diff --git a/en_tn_42-MRK.tsv b/en_tn_42-MRK.tsv index 47f772e452..39b91d5b47 100644 --- a/en_tn_42-MRK.tsv +++ b/en_tn_42-MRK.tsv @@ -1,5 +1,5 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote -MRK front intro r2f2 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Mark

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the book of Mark

1. Introduction (1:1-13)
1. The ministry of Jesus in Galilee
* Early ministry (1:14-3:6)
* Jesus becomes more popular among the people (3:7-5:43)
* Moving away from Galilee and then returning (6:1-8:26)
1. Progress toward Jerusalem, repeated times when Jesus predicts his own death; the disciples misunderstand, and Jesus teaches them how difficult it will be to follow him (8:27-10:52)
1. Last days of ministry and preparation for final conflict in Jerusalem (11:1-13:37)
1. The death of Christ and the empty tomb (14:1-16:8)

### What is the book of Mark about?

The Gospel of Mark 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 who Jesus was and what he did during his life. Mark wrote much about how Jesus suffered and died on the cross. He did this to encourage his readers who were being persecuted. Mark also explained Jewish customs and some Aramaic words. This may indicate that Mark expected most of his first readers to be Gentiles.

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

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

### Who wrote the book of Mark?

The book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the author was Mark. Mark was also known as John Mark. He was a close friend of Peter. Mark may not have witnessed what Jesus said and did. Many experts think that Peter the Apostle was the source of what Mark wrote about Jesus.

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### 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 to other religious teachers in Israel. He had students who followed him wherever he went. These students were called disciples. Jesus often taught by telling parables, 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 of the 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 phrase could mean a few things:


* The phrase “son of man” can simply be describing that someone’s father is also a human being. Therefore, the person being described is literally a son of a man, or a human being.


* The phrase sometimes is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. In this passage there is a person described as a “Son of Man.” This description tells us that the person ascending to the throne of God looked like a human being. This description is different than the first because God gives this Son of Man authority forever. Therefore, the title Son of Man became a title for the Messiah.

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.

### Why does Mark frequently use terms indicating short periods of time?

The Gospel of Mark uses the word “immediately” 42 times. Mark does this to make the events more exciting and vivid. It moves the reader quickly from one event to the next.

### Sabbath/Sabbaths

Often in the culture of the Bible, religious festivals would be written in the plural form of the word instead of a singular form. This occurs in Mark as well. In the ULT, the word should be kept plural, “Sabbaths.” This is simply for the sake of rendering the translated text as close to the original text as possible. In the UST, Sabbath is changed to singular to make more sense of the use of the word in its context.

### What are the major issues in the text of the book of Mark?

Some verses found in older versions of the Bible are not included in most modern versions. Translators are advised not to include these verses. However, if there are older versions of the Bible in the translator’s region that include one or more of these verses, the translators can include them. If they are included, they should be surrounded by square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to Mark’s Gospel.
* “If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” (7:16)
* “where their worm never dies and the fire is never quenched” (9:44)
* “where their worm never dies and the fire is never quenched” (9:46)
* “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘He was counted with the lawless ones’” (15:28)

The following passage is not found in the earliest manuscripts. Most Bibles include this passage, but modern Bibles put it in brackets ([]) or indicate in some way that this passage may not have been original to Mark’s Gospel. Translators are advised to do something similar to the modern versions of the Bible.
* “Early on the first day of the week, after he arose, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who were with him, while they were mourning and weeping. They heard that he was alive and that he had been seen by her, but they did not believe. After these things he appeared in a different form to two of them, as they were walking out into the country. They went and told the rest of the disciples, but they did not believe them. Jesus later appeared to the eleven as they were reclining at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he rose from the dead. He said to them, ‘Having gone into all the world, and preach the gospel to the entire creation. The one having believed and having been baptized will be saved, and the one not having believed will be condemned. These signs will go with the ones believing: In my name they will cast out demons. They will speak in new languages. They will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.’ After the Lord had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. The disciples left and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that went with them.” (16:9-20)

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +MRK front intro r2f2 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Mark

