive verbal form. If your language does not use such forms, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “that has carpets, dining couches, and a dining table” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 22:13

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentences described. Because Jesus told Peter and John to do this, they did it. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἀπελθόντες

The implication is that these two disciples went into the city of Jerusalem, as Jesus had told them to do. Alternate translation: “Peter and John went into the city of Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ Πάσχα

Luke is using the name of this part of the festival, Passover, to refer figuratively to the meal that people shared on that occasion. Alternate translation: “the Passover meal” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 22:14

ὅτε ἐγένετο ἡ ὥρα

Luke is using the term hour figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “when it was time for the meal” (See: Idiom)

ἀνέπεσεν

See how you translated this in 5:29. It was the custom in this culture for dinner guests to eat while lying comfortably around the table on banqueting couches. Alternate translation: “Jesus took his place at the table” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 22:15

ἐπιθυμίᾳ ἐπεθύμησα

Jesus is using a characteristic Hebrew construction, a cognate noun with a verb, to express intensity. If your language has this same construction, you can use it here. But if this construction would seem to express unnecessary extra information in your language, you could show the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I have wanted very much” (See: Making Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information Explicit)

τοῦτο τὸ Πάσχα

Jesus is using the name of this part of the festival, Passover, to refer figuratively to the meal that people shared on that occasion. Alternate translation: “this Passover meal” (See: Metonymy)

πρὸ τοῦ με παθεῖν

Jesus is referring figuratively to his death by association with the way that he will suffer much pain and shame as he is dying. Alternate translation: “before I experience a painful death” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 22:16

γὰρ

Jesus is giving the reason why he has been so eager to share this Passover meal with his disciples, as he said in the previous verse. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this reason before the result by creating a verse bridge. You could combine 22:15 and 22:16, putting all of 22:16 first, followed by all of 22:15. This would require saying “this Passover meal” in 22:16 and it in 22:15. You could have no introductory word for 22:16 and begin 22:15 with “And so.” (See: Verse Bridges)

λέγω…ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize the importance of what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

οὐ μὴ φάγω αὐτὸ

Since Jesus is just about to eat a Passover meal, he means implicitly that he will not eat such a meal again until the later time he describes. Alternate translation: “I will certainly not eat it again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἕως ὅτου πληρωθῇ ἐν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter. This could mean: (1) “until people celebrate this feast in the kingdom of God.” (2) “until God gives this feast its full meaning when he establishes his kingdom.” (3) “until I die as the true Passover sacrifice and establish the kingdom of God.” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 22:17

δεξάμενος ποτήριον

Luke is using the term cup figuratively to mean what it contained, which was wine. Alternate translation: “Jesus picked up a cup of wine” (See: Metonymy)

εὐχαριστήσας

Your language may require you to state the object of the verb. Alternate translation: “when he had given thanks to God”

διαμερίσατε εἰς ἑαυτούς

Jesus meant that the apostles were to divide up the contents of the cup, not the cup itself. Alternate translation: “share the wine that is in this cup among yourselves” or “each of you drink some wine from this cup” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 22:18

γὰρ

Jesus is giving the reason why he wants his disciples to share the wine, as he told them to do in the previous verse. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this reason before the result by combining this verse and the previous one into a verse bridge. See the suggestions in the note about the similar situation in 22:16 for how you might do this. (See: Verse Bridges)

λέγω…ὑμῖν

Jesus is using this phrase to emphasize the importance of what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

ἀπὸ τοῦ γενήματος τῆς ἀμπέλου

Jesus is referring figuratively to the juice that people squeeze from grapes that grow on grapevines as if it were the fruit or grapes themselves. Wine is made from fermented grape juice. Alternate translation: “wine” (See: Metonymy)

ἕως οὗ ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἔλθῃ

Jesus is speaking figuratively of the kingdom of God as if it could actively come on its own. Alternate translation: “until God establishes his kingdom” (See: Personification)

ἕως οὗ ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἔλθῃ

See how you decided to translate the phrase the kingdom of God in 4:43. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “until God begins to rule as king” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 22:19

ἄρτον

The term bread refers to a loaf of bread, which is a lump of flour dough that a person has shaped and baked. See how you translated this term in 9:13. Alternate translation: “a loaf of bread” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἄρτον

Since Jews did not eat bread made with yeast during this festival, this bread would not have had any yeast in it and it would have been flat. Alternate translation: “a loaf of unleavened bread” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εὐχαριστήσας

Your language may require you to state the object of the verb. Alternate translation: “when he had given thanks to God”

ἔκλασεν

Jesus may have divided the loaf of bread into many pieces, as UST says, or he may have divided it into two pieces and given those to the apostles to divide among themselves. If possible, use an expression in your language that would apply to either situation.

καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς

The implication is that Jesus gave the bread to the disciples to eat. Alternate translation: “and gave it to them to eat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ σῶμά μου

See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter about how to translate this phrase. Christians understand this phrase to be: (1) a metaphor. Alternate translation: “This represents my body” (See: Metaphor) (2) literal. Alternate translation: “My body is really present in this bread”

τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν διδόμενον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who is doing the action. Alternate translation: “which I am giving for you” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦτο ποιεῖτε εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν

Jesus seems to be telling his disciples implicitly that he wants them to re-enact this part of the meal regularly in the future in order to remember him. Alternate translation: “When you meet together, break and share bread like this in order to remember me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:20

καὶ τὸ ποτήριον

Luke is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “And he took the cup” (See: Ellipsis)

τὸ ποτήριον…τοῦτο τὸ ποτήριον

In each case, the term cup figuratively means what the cup contained, which was wine. Alternate translation: “the cup of wine … The wine in this cup” (See: Metonymy)

ἡ καινὴ διαθήκη ἐν τῷ αἵματί μου

In the Hebrew culture, covenants were customarily ratified through animal sacrifices that involved shedding the blood of the animals. Here, Jesus is likely alluding to that practice in light of his impending sacrificial death. Alternate translation: “the new covenant that will be ratified when I shed my blood” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐκχυννόμενον

Jesus is referring to the way his blood is going to be poured out when he dies. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “which I will pour out for you” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 22:21

ἰδοὺ

Jesus is using the term behold to get his disciples to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “indeed” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ χεὶρ τοῦ παραδιδόντος με μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐπὶ τῆς τραπέζης

Jesus is figuratively using one part of this person, his hand, to represent the entire person. There is significance to the part that Jesus chooses. With the same hand with which Judas has just received the bread and wine, he will receive the money for betraying Jesus. Alternate translation: “the man who is going to betray me is sharing this meal with me” (See: Synecdoche)

μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐπὶ τῆς τραπέζης

Jesus is using the shared location of the table figuratively to mean sharing the meal that is being served on the table. Alternate translation: “sharing this meal with me” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 22:22

ὅτι

Jesus is giving the reason why one of his disciples is going to betray him, as he said in the previous verse. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this reason before the result by combining this verse and the previous one into a verse bridge. See the suggestions in the note about the similar situation in 22:16 for how you might do this. (See: Verse Bridges)

ὁ Υἱὸς μὲν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…πορεύεται

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man, indeed go” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ Υἱὸς μὲν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…πορεύεται

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah, indeed go” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πορεύεται

Jesus is speaking about his impending death in a discreet way. Alternate translation: “is going to die” (See: Euphemism)

κατὰ τὸ ὡρισμένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “as God has determined” (See: Active or Passive)

δι’ οὗ παραδίδοται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who betrays him” or, if you decided to use the first person, “who betrays me” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 22:24

δὲ

Luke may use this word simply to indicate that the quarrel about which disciple was the greatest took place after the discussion about which disciple would betray Jesus. However, he could also be using the word to indicate that the quarrel arose directly from the discussion. Alternate translation: “As a result” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

δοκεῖ εἶναι μείζων

Here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “appeared to be the greatest one” or “people should consider to be the greatest one”

μείζων

Your language might naturally use the comparative form of the adjective here, greater, to express the issue in terms of which one disciple was greater than all the others. Or your language might naturally use the superlative form, “greatest,” to express the issue in terms of which disciple was the greatest of them all. Alternate translation: “the greatest one”

Luke 22:25

οἱ βασιλεῖς τῶν ἐθνῶν

Here Jesus assumes that his disciples will know that by the nations he means the people groups who are not Jews. Alternate translation: “the kings of the Gentiles” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν

Alternate translation: “order them around” or “are arrogant and domineering”

εὐεργέται, καλοῦνται

The subjects of these rulers did not call them this spontaneously and gratefully. Rather, the rulers gave themselves this title, even though they were not really ruling in a way that was good for their subjects, as Jesus says in the first part of this sentence. Jesus is mentioning the title to emphasize how undeserved it is. Alternate translation: “nevertheless give themselves the title of Benefactor” (See: Irony)

καλοῦνται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who is doing the action. Alternate translation: “call themselves” or “give themselves the title” (See: Active or Passive)

εὐεργέται

This is a title that several rulers of this time had given themselves. Your language may have an equivalent title. If not, you can express the meaning with an equivalent expression, as UST does. Alternate translation: “the Good” (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 22:26

ὑμεῖς δὲ οὐχ οὕτως

Alternate translation: “But you should not act like that”

ὁ μείζων ἐν ὑμῖν, γενέσθω ὡς ὁ νεώτερος

As the last note to 22:24 discusses, your language might naturally use the superlative form of these adjectives rather than the comparative form. Alternate translation: “let the greatest one among you become like the youngest one”

ὁ μείζων…ὁ νεώτερος

Jesus is using the adjectives greater and younger as nouns to describe types of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these with equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “the greatest one … the youngest one” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ὁ νεώτερος

This culture respected older people and followed them as leaders. Jesus is referring figuratively to a person who was less important and influential by association with the fact that this would be the case if they were younger. Alternate translation: “the least important one” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ διακονῶν

Alternate translation: “a servant”

Luke 22:27

γὰρ

Jesus uses this word to introduce a reason why his disciples should do what he told them in the previous verse. The reason is that he is already setting a personal example of this himself. Alternate translation: “After all” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τίς…μείζων, ὁ ἀνακείμενος ἢ ὁ διακονῶν?

Jesus is using the question form to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “I want you to think about who is greater, the person who is dining, or the who is serving the food.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὁ ἀνακείμενος

See how you translated this in 5:29. It was the custom in this culture for dinner guests to eat while lying comfortably around the table on banqueting couches. Alternate translation: “the person who is dining” (See: Translate Unknowns)

οὐχὶ ὁ ἀνακείμενος?

Jesus is using a further question to teach his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “You must agree that it is the person who is dining.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐγὼ δὲ ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν εἰμι ὡς ὁ διακονῶν

Jesus is likely referring to the example that he has set at this meal. This would include serving the bread to the disciples, which Luke describes in 22:19. John 13:4-5 also records that before this meal, Jesus washed the disciples feet, which a household servant would ordinarily have done. Alternate translation: “But I have been acting like a servant here at this meal with you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:28

οἱ διαμεμενηκότες μετ’ ἐμοῦ, ἐν τοῖς πειρασμοῖς μου

Alternate translation: “the ones who have stayed with me through my struggles”

Luke 22:29

κἀγὼ διατίθεμαι ὑμῖν, καθὼς διέθετό μοι ὁ Πατήρ μου βασιλείαν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “And so, just as my Father has given a kingdom to me, I am giving one to you”

κἀγὼ διατίθεμαι ὑμῖν, καθὼς διέθετό μοι ὁ Πατήρ μου βασιλείαν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule.” Alternate translation: “And so I am giving you the authority to rule, just as my Father has done for me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

κἀγὼ

Jesus uses this expression to indicate that what he is about to say is the result of what he has just said. Alternate translation: “And so I” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Πατήρ

Father is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

Luke 22:30

ἵνα ἔσθητε καὶ πίνητε ἐπὶ τῆς τραπέζης μου

Jesus may simply be referring to the way he and his disciples will renew their table fellowship in the kingdom of God, as he described in 22:16. But he may also be referring figuratively to his disciples becoming important officials in his kingdom, since such officials would have their meals at the king’s table. Alternate translation: “so that you may be important officials” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ μου

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun kingdom, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “rule” and a concrete noun such as “king.” Alternate translation: “when I rule as king” (See: Abstract Nouns)

καθῆσθε ἐπὶ θρόνων

Rulers have thrones that symbolize their authority. These special seats are signs of status and power. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in some way in your translation. Alternate translation: “sit on royal thrones” (See: Symbolic Action)

τὰς δώδεκα φυλὰς…τοῦ Ἰσραήλ

Here Jesus uses the term tribes figuratively to refer to the people who belong to those tribes. Alternate translation: “the people of the 12 tribes of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 22:31

Σίμων, Σίμων

Jesus says the name of this disciple twice to show him that what he is about to say to him is very important. Your language may have a way of addressing someone to show this same thing. Alternate translation: “Now Simon”

Σίμων

Simon is the name of a man. See how you translated it in 4:38. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἰδοὺ

Jesus uses the term behold to get Simon to focus his attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “listen” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ Σατανᾶς

Satan is the name of the devil. See how you translated it in 10:18. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐξῃτήσατο

Your language may require you to state the object of the verb. Alternate translation: “has asked God for permission”

ὑμᾶς τοῦ σινιάσαι ὡς τὸν σῖτον

To sift wheat means to put it in a sieve, which is a container with a mesh bottom, and shake it back and forth so that the grain stays in the sieve and the husk or chaff falls out. If your readers would not be familiar with wheat, you could use the name of a grain that they would recognize, or use a general expression. Alternate translation: “to shake you as if he were separating grain from its husks in a sieve” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐξῃτήσατο ὑμᾶς τοῦ σινιάσαι ὡς τὸν σῖτον

Jesus is using this comparison to say figuratively that Satan wants to put the disciples through difficult experiences in order to show that many of them are not unconditionally loyal to Jesus. You could use this same comparison in your translation, or you could explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “to shake you as if he were separating grain from its husks in a sieve” or “to test you to show that many of you will not stay loyal to me when threatened” (See: Simile)

ἐξῃτήσατο ὑμᾶς τοῦ σινιάσαι ὡς τὸν σῖτον

The implication is that God has given Satan permission to do this, and that is why Jesus is giving this warning. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to test you to show that many of you are not unconditionally loyal to me, and God has given him permission to do that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὑμᾶς

Here, you is plural. Jesus is referring to all of the apostles. (See: Forms of You)

Luke 22:32

ἐγὼ…ἐδεήθην

Your language may require you to state the object of the verb. In this context the verb has a strong sense. Alternate translation: “I have prayed to God” or “I have pleaded with God”

ἐγὼ δὲ ἐδεήθην περὶ σοῦ

Jesus is addressing Simon specifically, and so the terms you and your are singular. (See: Forms of You)

ἵνα μὴ ἐκλίπῃ ἡ πίστις σου

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning of the negative word not combined with the negative verb fail as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “that you will continue to have faith” or “that you will continue to trust me” (See: Double Negatives)

ποτε ἐπιστρέψας

This expression refers figuratively to resuming a previous course of action. Alternate translation: “when you are once more openly loyal to me” (See: Metaphor)

στήρισον τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου

The implication is that Jesus wants Simon to strengthen the other disciples in their faith. Alternate translation: “encourage the other disciples to be strong in their faith as well” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου

Jesus is using the term brothers figuratively to mean someone who shares the same belief. Alternate translation: “your fellow believers” or “the other disciples” (See: Metaphor)

τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου

Here Jesus has the other apostles, who are all men, initially in view. But he may also want Simon to strengthen the faith of any of his other disciples, male or female, who need encouragement. In that case, he would be using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “your fellow believers” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Luke 22:33

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ

He refers to Simon, who was also known as Peter, and the word him refers to Jesus. Jesus calls him Peter in the next verse. So that your readers will know that Jesus is talking to the same man there, you could use both of his names here. Alternate translation: “But Simon Peter said to Jesus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 22:34

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν

The pronoun he refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “But Jesus answered” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

λέγω σοι

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell Peter. Alternate translation: “Indeed”

οὐ φωνήσει σήμερον ἀλέκτωρ, ἕως τρίς με ἀπαρνήσῃ εἰδέναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me”

οὐ φωνήσει σήμερον ἀλέκτωρ, ἕως

Jesus is referring figuratively to a certain time of day. Roosters crow just before the sun appears in the morning. In other words, Jesus is referring to dawn. Alternate translation: “before another morning begins” (See: Metonymy)

οὐ φωνήσει σήμερον ἀλέκτωρ, ἕως

A rooster is a bird that calls out loudly around the time the sun comes up. If your readers would not be familiar with this bird, you could use the name of a bird in your area that calls out or sings just before dawn, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “before the birds begin to sing in the morning” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἀλέκτωρ

Jesus is not speaking of one particular rooster but of roosters in general. Alternate translation: “the roosters” or “the birds” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

σήμερον

The Jewish day began at sunset. Jesus was speaking after the sun had set. The rooster would crow just before morning. That morning was considered part of the same day. Alternate translation: “in the morning” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:35

ἄτερ βαλλαντίου, καὶ πήρας, καὶ ὑποδημάτων

As in 10:4, Jesus is speaking of these items figuratively to mean what they represent. See how you translated these terms there. Alternate translation: “without any money or provisions or extra clothes” (See: Metonymy)

μή τινος ὑστερήσατε?

