diff --git a/en_tn_41-MAT.tsv b/en_tn_41-MAT.tsv index 74a9196c42..ef8a67dd5b 100644 --- a/en_tn_41-MAT.tsv +++ b/en_tn_41-MAT.tsv @@ -1,5 +1,5 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote -MAT front intro sa9c 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the Book of Matthew

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

### What is the book of Matthew about?

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

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

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

### Who wrote the Book of Matthew?

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

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What is the “kingdom of heaven?”

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

### What were Jesus’ teaching methods?

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

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### What are the Synoptic Gospels?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Translators are advised not to include these passages. However, if in the translators’ region, there are older versions of the Bible that include one or more of these passages, the translators can include them. If they are included, they should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to Matthew’s Gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +MAT front intro sa9c 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Matthew\n\n1. The birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of his ministry (1:1-4:25)\n1. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:28)\n1. Jesus illustrates the kingdom of God through acts of healing (8:1-9:34)\n1. Jesus’ teaching about mission and the kingdom (9:35-10:42)\n1. Jesus’ teaching about the gospel of the kingdom of God. The beginning of opposition to Jesus. (11:1-12:50)\n1. Jesus’ parables about the kingdom of God (13:1-52)\n1. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:53-17:57)\n1. Jesus’ teaching about life in the kingdom of God (18:1-35)\n1. Jesus ministers in Judea (19:1-22:46)\n1. Jesus’ teaching about the final judgment and salvation (23:1-25:46)\n1. The crucifixion of Jesus, his death and resurrection (26:1-28:19)\n\n### What is the book of Matthew about?\n\nThe Gospel of Matthew is one of four books in the New Testament that describe some of the life of Jesus Christ. The authors of the gospels wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. Matthew showed that Jesus was the Messiah, and God would save Israel through him. Matthew often explained that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This may indicate that he expected most of his first readers to be Jewish. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nTranslators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Gospel of Matthew,” or “The Gospel according to Matthew.” Or they may choose a title that may be clearer, such as, “The Good News about Jesus that Matthew wrote.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Matthew?\n\nThe book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the author was the Apostle Matthew.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What is the “kingdom of heaven?”\n\nMatthew spoke of the kingdom of heaven in the same way that other gospel writers spoke of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of heaven represents God ruling over all people and all creation everywhere. Those whom God accepts into his kingdom will be blessed. They will live with God forever.\n\n### What were Jesus’ teaching methods?\n\nThe people regarded Jesus as a rabbi. A rabbi is a teacher of God’s law. Jesus taught in similar ways as other religious teachers in Israel. He had students who followed him wherever he went. These students were called disciples. He often told parables. Parables are stories that teach moral lessons. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/parable]])\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### What are the Synoptic Gospels?\n\nThe Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they have many similar passages. The word “synoptic” means to “see together.”\n\nThe texts are considered “parallel” when they are the same or almost the same among two or three gospels. When translating parallel passages, translators should use the same wording and make them as similar as possible.\n\n### Why does Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man”?\n\nIn the gospels, Jesus calls himself the “Son of Man.” It is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. In this passage there is a person described as a “son of man.” That means the person was someone who looked like a human being. God gave authority to the son of man to rule over the nations forever. And all the people will worship him forever.\n\nJews of Jesus’ time did not use “Son of Man” as a title for anyone. Therefore, Jesus used it for himself to help them understand who he truly was. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofman]])\n\nTranslating 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.\n\n### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Matthew?\n\nThe following verses are found in older versions of the Bible but are not included in most modern versions:\n* “Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you” (5:44)\n* “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (6:13)\n* “But this kind of demon does not go out except with prayer and fasting” (17:21)\n* “For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost” (18:11)\n* “Many are called, but few are chosen” (20:16)\n* “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you devour widows’ houses, while you make a show of long prayers. You will therefore receive greater condemnation.” (23:14)\n\nTranslators are advised not to include these passages. However, if in the translators’ region, there are older versions of the Bible that include one or more of these passages, the translators can include them. If they are included, they should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to Matthew’s Gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) MAT 1 intro y7kk 0 # Matthew 1 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Genealogy

