Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote ROM front intro gtn1 0 # Introduction to Romans

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the book of Romans

1. Introduction (1:1–15)
2. Main Theme: Righteousness is received by trusting in Jesus Christ (1:16–17)
3. All mankind is condemned because of sin (1:18–3:20)
4. Righteousness is received through Jesus Christ by trusting in him (3:21–5:21)
5. Becoming like Christ in this life (6:1–8:39)
6. God’s plan for Israel (9:1–11:36)
7. Instructions for living as Christians (12:1–15:13)
8. Conclusion (15:14–16:27)

### Who wrote the book of Romans?

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans and may other books in the New Testament. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was part of a strict Jewish religious group called the Pharisees. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul probably wrote this letter while he was staying in the city of Corinth during his third trip through the Roman Empire.

### What is the book of Romans about?

Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Rome. Paul wanted to get them ready to receive him when he visited them. He said his purpose was to “bring about the obedience of faith” ([16:26](../16/26.md)).

In this letter Paul most fully described the gospel of Jesus Christ. He explained that both Jews and non-Jews have sinned, and God will forgive them and declare them righteous only if they believe in Jesus (chapters 1–11). Then he gave them practical advice for how believers should live (chapters 12–16),

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

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Romans.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome,” or “A Letter to the Christians in Rome.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What are the titles used to refer to Jesus?

In Romans, Paul described Jesus Christ by many titles and descriptions: Jesus Christ (1:1), the Seed of David (1:3), the Son of God (1:4), the Lord Jesus Christ (1:7), Christ Jesus (3:24), Propitiation (3:25), Jesus (3:26), Jesus our Lord (4:24), Lord of Hosts (9:29), a Stumbling Stone and Rock of Offence (9:33), the End of the Law (10:4), the Deliverer (11:26), Lord of the Dead and the Living (14:9), and the Root of Jesse (15:12).

### How should theological terms in Romans be translated?

Paul uses many theological terms that are not used in the four Gospels. As early Christians learned more about the meaning of Jesus Christ and his message, they needed words and expressions for new ideas. Some examples of these words are “justification” (5:1), “works of the law” (3:20), “reconcile” (5:10), “propitiation” (3:25), “sanctification” (6:19), and “the old man” (6:6). If your language doesn’t have similar words, you can develop short phrases to communicate these ideas. For example, the term “gospel” can be translated as “the good news about Jesus Christ.”

Translators should also remember that some of these terms have more than one meaning. The meaning will depend on how the author is using the word in that particular passage. For example, “righteousness” sometimes means that a person obeys God’s law. At other times, “righteousness” means that Jesus Christ has perfectly obeyed God’s law for us.

### What did Paul mean by “a remnant” of Israel ([11:5](../11/05.md))?

The idea of a “remnant” is important both in the Old Testament and for Paul. Most of the Israelites were either killed or scattered among other people when the Assyrians and then the Babylonians conquered their land. Only a relatively few Jews survived. They were known as “the remnant.”

In [11:1–9](../11/01.md), Paul speaks of another remnant. This remnant is the Jews whom God saved because they believed in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/remnant]])

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### What did Paul mean by being “in Christ”?

The phrase “in Christ” and similar phrases occur in 3:24; 6:11, 23; 8:1,2,39; 9:1; 12:5,17; 15:17; and 16:3,7,9,10. Paul used these kinds of phrases as a metaphor to express that Christian believers belong to Jesus Christ. Belonging to Christ means the believer is saved and is made a friend with God. The believer is also promised to live with God forever. However, this idea can be difficult to represent in many languages.

These phrases also have specific meanings that depend on how Paul used them in a particular passage. For example, in [3:24](../03/24.md) (“the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”), Paul referred to our being redeemed “because” of Jesus Christ. In [8:9](../08/09.md) (“you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit”), Paul spoke of believers submitting “to” the Holy Spirit. In [9:1](../09/01.md) (“I tell the truth in Christ”), Paul meant that he is telling the truth that “is in agreement with” Jesus Christ.