The first word of this question in Greek is a negative word that can be used to turn a statement into a question that expects a negative answer. ULT shows this by adding, did you? Your language may have other ways of asking a question that expects a negative answer, for example, by changing the word order of a positive statement. Alternate translation: “did you lack anything?” (See: Double Negatives)

μή τινος ὑστερήσατε?

Even though Jesus already knows the answer to this question and he is using it as a teaching tool, in this case he does want the disciples to reply. If you translated his words as a statement, for example, “I know that you did not lack anything,” then the disciples might seem to be interrupting him by speaking uninvited. Since Jesus did want them to speak, it would probably be most appropriate to present his words in the form of a question. (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐθενός

Luke may be summarizing the disciples’ response briefly, or the disciples themselves may have responded this briefly. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could expand on what this means. Alternate translation: “We did not lack anything” or “We had everything we needed” (See: Ellipsis)

Luke 22:36

ὁ ἔχων βαλλάντιον…ὁ μὴ ἔχων…μάχαιραν

Jesus was not referring to a specific one of the disciples who had a money bag or did not have a sword. Alternate translation: “anyone who has a money bag … anyone who does not have a sword” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

ὁ ἔχων βαλλάντιον…ὁ μὴ ἔχων…μάχαιραν

Jesus is giving these instructions specifically to his disciples. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “any one of you who has a money bag … any one of you who does not have a sword” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ ἱμάτιον

See how you translated cloak in 19:35. Alternate translation: “coat” or “outer garment” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 22:37

γὰρ

Jesus is giving the reason why the disciples should now be concerned about providing for and protecting themselves, as he said in the previous verse. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this reason before the result by combining this verse and the previous one into a verse bridge. See the suggestions in the note about the similar situation in 22:16 for how you might do this. (See: Verse Bridges)

λέγω…ὑμῖν

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell the disciples. Alternate translation: “indeed”

τοῦτο τὸ γεγραμμένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “what a prophet wrote in the Scriptures” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦτο τὸ γεγραμμένον

Jesus may be assuming that his disciples know the source and subject of this passage. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could identify it more specifically. Alternate translation: “what Isaiah wrote about the Messiah in the Scriptures” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

δεῖ τελεσθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. The meaning of accomplished is the same as for the word “fulfilled” in 1:1, 1:20, and many other places in the book, even though the Greek verb is different. Alternate translation: “must happen to me” (See: Active or Passive)

τό καὶ μετὰ ἀνόμων ἐλογίσθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. It may be more natural in your language to use a singular form here. Alternate translation: “that people would consider me to be a criminal” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

μετὰ ἀνόμων ἐλογίσθη

Jesus is using the adjective lawless as a noun in order to indicate a type of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “he was considered a criminal” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

μετὰ ἀνόμων ἐλογίσθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you can state who did the action. Alternate translation: “people considered him to be a criminal” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ γὰρ τὸ περὶ ἐμοῦ τέλος ἔχει

Here Jesus is speaking implicitly about what the Scriptures say about him. Alternate translation: “Yes, what the Scriptures say about me must certainly happen” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:38

ἱκανόν ἐστιν

This could mean: (1) Jesus is indicating that when he told his disciples to buy swords, he meant for their own defense, not to attack their enemies, and that they have enough swords for that purpose. Alternate translation: “That will be enough for us to defend ourselves” (2) Jesus wants them to stop talking about having swords. The implication would be that when he said they should buy swords, he was mainly warning them that they were going to face dangers, and he did not really want them to buy swords and fight. Alternate translation: “That is enough talk about swords, I do not really want you to buy them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:39

ἐξελθὼν, ἐπορεύθη κατὰ τὸ ἔθος εἰς τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν

Luke provides this background information about where Jesus went to help readers understand what happens next in the story. Luke has already indicated in 21:37 that during this time in Jerusalem, Jesus did not spend the nights in the city, but rather in this location. Alternate translation: “leaving the city of Jerusalem, Jesus went to spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as he had been doing” (See: Background Information)

τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν

This is the name of a hill or mountain. See how you translated it in 19:29. Alternate translation: “Olive Tree Mountain” (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 22:40

γενόμενος δὲ ἐπὶ τοῦ τόπου

Luke says he, meaning Jesus, to refer figuratively to Jesus and his disciples. Alternate translation: “when Jesus and his disciples arrived at the Mount of Olives” (See: Synecdoche)

προσεύχεσθε μὴ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς πειρασμόν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun temptation, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “tempt.” Alternate translation: “Pray that nothing will tempt you to sin” (See: Abstract Nouns)

προσεύχεσθε μὴ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς πειρασμόν

The implications are that the disciples will soon face the temptation to abandon Jesus in order to save themselves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Pray that when the Jewish leaders come to arrest me and you are tempted to try to save yourselves by running away or denying that you know me, you will not sin by doing that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:41

ὡσεὶ λίθου βολήν

This is an idiom that means “about as far as someone can throw a stone.” If your readers would misunderstand this, you could represent this with a general expression or with an estimated measurement. Alternate translation: “a short distance” or “about 30 meters” or “about 100 feet” (See: Idiom)

θεὶς τὰ γόνατα

As Jesus indicates in his parable in 18:11, the customary posture of prayer in this culture was standing. By kneeling down, Jesus indicated that he was praying urgently about a serious matter. Alternate translation: “after kneeling down to show the urgency of his request” (See: Symbolic Action)

Luke 22:42

Πάτερ

Father is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

εἰ βούλει…τὸ σὸν

Use your best judgment about whether the formal or informal forms of you and yours would be more natural in your language here. Jesus is speaking as an adult son would to a father with whom he had a close relationship. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Formal or Informal)

παρένεγκε τοῦτο τὸ ποτήριον ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ

Jesus is referring to the sufferings he will soon experience as if they were a cup of bitter-tasting liquid that he would have to drink. Alternate translation: “please spare me from these sufferings” (See: Metaphor)

παρένεγκε τοῦτο τὸ ποτήριον ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “please spare me from these sufferings” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

πλὴν μὴ τὸ θέλημά μου, ἀλλὰ τὸ σὸν γινέσθω

This is another imperative that should be translated as a request rather than as a command. Alternate translation: “However, please do what is according to your will, rather than what is according to my will” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 22:43

Ὤφθη δὲ αὐτῷ ἄγγελος ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ ἐνισχύων αὐτόν

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include this verse in your translation. The note below discusses a translation issue in this verse, for those who decide to include it. (See: Textual Variants)

Ὤφθη…αὐτῷ

Appeared does not mean that the angel simply seemed to be there, or that Jesus saw the angel in a vision. Rather, this expression indicates that the angel was actually present with Jesus. Alternate translation: “came there to be with him” (See: Idiom)

Luke 22:44

Καὶ γενόμενος ἐν ἀγωνίᾳ ἐκτενέστερον προσηύχετο. καὶ Ἐγένετο ὁ ἱδρὼς αὐτοῦ ὡσεὶ θρόμβοι αἵματος καταβαίνοντες ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include this verse in your translation. The two notes below discusses translation issues in this verse, for those who decide to include it. (See: Textual Variants)

ἐκτενέστερον προσηύχετο

This could mean: (1) Luke is using the comparative form of the adjective earnest, which has an adverbial sense here, with a superlative meaning. Alternate translation: “he was praying most earnestly” or “he was praying very fervently” (2) the word has an actual comparative sense. Alternate translation: “he began to pray even more earnestly than he had been praying before”

Ἐγένετο ὁ ἱδρὼς αὐτοῦ ὡσεὶ θρόμβοι αἵματος καταβαίνοντες ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν

This could mean one of two things. The first is more likely. (1) It could describe the appearance of the drops. This would mean that Jesus had been under such stress that the small blood vessels that fed his sweat glands ruptured, and his sweat became mixed with blood. (This is a rare but well-document medical condition known as hematohidrosis.) Alternate translation: “his sweat became mixed with blood and it fell to the ground in drops” (2) It could describe the way in which the drops of sweat fell to the ground. Alternate translation: “he began to sweat so intensely that the sweat formed drops and fell to the ground as blood drops do” (See: Simile)

Luke 22:45

καὶ

Luke uses the word and to indicate that what he describes next came after what he described just previously. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

ἀναστὰς ἀπὸ τῆς προσευχῆς, ἐλθὼν πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς

Alternate translation: “when Jesus had finished praying, he got up and went back to his disciples”

εὗρεν κοιμωμένους αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς λύπης

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun sorrow, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective such as “sad.” Alternate translation: “saw that they were sleeping because they were tired from being sad” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 22:46

τί καθεύδετε?

Jesus is not looking for information. He is using the question form to rebuke his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not be sleeping now!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἵνα μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς πειρασμόν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun temptation, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “tempt.” See how you translated the similar phrase in 22:40. Alternate translation: “so that nothing tempts you to sin” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἵνα μὴ εἰσέλθητε εἰς πειρασμόν

As in 22:40, the implications are that the disciples will soon face the temptation to abandon Jesus in order to save themselves. If you indicated that explicitly in your translation there, you could state something similar here. Alternate translation: “so that when the Jewish leaders arrest me and you are tempted to abandon me to save yourselves, you will not sin by doing that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:47

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to calls the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

ὄχλος

Luke is introducing new characters into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “there was a crowd that arrived” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ὁ λεγόμενος Ἰούδας

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the man whose name was Judas” or “the man that people called Judas” (See: Active or Passive)

Ἰούδας

Judas is the name of a man. See how you translated it in 22:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

εἷς τῶν δώδεκα

See how you translated this in 8:1. You may have decided to translate the nominal adjective Twelve with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “who was one of the 12 men Jesus had appointed to be apostles” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τῶν δώδεκα

You may have decided instead in 8:1 to translate Twelve as a title, even if your language does not ordinarily use adjectives as nouns. If so, you can do the same thing here. (See: How to Translate Names)

προήρχετο αὐτούς

Judas was showing the people where Jesus was. He was not the person in charge of the whole group. Alternate translation: “leading them to where Jesus was” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

φιλῆσαι αὐτόν

In this culture, when men greeted other men who were family or friends, they would kiss them on one cheek or on both cheeks. If your readers would find it embarrassing if you said that one man would kiss another man, you could explain the purpose of the gesture, or you could translate the expression in a more general way. Alternate translation: “to greet him by kissing him on the cheek” or “to give him a friendly greeting” (See: Symbolic Action)

Luke 22:48

φιλήματι τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου παραδίδως?

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke Judas. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not be using a kiss to betray the Son of Man!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Jesus is speaking about himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “me, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “me, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:49

οἱ περὶ αὐτὸν

The expression those who were around him refers to Jesus' disciples. Alternate translation: “Jesus’ disciples, who were around him,”

τὸ ἐσόμενον

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state more explicitly what this means. Alternate translation: “that the Jewish leaders and soldiers who had come were going to arrest Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰ πατάξομεν ἐν μαχαίρῃ

This was an idiomatic way to ask a question. Alternate translation: “should we strike with the sword” (See: Idiom)

εἰ πατάξομεν ἐν μαχαίρῃ

The disciples may be asking specifically not about what weapon to use, but generally whether they should fight back to prevent Jesus from being arrested. In that case they would be using one kind of weapon, a sword, to mean fighting in general. The disciples said in 22:38 that they had two swords, but they could also have resisted by further means. Alternate translation: “should we fight to defend you” (See: Synecdoche)

εἰ πατάξομεν ἐν μαχαίρῃ

Alternatively, the disciples may implicitly be asking whether this was the kind of occasion for which Jesus told them in 22:38 that they should have swords. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “you told us we should have swords; should we use them now” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:50

εἷς τις ἐξ αὐτῶν

Luke uses this phrase to bring one of the characters into the story into the center of the action, but he does not identify the person by name. John indicates in his Gospel that it was Peter, but since Luke does not name him here, it would not be appropriate to use his name in your translation. Alternate translation: “one of the disciples who was there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἐπάταξεν…τὸν δοῦλον τοῦ ἀρχιερέως

The implication is that this disciple did this with a sword. Alternate translation: “struck the servant of the high priest with a sword” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:51

ἀποκριθεὶς…ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν

Together the two words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to what the disciple had just done. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded” (See: Hendiadys)

ἐᾶτε ἕως τούτου

This is an idiom. It is in the form of a positive statement, but it actually has a strong negative meaning. Alternate translation: “No more of this” or “Do not do anything more like that” (See: Idiom)

ἁψάμενος τοῦ ὠτίου, ἰάσατο αὐτόν

It may be necessary to explain what it means that Jesus touched the servant’s ear, since it had been cut off. Alternate translation: “Jesus put the servant’s ear back in place and healed it” or “Jesus touched the servant at the place where his ear had been cut off and restored it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:52

στρατηγοὺς τοῦ ἱεροῦ

See how you translated this in 22:4. Alternate translation: “captains of the temple guard” or “temple military officers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὡς ἐπὶ λῃστὴν ἐξήλθατε μετὰ μαχαιρῶν καὶ ξύλων?

Jesus is using the question form to rebuke the Jewish leaders. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You did not need to bring soldiers with weapons to arrest me, as if I were a bandit!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὡς ἐπὶ λῃστὴν ἐξήλθατε μετὰ μαχαιρῶν καὶ ξύλων?

