In Scripture, many events did not happen as the people involved intended or expected them to happen. Sometimes people acted in ways that were not expected, whether good or bad. Often it was God at work, changing the events. These events were often pivotal. It is important that translators understand and communicate these contrasts. In English, contrast relationships are often indicated by the words “but,” “although,” “even though,” “though,” “yet,” or “however.”
> For who is greater, the one who reclines at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? **Yet** I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:27 ULT)
> … and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and breaking his bonds, he would be driven by the demon into the wilderness. (Luke 8:29b ULT)
It is unexpected that someone who is bound with chains will be able to break them. Here, only the action verb, “breaking his bonds,” marks the contrast of an unexpected event.
> \[David\] found favor in the sight of God, and he asked if he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. **However**, Solomon built the house for him. **But** the Most High does not live in houses made with hands. (Acts 7:46-48a ULT)
There are two contrasts here, marked with “however” and “but.” The first contrast shows that even though David asked to find a place for God’s house, it was Solomon who built it. Then there is another contrast because, even though Solomon built a house for God, God does not live in houses that people build.
> For who is greater, the one who reclines at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? **Yet** I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:27 ULT)
>> For who is greater, the one who reclines at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? **Unlike that person**, I am among you as one who serves.
> … and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and breaking his bonds, he would be driven by the demon into the wilderness. (Luke 8:29b ULT) (Luke 8:29 ULT)
>> … and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet, breaking his bonds, he would be driven by the demon into the wilderness.
> > \[David\] found favor in the sight of God, and he asked if he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. **However**, Solomon built the house for him. **But** the Most High does not live in houses made with hands. (Acts 7:46-48a ULT)
>> [David] found favor in the sight of God, and he asked if he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. **But** it was, Solomon, **not David**, who built the house for God. **Even though Solomon built him a house**, the Most High does not live in houses made with hands.