Nevertheless, the basic idea of our being united with Jesus Christ (and with the Holy Spirit) is seen in these passages as well. Therefore, the translator has a choice in many passages that use “in.” He will often decide to represent the more immediate sense of “in,” such as, “by means of,” “in the manner of,” or “in regard to.” But, if possible, the translator should choose a word or phrase that represents the immediate sense and the sense of “in union with.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inchrist]])

### How are the ideas of “holy,” “saints” or “holy ones,” and “sanctify” represented in Romans in the ULT?

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating into English, the ULT uses the following principles:

* Sometimes the meaning in a passage implies moral holiness. Especially important for understanding the gospel is the fact that God considers Christians to be sinless because they are united to Jesus Christ. Another related fact is that God is perfect and faultless. A third fact is that Christians are to conduct themselves in a blameless and faultless manner in life. In these cases, the ULT uses “holy,” “holy God,” “holy ones” or “holy people.” (See: [1:7](../01/07.md))
* Sometimes the meaning in a passage indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In cases where some other English versions have “saints” or “holy ones,” the ULT uses “believers.” (See: 8:27; 12:13; 15:25, 26, 31; 16:2, 15)
* Sometimes the meaning in a passage indicates the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “set apart,” “dedicated to,” “consecrated,” or “reserved for.” (See: [15:16](../15/16.md))

The UST will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.

### Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “you” is almost always plural and refers to Paul’s audience. There are only four instances of singular “you,” three of which are quotations from the Old Testament ([9:7](../09/07.md), [17](../09/17.md); [13:4](../13/04.md), [15:9](../15/09.md)). Those exceptions will be addressed in the notes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

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

For the following verses, modern version of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT includes the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote.

* “he \\[God\\] works all things together for good” ([8:28](../08/28.md)). Some older versions read, “All things work together for good.”
* “But if it is by grace, it is no longer by works. Otherwise grace would no longer be grace” ([11:6](../11/06.md)). Some older versions read: “But if it is by works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

The following verse is not in the best ancient copies of the Bible. Translators are advised not to include this verse. However, if in the translators’ region there are older Bible versions that have this verse, the translators can include it. If it is translated, it should be put inside square brackets (\\[\\]) to indicate that it is probably not original to the book of Romans.

* “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” ([16:24](../16/24.md)).

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) ROM 1 intro hn5n 0 # Romans 1 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

1. Introduction (1:1–15)
* Greeting (1:1–7)
* Paul plans to visit Rome (1:8–15)
2. Main Theme: Righteousness is received by having faith in Jesus Christ (1:16–17)
3. All mankind is condemned because of sin (1:18–3:20)
* All non-Jews have sinned (1:18–32)

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The gospel

This chapter refers to the contents of the Book of Romans as “the gospel” ([1:2](../rom/01/02.md)). Romans is not a Gospel like Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, which are historical accounts of the life of Jesus. Instead, chapters 1–8 present the biblical gospel, which is the good news of salvation. The gospel contains the following true ideas: Everyone has sinned. Jesus died for our sins. Jesus came back to life again so that we might live for his glory and receive eternal life when we die.

### Universal Condemnation and the Wrath of God

In this chapter Paul explains that no one has an excuse for sinning. We all know about the true God, Yahweh, from his creation all around us. Because of our sin and our sinful nature, every person justly deserves the eternal punishment of God. The requirement for this punishment was satisfied by Jesus dying on a cross for those who believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### “God gave them over”