The implication, as Jesus will say specifically in the next verse, is that he has demonstrated that he is a peaceful person. He has taught openly and undefened in the temple. He has not gathered an armed band around him and operated from a hidden location. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “You have seen that I am a peaceful person, yet you come to arrest me bringing soldiers with weapons, as if I were a bandit!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὡς ἐπὶ λῃστὴν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the meaning of this simile. Here, the term robber likely indicates a violent person who steals from others by forcing them to hand over their valuables, threatening to harm them if they refuse. Alternate translation: “as if I were a bandit who needed to be subdued with force” (See: Simile)

μαχαιρῶν καὶ ξύλων

Jesus is speaking of these weapons figuratively, to mean the soldiers who are carrying them. Alternate translation: “soldiers armed with weapons” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 22:53

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Only priests were allowed to enter the temple building, so Jesus means the temple courtyard. He is using the word for the entire building to refer to one part of it. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: Synecdoche)

οὐκ ἐξετείνατε τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ’ ἐμέ

As in 20:19, here this expression means figuratively to arrest a person by association with the way that arresting officers might physically take hold of the person with their hands. Alternate translation: “you did not arrest me” (See: Metonymy)

αὕτη ἐστὶν ὑμῶν ἡ ὥρα

Jesus is using the term hour figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “this is a time when you can do whatever you want” (See: Idiom)

καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία τοῦ σκότους

Jesus is using this phrase to characterize the hour further. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show that by repeating the reference to “time” from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “because it is a time when darkness is in authority” (See: Ellipsis)

καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία τοῦ σκότους

Jesus is referring figuratively to Satan as darkness. Alternate translation: “because it is a time when God is allowing Satan to do what he wants” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 22:54

ἤγαγον

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state more explicitly what this means. Alternate translation: “they led Jesus away from the place where they had arrested him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἠκολούθει μακρόθεν

Luke provides this background information to help readers understand what happens next in the story. Alternate translation: “Now Peter followed the group there, staying some distance away” (See: Background Information)

ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἠκολούθει μακρόθεν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly why Peter followed from a distance. Alternate translation: “Now Peter followed the group there, staying some distance away so that he would not be recognized and arrested himself” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:55

περιαψάντων…πῦρ

Here the pronoun they does not mean the same thing as in the previous verse. Luke is not saying that the leaders and soldiers who had arrested Jesus built this fire. Rather, Luke is using the word they in an indefinite sense. Alternate translation: “some people had started a fire” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

περιαψάντων…πῦρ

Luke is using this phrase to introduce some new characters into the story. Alternate translation: “some of the people who were there at the high priest’s house had started a fire” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

πῦρ

Implicitly, the purpose of the fire was to keep the people warm during the cool night. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a fire to keep warm” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν μέσῳ τῆς αὐλῆς

Luke assumes that his readers will know that in this culture, the courtyard of a house had walls around it, but no roof. You may wish to clarify this for your readers. This was an outdoor fire. Alternate translation: “in the middle of the open courtyard” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μέσος αὐτῶν

Alternate translation: “there together with them”

Luke 22:56

ἰδοῦσα δὲ αὐτὸν, παιδίσκη τις

Luke says this to introduce this new character into the story. Alternate translation: “Now there was a female servant there who saw him” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

καθήμενον πρὸς τὸ φῶς

Alternate translation: “sitting facing the light of the fire” or “sitting with his face lit up by the fire”

καὶ ἀτενίσασα αὐτῷ εἶπεν

Though this woman was looking at Peter, she was not speaking to him but to the others around them. It might be helpful to begin a new sentence here in your translation. Alternate translation: “She looked straight at Peter and said to the other people in the courtyard” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ οὗτος σὺν αὐτῷ ἦν

This could mean: (1) Peter was with Jesus when the group came to arrest him, as UST suggests. (2) since it is perhaps unlikely that this female servant accompanied that group, she may mean instead that she saw Peter with Jesus somewhere in Jerusalem earlier in the week and she could tell that he was associated with Jesus. Alternate translation: “I know that this man is one of Jesus’ disciples” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:57

ὁ δὲ ἠρνήσατο

Alternate translation: “But Peter said that was not true”

γύναι

Peter addresses the female servant as Woman because he does not know her name. He is not insulting her by calling her that. If your readers might think he was insulting her, you could use a way that is acceptable in your culture for a man to address a woman he does not know. Alternate translation: “Miss” or “Ma’am”

Luke 22:58

ἕτερος

Luke uses this word to introduce another new character into the story. Alternate translation: “another of the people who was there by the fire” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

καὶ σὺ ἐξ αὐτῶν εἶ

Alternate translation: “You are also one of the people who were with Jesus”

ἄνθρωπε

Peter addresses this person as Man because he does not know his name. He is not insulting him by calling him that. If your readers might think he was insulting him, you could use a way that is acceptable in your culture for a man to address another man he does not know. Alternate translation: “Sir”

Luke 22:59

διαστάσης ὡσεὶ ὥρας μιᾶς

You can express this in the way your language describes time. Alternate translation: “about an hour later”

ἄλλος τις

Luke uses this expression to introduce a further character into the story. Alternate translation: “yet another of the people who was there by the fire” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

διϊσχυρίζετο

Alternate translation: “kept saying loudly”

οὗτος

The phrase this one refers to Peter. The speaker probably did not know Peter’s name. Alternate translation: “this man”

καὶ γὰρ Γαλιλαῖός ἐστιν

The man could probably tell Peter was from Galilee from the way he talked. If it wold be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “for he speaks with a Galilean accent” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ γὰρ Γαλιλαῖός ἐστιν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you put this phrase before the previous phrase, as UST does, since this phrase gives the reason for the conclusion that the previous phrase states. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 22:60

ἄνθρωπε

See how you translated this in 22:58. Peter did not know the man’s name. He was not insulting him by calling him Man. Alternate translation: “Sir”

οὐκ οἶδα ὃ λέγεις

This is an idiom that means that Peter completely disagrees with the man. Alternate translation: “what you are saying is not true at all” (See: Idiom)

ἔτι λαλοῦντος αὐτοῦ

The pronoun he refers to Peter, not to the other man. Alternate translation: “while Peter was speaking” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐφώνησεν ἀλέκτωρ

See how you translated the similar phrase in 22:34. You may have decided to use a general expression there. Alternate translation: “the birds began to sing” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 22:61

ὁ Κύριος…τοῦ Κυρίου

Luke is referring to Jesus by a respectful title. Alternate translation in each case: “the Lord Jesus”

τοῦ ῥήματος τοῦ Κυρίου

Luke is using the term word figuratively to describe what Jesus had said using words. Alternate translation: “the statement Jesus had made” (See: Metonymy)

ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι

See how you translated this in 22:60 and the similar phrase in 22:34. You may have decided to use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the birds begin to sing” (See: Translate Unknowns)

σήμερον

See how you translated this in 22:34. The Jewish day started at sundown and continued to the next evening. Jesus had spoken the previous evening about what would happen shortly before dawn or at dawn, so this was still the same day. Alternate translation: “in the morning” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπαρνήσῃ με τρίς

Alternate translation: “you will say three times that you do not know me”

Luke 22:62

ἐξελθὼν ἔξω, ἔκλαυσεν πικρῶς

As the note to 22:55 explains, this was an open-air courtyard, so the people in it were already outside in that sense. This expression means that Peter left the courtyard and went completely outside the house of the high priest. Alternate translation: “Peter went out of the courtyard and away from the house, and he wept bitterly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:63

οἱ συνέχοντες αὐτὸν, ἐνέπαιζον αὐτῷ δέροντες

The pronoun him refers to Jesus in both cases. Alternate translation: “the soldiers who were guarding Jesus mocked and beat Jesus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 22:64

καὶ περικαλύψαντες αὐτὸν

A blindfold is a thick cloth that people tie around the middle of a person’s head to cover the eyes and prevent that person from seeing. If your readers would not be familiar with this, you could explain it with a general expression. Alternate translation: “They covered his eyes so that he could not see, and” (See: Translate Unknowns)

προφήτευσον, τίς ἐστιν ὁ παίσας σε?

The guards did not believe that Jesus was a prophet. Rather, they believed that a real prophet would know who hit him even if he could not see. When they called Jesus a prophet, they were saying the opposite of what they believed to be true. They were only calling him a prophet to mock him. Alternate translation: “Prove that you really are a prophet. Tell us who hit you!” (See: Irony)

τίς ἐστιν ὁ παίσας σε?

The guards do not expect Jesus to be able to answer their question. They are really using the question form to give a command, to tell Jesus what he should do if he wants to convince them that he is a prophet. So if your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a command. Alternate translation: “Tell us who hit you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

προφήτευσον

The implication is that God would have to tell Jesus who struck him, since Jesus was blindfolded and could not see. Alternate translation: “Speak words from God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:65

βλασφημοῦντες

Blaspheming can have a technical sense, as it often does in this book. It can refer to a human being claiming to be God, as the Jewish leaders felt Jesus was doing in 5:21. It can also refer to a human being wrongly denying that something is divine or of divine origin, as the Jewish leaders were afraid the people would consider them to be doing in 20:6. By ironically suggesting that Jesus was not a true prophet, the soldiers actually were guilty of blasphemy in this technical sense. But the word can also have a general sense of “insult,” and that may be the sense in which Luke is using it here. Alternate translation: “insulting him”

Luke 22:66

καὶ ὡς ἐγένετο ἡμέρα

Alternate translation: “As soon as it was light”

ἀπήγαγον αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ Συνέδριον αὐτῶν

The pronoun they does not necessarily refer to the elders. Rather, since Jesus was in the custody of the guards, the elders would have had the guards bring Jesus in. Alternate translation: “the elders had Jesus brought into the Sanhedrin” or “the guards led Jesus into the Sanhedrin” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

τὸ Συνέδριον αὐτῶν

The Sanhedrin is the name of the ruling council of the Jews. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Sanhedrin, their ruling council” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ Συνέδριον αὐτῶν

Luke is figuratively using the name of the Jewish ruling council to mean by association the meeting place of that council. Alternate translation: “the place where the Sanhedrin, their ruling council, met” (See: Metonymy)

Συνέδριον

Sanhedrin is the name of a governing body. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 22:67

λέγοντες

It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The elders said to Jesus”

εἰ σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστός, εἰπὸν ἡμῖν

This sounds like a conditional statement, but it is actually an imperative. Alternate translation: “Tell us whether you are the Messiah”

ἐὰν ὑμῖν εἴπω, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσητε

Jesus is using a hypothetical situation to avoid answering the question directly, since that might give the elders a reason to say that he was guilty of blasphemy for claiming to be the Messiah. Alternate translation: “Suppose I said that I was the Messiah. Then you would certainly not believe me” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Luke 22:68

ἐὰν δὲ ἐρωτήσω, οὐ μὴ ἀποκριθῆτε

Jesus is using a further hypothetical situation to avoid answering the question directly, in order not to give the elders a reason to say that he was guilty of blasphemy. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “And suppose I asked you whether you thought I was the Messiah. Then you would certainly not tell me” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἐὰν…ἐρωτήσω

The implicit meaning is that Jesus would question them about whether they thought he was the Messiah. Alternate translation: “suppose I asked you whether you thought I was the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 22:69

ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν

Alternate translation: “after this”

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

Here Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated the title Son of Man in 5:24. Alternate translation: “I, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔσται…καθήμενος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “will sit” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ Θεοῦ

To sit at the right hand … of God means to receive great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “in a place of honor next to the all-powerful God” (See: Symbolic Action)

τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ Θεοῦ

This expression is like a hendiadys, in which two nouns are used together and one of them describes the other. Alternate translation: “the powerful God” or “the all-powerful God” (See: Hendiadys)

Luke 22:70

σὺ οὖν εἶ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

The council asked this question because they wanted Jesus to confirm explicitly their understanding that he was saying he was the Son of God. Alternate translation: “So when you said that, did you mean that you are the Son of God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title that Jesus deserves, even though the elders did not think he deserved it. (See: Translating Son and Father)

ὑμεῖς λέγετε ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι

This is an idiom. Jesus is using it to acknowledge that what the elders are asking about is true. Alternate translation: “Yes, it is just as you say” (See: Idiom)

Luke 22:71

τί ἔτι ἔχομεν μαρτυρίας χρείαν?

The elders are using the question form for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate their words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “We have no further need for testimony!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί ἔτι ἔχομεν μαρτυρίας χρείαν?

The implications are that no further testimony is needed to prove a charge of blasphemy. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “We have no further need for testimony to prove a charge of blasphemy!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔχομεν…αὐτοὶ…ἠκούσαμεν

The elders are speaking to one another about themselves, so we and ourselves would be exclusive, if your language marks that form. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

αὐτοὶ γὰρ ἠκούσαμεν ἀπὸ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you put this phrase before the previous phrase, as UST does, since this phrase gives the reason for the conclusion that the previous phrase states. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἠκούσαμεν ἀπὸ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

The elders are using the expression his own mouth figuratively to refer to what Jesus has just said using his mouth. Alternate translation: “we … have heard what he just said” (See: Metonymy)

ἠκούσαμεν ἀπὸ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

The implications are that what Jesus has just said proves a charge of blasphemy by itself, because Jesus has claimed to be equal with God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “we have heard him say that he is equal with God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 23

Luke 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Jesus stands trial before Pilate and Herod (23:1-25)
2. The Roman soldiers crucify Jesus (23:26-49)
3. Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus and women prepare spices (23:50-56)

Special concepts in this chapter

“The curtain of the temple was split in two”

The curtain in the temple was an important symbol that showed that people needed to have someone speak to God for them. They could not speak to God directly because all people are sinful and God hates sin. God split the curtain to show that Jesus’ people can now speak to God directly because Jesus has paid for their sins.

The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Luke 23:53) 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.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise”

There are two translation issues related to the statement, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” in 23:42.

(1) When Jesus said this to the criminal who was crucified with him, it is possible that he was using the term paradise figuratively to mean “heaven,” describing it by association with the way that it is a place of comfort and consolation. Some groups of believers would understand it that way. However, other groups of believers would say that people who express their faith in Jesus, as this criminal did, still need to wait until the final resurrection before they go to heaven, and so paradise refers to a place where such people go when they die and await the final resurrection. Be sensitive to this difference in your translation. You may decide it is best simply to use the term paradise and leave the meaning open to either understanding. (See: Metonymy)

(2) Some groups that may be active in your area, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, do not honor Jesus as the Son of God, and so they do not believe that he would have been able to promise the criminal entrance into paradise with himself that day, when they both would die. And so they translate or punctuate this so that the word today describes when Jesus is making the statement, rather than when the criminal will be in paradise. However, if that were actually the case, the Greek wording and word order would be different. The expression that introduces the statement would be, “Truly, today, I say to you,” or, “Truly I say to you today that.” The actual expression, “Truly I say to you,” occurs ten times in the book of Luke, and it always stands by itself as an introduction to a statement that follows. So today belongs with the statement, not with the introduction to the statement. Your language may have a way of making this clear, for example, by saying, “Truly I say to you, you will be with me in paradise today.”

Important textual issues in this chapter

“And he was obligated to release one to them at every feast” 23:17

This verse is not in the earliest and most accurate manuscripts of the Bible. Most scholars consider it to be a later addition for explanation. Many current versions of the Bible do not include it. Some versions put it into square brackets. We recommend that you do not translate this verse. However, if there are older versions of the Bible in your region that include this verse, you may include it.

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” 23:34

This sentence is not in the earliest and most accurate manuscripts of the Bible, and so it is likely not an original part of the Gospel of Luke. However, many scholars consider it an authentic saying of Jesus that was copied into the book at an early stage. ULT and UST include this sentence in this verse, but some other versions do not.

If you decide to include either 23:17 or the additional sentence 23:34 in your translation, you should enclose the material in square brackets to indicate that it is probably not original to Luke’s Gospel. (See: Textual Variants)

Luke 23:1

καὶ

Luke uses this word to indicate that this event came after the events he has just described. Alternate translation (as in UST): “Then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

ἅπαν τὸ πλῆθος αὐτῶν

The word whole is a generalization. Luke says in 23:51 that at least one member of the Sanhedrin did not agree that Jesus was guilty of blasphemy and should be punished. Alternate translation: “the many members of the ruling council who wanted to condemn Jesus” (See: Hyperbole)

ἀναστὰν

This means literally that they “stood up” or “stood to their feet,” but figuratively by extension it means that they adjourned the meeting and left the meeting place. Alternate translation: “ended the meeting” (See: Metonymy)

ἐπὶ τὸν Πειλᾶτον

The implication is that the Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate because they wanted Pilate to judge him. Alternate translation: “to Pilate so that Pilate would judge him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Πειλᾶτον

Pilate is the name of the man who was the Roman ruler of Judea in this time. See how you translated his name in 3:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 23:2

κατηγορεῖν αὐτοῦ

The chief priests and scribes accused Jesus of doing wrong things because they wanted Pilate to kill Jesus. But they were accusing him falsely, because Jesus had never done what they accused him of doing. For example, in 20:25, Jesus had specifically said that the Jews could pay taxes to the Roman government. To make sure that your readers are not confused, you could state explicitly that these accusations were false. Alternate translation: “to accuse him falsely” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εὕρομεν…τὸ ἔθνος ἡμῶν

The terms we and our refer only the members of the Jewish ruling council who are speaking, not to Pilate or any of the other people nearby. So in your translation, use the exclusive forms of these words, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

διαστρέφοντα τὸ ἔθνος ἡμῶν

The Jewish leaders speak figuratively of Jesus as if he were a guide who was leading someone in the wrong direction. Alternate translation: “encouraging our people to do things that are wrong” (See: Metaphor)

κωλύοντα φόρους…διδόναι

Alternate translation: “telling them not to pay taxes”

Καίσαρι

See how you translated this in 20:22. The Jewish leaders are referring figuratively to the Roman government by Caesar’s name, since he was its ruler. Alternate translation: “to the Roman government” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 23:3

ὁ…ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ ἔφη

Together the two words answering and said mean that Jesus responded to what Pilate asked him. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded” (See: Hendiadys)

σὺ λέγεις

Like the similar expression in 22:70, this is an idiom. Jesus is using it to acknowledge that what Pilate has said is true. Alternate translation: “Yes, it is as you say” (See: Idiom)

Luke 23:4

καὶ τοὺς ὄχλους

Luke uses this phrase subtly within the narrative to introduce these new characters into the story. Alternate translation: “and to the crowds that had gathered there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

οὐδὲν εὑρίσκω αἴτιον ἐν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ τούτῳ

Pilate means implicitly no cause to convict Jesus of a crime and punish him. Alternate translation: “I do not find this man to be guilty of anything” or “I find no grounds for conviction in this man’s case” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 23:5