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the book of Mark

1. Introduction (1:1-13)
1. The ministry of Jesus in Galilee
* Early ministry (1:14-3:6)
* Jesus becomes more popular among the people (3:7-5:43)
* Moving away from Galilee and then returning (6:1-8:26)
1. Progress toward Jerusalem, repeated times when Jesus predicts his own death; the disciples misunderstand, and Jesus teaches them how difficult it will be to follow him (8:27-10:52)
1. Last days of ministry and preparation for final conflict in Jerusalem (11:1-13:37)
1. The death of Christ and the empty tomb (14:1-16:8)

### What is the book of Mark about?

The Gospel of Mark 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 who Jesus was and what he did during his life. Mark wrote much about how Jesus suffered and died on the cross. He did this to encourage his readers who were being persecuted. Mark also explained Jewish customs and some Aramaic words. This may indicate that Mark expected most of his first readers to be Gentiles.

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

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

### Who wrote the book of Mark?

The book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the author was Mark. Mark was also known as John Mark. He was a close friend of Peter. Mark may not have witnessed what Jesus said and did. Many experts think that Peter the Apostle was the source of what Mark wrote about Jesus.

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### 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 to other religious teachers in Israel. He had students who followed him wherever he went. These students were called disciples. Jesus often taught by telling parables, 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 of the 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 phrase could mean a few things:
* The phrase “son of man” can simply be describing that someone’s father is also a human being. Therefore, the person being described is literally a son of a man, or a human being.
* The phrase sometimes is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. In this passage there is a person described as a “Son of Man.” This description tells us that the person ascending to the throne of God looked like a human being. This description is different than the first because God gives this Son of Man authority forever. Therefore, the title “Son of Man” became a title for the Messiah.

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.

### Why does Mark frequently use terms indicating short periods of time?

The Gospel of Mark uses the word “immediately” 42 times. Mark does this to make the events more exciting and vivid. It moves the reader quickly from one event to the next.

### Sabbath/Sabbaths

Often in the culture of the Bible, religious festivals would be written in the plural form of the word instead of a singular form. This occurs in Mark as well. In the ULT, the word should be kept plural, “Sabbaths.” This is simply for the sake of rendering the translated text as close to the original text as possible. In the UST, Sabbath is changed to singular to make more sense of the use of the word in its context.

### What are the major issues in the text of the book of Mark?

Some verses found in older versions of the Bible are not included in most modern versions. Translators are advised not to include these verses. However, if there are older versions of the Bible in the translator’s region that include one or more of these verses, the translators can include them. If they are included, they should be surrounded by square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to Mark’s Gospel.
* “If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” (7:16)
* “where their worm never dies and the fire is never quenched” (9:44)
* “where their worm never dies and the fire is never quenched” (9:46)
* “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘He was counted with the lawless ones’” (15:28)

The following passage is not found in the earliest manuscripts. Most Bibles include this passage, but modern Bibles put it in brackets ([]) or indicate in some way that this passage may not have been original to Mark’s Gospel. Translators are advised to do something similar to the modern versions of the Bible.
* “Early on the first day of the week, after he arose, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who were with him, while they were mourning and weeping. They heard that he was alive and that he had been seen by her, but they did not believe. After these things he appeared in a different form to two of them, as they were walking out into the country. They went and told the rest of the disciples, but they did not believe them. Jesus later appeared to the eleven as they were reclining at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he rose from the dead. He said to them, ‘Having gone into all the world, and preach the gospel to the entire creation. The one having believed and having been baptized will be saved, and the one not having believed will be condemned. These signs will go with the ones believing: In my name they will cast out demons. They will speak in new languages. They will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.’ After the Lord had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. The disciples left and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that went with them.” (16:9-20)

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) MRK 1 intro c6ep 0 # Mark 1 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 1:2-3, words from the Old Testament.

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### “You can make me clean”

Leprosy is a disease of the skin. It made a person unclean and unable to properly worship God. Jesus is capable of making people physically “clean” or healthy as well as spiritually “clean” or right with God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/clean]])

### “The kingdom of God is near”

Scholars debate whether the “kingdom of God” was present at this time or is something that is still coming or a combination of both. English translations frequently use the phrase “at hand,” but this can create difficulty for translators. Other versions use the phase “is coming” and “has come near.”

## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

### The historic present

To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. In this chapter, the historic present occurs in verses 12, 21, 30, 37, 40 and 44. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “John testified about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]]) MRK 1 1 kpq1 writing-newevent ἀρχὴ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ 1 This verse introduces the reader to the history of Jesus the Messiah as told by Mark. This functions as an introduction to the entire book of Mark. Use the natural form in your language for beginning the telling of something that actually happened. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent) MRK 1 1 i3bc guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God **Son of God** is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. If this would be misunderstood, you could use the alternate translation: “who is God’s Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) @@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ MRK 1 3 lkm3 writing-quotations φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμ MRK 1 3 dqi9 figs-quotesinquotes φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου, εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ 1 Here there is a direct quotation nested 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]]) MRK 1 3 cf0e 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 use plain language. Alternate translation: “people will hear his voice as he cries out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MRK 1 3 v3n3 figs-parallelism ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου, εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ 1 Make ready the way of the Lord; make his paths straight **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]]) -MRK 1 3 peh5 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 a person in high authority were coming, the people would make sure the roads were clear of 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) +MRK 1 3 peh5 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** on which someone will travel to make them walkable. If a person in high authority were coming, the people would make sure the roads were clear of 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) MRK 1 3 yyk3 figs-extrainfo Κυρίου 1 In this quote from Isaiah, **the Lord** refers to God, but Mark is showing how it also refers to Jesus the Messiah. However, do not translate this as “Jesus” here, because this double reference must be maintained. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo) MRK 1 3 h8rt figs-idiom ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν 1 The imagery of paths or **the way** is figuratively used here to indicate that John will prepare the people to listen to the Lord’s message. If someone prepares a path for another person, the people make the path walkable. If someone in high authority were coming, they would make sure the roads were clear from any hazards. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you can use an alternate translation: “Prepare the people for the arrival of the Lord ” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom) MRK 1 3 wltl figs-yousingular ἑτοιμάσατε…ποιεῖτε 1 In the original language that Mark wrote this Gospel in, both occurrences of the word **make** are plural and are commands addressing a group of people. Use the natural forms in your language to express this meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]]) @@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ MRK 1 7 p7tl writing-quotations ἐκήρυσσεν λέγων 1 Consider natur MRK 1 7 l7jd writing-pronouns ἐκήρυσσεν 1 he was proclaiming The pronoun **he** is referring to John. If it would help your readers you could indicate that explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “John was proclaiming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) MRK 1 7 bk1j figs-explicit ἔρχεται…ὀπίσω μου 1 Here, **coming after me** means that this mightier person would come at a later time than John came. It does not mean that he is behind John, chasing John, or following behind John as a disciple of John. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MRK 1 7 g8fw figs-explicit οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς, κύψας λῦσαι τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων αὐτοῦ 1 of whom the strap of his sandals I am not worthy to stoop down to untie 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 John is not even worthy to be his slave. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I am not even worthy to be his slave” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit) -MRK 1 8 e4qi figs-metaphor αὐτὸς δὲ βαπτίσει ὑμᾶς ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ 1 but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit This metaphor compares John’s baptism with water to the baptism with the Holy Spirit, which Jesus will give. The point of the comparison is how people are made clean from sin. John baptized people to show that they wanted to be cleansed of their sin, and Jesus will enable them to be fully cleansed of sin by the Holy Spirit. If possible, use the same word for **baptize** here as you used for John’s baptism to aid the comparison between the two. If this is not possible, you could use a simile or plain language. Alternate translation: “but he will join you to the Holy Spirit” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor) +MRK 1 8 e4qi figs-metaphor αὐτὸς δὲ βαπτίσει ὑμᾶς ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ 1 but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit This metaphor compares John’s baptism with water to the baptism with the Holy Spirit, which Jesus will give. The point of the comparison is that a symbol is used to show the change in a person's life. John baptized in water to show that they had repented of their sin, and Jesus baptize them with the Holy Spirit to show that they have new life. If possible, use the same word for **baptize** here as you used for John’s baptism to aid the comparison between the two. If this is not possible, you could use a simile or plain language. Alternate translation: “but he will join you to the Holy Spirit” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor) MRK 1 8 r1j9 grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Here, baptism by water and baptism by the Holy Spirit are being contrasted. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) MRK 1 9 u65k writing-newevent καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις 1 it happened that in those days **And it happened that in those days** marks the beginning of a new event in the storyline. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) MRK 1 9 y8ea writing-pronouns ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις 1 The phrase **those days** refers to the time period when John was preaching and baptizing people at the Jordan River. If this is not clear in your language, you can state it more clearly. Alternate translation: “John was preaching and baptizing people when” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) @@ -97,11 +97,11 @@ MRK 1 44 xhu8 figs-explicit σεαυτὸν δεῖξον τῷ ἱερεῖ 1 s MRK 1 44 w6b2 figs-synecdoche σεαυτὸν δεῖξον 1 show yourself Here, the word **yourself** represents the skin of the leper. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “show your skin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) MRK 1 45 i91a figs-metaphor ἤρξατο κηρύσσειν πολλὰ καὶ διαφημίζειν τὸν λόγον 1 began to proclaim often and to spread the word widely Here, **spread the word widely** is a metaphor for telling people in many places about what had happened. If your readers would not understand what it means, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternate translation: “began to tell people in many places about what Jesus had done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) MRK 1 45 z363 figs-hyperbole πάντοθεν 1 from all sides The word **all sides** is a hyperbole used to emphasize from how very many places the people came. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: “from all over the region” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) -MRK 2 intro zhb5 0 # Mark 2 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus heals the paralytic (2:1-12)
1. Jesus tells Levi to follow him (2:13,14)
1. The feast at Levi’s house (2:15-17)
1. Questions about fasting (2:18-22)
1. Picking grain on the Sabbath (2:22-28)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### “Sinners”