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

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Use of the passive voice

Matthew uses the passive voice very purposefully in this chapter to indicate that Mary did not have a sexual relationship with anyone. She became pregnant with Jesus because the Holy Spirit performed a miracle. Many languages do not have a passive voice, so translators in those languages must find other ways to present the same truths. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 1 1 ava1 0 General Information: The author begins with Jesus’ genealogy in order to show that he is a descendant of of both King David and of Abraham. The genealogy continues through [1:17](../01/17.md). MAT 1 1 vpg1 figs-metaphor Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, υἱοῦ Δαυεὶδ, υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ 1 of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham Here, **son** means “descendant.” If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Descendant of King David, who was a descendent of Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -70,30 +70,30 @@ MAT 2 20 hz2m figs-euphemism οἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν το MAT 2 22 h4cq translate-names Ἀρχέλαος 1 Archelaus **Archelaus** is the name of Herod’s son. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) MAT 2 23 dx5i figs-activepassive πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν 1 what had been spoken through the prophets See how you translated this in [2:15](../02/15.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 3 intro a6h3 0 # Matthew 3 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

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

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Bear fruit worthy of repentance”

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

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “The kingdom of heaven is near”

No one knows for sure whether the “kingdom of heaven” was present or still coming when John spoke these words. English translations often use the phrase “at hand,” but these words can be difficult to translate. Other versions use the phrases “is coming near” and “has come near.” -MAT 3 1 xp3z 0 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of the ministry of John the Baptist. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time while Jesus was still in Galilee” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -MAT 3 1 d74m ἐν…ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις 1 in those days The events of this chapter occurred many years after Joseph and his family left Egypt and went to Nazareth. This is probably near the time that Jesus begins his ministry. Alternate translation: “some time later” or “some years later” -MAT 3 2 w7e9 figs-you μετανοεῖτε 1 Repent The verb **Repent** is plural in form. John is speaking to the crowds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) -MAT 3 2 hvx8 figs-metonymy ἤγγικεν…ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the kingdom of the heavens is near The phrase **the kingdom of the heavens** refers to God ruling as king. This phrase is only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use the word “heaven” in your translation. Alternate translation: “our God in heaven will soon show himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -MAT 3 3 fl4v figs-activepassive οὗτος γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ῥηθεὶς διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος 1 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For Isaiah the prophet was speaking of John the Baptist when he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -MAT 3 3 hxb6 φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ 1 The voice of one calling out in the wilderness This can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: “The voice of one calling out in the wilderness is heard” or “They hear the sound of someone calling out in the wilderness” -MAT 3 3 yhe7 figs-parallelism ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ 1 Make ready the way of the Lord … make his paths straight These two phrases mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) +MAT 3 1 xp3z writing-newevent  δὲ 1 General Information: This is the beginning of a new part of the story where Matthew tells of the ministry of John the Baptist. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Some time while Jesus was still in Galilee” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) +MAT 3 1 ifa0 writing-participants  Ἰωάννης ὁ Βαπτιστὴς 1 This introduces John as a new character in the story. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. The expression “the Baptizer” identifies him as Someone who baptized people in after they were sorry for their sins. Since he is a new participant, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could call him something like “a man named John, who baptized people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) +MAT 3 2 hvx8 figs-metonymy ἤγγικεν…ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν 1 the kingdom of the heavens is near The phrase **the kingdom of the heavens** refers to God ruling as king. **heavens** refers to the place where God rules. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “our God in heaven will soon show himself to be king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +MAT 3 3 fl4v figs-activepassive οὗτος γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ῥηθεὶς διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος 1 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying 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: “For John was the one who Isaiah spoke about when he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +MAT 3 3 yhe7 figs-quotesinquotes ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ 1 Make ready the way of the Lord … make his paths straight Here there is a direct quotation inside a direct quotation as Mark quotes Isaiah who quotes the messenger. If this would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “a voice crying out in the wilderness, telling people to make ready the way of the Lord and to make his paths straight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +MAT 3 3 hxb6 writing-quotations φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ 1 The voice of one calling out in the wilderness Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “The voice of someone crying out in the wilderness is heard, saying:” or “They hear the sound of someone calling out in the wilderness, saying:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) +MAT 3 3 s62r figs-synecdoche φωνὴ βοῶντος 1 Here, a voice figuratively refers to the messenger who uses his voice to cry out. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “people will hear his voice as he crys out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MAT 3 3 y8b5 figs-metaphor ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου 1 Make ready the way of the Lord Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lord’s message when he comes. Alternate translation: “Prepare to hear the Lord’s message when he comes” or “Get the road ready for the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -MAT 3 3 j99i figs-explicit ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου 1 Make ready the way of the Lord People prepare for the Lord by repenting of their sins. Alternate translation: “Repent and be ready for the Lord to come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -MAT 3 4 j647 writing-background αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Ἰωάννης εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ, ἡ δὲ τροφὴ ἦν αὐτοῦ ἀκρίδες καὶ μέλι ἄγριον 1 Now this John had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey The word **Now** is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Matthew tells background information about John the Baptist. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -MAT 3 4 x7f3 translate-symaction εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ 1 had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist This **clothing** symbolizes that John is a prophet like the prophets from long ago. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -MAT 3 4 su9d figs-explicit εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ 1 had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist John dressed in a similar way to the prophet Elijah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -MAT 3 5 j8ke figs-metonymy Ἱεροσόλυμα, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος 1 Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around The words **Jerusalem**, **Judea**, and **the region** are metonyms for the people from those areas. Alternate translation: “people from Jerusalem, Judea, and that region” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -MAT 3 5 zys1 figs-hyperbole Ἱεροσόλυμα, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος 1 Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around The word “all” is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many people went out. Alternate translation: “very many people from Jerusalem, Judea, and that region” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) -MAT 3 6 v5xn figs-activepassive ἐβαπτίζοντο…ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 being baptized by him If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “as John baptized them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -MAT 3 6 gi4r ἐβαπτίζοντο 1 being baptized This refers to the people coming from Jerusalem, Judea, and the region around the Jordan River. -MAT 3 7 b2br 0 General Information: John the Baptist begins to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees. -MAT 3 7 fjl3 figs-metaphor γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν, τίς 1 You offspring of vipers, who This is a metaphor. Here, **offspring** means “having the characteristic of” and **vipers** are a kind of dangerous snakes and represent evil. You can state this as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “You evil poisonous snakes! Who” or “You are evil like poisonous snakes! Who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -MAT 3 7 c4cl figs-rquestion τίς ὑπέδειξεν ὑμῖν φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς? 1 who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? John uses a question to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees because they were asking him to baptize them so that God would not punish them, but they did not want to stop sinning. Alternate translation: “you cannot flee from God’s wrath like this.” or “do not think that you can escape God’s wrath just because I baptize you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -MAT 3 7 h7ac figs-metonymy φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς 1 to flee from the coming wrath The word **wrath** is being used to refer to God’s punishment because his wrath precedes it. Alternate translation: “run away from the punishment that is coming” or “escape because God is about to punish you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -MAT 3 8 s8ac figs-metaphor ποιήσατε οὖν καρπὸν ἄξιον τῆς μετανοίας 1 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance The phrase **produce fruit** is a metaphor referring to a person’s actions. Alternate translation: “Let your actions show that you have truly repented” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -MAT 3 9 q7b1 figs-explicit πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ 1 We have Abraham for our father The Jewish leaders thought that God would not punish them since they were descendants of **Abraham**. Alternate translation: “Abraham is our ancestor” or “We are descendants of Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -MAT 3 9 r29p λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν 1 For I say to you This phrase adds emphasis to what John is about to say. -MAT 3 9 k843 δύναται ὁ Θεὸς ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων ἐγεῖραι τέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ 1 God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones Alternate translation: “God is able to make physical descendants even out of these stones and give them to Abraham” +MAT 3 3 n7lh figs-parallelism ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου; εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ 1 Make ready the way of the Lord and make his paths straight mean the same thing. If this would be confusing in your language, you could combine the two. See the next note for alternate translations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) +MAT 3 3 j99i figs-metaphor ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου 1 Make ready the way of the Lord Isaiah uses a metaphor here of preparing paths or the way that someone will travel on. If someone prepares a path for another, they make the path walkable. If someone in high authority were coming, they would make sure the roads were clear from any hazards. So this metaphor means that the people should prepare themselves to receive the Lord’s message when he comes. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or use plain speech. Alternate translation: “Prepare to hear and obey the Lord’s message when he comes” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor) +MAT 3 4 j647 writing-background αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Ἰωάννης εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ, ἡ δὲ τροφὴ ἦν αὐτοῦ ἀκρίδες καὶ μέλι ἄγριον 1 Now this John had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey The word **Now** is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Matthew gives the reader some background information about what John the Baptist ate, and what he looked like. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) +MAT 3 4 su9d figs-explicit εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου 1 had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist **had his clothing from the hair of a camel** means that he wore clothes made from camels' hair. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “wore clothing made from the hair of a camel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +MAT 3 4 wo34 translate-unknown καμήλου 1 If your readers would not know what a **camel** is, you could include a description in a footnote or use a more general term. Alternate translation: “animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +MAT 3 4 xgxk translate-unknown ἀκρίδες 1 If your readers would not know what **locusts** are, you could include a description in a footnote or use a more general term. Alternate translation: “grasshoppers” or “insects” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +MAT 3 5 j8ke figs-metonymy Ἱεροσόλυμα, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος 1 Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around The words **Jerusalem**, **Judea**, and **the region** are metonyms for the people from those areas. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “people from Jerusalem, Judea, and that region” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +MAT 3 5 zys1 figs-hyperbole Ἱεροσόλυμα, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία, καὶ πᾶσα ἡ περίχωρος 1 Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around The word **all** is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many people went out. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that depicts many people. Alternate translation: “very many people from Jerusalem, Judea, and that region” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +MAT 3 6 v5xn figs-activepassive ἐβαπτίζοντο…ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 being baptized by him If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “John baptized them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +MAT 3 7 fjl3 figs-metaphor γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν 1 You offspring of vipers, who Here, **offspring of vipers** means having the characteristic of vipers, which are poisonous snakes. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “You evil poisonous snakes!” or “You are evil like poisonous snakes!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +MAT 3 7 c4cl figs-rquestion τίς ὑπέδειξεν ὑμῖν φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς? 1 who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? John uses a question to rebuke the Pharisees and Sadducees because they were asking him to baptize them so that God would not punish them, but they did not want to stop sinning. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “you cannot flee from God’s wrath like this.” or “do not think that you can escape God’s wrath just because I baptize you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +MAT 3 7 h7ac figs-personification φυγεῖν ἀπὸ τῆς μελλούσης ὀργῆς 1 to flee from the coming wrath The phrase **coming wrath** is being used to refer to God’s punishment. Wrath itself cannot come, but God is the one who causes it to happen. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to feel from God's wrath which he is brining against you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) +MAT 3 8 s8ac figs-metaphor ποιήσατε οὖν καρπὸν ἄξιον τῆς μετανοίας 1 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance The phrase **produce fruit** is a metaphor referring to a person’s actions. Just as a healthy tree bears good fruit, so should someone who love God do good. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Let your actions show that you have truly repented” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +MAT 3 9 anyf figs-explicit πατέρα ἔχομεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ 1 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +MAT 3 9 s4og figs-metaphor πατέρα 1 Here, the word father figuratively means “ancestor.” If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “Abraham is our ancestor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +MAT 3 9 k843 figs-hyperbole  δύναται ὁ Θεὸς ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων ἐγεῖραι τέκνα τῷ Ἀβραάμ 1 God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones John uses an exaggeration here to show that God does not need these Pharisees and Sadducees to fulfill his promises which he made to **Abraham**. If our readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that portrays this exaggeration. Alternate translation: “God could make children of Abraham even out of these rocks!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) MAT 3 10 ke4s figs-metaphor ἤδη δὲ ἡ ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων κεῖται; πᾶν οὖν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται 1 But already the ax is placed against the root of the trees. So every tree not producing good fruit is chopped down and is thrown into the fire This metaphor means God is ready to punish sinners. Alternate translation: “As a person gets his axe ready to cut down and burn a tree that grows bad fruit, God is ready to punish you for your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MAT 3 10 d4j5 figs-activepassive ἤδη δὲ ἡ ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν τῶν δένδρων κεῖται; πᾶν οὖν δένδρον μὴ ποιοῦν καρπὸν καλὸν ἐκκόπτεται καὶ εἰς πῦρ βάλλεται 1 But already the ax is placed against the root of the trees. So every tree not producing good fruit is chopped down and is thrown into the fire. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God has his axe and he is ready to cut down and burn any tree that grows bad fruit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MAT 3 11 lx69 εἰς μετάνοιαν 1 for repentance Alternate translation: “to show that you have repented”