οἱ…ἐπίσχυον

The pronoun they refers to the Jewish leaders who had brought Jesus to Pilate for trial. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders kept insisting” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἀνασείει τὸν λαὸν

The Jewish leaders speak figuratively as if Jesus were stirring a pot and putting in motion things that had been lying quietly on the bottom. They mean that he is encouraging rebellion. Alternate translation: “He encourages the people to rebel” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας ἕως ὧδε

It might be helpful to make this a new sentence. Alternate translation: “He began causing trouble in Galilee, and he has done so all the way to here”

Luke 23:6

Πειλᾶτος…ἀκούσας

As the rest of the verse shows, this refers implicitly to Pilate hearing that Jesus had begun teaching in Galilee. Alternate translation: “when Pilate heard that Jesus had begun to teach in Galilee” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπηρώτησεν εἰ ὁ ἄνθρωπος Γαλιλαῖός ἐστιν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could represent this as a direct quotation, as UST does. (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

ὁ ἄνθρωπος

The term the man refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 23:7

ἐπιγνοὺς ὅτι

The implication is that the Jewish leaders answered Pilate’s question and confirmed that Jesus came from Galilee. Alternate translation: “when the Jewish leaders confirmed to Pilate that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐκ τῆς ἐξουσίας Ἡρῴδου ἐστὶν

The implication is that Jesus was under Herod’s authority because Herod was the ruler of Galilee. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus was under the authority of Herod, since Herod ruled over Galilee” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀνέπεμψεν αὐτὸν πρὸς Ἡρῴδην

The implication seems to be that Pilate used these grounds to get someone else to decide Jesus’ case. He did not want to decide it himself, because he would either have to release someone the Jewish leaders wanted condemned or else condemn someone he knew was innocent. Alternate translation: “he referred Jesus’ case to Herod so that he would not have to decide it himself” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν ταύταις ταῖς ἡμέραις

Luke is using the term days figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at that time” (See: Idiom)

Luke 23:8

θέλων ἰδεῖν αὐτὸν…διὰ τὸ ἀκούειν περὶ αὐτοῦ

In these phrases, he refers to Herod and him refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “wanting to see Jesus … because he had heard about Jesus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἤλπιζέν τι σημεῖον ἰδεῖν ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ γινόμενον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Herod wanted to see Jesus perform a miracle” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 23:9

ἐπηρώτα…αὐτὸν ἐν λόγοις ἱκανοῖς

Luke is using the term words figuratively to refer to what Herod said as he questioned Jesus. Alternate translation: “Herod asked Jesus many questions” (See: Metonymy)

οὐδὲν ἀπεκρίνατο αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could make the verb negative and the object positive here. Alternate translation: “Jesus did not say anything in reply”

Luke 23:10

ἵστήκεισαν

Alternate translation: “were standing there”

εὐτόνως κατηγοροῦντες αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “insisting strongly that Jesus was guilty of doing wrong”

Luke 23:11

ἐξουθενήσας…αὐτὸν

This does not mean that Herod hated Jesus, but that he treated him as if he were worthless. Alternate translation: “humiliated him”

περιβαλὼν ἐσθῆτα λαμπρὰν

Herod and his soldiers did this to mock Jesus and to make fun of him, so be sure that your readers do not get the impression that they did this to honor or care for Jesus. Alternate translation: “Dressing him mockingly in beautiful clothes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 23:12

ἐγένοντο…φίλοι ὅ τε Ἡρῴδης καὶ ὁ Πειλᾶτος ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ μετ’ ἀλλήλων

Luke does not say specifically why these two men became friends. This could mean: (1) Pilate had shown Herod courtesy by respecting his jurisdiction over Jesus. Alternate translation: “Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day because Pilate had respectfully sent Jesus to Herod to judge him” (2) they realized that they agreed in their opinion about Jesus. They both felt that he was not guilty of doing wrong, but they also felt they could mistreat him as a way of asserting their power and authority over someone the people considered a leader. Alternate translation: “Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day because they had both responded to Jesus in the same way” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

προϋπῆρχον γὰρ ἐν ἔχθρᾳ ὄντες πρὸς αὑτούς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this clause first in the verse, as UST does, since it gives the reason for the results that the rest of the verse describes. These two men had to become friends because they had not been friends previously. Alternate translation, as the beginning of the verse, replacing “Then”: “Before this Herod and Pilate had been enemies, but now” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 23:13

τὸν λαὸν

This is a further reference reintroducing these participants, whom Luke first introduced subtly in 23:4. It is not likely that Pilate asked a crowd to gather. Instead, the crowd was probably still there waiting to see what would happen to Jesus. Alternate translation: “the crowd of people that was still there” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Luke 23:14

εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς, προσηνέγκατέ μοι τὸν ἄνθρωπον τοῦτον

By this man, Pilate means Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “said to them about Jesus, ‘You brought this man to me’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὡς ἀποστρέφοντα τὸν λαόν

Here Pilate uses a figurative term that is similar to the one that the council members use in 23:2 when they accuse Jesus of “misleading” the Jewish nation, meaning that he was encouraging them to do wrong things. The slightly different term that Pilate uses to summarize their charges means that they accused Jesus of turning the people away from their duties to the Roman Empire. It does not mean that Jesus refused to welcome people who came to him for help. Alternate translation: “saying that he encourages the people to be disloyal to the Roman Empire” (See: Metaphor)

ἰδοὺ

Pilate uses the term behold to get the Jewish leaders and the crowd to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “indeed” (See: Metaphor)

ἐγὼ ἐνώπιον ὑμῶν ἀνακρίνας

For emphasis, since he is declaring Jesus innocent, Pilate uses the personal pronoun I here when it would not ordinarily be required in Greek. If your language uses pronouns in this same way, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐγὼ ἐνώπιον ὑμῶν ἀνακρίνας, οὐθὲν εὗρον

The term before figuratively means “in the presence” of another person. Alternate translation: “I have questioned him in your presence, and I have found nothing” (See: Metaphor)

ἐγὼ ἐνώπιον ὑμῶν ἀνακρίνας, οὐθὲν εὗρον

The implication is that the Jewish leaders were witnesses to the proceedings. Alternate translation: “I have questioned him with you present as witnesses, and I have found nothing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐθὲν εὗρον ἐν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ τούτῳ αἴτιον ὧν κατηγορεῖτε κατ’ αὐτοῦ

See how you translated the similar expression in 23:4. Alternate translation: “found no grounds to convict this man on the charges you are making against him”

Luke 23:15

ἀλλ’ οὐδὲ Ἡρῴδης

Here Pilate is speaking in an abbreviated way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could clarify his meaning by adding information from the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “But Herod did not find any grounds to convict him either” (See: Ellipsis)

ἀνέπεμψεν γὰρ αὐτὸν πρὸς ἡμᾶς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this clause first in the verse, as UST does, since it gives the reason why it is clear that Herod did not consider Jesus guilty. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

πρὸς ἡμᾶς

Pilate means that Herod sent Jesus back not just to him and his soldiers, but also to the Jewish leaders who were the accusers in this trial. Since Pilate is speaking specifically to those leaders (he says in the previous verse, “You brought this man to me”), the word us includes the addressees. So it would be inclusive, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

οὐδὲν ἄξιον θανάτου ἐστὶν πεπραγμένον αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “he has not done anything to deserve being put to death” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 23:16

παιδεύσας οὖν αὐτὸν, ἀπολύσω

Your readers may find this hard to understand. Since Pilate had found Jesus not guilty, he should have released him without punishing him. The implications are that Pilate punished Jesus anyway, even though he knew he was innocent, to try to satisfy the Jewish leaders. However, since Luke does not provide this explanation in his book, you probably should not add it to your translation. But you could make explicit that Pilate is saying he is not going to execute Jesus. Alternate translation: “So I will not execute him, but whip him, and then let him go” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

παιδεύσας…αὐτὸν

Pilate will not administer this punishment personally. Rather, he will have his soldiers do it. Alternate translation: “after having my soldiers whip him” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 23:17

Ἀνάγκην δὲ εἶχεν ἀπολύειν αὐτοῖς κατὰ ἑορτὴν ἕνα

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include this verse in your translation. The notes below discuss translation issues in the verse, for those who decide to include it. (See: Textual Variants)

δὲ

This verse uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what is happening. In the previous verse, Pilate was saying that Jesus would be the prisoner he was obligated to release. But in the next verse, the crowd shouts for him to release a different man instead. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

Ἀνάγκην…εἶχεν

The pronoun he refers to Pilate. Alternate translation: “Pilate was obligated” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἕνα

This verse is using the adjective one as a noun. In context, the term clearly means one prisoner. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can supply the noun for clarity, as ULT does. (See: Nominal Adjectives)

κατὰ ἑορτὴν

This verse uses the general term feast to mean one feast in particular, Passover. Alternate translation: “during each Passover celebration” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 23:18

ἀνέκραγον…πανπληθεὶ

The pronoun they refers to the people in the crowd. Alternate translation: “the people in the crowd shouted together” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

αἶρε τοῦτον

This is an imperative, but since the crowd cannot command Pilate to do this, you can translate it as an expression of what they want. Alternate translation: “We want you to execute this man” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἀπόλυσον δὲ ἡμῖν τὸν Βαραββᾶν

This is another imperative, and since the crowd cannot command Pilate to do this either, you can also translate it as an expression of what they want. Alternate translation: “and we want you to set Barabbas free instead” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἀπόλυσον…ἡμῖν

When the people in the crowd say us, they are referring to themselves only, not to Pilate and his soldiers as well. So if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive us, you would use the exclusive form here. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Βαραββᾶν

Barabbas is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 23:19

ὅστις ἦν διὰ στάσιν τινὰ γενομένην ἐν τῇ πόλει καὶ φόνον, βληθεὶς ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ

Luke provides this background information to explain to his readers who Barabbas was. Alternate translation: “Now Barabbas was a man whom the Romans had put in prison because he had led a rebellion in Jerusalem and he had killed people” (See: Background Information)

ὅστις ἦν…βληθεὶς ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “The Romans had put him in prison” (See: Active or Passive)

διὰ στάσιν τινὰ γενομένην ἐν τῇ πόλει

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly that Barabbas led this rebellion against the Roman government. Alternate translation: “because he had led a rebellion in Jerusalem against the Roman government” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 23:20

πάλιν…προσεφώνησεν αὐτοῖς

The pronoun them refers to the religious leaders who had accused Jesus and the crowd that was shouting for him to be executed. Alternate translation: “spoke again to the religious leaders and to the people in the crowd” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

θέλων ἀπολῦσαι τὸν Ἰησοῦν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this phrase before the previous one, as UST does, since it gives the reason why Pilate spoke to the leaders and the crowd again. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 23:21

σταύρου, σταύρου αὐτόν

As a note to 14:27 explains, the Romans executed some criminals by nailing them to a wooden beam with crossbar and setting the beam upright so that the criminals would slowly suffocate. That was what it meant to crucify someone. Alternate translation: “Nail him to a cross! Execute him!” (See: Translate Unknowns)

σταύρου, σταύρου αὐτόν

This is an imperative, but since the crowd cannot command Pilate to do this, you can translate it as an expression of what they want. Alternate translation: “We want you to nail him to a cross to execute him!” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

Luke 23:22

ὁ…τρίτον εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “Pilate spoke to the crowd again, for time number three” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

τί γὰρ κακὸν ἐποίησεν οὗτος?

Pilate does not expect the crowd to tell him what Jesus has done wrong. Rather, he is using the question form to emphasize to the crowd that Jesus is innocent. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “There is no reason to execute this man, because he has not done anything wrong!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐδὲν αἴτιον θανάτου εὗρον ἐν αὐτῷ

Alternate translation: “I have not found any grounds to convict him of a crime for which he should be executed”

παιδεύσας οὖν αὐτὸν, ἀπολύσω

See the note to this same sentence in 23:16. Pilate should have released Jesus without punishment, because he was innocent. It seems that Pilate decided to punish Jesus anyway to try to satisfy the Jewish leaders. However, since Luke does not provide this explanation in his book, you probably should not add it to your translation. But you could make explicit that Pilate is saying he is not going to execute Jesus. Alternate translation: “So I will not execute him, but whip him, and then let him go” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

παιδεύσας…αὐτὸν, ἀπολύσω

Pilate is not going to administer this punishment personally. Rather, he will have his soldiers do it. Alternate translation: “I will have my soldiers whip him, and then I will release him” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 23:23

φωναῖς μεγάλαις

Luke is describing the shouts of the crowd figuratively by reference to the voices that the people used to make them. Alternate translation: “with loud shouts” (See: Metonymy)

αὐτὸν σταυρωθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “that Pilate have his soldiers crucify Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

κατίσχυον αἱ φωναὶ αὐτῶν

Luke speaks figuratively of the voices as if they were a living thing that actively overcame Pilate’s reluctance. Alternate translation: “the crowd kept shouting until they convinced Pilate” (See: Personification)

Luke 23:24

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Because the people in the crowd overcame his reluctance with their shouts, Pilate agreed to do what they wanted. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

γενέσθαι τὸ αἴτημα αὐτῶν

Alternate translation: “to do what the crowd was demanding”

Luke 23:25

τὸν…βεβλημένον εἰς φυλακὴν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly that this means Barabbas. Alternate translation: “Barabbas, whom the Romans had put in prison” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

βεβλημένον εἰς φυλακὴν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “whom the Romans had put in prison” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸν δὲ Ἰησοῦν παρέδωκεν τῷ θελήματι αὐτῶν

Luke speaks figuratively of the will of the people as if it were a living thing into whose custody Pilate delivered Jesus. Alternate translation: “but he ordered his soldiers to do to Jesus what the crowd had demanded” (See: Personification)

Luke 23:26

ὡς ἀπήγαγον αὐτόν

Alternate translation: “while the soldiers were leading Jesus away from where Pilate had judged him”

ἐπιλαβόμενοι Σίμωνά…ἐπέθηκαν

Luke assumes that his readers will know that Roman soldiers had the authority to compel people to carry their loads. Be sure that your translation does not suggest that the soldiers arrested Simon or that he had done anything wrong. Alternate translation: “making use of their authority, they conscripted Simon … and put” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Σίμωνά, τινα Κυρηναῖον ἐρχόμενον ἀπ’ ἀγροῦ

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could treat this information about this man, where he was from, and what he was doing as background information and put it first in the verse, as UST does. (See: Background Information)

Σίμωνά, τινα Κυρηναῖον

Luke uses this phrase to introduce this new character into the story. Alternate translation: “a man named Simon, who was from the city of Cyrene” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Σίμωνά

Simon is the name of a man. See how you translated it in 4:38. (It is the same name there, even though it is the name of a different person.) (See: How to Translate Names)

Κυρηναῖον

The term Cyrenean is a name that refers to a person who is from the city of Cyrene. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐρχόμενον ἀπ’ ἀγροῦ

Alternate translation: “who was coming into Jerusalem from the countryside”

ἐπέθηκαν αὐτῷ τὸν σταυρὸν

Alternate translation: “the soldiers put the cross on his shoulders”

ὄπισθεν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

Alternate translation: “and made him walk along behind Jesus carrying it”

Luke 23:27

ἠκολούθει…αὐτῷ πολὺ πλῆθος τοῦ λαοῦ, καὶ γυναικῶν

The women were part of the large crowd. They were not in a separate crowd of their own. Alternate translation: “a great crowd of people, which included women, was following him”

καὶ γυναικῶν αἳ ἐκόπτοντο καὶ ἐθρήνουν αὐτόν

Luke provides this background information to help readers understand what happens next, when Jesus speaks to these women. It might be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Now the crowd included women who were mourning and wailing for Jesus” (See: Background Information)

ἐκόπτοντο

See the note to this term at 8:52, and see how you translated it there. It could mean that the women were pounding on their chests as a sign of grief, as was customary in this culture, or it could mean more generally that they were expressing their sorrow over what was happening to Jesus. Alternate translation: “pounding on their chests” (See: Symbolic Action)

ἠκολούθει…αὐτῷ

Here, the word following is not figurative. It does not mean that these people were Jesus’ disciples. Alternate translation: “were walking along behind him”

Luke 23:28

θυγατέρες Ἰερουσαλήμ

As in 13:34, Jesus is figuratively describing people who live in Jerusalem as if they were the children of the city and it was their mother. Alternate translation: “You women who live in Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor)