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

### Fasting and Feasting

People would fast, or not eat food for a long time, when they were sad or were showing God that they were sorry for their sins. When they were happy, like during weddings, they would have feasts, or meals where they would eat much food. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fast]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical Questions

The Jewish leaders used rhetorical questions to show that they were angry because of what Jesus said and did and that they did not believe that he was God’s Son ([Mark 2:7](../mrk/02/07.md)). Jesus used them to show the Jewish leaders that they were arrogant ([Mark 2:25-26](./25.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

### The Historic Present

To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. In this chapter, the historic present occurs in verses 1, 3, 7, 14, 15, 18, 25, . If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “John testified about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]]) +MRK 2 intro zhb5 0 # Mark 2 General Notes

## Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus heals the paralytic (2:1-12)
1. Jesus tells Levi to follow him (2:13,14)
1. The feast at Levi’s house (2:15-17)
1. Questions about fasting (2:18-22)
1. Picking grain on the Sabbath (2:22-28)

## Special Concepts in this Chapter

### “Sinners”

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

### Fasting and Feasting

People would fast, or not eat food for a longer than usual period of time, when they were sad or were showing God that they were sorry for their sins. When they were happy, like during weddings, they would have feasts, or meals where they would eat much food. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fast]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical Questions

The Jewish leaders used rhetorical questions to show that they were angry because of what Jesus said and did and that they did not believe that he was God’s Son ([Mark 2:7](../mrk/02/07.md)). Jesus used them to show the Jewish leaders that they were arrogant ([Mark 2:25-26](./25.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