ἐφ’ ἑαυτὰς κλαίετε, καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν

Jesus does not say specifically why the women should weep for themselves and for their children, but the implication from what he says in 23:31 is that they should weep because even worse things are going to happen to them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “weep for yourselves and for your children, because even worse things are going to happen to you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 23:29

ὅτι

Jesus is giving the reason why the women of Jerusalem should weep for themselves and their children, as he told them to do in the previous verse. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could put this reason before the result by combining this verse and the previous one into a verse bridge. See the suggestions in the note about the similar situation in 22:16 for how you might do this. (See: Verse Bridges)

ἰδοὺ

Jesus is using the term behold to get the women to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “indeed” (See: Metaphor)

ἔρχονται ἡμέραι ἐν αἷς

Jesus is using the term days figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “there will be a time when” (See: Idiom)

ἐν αἷς ἐροῦσιν

Here Jesus is using the pronoun they in an indefinite sense. He does not have specific individuals in mind. Alternate translation: “when people will say” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐροῦσιν, μακάριαι αἱ στεῖραι, καὶ αἱ κοιλίαι αἳ οὐκ ἐγέννησαν, καὶ μαστοὶ οἳ οὐκ ἔθρεψαν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “people will say that women are fortunate if they never had children, if they never gave birth or nursed babies” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

αἱ στεῖραι, καὶ αἱ κοιλίαι αἳ οὐκ ἐγέννησαν, καὶ μαστοὶ οἳ οὐκ ἔθρεψαν

After speaking of women who were barren, that is, who did not have children, Jesus describes the same women in more detail. He is likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine these phrases, as UST does. (See: Parallelism)

αἱ κοιλίαι αἳ οὐκ ἐγέννησαν, καὶ μαστοὶ οἳ οὐκ ἔθρεψαν

These are two figures of speech in which Jesus is using one part of a person to represent the entire person. Alternate translation: “women who have never given birth or nursed” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 23:30

τότε

Here, then does not mean that people would say this after what they said in the previous verse. Rather, it means that they would say this at the same time that they were saying that. Alternate translation: “At that time” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)

ἄρξονται λέγειν

Here Jesus is likely using the pronoun they in an indefinite sense, as in the previous verse. He probably does not have specific individuals in mind. However, the general reference may be to the people of Jerusalem, as UST suggests. Alternate translation: “people will begin to say” or “the people of Jerusalem will begin to say” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

λέγειν τοῖς ὄρεσιν, πέσετε ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς; καὶ τοῖς βουνοῖς, καλύψατε ἡμᾶς

Jesus is saying that at this time people will figuratively address something they know cannot hear them in order to express in a strong way what they are feeling. Alternate translation: “to say that they wished the mountains would fall on them and the hills would cover them” (See: Apostrophe)

λέγειν τοῖς ὄρεσιν, πέσετε ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς; καὶ τοῖς βουνοῖς, καλύψατε ἡμᾶς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “to tell the mountains to fall on them and the hills to cover them” (See: Quotes within Quotes)

πέσετε ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς…καλύψατε ἡμᾶς

This is an imperative, but since the people cannot order the mountains and hills to do this, they would be using the imperative to express their wishes. Alternate translation: “We wish you would fall on us … We wish you would cover us” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

πέσετε ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς…καλύψατε ἡμᾶς

The people do not want the mountains and hills to fall on them to harm them, but rather to protect them. Alternate translation: “We wish you would fall on us to protect us … We wish you would cover us to protect us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πέσετε ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς…καλύψατε ἡμᾶς

When the people say us, they are referring to themselves only, not to the mountains and hills as well. So here, use the exclusive form of us if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Luke 23:31

ὅτι εἰ ἐν τῷ ὑγρῷ ξύλῳ, ταῦτα ποιοῦσιν; ἐν τῷ ξηρῷ, τί γένηται?

This is a figure of speech based on the idea that dry wood catches fire much more easily than moist wood. The fire, in turn, represents terrible things that people will experience. Jesus is saying that under the present relatively stable conditions, it was difficult for his enemies to arrest him and sentence him to death. In the future, conditions will become so desperate and chaotic that people will be able to do much worse things much more easily. He is probably referring to what conditions will be like during the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, which he described in 21:20-24. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the meaning of this metaphor in your translation, and you could represent the metaphor itself as a simile, as UST does. Alternate translation: “If people are able to do this when conditions are good, what will they do when conditions become very bad?” (See: Metaphor)

ὅτι εἰ ἐν τῷ ὑγρῷ ξύλῳ, ταῦτα ποιοῦσιν; ἐν τῷ ξηρῷ, τί γένηται?

Jesus does not expect the women to tell him what people will do in the future. Rather, he is using the question form for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Since people are doing this when conditions are good, they will certainly do much worse when conditions become very bad!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ταῦτα ποιοῦσιν

Here Jesus is using the pronoun they in an indefinite sense. Alternate translation: “people are doing these things” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐν τῷ ὑγρῷ ξύλῳ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “when the wood is fresh” or “when the wood is wet” (See: Idiom)

ξύλῳ

Jesus is using the term tree figuratively to refer to wood that comes from a tree. Alternate translation: “wood” (See: Metonymy)

ξύλῳ

A tree is a large plant with a hard exterior that people use for fuel and as building material. If your readers would not know what a tree is, or if people do not use wood from a tree as fuel in your area, you could use the name of something else that they use for fuel, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “burning material” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν τῷ ξηρῷ

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “when the wood is dry” (See: Idiom)

ἐν τῷ ξηρῷ

Jesus is using the adjective dry as a noun. In context, the term means dry wood. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can supply the noun for clarity. Alternate translation: “with dry wood” or “when the wood is dry” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 23:32

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Background Information)

ἤγοντο…καὶ ἕτεροι κακοῦργοι δύο σὺν αὐτῷ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who was doing the action. Alternate translation: “with him the soldiers were also leading away two other men, who were criminals,” (See: Active or Passive)

ἤγοντο…καὶ ἕτεροι κακοῦργοι δύο

If your language does use passive verb forms, and if it also uses a dual form, this verb should be in the dual form if it is passive, since the two criminals would be the subject. (See: Verbs)

ἤγοντο δὲ καὶ ἕτεροι κακοῦργοι δύο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce these new characters into the story. Alternate translation: “And there were two other men, who were criminals, who were also being led away” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

ἕτεροι κακοῦργοι δύο

This does not mean “two other criminals,” which would imply that Jesus was also a criminal. Jesus was innocent, even though the Romans were treating him as if he were a criminal. Be sure that this distinction is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “two other men, who actually were criminals” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

ἀναιρεθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “so that they could execute them” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 23:33

ὅτε ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὸν τόπον

The pronoun they includes the soldiers, the criminals, and Jesus. Alternate translation: “when they all arrived at the place” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

τὸν καλούμενον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that people call” (See: Active or Passive)

Κρανίον

The Skull is the name of a place. Even though it consists of an article and a common noun, translate it following the conventions of your language for names. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτὸν

In this case the pronoun they refers to the Roman soldiers. Alternate translation: “the Roman soldiers crucified Jesus” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτὸν

See how you translated the term “crucify” in 23:21. Alternate translation: “the Roman soldiers nailed Jesus to a cross to execute him” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὃν μὲν ἐκ δεξιῶν, ὃν δὲ ἐξ ἀριστερῶν

Luke is using the adjectives right and left as nouns to indicate locations. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can supply a noun such as “side” for clarity. Alternate translation: “they crucified one criminal at Jesus’ right side and the other criminal at Jesus’ left side” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 23:34

See the discussion of textual issues at the end of the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to include this sentence in your translation. The next four notes below discuss translation issues in the sentence, for those who decide to include it. (See: Textual Variants)

δὲ

Luke uses this word to introduce a contrast between what the Roman soldiers were doing to Jesus and the way in which Jesus responded. It would appropriate to indicate a strong contrast here. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of the phrases in Jesus’ prayer, since the first phrase gives the reason for the result that Jesus is requesting in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “Father, they do not know what they are doing, so please forgive them” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a request, rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “please forgive them” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

διαμεριζόμενοι δὲ τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ, ἔβαλον κλῆρον

The pronoun they refers to the Roman soldiers. Alternate translation: “Then the Roman soldiers threw lots to decide which of them would get each piece of Jesus’ clothing” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἔβαλον κλῆρον

The term lots refers to objects with different markings on various sides that were used to decide randomly among several possibilities. They were tossed onto the ground to see which marked side would come up on top. If your readers would not be familiar with lots, you could state that they were “something like dice,” as UST does. But if your readers would also not be familiar with dice, then you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the Roman soldiers gambled” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Luke 23:35

καὶ ἵστήκει, ὁ λαὸς θεωρῶν ἐξεμυκτήριζον, δὲ καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες

The implication is that the people who stood by watching were also ridiculing Jesus. Alternate translation: “People had come to watch the crucifixion and they ridiculed Jesus, and the Jewish leaders ridiculed him as well” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ ἄρχοντες

Rulers refers specifically to the Jewish leaders, not to the Roman rulers of the area. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄλλους ἔσωσεν

Here the Jewish leaders are using irony. They do not really believe that Jesus saved other people. Alternate translation: “He supposedly saved other people” (See: Irony)

ἄλλους ἔσωσεν

In context, the Jewish leaders are implicitly referring to how Jesus saved others by doing miracles on their behalf. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “He supposedly saved other people by doing miracles for them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἄλλους ἔσωσεν, σωσάτω ἑαυτόν, εἰ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Χριστὸς, τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ ἐκλεκτός

The Jewish leaders are mockingly suggesting a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose he really is the Messiah whom God has sent. Then he ought to be able to save himself; after all, he supposedly saved others” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

σωσάτω ἑαυτόν

The implication is that Jesus ought to be able to save himself from dying on the cross, if he is the Messiah and can do miracles. Alternate translation: “let him do a miracle to save himself from dying on the cross” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ ἐκλεκτός

The leaders are using the adjective Chosen as a noun. ULT adds the term One to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate the term with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the One whom God has chosen” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ὁ ἐκλεκτός

This is a title, not a description, so translate it following the conventions in your language for titles, for example, by capitalizing the main words. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 23:36

ἐνέπαιξαν δὲ αὐτῷ καὶ οἱ στρατιῶται, προσερχόμενοι ὄξος προσφέροντες αὐτῷ

Luke does not say specifically in what way the soliders mocked Jesus by offering him vinegar, that is, the sour wine that was their common drink. This could mean: (1) since Luke records in the next verse that the soldiers spoke of Jesus being the “king of the Jews,” the common drink may have been intended to show that they did not really believe he was a king, since a king would have drunk fine wine. Alternate translation: “Then the soldiers also mocked him by coming and offering him cheap sour wine, which was not what a real king would drink” (2) the soldiers may have mocked Jesus just by offering him something to drink, but then not giving it to him, even though he would have been very thirsty. Alternate translation: “Then the soldiers also mocked him by coming and offering him some of their sour wine but then not giving him any to drink” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 23:37

εἰ σὺ εἶ ὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων, σῶσον σεαυτόν

The soldiers are mockingly suggesting a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Suppose you really are the King of the Jews. Then save yourself” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

σῶσον σεαυτόν

The implication is that Jesus ought to be able to save himself from dying on the cross. Alternate translation: “do a miracle to save yourself from dying on that cross” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 23:38

ἦν δὲ καὶ ἐπιγραφὴ ἐπ’ αὐτῷ

Luke is referring figuratively to a placard that the soldiers placed above Jesus by association with the fact that it bore an inscription, that is, something that the soldiers had written on it. Alternate translation: “The soldiers also attached a placard at the top of Jesus’ cross on which they had written” (See: Metonymy)

ἦν δὲ καὶ ἐπιγραφὴ ἐπ’ αὐτῷ

The soliders did not really believe that Jesus was the King of the Jews. Rather, putting up this placard was another of the ways in which they mocked him. So the sign said the opposite of what the people who wrote it actually believed. Alternate translation: “the soldiers also attached a placard at the top of Jesus’ cross on which they had written mockingly” (See: Irony)

Luke 23:39

κρεμασθέντων

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “whom the soldiers had hung on a cross next to Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐβλασφήμει αὐτόν

As in 22:65, the term blasphemed here likely has the general sense of “insulted,” although technically this criminal was guilty of blasphemy in the more specific sense, since he was suggesting that Jesus was not the Messiah. Alternate translation: “insulted him”

οὐχὶ σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστός?

The criminal is using the question form to mock Jesus. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I thought you were supposed to be the Messiah!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

σῶσον σεαυτὸν καὶ ἡμᾶς

The criminal did not really think that Jesus could rescue himself and the two criminals from dying by crucifixion. Instead, he is telling Jesus to do this in order to suggest that Jesus actually cannot do it. So he is saying the opposite of what he actually believes. Alternate translation: “But it looks like you can’t save yourself or us” (See: Irony)

ἡμᾶς

Since this criminal is using the term us to mean himself and the other criminal, but not Jesus, the term us would be exclusive here, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Luke 23:40

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ ἕτερος ἐπιτιμῶν αὐτῷ ἔφη

Together the two words answering and said mean that the second criminal rebuked the first one in response to what he said to Jesus. You could combine these words into a single expression. Alternate translation: “But the other criminal responded, rebuking him” (See: Hendiadys)

ὁ ἕτερος

Luke is using the adjective other as a noun in order to indicate a particular person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can supply the noun “criminal” for clarity. Alternate translation: “the other criminal” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

οὐδὲ φοβῇ σὺ τὸν Θεόν, ὅτι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ κρίματι εἶ?

The second criminal does not expect the first criminal to tell him whether he fears God. Rather, the second criminal is using the question form to rebuke the first criminal. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You ought to fear God, since you are dying on a cross just as he is!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐδὲ φοβῇ σὺ τὸν Θεόν, ὅτι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ κρίματι εἶ?

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could bring out the implications of this statement more explicitly. Alternate translation: “You ought to fear God and show more respect for this godly man, since you are dying on a cross just as he is, and you will soon have to face God and answer for your actions!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ κρίματι εἶ

The second criminal is using the word judgment figuratively to mean the punishment to which the first criminal was sentenced when the Romans pronounced judgment on him. Alternate translation: “you are being executed on a cross just as he is” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 23:41

ἡμεῖς…ἐπράξαμεν…ἀπολαμβάνομεν

The second criminal, speaking to the first criminal, is using the term we to mean himself and the first criminal. So we would be inclusive in all these cases, if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἡμεῖς…ἐπράξαμεν…ἀπολαμβάνομεν

Since the term we refers to two people here, it would be in the dual form if your language uses that form. (See: Verbs)

ἡμεῖς…δικαίως

The second criminal is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “we are receiving this punishment justly” (See: Ellipsis)

ἄξια…ὧν ἐπράξαμεν

The second criminal is using the adjective worthy as a noun. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “a just punishment for what we did” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

οὗτος

The second criminal is using the adjective this as a noun in order to indicate a particular person, Jesus. ULT supplies the noun one to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “this man” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 23:42

καὶ ἔλεγεν

The pronoun he refers to the second criminal, who continues speaking, now to Jesus. Alternate translation: “The second criminal then said” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

μνήσθητί μου

As in 1:72, the word remember here figuratively describes Jesus thinking about this second criminal and considering what action he can take on his behalf. It does not suggest that Jesus would forget about him. Alternate translation: “do what you can to help me” (See: Idiom)

μνήσθητί μου

This is an imperative, but it should be translated as a polite request rather than as a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “please do what you can to help me” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ὅταν ἔλθῃς ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου

To come into a kingdom means to begin to rule as king, as UST indicates. Alternate translation: “when you begin to rule as king” (See: Idiom)

Luke 23:43

εἶπεν αὐτῷ

The pronoun he refers to Jesus, and the pronoun him refers to the second criminal. Alternate translation: “Jesus said to this criminal” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἀμήν, σοι λέγω

Jesus says this to emphasize what he is about to tell the criminal. Alternate translation: “I can assure you”

σήμερον μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἔσῃ ἐν τῷ Παραδείσῳ

See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of how the term today belongs with this promise that Jesus is making to the criminal, and not with the introduction to the statement. Alternate translation: “you will be with me in paradise today”

τῷ Παραδείσῳ

See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of the term paradise. Alternate translation: “in the place where people whom God has accepted go when they die”

Luke 23:44

καὶ ἦν ἤδη

Luke uses this phrase to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. He explains that it was about noon so that readers will appreciate how extraordinary it was that the entire sky became dark. Alternate translation: “Now by this time it was” (See: Background Information)

ὡσεὶ ὥρα ἕκτη

In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six o’clock in the morning. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation: “about noon”

ὡσεὶ ὥρα ἕκτη

If you decide to translate this in the way that the biblical culture reckoned time, but your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “around hour six” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

σκότος ἐγένετο ἐφ’ ὅλην τὴν γῆν

The term translated as land could refer to: (1) a particular area. Alternate translation, as in UST: “it became dark throughout that whole area” (2) the earth. Alternate translation: “darkness covered the entire earth”

σκότος ἐγένετο ἐφ’ ὅλην τὴν γῆν

This could also be a figurative reference to the sky, since it is over the land. Alternate translation: “the entire sky became dark” (See: Metonymy)

ἕως ὥρας ἐνάτης

This phrase also expresses the way people in this culture began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six o’clock in the morning. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation: “until three o’clock in the afternoon”

ἕως ὥρας ἐνάτης

If you decide to translate this in the way that the biblical culture reckoned time, but your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “until hour nine” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Luke 23:45

τοῦ ἡλίου ἐκλειπόντος

This means figuratively that the sun, as if it were an active agent, failed to give its light. Luke is speaking from an observational perspective. The sun was still shining above the darkness, but its light could not be seen through the darkness. Alternate translation: “It was too dark even to see the light of the sun” (See: Personification)

ἐσχίσθη δὲ τὸ καταπέτασμα τοῦ ναοῦ μέσον

See the General Notes to this chapter for an explanation of the symbolic significance of this action. (See: Symbolic Action)

τὸ καταπέτασμα τοῦ ναοῦ

Luke assumes that his readers will know that he is referring to the curtain that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple. Alternate translation: “the curtain in front of the Most Holy Place” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐσχίσθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you can express this with an active form, and you can state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God tore” (See: Active or Passive)

μέσον

The implication, as the General Notes to this chapter explain, is that God tearing the curtain opened the way into the Most Holy Place. And so in the middle means not “across the middle,” from side to side, but “down through the middle,” from top to bottom. Alternate translation: “into two pieces, from top to bottom” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 23:46

φωνήσας φωνῇ μεγάλῃ

This is an idiom that means Jesus raised the volume of his voice. Alternate translation: “crying out loudly” (See: Idiom)

Πάτερ

Father is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God my Father” (See: Translating Son and Father)

εἰς χεῖράς σου παρατίθεμαι τὸ Πνεῦμά μου

Jesus is using God’s hands figuratively to represent God’s care. Alternate translation: “I give my spirit to you, knowing you will care for it” (See: Metonymy)

τὸ Πνεῦμά μου

The spirit of a person lives on after they die. So you could also translate this as a reference to Jesus’ life after death. Alternate translation: “my life”

ἐξέπνευσεν

Luke is describing the death of Jesus in a discreet way. Alternate translation: “he died” (See: Euphemism)

Luke 23:47

ὁ ἑκατοντάρχης

The implication is that this was the Roman officer who was in charge of the other Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus. Alternate translation: “the Roman officer in charge of the crucifixion” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὸ γενόμενον

This expression is singular and so it refers to the immediately preceding event, the death of Jesus. (The expression is plural in the next verse, where it refers to all of the events of the crucifixiion.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “how Jesus had entrusted his spirit to God when he died” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐδόξαζεν τὸν Θεὸν λέγων

This means that the centurion glorified God by what he said. Alternate translation: “brought honor to God by saying”

ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος δίκαιος ἦν

Alternate translation: “this man had not done anything wrong”

Luke 23:48

συνπαραγενόμενοι…ἐπὶ τὴν θεωρίαν ταύτην

The term spectacle describes something that people would look at. It refers here to the crucifixion of Jesus and the two criminals. Alternate translation: “who had gathered to watch the crucifixions” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὑπέστρεφον

The implication is that the people in the crowds returned to their homes. Alternate translation: “returned to their homes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τύπτοντες τὰ στήθη

As in 18:13, this was a physical expression of great sorrow. Alternate translation: “hitting their chests to express their great sorrow” (See: Symbolic Action)

Luke 23:49

πάντες οἱ γνωστοὶ αὐτῷ

Luke is using the adjective acquainted as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. ULT adds the term ones to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “all the people who knew Jesus” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

πάντες οἱ γνωστοὶ αὐτῷ

These means implicitly all the people in the crowd that had come to watch the crucifixion who knew Jesus. It does not mean the disciples, since they had fled and were hiding. Rather, it means other people in Jerusalem who knew Jesus personally, which could include people such as the ones who lent him the colt in 19:30-33 and the one who provided the room for the Passover meal in 22:11-13. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “all the people in the crowd who knew Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

γυναῖκες αἱ συνακολουθοῦσαι αὐτῷ ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας

Here, followed does not have the figurative meaning of “became a disciple.” Rather, the implication is that the women whom Luke describes in 8:2-3, who accompanied Jesus and his disciples and provided for them out of their own means, had traveled with the group here to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the women who helped Jesus and his disciples, who had traveled with him from Galilee” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ταῦτα

Alternate translation: “what happened”

Luke 23:50

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to call the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

ἀνὴρ ὀνόματι Ἰωσὴφ, βουλευτὴς ὑπάρχων, ἀνὴρ ἀγαθὸς καὶ δίκαιος

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. It may be helpful to make this more than one sentence. Alternate translation: “there was a man named Joseph who was a member of the Sanhedrin. He was a good and righteous man” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)

Ἰωσὴφ

Joseph is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

βουλευτὴς

The term council refers implicitly to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council whose name Luke provides in 22:66. You could use that name here. If so, see how you translated it there. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀνὴρ ἀγαθὸς καὶ δίκαιος

The terms good and righteous mean similar things. Luke may be using repetition for emphasis. Alternate translation: “a very upright man” (See: Doublet)

Luke 23:51

(οὗτος οὐκ ἦν συνκατατεθειμένος τῇ βουλῇ καὶ τῇ πράξει αὐτῶν)

Luke provides this background information about Joseph to help readers understand what happens in the next verse, when Joseph asks Pilate for permission to bury Jesus’ body. It may be helpful to make this a continuation of the last sentence in the previous verse, since it also shows that Joseph was a “good and righteous man,” as that sentence says. Alternate translation: “who had not agreed with the action of the council” (See: Background Information)

τῇ βουλῇ καὶ τῇ πράξει αὐτῶν

Luke is using a figure of speech in which two nouns are connected with the word and, and one of the nouns describes the other. Alternate translation: “the action of the council” (See: Hendiadys)

τῇ βουλῇ καὶ τῇ πράξει αὐτῶν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly what this means. Alternate translation: “the decision of the Sanhedrin to condemn Jesus for blasphemy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπὸ Ἁριμαθαίας, πόλεως τῶν Ἰουδαίων

Since Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin, he had likely come to live in Jerusalem, so Luke would mean that he was originally from Arimathea. Joseph had not come from Arimathea to Jerusalem for this occasion. Alternate translation: “who was originally from Arimathea, a city in Judea” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ἁριμαθαίας

Arimathea is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὃς προσεδέχετο τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

As in 2:25 and 2:38, the term waiting does not mean passively waiting for something to happen, but eagerly anticipating something that someone wants to happen. See how you translated the term in those places. Alternate translation: “who was eagerly anticipating the coming of the kingdom of God” or “who was looking forward to the coming of the kingdom of God” (See: Idiom)

Luke 23:52

οὗτος

This one implicitly means Joseph. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that it was Joseph who went to Pilate by using his name, as UST does, or by saying “this man.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὗτος, προσελθὼν τῷ Πειλάτῳ, ᾐτήσατο τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

The implication is that Joseph requested the body of Jesus so that he could give it a proper burial. Ordinarily, to make crucifixion as gruesome a death as possible, the Romans left the dead bodies of people who had been crucified on the crosses to be eaten by wild animals, and they then burned whatever remained in the Valley of Hinnom where, as a note to 12:5 explains, refuse was thrown and fires burned continually. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain why Joseph asked for Jesus’ body. You could also specify that Pilate gave Joseph permission to bury Jesus, as UST does. Alternate translation: “This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus so that he could bury it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 23:53

καὶ

Luke uses the word And to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. When Pilate gave Joseph permission to take Jesus’ body down from the cross and bury it, Joseph did so. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐνετύλιξεν αὐτὸ σινδόνι

This was the burial custom in this culture. If your readers would not be familiar with such a custom, you could describe it more specifically, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “and he wrapped it in a fine linen burial cloth” or “and he prepared it for burial” (See: Translate Unknowns)

μνήματι λαξευτῷ

This means specifically a burial place that had been cut or chiseled out of rock, most likely into the face of a cliff, as UST suggests. You could express that more specifically, or you could use a general expression if there are no rock cliffs in your area and readers might not understand the meaning. Alternate translation: “a tomb that had been chiseled out of rock” or “a special burial place” (See: Translate Unknowns)

οὗ οὐκ ἦν οὐδεὶς οὔπω κείμενος

Here Luke uses a triple negative in Greek for emphasis, “where no one not yet had not lain.” This stresses the honor that Joseph was showing Jesus by putting his body in a tomb that was being used for the very first time. If your language uses multiple negatives for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here. You might express the emphasis in other ways, and it may also be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “No body had ever before been put in that tomb” (See: Double Negatives)

Luke 23:54

καὶ

Luke uses and to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Connect — Background Information)

ἡμέρα ἦν παρασκευῆς

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly what this day was used in preparation for. Alternate translation: “the day when people made preparations for the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest, since they could not do any work then” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Σάββατον ἐπέφωσκεν

For the Jews, the day began at sunset. But Luke speaks figuratively of this day dawning to mean that it was about to begin, even though this would happen at sunset rather than at sunrise. Alternate translation: “it was nearly sunset, when the Sabbath would begin” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 23:55

αἵτινες ἦσαν συνεληλυθυῖαι ἐκ τῆς Γαλιλαίας αὐτῷ

The expression had come out is an idiom that means to have traveled from a place. Alternate translation: “who had traveled from the region of Galilee with Jesus” (See: Idiom)

κατακολουθήσασαι

Luke is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “followed Joseph when he took the body of Jesus away” (See: Ellipsis)

τὸ μνημεῖον καὶ ὡς ἐτέθη τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ

Luke is using a figure of speech in which two phrases are connected with the word and, and one of the phrases describes the other. Alternate translation: “the tomb where Joseph laid the body of Jesus” (See: Hendiadys)

ὡς ἐτέθη τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “how Joseph laid the body of Jesus there” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 23:56

ὑποστρέψασαι

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state where the women returned. Alternate translation: “returning to the place where they were staying in Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡτοίμασαν ἀρώματα καὶ μύρα

In keeping with the burial customs of the time, the women prepared these spices and ointments to put on Jesus’ body, to honor him and to counteract the smell of decay. Alternate translation: “they prepared spices and ointments to put on Jesus’ body” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀρώματα καὶ μύρα

The spices were sweet-smelling substances that were dry, and the ointments were sweet-smelling substances that were moist. If your readers would not be familiar with spices and ointments, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “sweet-smelling substances” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἡσύχασαν

Alternate translation: “the women did not do any work”

κατὰ τὴν ἐντολήν

Alternate translation: “as Moses had commanded in the law”

Luke 24

Luke 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. The women go to Jesus’ tomb and find it empty (24:1-12)
2. Two disciples meet Jesus on a journey to Emmaus (24:13-35)
3. Jesus, risen from the dead, appears to his disciples (24:36-53)

Special concepts in this chapter

The loyalty of the women

Many of Luke’s original readers would have thought that women were less important than men. But Luke carefully demonstrates that some women who loved Jesus very much showed him greater loyalty than the twelve disciples did. While the disciples ran away and hid, the women lovingly cared for Jesus’ body, and as a result, they were the first to learn that he had risen from the dead.

Resurrection

Luke wants his readers to understand that Jesus came alive again in a physical body (Luke 24:38-43).

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“the third day”

This expression occurs three times in this chapter, in 24:7, 24:21, and 24:46. See the explanation of this expression in the note to Luke 18:33. In the idiom of this culture, today was the “first day,” tomorrow was the “second day,” and the day after tomorrow was the “third day.” By that way of reckoning time, since Jesus died on a Friday, when he rose from the dead on a Sunday, that was the “third day.”

Two men in bright shining robes

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all write about angels in white clothing speaking with the women at Jesus’ tomb. Matthew and John call them angels, while Mark and Luke call them men, but that is only because the angels appeared in human form. Luke and John write about both angels, while Matthew and Mark write about only one of them. It would be best to translate each of these passages as it appears in ULT without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)

Luke 24:1

τῇ…μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων

This implicitly means the first day of the week. Alternate translation: “on the first day of the week” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῇ…μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων

Here Luke is actually using a cardinal number, “one,” to mean first. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can also use a cardinal number here in your translation. Alternate translation: “on day one of the week” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ὄρθρου βαθέως

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “at the first light of dawn” or “as dawn was just beginning to break” (See: Idiom)

ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμα ἦλθαν

The pronoun they refers to the women whom Luke describes in 23:55-56. Alternate translation: “these women returned to the tomb” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 24:2

εὗρον…τὸν λίθον ἀποκεκυλισμένον

Alternate translation: “they saw that the stone had been rolled away”

τὸν λίθον ἀποκεκυλισμένον

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that someone had rolled away the stone” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸν λίθον

Luke assumes that his readers will know that this was a large, cut, round stone that was big enough to completely block the entrance to the tomb. It had been put in place to seal off the entrance, and it would have required several people to move it. Alternate translation: “the large stone that had been put in place at the entrance to the tomb” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 24:3

εἰσελθοῦσαι

Alternate translation: “once they entered the tomb”

οὐχ εὗρον τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

You can state explicitly that they did not find the body because it was not there. Alternate translation: “they discovered that the body of the Lord Jesus was not there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 24:4

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a significant development in this episode. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

καὶ

Luke uses this word to indicate that this event, the appearance of the two men, came after the events he has just described, the women discovering that the tomb was empty and wondering about that. Alternate translation: “then” (See: Connect — Sequential Time Relationship)

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the term behold to calls the reader’s attention to what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here. (See: Metaphor)

Luke 24:5

ἐμφόβων…γενομένων αὐτῶν…εἶπαν πρὸς αὐτάς

The first instance of they refers to the women, while the second instance refers to the men. Alternate translation: “as the women became terrified … the men said to them” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

κλινουσῶν τὰ πρόσωπα εἰς τὴν γῆν

Looking down at the ground was a gesture of respect towards these men. Alternate translation: “respectfully lowered their gaze” (See: Symbolic Action)

εἶπαν πρὸς αὐτάς

If your language uses dual forms for verbs, use that form here, since two men are speaking. (See: Verbs)

τί ζητεῖτε τὸν ζῶντα μετὰ τῶν νεκρῶν?