### The Historic Present

To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. In this chapter, the historic present occurs in verses 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 18, 25. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “John testified about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]]) MRK 2 1 ir5j figs-activepassive ἠκούσθη ὅτι ἐν οἴκῳ ἐστίν 1 it was heard that he is at home If it would be more natural in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “The people there heard that he was staying at his home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) MRK 2 1 j6pa grammar-connect-time-background καὶ εἰσελθὼν πάλιν εἰς Καφαρναοὺμ 1 The author tells us that Jesus **entered again** to remind us that he has already been in Capernaum in [1:21](../01/21.md). If it would help your readers you could make this more explicit in your language. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “Jesus came a second time to the town called Capernaum” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]]) MRK 2 1 afvi figs-explicit ἐν οἴκῳ ἐστίν 1 There is some debate over whose **house** this is. It could possibly be: (1) Peter’s house. Peter’s house functioned as the place where Jesus always returned to when we was in the town of Capernaum. Alternate translation: “He was in Peter’s house” or (2) you could leave it generic, and not specify whose house it was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -MRK 2 3 s21g translate-unknown παραλυτικὸν 1 A paralytic is someone who is not able to completely use their body. Sometimes they just can’t use their legs, but sometimes they can’t use anything. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +MRK 2 3 s21g translate-unknown παραλυτικὸν 1 A paralytic is someone who, because of injury or disease, is not able to use their arms, legs, torso, or some combination of those parts of their body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MRK 2 4 v6ma translate-unknown ἀπεστέγασαν τὴν στέγην ὅπου ἦν, καὶ ἐξορύξαντες, χαλῶσι 1 they removed the roof where he was, and having made an opening, they lowered Houses in the region where Jesus lived had flat roofs made of clay that were covered with tiles. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they removed the tiles from the part of the roof above where Jesus was. And when they had dug through the clay roof, they lowered” or “they made a hole in the roof above where Jesus was, and then they lowered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) MRK 2 4 ouxr translate-unknown κράβαττον 1 A **mat** was a portable bed that could also be used to transport a person. Think of something in your culture that you might carry an injured person on to get them medical attention. Alternate translation: “a stretcher” or “a cot” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown) MRK 2 5 trg9 figs-explicit ἰδὼν…τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν 1 having seen their faith 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ MRK 2 6 le6v figs-metonymy διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδ MRK 2 7 yr5a figs-rquestion τί οὗτος οὕτως λαλεῖ 1 Why does this man speak this way? 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 should not be speaking this way!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MRK 2 7 sj6j figs-rquestion τίς δύναται ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας, εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός? 1 Who is able to forgive sins except God alone? The scribes used this question to say that since only **God is able to forgive sins**, then Jesus should not say “Your sins are forgiven.” 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: “Only God can forgive sins, not a man!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MRK 2 8 niy6 figs-metonymy τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ 1 in his spirit Here, **spirit** is a metonym for Jesus inner thoughts. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in his inner being” or “within himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -MRK 2 8 h3zp figs-explicit ἐπιγνοὺς ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ 1 This phrase implies that Jesus had supernatural knowledge. It indicates that Jesus knew what the scribes were saying even though he did not hear what they said. If it would be helpful to your readers, your could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Even though no one told Jesus, he knew” or “Even though Jesus had not heard them, he was fully aware”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +MRK 2 8 h3zp figs-explicit ἐπιγνοὺς ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ 1 This phrase implies that Jesus had supernatural knowledge. It indicates that Jesus knew what the scribes were saying even though he did not hear what they said. If it would be helpful to your readers, your could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus, having become aware though no one told him” or “Jesus, without hearing them, knows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MRK 2 8 wga7 figs-rquestion τί ταῦτα διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν 1 Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Jesus uses this question to tell the scribes that what they are thinking is wrong. It also shows that He knows what they are thinking without them saying it out loud. 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: “What you are thinking is wrong.” or “Do not think that I am blaspheming.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MRK 2 8 s3m6 figs-metonymy ταῦτα…ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν 1 these things in your hearts The word **hearts** is a metonym for their inner thoughts and desires. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “this inside yourselves” or “these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) MRK 2 9 wv5d figs-rquestion τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν τῷ παραλυτικῷ, ἀφίενταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει 1 Which is easier to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins have been forgiven’ or to say ‘Get up and take up your bed, and walk’? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) @@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ MRK 2 27 s2yd figs-ellipsis οὐχ ὁ ἄνθρωπος διὰ τὸ Σάββ MRK 2 28 wgwu ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 See how you translated the title **Son of Man** in [2:10](../02/10.md). MRK 2 28 kq1c figs-123person ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 By calling himself **the Son of Man** Jesus is referring to himself in the third person. If this is confusing in your language, you can use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, the Son of Man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) MRK 2 28 pwb5 ὥστε Κύριός ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου καὶ τοῦ Σαββάτου 1 There are two major interpretations of this passage. (1) Many think that Jesus is here appealing to his heavenly authority to speak about the Sabbath day to the religious leaders. Alternate translation: “Therefore, I, the Son of Man, am Lord of the Sabbath” (2) **son of man** is a popular title used in the Old Testament to refer to a human being. Jesus could be saying (functioning as the conclusion to the previous verse) that mankind has authority over the Sabbath, and that the Sabbath does not have authority over mankind. Alternate translation: “Therefore, mankind has authority over the Sabbath” -MRK 3 intro x969 0 # Mark 3 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Sabbath

It was against the law of Moses to do work on the Sabbath. The Pharisees believed healing a sick person on the Sabbath was “work,” so they said that Jesus did wrong when he healed a person on the Sabbath. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

### “Blasphemy against the Spirit”

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

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### The twelve disciples

The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:

In Matthew:

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

In Mark:

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

In Luke:

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

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

### Brothers and Sisters

Most people call those who have the same parents “brother” and “sister” and think of them as the most important people in their lives. Many people also call those with the same grandparents “brother” and “sister.” In this chapter Jesus says that the most important people to him are those who obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/brother]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### The Historic Present

To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. In this chapter, the historic present occurs in verses 3, 13, 20, 31, 32, 33, and 34. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “John testified about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]]) +MRK 3 intro x969 0 # Mark 3 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Sabbath

It was against the law of Moses to do work on the Sabbath. The Pharisees believed healing a sick person on the Sabbath was “work,” so they said that Jesus did wrong when he healed a person on the Sabbath. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

### “Blasphemy against the Spirit”

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

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

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

In Luke:

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

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

### Brothers and Sisters

Most people call those who have the same parents “brother” and “sister” and think of them as the most important people in their lives. Many people also call those with the same grandparents “brother” and “sister.” In this chapter Jesus says that the most important people to him are those who obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/brother]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### The Historic Present