The men do not expect the women to tell them why they are looking for a living person in a tomb. Rather, the men are using the question form to make an announcement. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate their words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not be looking for Jesus here, because he is no longer dead, he is alive again!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸν ζῶντα μετὰ τῶν νεκρῶν

The men are using the adjectives living and dead as nouns to refer to groups of people. (The term living is actually a participle that functions here as an adjective.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “someone who is alive among the bodies of people who have died” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Luke 24:6

ἠγέρθη

The term raised is an idiom that means “brought back to life.” Alternate translation: “has been brought back to life” (See: Idiom)

ἠγέρθη

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who has done the action. Alternate translation: “God has made him alive again” (See: Active or Passive)

μνήσθητε ὡς ἐλάλησεν ὑμῖν

Alternate translation: “Remember that he said to you”

ὑμῖν

The word you is plural. It refers to the women, and possibly also to Jesus’ disciples. If your language has a form of you that includes both the addressees and a larger group besides, it would be appropriate to use it here. Alternate translation: “all of you” (See: Forms of You)

ὑμῖν, ἔτι ὢν ἐν τῇ Γαλιλαίᾳ

Alternate translation: “to you when he was still in Galilee”

Luke 24:7

λέγων…ὅτι

These words introduce an indirect quotation. You could also translate what follows as a direct quotation, as UST does. However, that would be a quotation within a quotation, and you may wish to avoid that by leaving what follows as an indirect quotation. (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου…παραδοθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “for someone to betray the Son of Man” (See: Active or Passive)

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

When Jesus said this, he was referring to himself in the third person. If you decide to represent this as a direct quotation, and if your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “me, the Son of Man” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

See how you translated this title in 5:24. Alternate translation: “him, the Messiah” or, if you are translating as a direct quotation in the first person, “me, the Messiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων ἁμαρτωλῶν

As in 9:44, hands here figuratively represent power and control. Alternate translation: “and give sinful men power over him” or, if you are translating as a direct quotation in the first person, “and give sinful men power over me” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ σταυρωθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “and for those sinful men to crucify him” or, if you are translating as a direct quotation in the first person, “and for those sinful men to crucify me” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστῆναι

See how you translated this in 9:22. Alternate translation: “and after spending the next full day in the grave, to come back to life on the day after that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “on day three” or, depending on how your culture reckons time, “on day two” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

ἀναστῆναι

Jesus spoke figuratively of coming back to life in this way, since it involved coming up out of the grave. Alternate translation: “to come back to life” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 24:8

ἐμνήσθησαν τῶν ῥημάτων αὐτοῦ

Luke is using the term words figuratively to describe the statement that Jesus made using words. Alternate translation: “the women remembered what Jesus had said” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 24:9

τοῖς ἕνδεκα

This expression is equivalent to “the Twelve,” which occurs in 8:1 and several other places in the book. See how you translated it there. Luke now says the Eleven because Judas Iscariot was no longer part of the group. You may have decided to translate the nominal adjective “Twelve” with an equivalent phrase. If so, you could do the same thing here. Alternate translation: “the 11 men who remained of those whom Jesus had appointed to be apostles” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τοῖς ἕνδεκα

Alternatively, you may have decided in 8:1 to translate “the Twelve” as a title, even if your language does not ordinarily use adjectives as nouns. If so, you can do the same thing with the Eleven here. (See: How to Translate Names)

καὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς λοιποῖς

Implicitly this means all the other disciples of Jesus who were together with the 11 apostles at that time. Alternate translation: “and to all the rest of the disciples who were with them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 24:10

δὲ

Luke uses this phrase to introduce some background information, specifically, the names of some of the women who came from the tomb and told the apostles what had happened there. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: Background Information)

Μαγδαληνὴ Μαρία

Mary is the name of a woman, and Magdalene is a distinguishing term that most likely means that she came from the town of Magdala. See how you translated this in 8:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ἰωάννα

Joanna is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Μαρία ἡ Ἰακώβου

Mary is the name of a woman, and James is the name of her son. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 24:11

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce a contrast between the exciting good news that the women were sharing and the disbelieving reaction of the people they shared it with. Alternate translation: “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα

Luke is using the term words figuratively to describe the report that the women gave using words. Alternate translation: “what the women were saying” (See: Metonymy)

ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν

Luke uses this expression, which means “in front them,” to mean “where they could see.” Seeing, in turn, figuratively means attention and judgment. Alternate translation: “in their opinion” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ

This phrase describes the result of the fact that the report seemed like nonsense to the apostles and other believers. Alternate translation: “so” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἠπίστουν αὐταῖς

The word they refers to the apostles and other believers, and the word them refers to the women. Alternate translation: “so the apostles and other believers did not believe the women” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 24:12

ἀναστὰς

This expression is an idiom that means to take initiative. It does not necessarily mean that Peter had been sitting or lying down and then stood up. Alternate translation: “taking initiative” (See: Idiom)

παρακύψας

Peter had to bend over in order to see inside the tomb because tombs cut in solid rock were very low. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “bending at the waist in order to look into the low tomb” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

βλέπει

To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in 7:40. If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he saw”

τὰ ὀθόνια μόνα

The phrase the linen cloths refers to the cloths that Joseph of Arimathea used to wrap Jesus’ body when he was buried, as described in 23:53. The implication is that the body of Jesus was no longer in the tomb. Alternate translation: “the linen cloths in which Jesus’ body had been wrapped, but the body was not there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπῆλθεν πρὸς ἑαυτὸν, θαυμάζων τὸ γεγονός

This phrase can be understood in two different ways, depending on how the words in it are grouped together. Different versions of the Bible interpret this differently. If there is already a version of the Bible in your area, see how it translates this. You may wish to translate it in the same way. Otherwise, we recommend that you follow the reading of ULT. (1) If the grouping is “he went away, to himself wondering,” then the meaning is as in ULT and UST. (2) If the grouping is “he went away to himself, wondering,” then the meaning is that Peter went back to his own home. Alternate translation: “he went away to his home, wondering what had happened”

Luke 24:13

ἰδοὺ

Luke uses the word behold to introduce a new event in the story. If your language has a similar expression that it uses for this same purpose, you can use it here. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

δύο ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, ἦσαν πορευόμενοι εἰς κώμην ἀπέχουσαν

Luke provides this background information to help readers understand what happens next. Alternate translation: “there were two disciples who were going to a distant village on that same day” (See: Background Information)

δύο ἐξ αὐτῶν

The word them refers to Jesus’ disciples, but not specifically to the apostles, since at the end of this episode, these two men return to Jerusalem and report to the apostles. Alternate translation: “two of Jesus’ disciples” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ

Alternate translation: “on the same day when the women found that the tomb was empty” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

σταδίους ἑξήκοντα ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλήμ, ᾗ ὄνομα Ἐμμαοῦς

It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “The name of the village was Emmaus, and it was 60 stadia from Jerusalem”

Ἐμμαοῦς

Emmaus is the name of a village. (See: How to Translate Names)

σταδίους ἑξήκοντα

The word stadia is the plural of “stadium,” a Roman measurement of distance equivalent to about 185 meters or a little over 600 feet. Alternate translation: “about eleven kilometers” or “about seven miles” (See: Biblical Distance)

Luke 24:14

πάντων τῶν συμβεβηκότων τούτων

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly what these things means. Alternate translation: “how Jesus had been arrested and crucified, and how the women had said his body was no longer in the tomb” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 24:15

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a significant development in this episode. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

αὐτὸς Ἰησοῦς

The word himself emphasizes the fact that it was truly Jesus who joined them as they walked. This was not a vision in which Jesus only appeared to be there. Alternate translation: “Jesus, risen from the dead” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐγγίσας, συνεπορεύετο αὐτοῖς

Alternate translation: “caught up with them and walked along with them”

Luke 24:16

οἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτῶν ἐκρατοῦντο τοῦ μὴ ἐπιγνῶναι αὐτόν

Luke uses one part of the men, their eyes, to speak figuratively of the capacity of the men themselves to recognize Jesus. Alternate translation: “But God prevented them from recognizing him” (See: Synecdoche)

οἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτῶν ἐκρατοῦντο τοῦ μὴ ἐπιγνῶναι αὐτόν

Luke uses the term held figuratively, as if someone were physically holding back the eyes, to mean “restrained.” Alternate translation: “But God prevented them from recognizing him” (See: Metaphor)

οἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτῶν ἐκρατοῦντο τοῦ μὴ ἐπιγνῶναι αὐτόν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who was doing the action. Alternate translation: “But God prevented them from recognizing him” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 24:17

αὐτούς…ἀντιβάλλετε…περιπατοῦντες…ἐστάθησαν

Since Jesus is speaking to two men, all of these expressions would be in the dual form, if your language uses that form. (Your language might even put the adjective gloomy, which is plural in Greek, in the dual, since it describes the two men.) (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

οἱ λόγοι οὗτοι οὓς ἀντιβάλλετε πρὸς ἀλλήλους

Jesus is using the term words figuratively to describe what the men had been saying using words. Alternate translation: “these things that you have been saying to one another” (See: Metonymy)

ἐστάθησαν, σκυθρωποί

Alternate translation: “they stopped walking and looked sad”

Luke 24:18

ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ εἷς ὀνόματι Κλεοπᾶς εἶπεν

Together the two words answering and said mean that Cleopas responded to what Jesus asked him. Alternate translation: “Then one named Cleopas responded” (See: Hendiadys)

Κλεοπᾶς

Cleopas is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

σὺ μόνος παροικεῖς Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ οὐκ ἔγνως τὰ γενόμενα ἐν αὐτῇ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις?

Cleopas does not expect Jesus to tell him whether he is the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know what has recently happened in the city. Rather, Cleopas is using the question form to show his surprise, since he expects that everyone would know about these events. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “You must be the only person visiting Jerusalem who does not know what has just happened in the city!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐν αὐτῇ

Conventionally, Greek referred to cities with feminine pronouns. Your language may use a different gender. You could also use a noun. Alternate translation: “in it” or “in that city” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις

Cleopas is using the term days figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at this time” or “recently” (See: Idiom)

Luke 24:19

ποῖα

This implicitly means, “What kind of things?” But by asking about the quality of the events, rather than just the fact of the events (“What things?”), Jesus is acknowledging that they must have been very special. Alternate translation: “What kind of things?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἱ…εἶπαν

Since two men are speaking, this would be in the dual form, if your language uses that form. (See: Verbs)

Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Ναζαρηνοῦ

The term Nazarene is a name that refers to a person who is from the city of Nazareth. See how you translated it in 18:37. Alternate translation: “Jesus of Nazareth” (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀνὴρ, προφήτης

This is an idiomatic way of speaking about a person in an honorable way. Alternate translation: “a distinguished prophet” (See: Idiom)

δυνατὸς ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ

The two men are using the term work figuratively to describe the things that Jesus did, and the term word figuratively to describe the things that Jesus said. Alternate translation: “who did great miracles and taught profound things” (See: Metonymy)

ἐναντίον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ

This expression means “while God and all the people were watching.” In the case of God, it means figuratively that God gave Jesus the power to do miracles and to teach profound things. In the case of the people, it means that the miracles and teachings of Jesus amazed the people when they saw and heard them. Alternate translation: “as God empowered him, to the amazement of all the people” (See: Metaphor)

παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ

This is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “great crowds of people” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 24:20

ἡμῶν

This is a reference to the Jewish leaders, and the two men likely recognize Jesus as a fellow Jew, so the word our would be inclusive here, if your language marks that form. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

παρέδωκαν αὐτὸν…εἰς κρίμα θανάτου

The men are using the judgment of death, that is, the death sentence that the Romans passed on Jesus, figuratively to represent the Romans themselves. Alternate translation: “turned him over to the Romans, who sentenced him to death” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν

The men speak as if their chief priests and rulers crucified Jesus themselves. They are speaking figuratively, describing all of the people who were responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus, including the crowds, Pilate, and the Roman soldiers by reference to the Jewish leaders, who set the process in motion by stirring up the crowds and persuading Pilate. Alternate translation: “so that he was crucified” (See: Synecdoche)

Luke 24:21

ἡμεῖς…ἠλπίζομεν

The men are speaking of themselves and likely their fellow disciples as well, but not of Jesus, so we would be exclusive here, if your language marks that form. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ὁ μέλλων λυτροῦσθαι τὸν Ἰσραήλ

See how you translated the similar expression in 2:38. The word redeem means literally to “buy back,” for example, to buy someone’s freedom from slavery, but the men are using it in a figurative sense here. Alternate translation: “the person who was going to bring God’s blessings and favor back to the people of Israel” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν Ἰσραήλ

The men are speaking of all the Israelites as if they were a single person, their ancestor, Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Personification)

ἀλλά γε καὶ σὺν πᾶσιν τούτοις

The men are speaking in an idiomatic way for emphasis. Alternate translation: “And besides all this” (See: Idiom)

τρίτην ταύτην ἡμέραν ἄγει, ἀφ’ οὗ ταῦτα ἐγένετο

By saying he is spending this third day, the men are referring to Jesus as if he were alive. However, they are actually saying how long he has been dead. They are going to tell how the women reported that his grave was empty, and they find it unbelievable that anyone who had been dead that long would have gotten up out of the grave. See how you translated the expression the third day in 9:22, and express this in the way that your culture reckons time. Alternate translation: “the Romans put him to death on the day before yesterday” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τρίτην ταύτην ἡμέραν ἄγει, ἀφ’ οὗ ταῦτα ἐγένετο

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “this is day three since these things happened to him” or, depending on how your culture reckons time, “this is day two since these things happened to him” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Luke 24:22

γυναῖκές τινες ἐξ ἡμῶν

Alternate translation: “some women in our group”

ἡμῶν…ἡμᾶς

The men are speaking of themselves and their fellow disciples, but not of Jesus, so us would be exclusive in both instances here, if your language marks that form. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

γενόμεναι ὀρθριναὶ ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον

The men are using this expression to refer to the women, not to themselves. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here and continue it into the next verse. Alternate translation: “They went to his tomb early this morning”

Luke 24:23

καὶ μὴ εὑροῦσαι τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ, ἦλθαν

If you began a new sentence at the end of the previous verse, you can continue it here. Alternate translation: “but they did not find his body, so they came to us”

Luke 24:24

τινες τῶν σὺν ἡμῖν

Alternate translation: “some of the men in our group”

ἡμῖν

The men are speaking of themselves and their fellow disciples, but not of Jesus, so us would be exclusive here, if your language marks that form. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

εὗρον οὕτως, καθὼς καὶ αἱ γυναῖκες εἶπον

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the implications of this statement explicitly. Alternate translation: “they found that the body of Jesus was not in the tomb, just as the women had said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

αὐτὸν δὲ οὐκ εἶδον

The pronoun him refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “they did not see Jesus himself” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 24:25

ἀνόητοι

Jesus is using the adjective foolish as a noun. ULT adds the term ones to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate the term with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “you foolish people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ἀνόητοι

Jesus is speaking to two men, so the word “you” would be in the dual form if your language marks that form, if you choose to use that word in your translation. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Dual/Plural)

καὶ βραδεῖς τῇ καρδίᾳ, τοῦ πιστεύειν

The term heart figuratively represents the mind. Alternate translation: “who have such difficulty believing with your minds” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ βραδεῖς τῇ καρδίᾳ, τοῦ πιστεύειν

The word slow figuratively represents difficulty, since someone who has difficulty doing something will do it slowly. Alternate translation: “who have such difficulty believing with your minds” (See: Metonymy)

πᾶσιν οἷς ἐλάλησαν οἱ προφῆται

The term all is a generalization that refers specifically to what the prophets said about the Messiah. Alternate translation: “what the prophets said about the Messiah” (See: Hyperbole)

Luke 24:26

οὐχὶ ταῦτα ἔδει παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν καὶ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ?

Jesus is using the question form to remind the disciples about what the prophets said. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “The Messiah had to suffer these things in order to enter into his glory!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

καὶ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ

This is not a second thing that it was necessary for the Messiah to do. Rather, this is the result for which it was necessary for the Messiah to do the first thing. Alternate translation: “in order to enter into his glory” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun glory, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective such as “glorious.” Alternate translation: “to receive a glorious position” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 24:27

Μωϋσέως…τῶν προφητῶν

Luke is using the name Moses figuratively to refer to the part of Scripture that Moses wrote, and the term the prophets to refer to the part of Scripture that they wrote. Alternate translation: “the writings of Moses … the writings of the prophets” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν προφητῶν

The term beginning applies just to the writings of Moses. Jesus began with that part of Scripture, and he then continued teaching from the writings of the prophets. Alternate translation: “and then from all the writings of the prophets” or “and continuing with all the writings of the prophets”

Luke 24:28

ἤγγισαν εἰς τὴν κώμην οὗ ἐπορεύοντο

The first they refers to Jesus and the two disciples, while the second they refers only to the two disciples, so they were going would be in the dual form, if your language uses that form. (See: Verbs)

αὐτὸς προσεποιήσατο πορρώτερον πορεύεσθαι

This means that the two disciples understood from Jesus’ actions that he was continuing on to another destination. Perhaps he kept walking on the road when they turned off to enter Emmaus. There is no indication that Jesus deceived them with words. Alternate translation: “Jesus seemed to be heading farther down the road” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 24:29

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce a contrast between what it appeared Jesus was going to do and what the two disciples wanted him to do. Alternate translation: “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

παρεβιάσαντο…ἡμῶν…αὐτοῖς

This verb, as well as these two pronouns, would be in the dual form, if your language marks that form, since they apply to the two disciples. (See: Verbs)

παρεβιάσαντο αὐτὸν

Luke is telling this story in a concise way, and he does not say what the two disciples urged Jesus to do. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could supply that information from the context. Alternate translation: “they urged him to stay overnight in the house with them” (See: Ellipsis)

ἡμῶν

The men are speaking of themselves but not of Jesus, so us would be exclusive here, if your language marks that form. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

πρὸς ἑσπέραν ἐστὶν, καὶ κέκλικεν ἤδη ἡ ἡμέρα

These two phrases mean the same thing. The two disciples are likely using repetition for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could combine the phrases in your translation. Alternate translation: “it is already getting dark” (See: Parallelism)

πρὸς ἑσπέραν ἐστὶν, καὶ κέκλικεν ἤδη ἡ ἡμέρα

The implications are that the disciples are saying this out of concern for Jesus’ safety. Alternate translation: “it is already getting dark, and soon it will not be safe to travel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

κέκλικεν ἤδη ἡ ἡμέρα

The disciples are referring figuratively to the sun as the day, since day is when the sun shines. Alternate translation: “the sun is going down” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ

Luke uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Because the two disciples urged Jesus to stay with them, he agreed. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Luke 24:30

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a significant development in this episode. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἐν τῷ κατακλιθῆναι αὐτὸν μετ’ αὐτῶν

See how you translated this in 5:29. It was the custom in this culture for dinner guests to eat while lying comfortably around the table on banqueting couches. Alternate translation: “when they had all sat down together to eat” (See: Translate Unknowns)

εὐλόγησεν

Alternate translation: “he gave thanks for it” or “he thanked God for it”

αὐτοῖς

The pronoun them would be in the dual form, if your language marks that form, since it refers to the two disciples. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Luke 24:31

αὐτῶν δὲ διηνοίχθησαν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ

Here, eyes figuratively represents understanding of what one is seeing. Alternate translation: “God enabled them to understand what they had been seeing” (See: Metonymy)

αὐτῶν δὲ διηνοίχθησαν οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God enabled them to understand what they had been seeing” (See: Active or Passive)

αὐτὸς ἄφαντος ἐγένετο ἀπ’ αὐτῶν

Here Luke uses an unusual expression, saying that Jesus became invisible. It does not mean that Jesus remained in the room but could not be seen. Rather, it means that he left suddenly and so the two disciples did not see him any more. Alternate translation: “suddenly they did not see him any more” (See: Idiom)

Luke 24:32

εἶπαν…ἡμῶν…ἡμῖν…ἡμῖν

This verb, as well as these three pronouns, would be in the dual form, if your language marks that form, since they all apply to the two disciples. (See: Verbs)

οὐχὶ ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν ὡς ἐλάλει ἡμῖν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, ὡς διήνοιγεν ἡμῖν τὰς Γραφάς?

The two men are not asking each other for information about what happened. Rather, they are using the question form for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate their words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “As he was talking to us as we traveled along and explaining the Scriptures, it was so exciting, it was as if we were on fire inside!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐχὶ ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν

The men are using the metaphor of a heart burning to describe their excitement at hearing Jesus explain the Scriptures. You could indicate this meaning in your translation and represent the metaphor as a simile. Alternate translation: “it was so exciting, it was as if we were on fire inside” (See: Metaphor)

οὐχὶ ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate why the men found it so exciting when Jesus explained the Scriptures to them, as UST does. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐχὶ ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν

If it would be unusual in your language for two people to speak as if they had one heart, if you decide to use this metaphor in your translation, you can make it plural, or dual if your language uses that form. Alternate translation: “Were not our hearts burning” (See: Possession)

ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν

The men are using the term heart figuratively to mean the inner part of a person. Alternate translation: “inside” (See: Metaphor)

ἡμῶν…ἡμῖν…ἡμῖν

The men are speaking to each other about themselves, so these pronouns would be inclusive, if your language marks that form. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ὡς διήνοιγεν ἡμῖν τὰς Γραφάς

Jesus did not open a book or a scroll. The term opened figuratively means “explained.” Alternate translation: “while he explained the Scriptures to us” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 24:33

ἀναστάντες…ὑπέστρεψαν…εὗρον

These verbs would be in the dual form, if your language uses that form, since they describe actions of the two men. (See: Verbs)

ἀναστάντες

As in 24:12, this expression is an idiom that means to take initiative. It does not necessarily mean that the men had been sitting or lying down and then stood up. Alternate translation: “starting out” (See: Idiom)

αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ

Luke is using the term hour figuratively to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at once” (See: Idiom)

εὗρον ἠθροισμένους τοὺς ἕνδεκα καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they found that the 11 apostles had gathered together with some other disciples” (See: Active or Passive)

τοὺς ἕνδεκα

See how you translated this in 24:9. (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 24:34

λέγοντας

This word applies to the apostles and disciples in Jerusalem, not to the two men who had just traveled back from Emmaus. Alternate translation: “and they told the two men”

ὁ Κύριος

Here the apostles and disciples are referring to Jesus by a respectful title. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus”

ἠγέρθη ὁ Κύριος

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God has raised the Lord Jesus from the dead” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ

The apostles and disciples use this word to introduce the reason why they know that Jesus has been raised from the dead. It is because Simon Peter has seen him. Alternate translation: “for” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ὤφθη Σίμωνι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Simon has seen him” (See: Active or Passive)

Σίμωνι

This means the same man whom Luke often calls Peter in this book. So that your readers will know that this is the same man, you could use both of his names here. Alternate translation: “Simon Peter” (See: How to Translate Names)

Luke 24:35

αὐτοὶ…αὐτοῖς

These pronouns refer to the two men who returned from Emmaus. They would be in the dual form, if your language marks that form. (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

τὰ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ

Luke is telling this story in a concise way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express more fully what this means. Alternate translation: “what had happened on their journey” or “how Jesus had joined them as they traveled and what they had talked about with him” (See: Ellipsis)

ὡς ἐγνώσθη αὐτοῖς

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “how they recognized Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου

Luke is using the breaking of the bread figuratively to represent something associated with it. Alternate translation: “at the time when he broke the bread” or “by the way that he broke the bread” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 24:36

αὐτῶν

The pronoun they refers to the two men who returned from Emmaus, so it would be in the dual form, if your language marks that form. You could also use a noun phrase instead. Alternate translation: “the two men” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

αὐτὸς ἔστη

Luke uses the word himself to emphasize the surprise of Jesus actually appearing to this group. Alternate translation: “none other than Jesus himself stood” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν

Alternate translation: “among them” or “in their group”

εἰρήνη ὑμῖν

As the note to the similar phrase in 10:5 explains, this was an idiomatic expression, based on the Hebrew word and concept of “shalom,” that was both a greeting and a blessing. Alternate translation: “I greet all of you and I wish for God to bless you” (See: Idiom)

Luke 24:37

πτοηθέντες…καὶ ἔμφοβοι γενόμενοι, ἐδόκουν πνεῦμα θεωρεῖν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “they thought they were seeing a spirit, and so they were frightened and became terrified” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

πτοηθέντες…καὶ ἔμφοβοι γενόμενοι, ἐδόκουν

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning of the passive verbal form being frightened with an active form. Alternate translation: “they were afraid and became terrified, because they thought” (See: Active or Passive)

πτοηθέντες…καὶ ἔμφοβοι γενόμενοι

These expressions mean similar things. Luke may be using repetition for emphasis. Alternate translation: “becoming very frightened” (See: Doublet)

ἐδόκουν πνεῦμα θεωρεῖν

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly why they thought this. Alternate translation: “they thought that they were seeing a ghost, because they did not yet understand truly that Jesus was alive again” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πνεῦμα

In this context, the term spirit refers to the spirit of a dead person. Alternate translation: “a ghost”

Luke 24:38

τί τεταραγμένοι ἐστέ, καὶ διὰ τί διαλογισμοὶ ἀναβαίνουσιν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν?

Jesus is using the question form to challenge and reassure his disciples. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate his words as a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “You do not need to be upset, and you do not need to have doubts in your minds!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί τεταραγμένοι ἐστέ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “Why does my appearing here upset you” or, if you chose to translate the rhetorical question as a statement or exclamation, “My appearing here should not upset you” (See: Active or Passive)

διὰ τί διαλογισμοὶ ἀναβαίνουσιν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν

Jesus is using the term arising figuratively to mean coming into consciousness. Alternate translation: “why are you starting to have doubts” or, if you chose to translate the rhetorical question as a statement or exclamation, “you should not be starting to have doubts” (See: Metaphor)

διαλογισμοὶ

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate what the disciples were doubting. Alternate translation: “doubts that I have truly risen from the dead” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν

If it would be unusual in your language for someone speak as if a group of people had one heart, you can make this plural. Alternate translation: “in your hearts”

ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν

As in 24:35, the heart figuratively represents the mind here. Alternate translation: “in your minds” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 24:39

ἴδετε τὰς χεῖράς μου καὶ τοὺς πόδας μου

Jesus is figuratively telling the disciples to look at the nail marks from crucifixion by reference to where those marks are, in his hands and feet. Alternate translation: “Look at the nail marks in my hands and feet” (See: Metonymy)

ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι αὐτός

Jesus uses the word myself to emphasize that he genuinely is who he appears to be. Alternate translation: “and you will recognize that it is really me” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ψηλαφήσατέ με καὶ ἴδετε, ὅτι πνεῦμα σάρκα καὶ ὀστέα οὐκ ἔχει, καθὼς ἐμὲ θεωρεῖτε ἔχοντα

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Since a ghost does not have a physical body, as you see that I have, touch me to determine that my body is real” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

καὶ ἴδετε

Here, see does not literally mean to look at something. Rather, it figuratively means to determine something. Alternate translation: “to determine” (See: Metaphor)

σάρκα καὶ ὀστέα

Jesus is describing the human body figuratively by referring to two of its major components. Alternate translation: “a physical body” (See: Merism)

Luke 24:40

τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τοὺς πόδας

As in 24:39, this figuratively means the nail marks from crucifixion in Jesus’ hands and feet. Alternate translation: “the nail marks in his hands and feet” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 24:41

ἔτι δὲ ἀπιστούντων αὐτῶν…καὶ θαυμαζόντων

These two terms mean similar things. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “And as they were still finding it very hard to believe” (See: Doublet)

ἔτι δὲ ἀπιστούντων αὐτῶν…καὶ θαυμαζόντων

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly what the disciples were disbelieving and wondering about. Alternate translation: “And as they were still finding it very hard to believe” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun joy, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective such as “happy.” Alternate translation: “because they were so happy” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τι βρώσιμον

Alternate translation: “anything to eat”

Luke 24:43

ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν ἔφαγεν

Jesus did this to prove that he had a physical body, because a spirit or ghost would not be able to eat food. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly that this was the reason. Alternate translation: “he had them watch him eat it, to prove that he had a physical body” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν ἔφαγεν

This expression means “in front of them,” that is, “where they could see him.” (See: Metaphor)

Luke 24:44

οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι μου, οὓς ἐλάλησα πρὸς ὑμᾶς

Jesus is using the term words figuratively to refer to what he said using words. Alternate translation: “It is just as I told you” (See: Metonymy)

ἔτι ὢν σὺν ὑμῖν

Alternate translation: “when I was with you before”

πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ νόμῳ Μωϋσέως, καὶ τοῖς προφήταις, καὶ ψαλμοῖς, περὶ ἐμοῦ

Jesus is referring figuratively to all of the Hebrew Scriptures by naming their main components. Alternate translation: “everything that the Scriptures say about me” (See: Merism)

πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα…περὶ ἐμοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “everything that Scripture says about me” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τῷ νόμῳ Μωϋσέως, καὶ τοῖς προφήταις

Jesus is describing the first and second parts of the Hebrew Scriptures by reference to the people who wrote them. You could also use the proper names for these parts. Alternate translation: “in the Law and the Prophets” (See: How to Translate Names)

καὶ ψαλμοῖς

Jesus is using the name of the largest book in the third part of the Hebrew Scriptures, Psalms, to represent that entire part, which was known as “the Writings.” Alternate translation: “and the Writings” (See: Synecdoche)

δεῖ πληρωθῆναι

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. If you do that, it would be appropriate to put this phrase before all the things. Alternate translation: “God would make happen” (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 24:45

διήνοιξεν αὐτῶν τὸν νοῦν

This is an idiom that means to enable people to realize and recognize things they could not before. Alternate translation: “he equipped their minds” or “he empowered their minds” (See: Idiom)

αὐτῶν τὸν νοῦν

If it would be unusual in your language to speak as if a group of people had one mind, you can make this plural. Alternate translation: “their minds”

Luke 24:46

οὕτως γέγραπται

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “This is what the Scriptures say” (See: Active or Passive)

παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν

Jesus uses the word suffer to represent all of the things that the Scriptures said the Messiah would experience, including also betrayal and death. Alternate translation: “Someone would betray the Messiah, and he would suffer and die” (See: Synecdoche)

ἀναστῆναι

Jesus speaks figuratively in this way of coming back to life, since it involves coming up out of the grave. Alternate translation: “come back to life” (See: Metonymy)

ἐκ νεκρῶν

Jesus is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “from among the people who have died” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ

See how you translated this in 9:22. Express this in the way that your language and culture reckon time. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “on day three” or, depending on how your culture reckons time, “on day two” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Luke 24:47

κηρυχθῆναι ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ μετάνοιαν εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἀρξάμενοι ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλήμ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns repentance and forgiveness with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “it would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem, that God will forgive those who stop sinning” (See: Abstract Nouns)

κηρυχθῆναι ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ μετάνοιαν εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἀρξάμενοι ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλήμ

If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “people would go and preach in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem, that God will forgive those who stop sinning” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ

Here the name of the Messiah figuratively represents his authority. Alternate translation: “on his authority” (See: Metonymy)

εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη

The term nations refers figuratively to the people who belong to various ethnic groups. Alternate translation: “to all the people in every people group” (See: Metonymy)

ἀρξάμενοι ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλήμ

The word beginning is a participle that is plural. In context, it must refer to the disciples. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could show the implications of this in your translation. This is really a command from Jesus. It may be good to make this a sentence of its own. Alternate translation: “You are to do this starting here in Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 24:48

ὑμεῖς μάρτυρες τούτων

The implication is that because the disciples are witnesses of the things that happened to Jesus, they are the ones who should go and tell others about these things, from their own firsthand experience. Alternate translation: “You saw everything that happened to me, and now you must go and tell others what you saw” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Luke 24:49

τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Πατρός μου

This implicitly means the Holy Spirit. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, as UST does. Alternate translation: “what my Father promised” or “the Holy Spirit, as my Father promised” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ Πατρός μου

Father is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God my Father” (See: Translating Son and Father)

ὑμεῖς δὲ καθίσατε

This is an emphatic imperative. Alternate translation: “But be sure that you stay” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ἐν τῇ πόλει

This implicitly means Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “here in Jerusalem” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἕως οὗ ἐνδύσησθε…δύναμιν

Jesus speaks figuratively of this power as if it were clothing that the disciples would put on. Alternate translation: “until you receive power” (See: Metaphor)

ἐξ ὕψους

Jesus uses the term heaven to refer to God figuratively by association, since heaven is the abode of God. Alternate translation: “from God” (See: Metonymy)

Luke 24:50

ἕως πρὸς Βηθανίαν

Bethany is the name of a village outside Jerusalem. See how you translated it in 19:29. Alternate translation: “to a place near the village of Bethany” (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐπάρας τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ

This was something that Jewish priests did when they blessed people. Alternate translation: “lifting up his hands in spiritual authority” (See: Symbolic Action)

Luke 24:51

καὶ ἐγένετο

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a significant development in this episode. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

ἀνεφέρετο εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν

Since Luke does not specify who carried Jesus up to heaven, we do not know whether God himself did this or one or more angels did it. If your language would have to specify who did the carrying, it may be better to say “went” instead, as UST does. (See: Active or Passive)

Luke 24:52

προσκυνήσαντες αὐτὸν

Alternate translation: “after worshiping him there”

μετὰ χαρᾶς μεγάλης

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun joy, you could express the idea behind it with an adverb such as “happily.” Alternate translation: “very happily” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Luke 24:53

διὰ παντὸς

Luke is leaving out a word that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could supply the word from the context. Alternate translation: “through all hours” (See: Ellipsis)

διὰ παντὸς

Luke means that the disciples were in the temple through all the hours that the temple was open. Even so, this is an overstatement to emphasize that they went to the temple every day. Alternate translation: “every day” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Only priests were allowed to enter the temple building. Luke is using the word for the entire building to refer to one part of it. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: Synecdoche)

εὐλογοῦντες τὸν Θεόν

Alternate translation: “worshiping God”