To call attention to a development in the story, John uses the present tense in past narration. In this chapter, the historic present occurs in verses 3, 4, 5, 13, 20, 31, 32, 33, and 34. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you can use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “John testified about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]]) MRK 3 1 bm6z writing-newevent καὶ εἰσῆλθεν πάλιν εἰς συναγωγήν, καὶ ἦν ἐκεῖ ἄνθρωπος, ἐξηραμμένην ἔχων τὴν χεῖρα 1 Mark 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) MRK 3 1 rn8y writing-participants καὶ ἦν ἐκεῖ ἄνθρωπος 1 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) MRK 3 1 ye6d translate-unknown ἐξηραμμένην ἔχων τὴν χεῖρα 1 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 hand was shriveled” or “his hand was atrophied” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) @@ -263,7 +263,7 @@ MRK 4 21 zzw7 αὐτοῖς 1 And he was saying to them **Them** could also po MRK 4 21 nn7e figs-rquestion μήτι ἔρχεται ὁ λύχνος ἵνα ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον τεθῇ, ἢ ὑπὸ τὴν κλίνην? 1 The lamp does not come in order to be put under a basket, or under the bed, does it? Jesus is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. 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 certainly do not bring a light inside the house to put it under a basket, or under a bed!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MRK 4 21 dkq7 figs-doublet ἵνα ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον τεθῇ, ἢ ὑπὸ τὴν κλίνην 1 Mark mentions two household items here for the sake of emphasis. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases as modeled by the UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) MRK 4 22 y5kn figs-litotes οὐ γάρ ἐστιν κρυπτὸν, ἐὰν μὴ ἵνα φανερωθῇ; οὐδὲ ἐγένετο ἀπόκρυφον, ἀλλ’ ἵνα ἔλθῃ εἰς φανερόν 1 For nothing is hidden except so that it might be revealed, and nothing secret has happened except so that it might come to exposure If your readers would misunderstand this you can state this in positive form. Alternate translation: “For everything that is hidden will be made known, and everything that is secret will come out into to open” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) -MRK 4 22 kc6k figs-parallelism οὐ…ἐστιν κρυπτὸν, ἐὰν μὴ ἵνα φανερωθῇ; οὐδὲ ἐγένετο ἀπόκρυφον, ἀλλ’ ἵνα ἔλθῃ εἰς φανερόν 1 nothing is hidden … and nothing secret has happened **there is nothing that is hidden … and there is nothing that is secret** Both of the phrases have the same meaning. Jesus is emphasizing that everything that is secret will be made known. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “Nothing is hidden that will not be revealed?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) +MRK 4 22 kc6k figs-parallelism οὐ…ἐστιν κρυπτὸν, ἐὰν μὴ ἵνα φανερωθῇ; οὐδὲ ἐγένετο ἀπόκρυφον, ἀλλ’ ἵνα ἔλθῃ εἰς φανερόν 1 nothing is hidden … and nothing secret has happened **there is nothing that is hidden … and there is nothing that is secret** Both of the phrases have the same meaning. Jesus is emphasizing that everything that is secret will be made known. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “Absolutely everything that is hidden will be revealed!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) MRK 4 23 k1a8 εἴ τις ἔχει ὦτα ἀκούειν, ἀκουέτω 1 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear See how you translated this in [4:09](../04/09.md) MRK 4 24 r2r1 ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς 1 he was saying to them See how you translated this phrase in [4:21](../04/21.md) MRK 4 24 zis1 figs-metaphor ἐν ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε μετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν 1 In that measure you use This is a metaphor in which Jesus speaks of “understanding” as if it were “measuring.” If your readers would not understand this metaphor, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternately, you could express Mark’s meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “The one who thinks carefully about the things I have said, God will allow him to understand even more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ MRK 5 35 t2wd figs-rquestion τί ἔτι σκύλλεις τὸν διδάσκ MRK 5 35 vqt0 figs-infostructure ἡ θυγάτηρ σου ἀπέθανεν; τί ἔτι σκύλλεις τὸν διδάσκαλον? 1 The statement **Your daughter died** explains why he asks the question here. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Why trouble the teacher any longer? For your daughter died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) MRK 5 39 a3ih figs-rquestion τί θορυβεῖσθε καὶ κλαίετε 1 Why are you upset and weeping? Jesus asked this question to help them see their lack of faith. 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: “This is not a time to be upset and crying!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) MRK 5 39 dzrk figs-ellipsis τὸ παιδίον οὐκ ἀπέθανεν, ἀλλὰ καθεύδει 1 The words **The child** are assumed in the second phrase. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “The child is not dead, but the child is sleeping” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -MRK 5 39 g83c figs-euphemism τὸ παιδίον οὐκ ἀπέθανεν, ἀλλὰ καθεύδει 1 The child has not died, but is sleeping **sleep** here refers to death. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “The child is not permanently dead, but she has died for a short time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) +MRK 5 39 g83c figs-explicit τὸ παιδίον οὐκ ἀπέθανεν, ἀλλὰ καθεύδει 1 The child has not died, but is sleeping Jesus is using **is sleeping** to indicate that the death of child is only temporary. That is, although the child had died, Jesus intended to make her alive again. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “The child is not permanently dead, but she has died for a short time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) MRK 5 41 hx3c translate-transliterate ταλιθὰ, κοῦμ! 1 Talitha, koum! This is an Aramaic phrase which Jesus spoke to the little girl in her language. In your translation you can spell it the way it sounds in your language and then explain its meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]]) MRK 5 42 pt5t translate-numbers ἦν…ἐτῶν δώδεκα 1 she was 12 years of age Alternate translation: “she was twelve years old” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) MRK 5 42 m49c figs-explicit καὶ εὐθὺς ἀνέστη τὸ κοράσιον καὶ περιεπάτει, ἦν γὰρ ἐτῶν δώδεκα 1 Mark includes this information to help his readers understand how **the little girl** immediately **rose up** and began **walking**. She was able to get up and walk because she was old enough to do so. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “And immediately the little girl rose up and was walking. She was able to do this because she was 12 years old” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])