Many scholars view the phrases “God gave them over” and “God gave them up” as theologically significant. For this reason, it is important to translate these phrases with God playing a passive role in the action. God allows men to pursue their own sinful desires, he does not force them to act sinfully. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 1 x3em figs-123person Παῦλος 1 Paul In the culture of this time, letter writers would give their own names first. Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “From Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) ROM 1 1 plvo translate-names Παῦλος 1 Paul **Paul** is the name of a man, an apostle of Jesus. See the information about him in Part 1 of the Introduction to Romans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 1 1 e417 figs-distinguish δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, κλητὸς ἀπόστολος 1 Paul These two phrases give further information about Paul. He describes himself as being someone given the position and authority of being Christ’s **servant** and **apostle**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 1 1 v5b9 figs-activepassive κλητὸς ἀπόστολος, ἀφωρισμένος 1 called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God 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: “whom Jesus called to be an apostle and set apart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 1 ukts grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς εὐαγγέλιον Θεοῦ 1 Here, **for** introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which Jesus**set** him **apart**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order to preach the gospel of God” or “so that I could announce the good news from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 1 1 ji90 figs-possession εὐαγγέλιον Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the gospel** that comes from **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the gospel from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 2 cu3r figs-distinguish ὃ 1 Here, **which** marks that further information is going to be given about “the gospel of God” in the previous verse. Paul is emphasizing that “the gospel of God” has its origin in **the holy Scriptures** that also come from God. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases more clear. Alternate translation: “that is, the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 1 3 lab1 figs-distinguish περὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 concerning his Son This phrase gives us further information about “the gospel of God.” Paul means that the message of God’s promised good news is about God’s Son, “Christ Jesus” (See [verse 1](../01/01.md)). If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “that is, the gospel about his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 1 3 lk5q guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 Son **Son** is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) ROM 1 3 y2uy figs-idiom τοῦ γενομένου ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυεὶδ 1 Here, **from a seed of David** is an idiom meaning “David’s descendant.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “who was born a descendant of David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 1 3 rj9f figs-idiom κατὰ σάρκα 1 who was a descendant of David according to the flesh Here, **according to the flesh** is an idiom meaning “with reference to physical descent.” If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “according to natural descent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 1 4 nhz7 figs-infostructure τοῦ ὁρισθέντος Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν δυνάμει κατὰ Πνεῦμα ἁγιωσύνης ἐξ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν 1 In this verse, Paul places these phrases in the order he wants to emphasize. If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 1 4 at5s figs-activepassive τοῦ ὁρισθέντος Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ 1 he was declared with power to be the Son of God If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that **God** did it. Alternate translation: “whom God designated as the Son of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 4 cp80 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ 1 **Son of God** is an important title that describes the relationship between **God** and **Jesus**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) ROM 1 4 h32u figs-explicit ὁρισθέντος Υἱοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν δυνάμει 1 Here, **in power** could refer to: (1) the means by which God designated Jesus as the Son of God. Alternate translation: “who was designated the Son of God by means of power” (2) a new level of power God gave to the Son of God. Alternate translation: “who was designated as the powerful Son of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 4 m89w figs-possession Πνεῦμα ἁγιωσύνης 1 Spirit of holiness Paul is using the possessive form to describe God’s **Spirit** that is characterized by **holiness**. This refers to the Holy Spirit. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an alternate expression, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 4 js9m figs-abstractnouns ἐξ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **resurrection**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “by being resurrected from the dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 4 h97z figs-idiom νεκρῶν 1 by the resurrection from the dead Here, the phrase translated **of dead ones** refers to dead people. Here it means that Jesus physically died and was buried. If your language has a word or phrase for the place that dead people go, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “from the place where dead people are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 1 4 zvql figs-possession νεκρῶν 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe the place from where **Jesus** was resurrected. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the preposition “from” instead of “of.” Alternate translation: “from death” or “from among the dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 4 brej figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 Here, **our** refers to all Christians, so it is inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 1 5 ww9a figs-explicit δι’ οὗ 1 we have received grace and apostleship Here, **whom** refers to Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 5 jr9e figs-abstractnouns δι’ οὗ ἐλάβομεν χάριν καὶ ἀποστολὴν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **grace** and **apostleship**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he who acted kindly toward us and made us his apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 5 mosg figs-exclusive ἐλάβομεν 1 Here, **we** is exclusive and your language may require you to mark this form. It could refer to: (1) Paul and other apostles, as in the UST. (2) Paul speaking about himself in a plural form. Alternate translation: “I received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 1 5 mv5n grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς 1 Here, **for** introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which Jesus made Paul and other people his apostles. Use a natural way in your language introduce a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 1 5 krzj figs-abstractnouns εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **obedience** and **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for people to faithfully obey Jesus among all the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 5 cf3g figs-possession εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως 1 Here, **obedience of faith** could refer to: (1) obedience that is characterized by trust in God. Alternate translation: “for obedience by trusting in God” or “obedience that comes from trusting in God” (2) obedience that results from trusting in God. Alternate translation: “faith that results in obedience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 5 eem9 figs-explicit ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν 1 Here, **the Gentiles** could refer to: (1) the nations. Use this interpretation if you interpreted **we** to refer to all the apostles and retained it in your translation. Alternate translation: “among all people groups” (2) non-Jewish people groups. Use this interpretation if you interpreted **we** to refer only to Paul and translated it as “I”. Alternate translation: “among all non-Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 5 rd3v figs-infostructure ἐλάβομεν χάριν καὶ ἀποστολὴν εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “we received grace and apostleship for the sake of his name, for obedience of the faith among all the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 1 5 sxc7 figs-metonymy ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ 1 for obedience of faith among all the nations, for the sake of his name Here Paul uses **name** figuratively. It could refer to: (1) Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “for the sake of Jesus” (2) Jesus’ reputation. Alternate translation: “for the sake of Jesus’ fame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 1 6 xurz figs-explicit ἐν οἷς 1 Here,**whom** refers to “the Gentiles” who were mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. See how you translated “the Gentiles” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “among the nations” or “among the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 6 sks2 figs-you ὑμεῖς 1 In this letter, with four exceptions, the words **you** and your are plural and refer to the recipients of this letter, who are members of the church at Rome (See [1:7](../01/07.md)). If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “you believers in Christ at Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 1 6 qq9z figs-possession κλητοὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **called ones** who were called by **Jesus Christ**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “ones called by Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 7 z85a figs-123person πᾶσιν τοῖς οὖσιν ἐν Ῥώμῃ 1 This letter is to all who are in Rome, the beloved of God, who are called to be holy people In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would then say to whom they were writing, and they would name those people in the third person. If that would be confusing in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “To all of you who are in Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) ROM 1 7 ymaj translate-names Ῥώμῃ 1 This letter is to all who are in Rome, the beloved of God, who are called to be holy people **Rome** is the name of a city, the capital city of the Roman Empire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 1 7 zfwq figs-nominaladj ἀγαπητοῖς Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the adjective **beloved** as a noun in order to describe the church at Rome. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this words with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are loved of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 1 7 rkdh figs-possession ἀγαπητοῖς Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe the **beloved** who are loved by **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “loved by God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 7 v8bl translate-blessing χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 May grace be to you, and peace In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing. Alternate translation: “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]]) ROM 1 7 ys4e figs-abstractnouns χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 May grace be to you, and peace If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns **grace** and **peace**, you could express the ideas behind them with equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ show his gracious acts to you and make you feel peaceful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 7 d8pa guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 God our Father **Father** here is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus and the relationship between God and believers. Alternate translation: “our Father God and the Lord Jesus, the Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) ROM 1 7 j61d figs-exclusive Πατρὸς ἡμῶν 1 When Paul writes **our** here, he is speaking of himself and his readers, so **our** would be inclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form. Alternate translation: “who is the Father of us Christians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 1 8 yrau grammar-connect-logic-result πρῶτον μὲν εὐχαριστῶ τῷ Θεῷ μου διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ περὶ πάντων ὑμῶν, ὅτι ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν καταγγέλλεται ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ. 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world, I first want to thank my God through Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 8 totr grammar-connect-words-phrases πρῶτον μὲν 1 **First** here indicates that Paul has finished his introduction to the letter, and what follows is the beginning of the content of the letter. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The first thing I want to say is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 1 8 tdsj figs-possession τῷ Θεῷ μου 1 Paul is using the possessive form **my God** to express that he belongs to **God**. Paul does not mean that he owns God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the God I belong to” or “the God that owns me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 8 bphf figs-abstractnouns ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the way you trust in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 8 efqs figs-activepassive ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν καταγγέλλεται 1 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. The context indicates that other believers are proclaiming how great the faith of the Roman believers is. Alternate translation: “other people are proclaiming your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 8 k7qf figs-hyperbole ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ 1 Here, **the whole world** is an exaggeration that refers to all the parts of the world that were familiar to Paul and his readers, particularly the Roman Empire. Paul is not referring to every place on the planet. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “across the known world” or “wherever the Roman Empire is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 1 9 c7pa grammar-connect-logic-result γάρ 1 For God is my witness **For** indicates that what follows is the reason why Paul could say in the previous verse that he thanks God for the Roman believers. If it would be helpful to you readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “You can be sure this is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 9 twht figs-infostructure μάρτυς…μού ἐστιν ὁ Θεός, ᾧ λατρεύω ἐν τῷ πνεύματί μου ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ, ὡς ἀδιαλείπτως μνείαν ὑμῶν ποιοῦμαι 1 For God is my witness If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses and make a new sentence if necessary. Alternate translation: “God is my witness how I continually make mention of you. I serve him in my spirit in the gospel of his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 1 9 dx6p figs-distinguish μάρτυς…μού…ᾧ λατρεύω ἐν τῷ πνεύματί μου ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 in my spirit This phrase gives us further information about **God**. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “my witness and I serve him in my spirit in the gospel of his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 1 9 ll1e figs-abstractnouns μάρτυς…μού 1 in my spirit If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **witness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the one who testifies about me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 9 ydnc figs-explicit ἐν τῷ πνεύματί μου 1 Here, **spirit** refers to the inner person, which is what a person thinks and feels. Paul means that he serves God with complete devotion. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “with my whole heart” or “wholeheartedly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 9 ih0v figs-explicit ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ 1 Here, **in** indicates the means by which Paul served God and **gospel** refers specifically to proclaiming the **gospel**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by proclaiming the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 9 o66d figs-possession ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe the **gospel** that is about God’s **Son**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the gospel about his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 9 r2l5 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱοῦ 1 Son **Son** is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) ROM 1 9 f9p2 figs-hyperbole ἀδιαλείπτως 1 I make mention of you Here, **continually** is an exaggeration that emphasizes how frequently Paul prayed for the church at Rome. Paul does not mean that he spends all of his time praying for them. If your language would not use exaggeration in this way, use plain language and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I regularly” or “I habitually” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole) ROM 1 9 vtuq figs-idiom μνείαν ὑμῶν ποιοῦμαι 1 Here, **making mention** is an idiom for prayer. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I am … praying for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 1 10 mdc8 figs-doublet πάντοτε ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν μου, δεόμενος 1 I always request in my prayers that … I may at last be successful … in coming to you This phrase means the same thing as “I continually make mention of you” in the previous verse. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how intensely he prays that God will allow him to visit the church at Rome. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase for the similar passage in the previous verse and in this verse provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “in all my prayers, I beg God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 1 10 oi0x figs-hyperbole πάντοτε 1 Here, the word **always** is an exaggeration that figuratively express the frequency of Paul’s prayers to God for the church at Rome. Paul does not mean that he spends all of his time praying for them. If your language would not use exaggeration in this way, use plain language and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “frequently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 1 10 b5wy figs-abstractnouns ἐν τῷ θελήματι τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 by the will of God If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **will**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because God wills for me” or “because God wants me”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 11 ki6h grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 For I desire to see you **For** here indicates that this is a reason clause. Paul is indicating why he constantly prays to visit the church at Rome in [verses 9–10](../01/09.md). Use a natural way in your language to express the reason for something. Alternate translation: “I am always requesting this because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 11 gjdu figs-metonymy ἰδεῖν ὑμᾶς 1 Paul uses **see** figuratively to describe not only seeing the Christians in Rome, but also visiting them and spending time with them. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to visit you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 1 11 b23b grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 Here, **so that** indicates that this is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for why he wants to visit the believers at Rome. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 1 12 pnnm figs-distinguish τοῦτο δέ ἐστιν 1 Here, **and that is** gives us further information about why Paul wants to share “some spiritual gift” with the church at Rome. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “namely” or “specifically” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 1 12 ux1x figs-activepassive συνπαρακληθῆναι ἐν ὑμῖν 1 That is, I long to be mutually encouraged among you, through each other’s faith, yours and mine 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: “to mutually encourage each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 12 ddtm figs-possession διὰ τῆς ἐν ἀλλήλοις πίστεως, ὑμῶν τε καὶ ἐμοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to to refer to the trust in Jesus that both he and his readers shared. Paul means that they should mutually encourage each other because they have a mutual faith in Christ. If this is not clear in your language, you can state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “by both you and I sharing with one another how we trust in God” or “through talking about our common Christian faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 12 e6py figs-abstractnouns πίστεως 1 See how you translated this word in [verse 5](../01/05.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 13 yi1f figs-litotes οὐ θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν 1 I do not want you to be uninformed Here Paul uses 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. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “I definitely want you to be informed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) ROM 1 13 rwzn figs-activepassive ἀγνοεῖν 1 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: “to not know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 13 u1cq figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Although the term **brother** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 1 13 zvrj figs-explicit καὶ ἐκωλύθην ἄχρι τοῦ δεῦρο 1 Paul assumes that his readers will know that **until now** means “even at the present time.” He does not mean that he was no longer **hindered** at the moment he wrote these words. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “but I have been hindered and still am now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 13 b92o figs-activepassive ἐκωλύθην 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God hindered me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 13 gnu7 figs-metaphor ἵνα τινὰ καρπὸν σχῶ καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν 1 in order to have a harvest among you Here, **fruit** could refer to: (1) people believing in the gospel as a result of Paul’s preaching, which would connect this verse to the idea in [verse 15](../01/15.md). Alternative translation: “so that I might lead people to salvation among you also” (2) strengthening the believers in Rome, in which case this would have the same meaning as “some spiritual gracious gift” in [verse 11](../01/11.md). Alternative translation: “so that I might strengthen you also” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 14 s4bm figs-metaphor ὀφειλέτης εἰμί 1 I am a debtor both Paul speaks figuratively of himself as if he was a **debtor** who owed money to people who were not Jews, such as **Greeks** and **barbarians**. Paul means that he was obligated to preach the gospel to non-Jews because God had commanded him to do so. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation, “I am obliged to preach the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 14 j2sz figs-merism Ἕλλησίν τε καὶ βαρβάροις 1 Here Paul uses **Greeks** and **barbarians** figuratively to represent all the Gentiles referred to in the previous verse. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to all types of Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) ROM 1 14 lio6 figs-merism σοφοῖς τε καὶ ἀνοήτοις 1 Paul speaks figuratively here, using **wise ones** and **foolish ones** to represent all types of people among the Gentiles referred to in the previous verse. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to all types of people among the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) ROM 1 14 q728 figs-doublet Ἕλλησίν τε καὶ βαρβάροις, σοφοῖς τε καὶ ἀνοήτοις 1 These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that he is obligated to preach the gospel to every kind of Gentile. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “to each and every kind of Gentile” or “to every single non-Jewish person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 1 15 h9zv grammar-connect-logic-result οὕτως 1 **So** here indicates that this a reason clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why someone does something. Alternate translation: “This is the reason why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 16 oa6m grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** indicates the reason why Paul is eager to proclaim the gospel in Rome. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I am eager to do this because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 16 mm2f figs-litotes οὐ…ἐπαισχύνομαι 1 I am not ashamed of the gospel Here Paul uses 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. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “I am greatly honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) ROM 1 16 nvkv figs-metonymy οὐ…ἐπαισχύνομαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον 1 I am not ashamed of the gospel Here, **gospel** refers specifically to the preaching of the **gospel** that was mentioned in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not ashamed to preach the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 1 16 f5x9 figs-possession δύναμις γὰρ Θεοῦ ἐστιν εἰς σωτηρίαν 1 for the Jew first and for the Greek Paul is using the possessive form to describe the **gospel** as the powerful way that **God** saves people. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for it is the powerful way that God saves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 16 sz5b grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς σωτηρίαν 1 first Here, **for** indicates that **salvation** is the result of the gospel. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “that results in the salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 16 merb figs-abstractnouns εἰς σωτηρίαν παντὶ 1 first If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **salvation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for saving everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 16 htqe figs-ellipsis παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι 1 first Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “to everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 1 16 dwtm figs-genericnoun Ἰουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι 1 first Paul is speaking of Jewish people and Greek people in general, not of one particular Jew or Greek. If this might confuse your readers, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “both to the Jewish people first and to the Greek people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) ROM 1 16 u8on figs-explicit Ἰουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον 1 The phrase **the Jew first** means that the Jewish people were the first people to hear the gospel. Paul does not mean that **the Jew** is better or has a high status than **the Greek**. If this would confuse your readers, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “both to the Jews who first heard the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 16 al16 figs-explicit Ἕλληνι 1 Here, **the Greek** refers to non-Jewish people in general. It does not refer only to people from the country of Greece. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the non-Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 17 of98 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** indicates that what follows is the reason why the gospel is the power of God that leads to salvation, as stated in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The gospel can save everyone who believes because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 17 wfsc figs-activepassive δικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ ἀποκαλύπτεται 1 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: “it reveals the righteousness of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 17 h38h figs-metaphor δικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ ἀποκαλύπτεται 1 God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith Paul speaks figuratively about **the righteousness of God** as if it was an object that could be **revealed**. He means that people learn about the righteousness of God when someone proclaims the gospel to them. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation: “when people preach the gospel, those who hear it learn about the righteousness of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 17 qr31 figs-possession δικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ 1 Here Paul is using the possessive form **of God** that could refer to: (1) righteousness that comes from God. Alternate translation: “the righteousness from God” (2) righteousness that characterizes God. Alternate translation: “God’s righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 17 gsl5 figs-abstractnouns δικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **righteousness** in another way. Alternate translation: “how God causes people to become righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 17 ii3m writing-pronouns ἐν αὐτῷ 1 For in it The pronoun **it** here refers to “the gospel” that was mentioned in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 1 17 jl9i figs-idiom ἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν 1 Here, **from faith to faith** describes how **the righteousness of God is revealed**. It is an idiom that could mean: (1) completely by faith alone. Alternate translation: “by faith from beginning to end” or “through faith from first to last” (2) by the faith that all believers share, like how the phrase “from sea to sea” means “from one sea to another sea.” Alternate translation: “from one person’s faith to another person’s faith” (3) by faith that leads to increasing faith. Alternate translation: “through faith for faith” or “from one degree of faith to another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 1 17 igg9 writing-quotations καθὼς γέγραπται 1 as it has been written Here Paul uses **just as it is written** to introduce a quotation from an Old Testament book ([Habakkuk 2:4](../../hab/02/04.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “just as it is written in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) ROM 1 17 bgvh figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 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. If you must state who did the action, the quotation was written by the prophet Habakkuk. Alternate translation: “just as the prophet Habakkuk wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 17 oih2 figs-quotemarks ὁ δὲ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται 1 In this sentence Paul quotes [Habakkuk 2:4](../../hab/02/04.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 1 17 a9y7 figs-explicit ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται 1 Here, **live** could refer to: (1) eternal life. Alternative translation: “will live eternally by faith” (2) the quality of one’s physical life. Alternative translation: “will truly live by faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 17 e7eu figs-abstractnouns πίστεως 2 See how you translated this word in [verse 5](../01/05.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 18 c69s grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 For **For** indicates that what follows is the reason why “the righteous one must live by faith,” as mentioned in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “The righteous one must live this way because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 18 r15v figs-activepassive ἀποκαλύπτεται…ὀργὴ Θεοῦ 1 For the wrath of God is revealed 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: “God is revealing his wrath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 18 wzy3 figs-metonymy ὀργὴ Θεοῦ 1 the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people Here Paul uses **wrath** figuratively to refer to the outcome of God’s **wrath**, which is judging and punishing people because they are unrighteous. If this would confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “God’s wrathful punishment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 1 18 kjen figs-abstractnouns ἐπὶ πᾶσαν ἀσέβειαν καὶ ἀδικίαν ἀνθρώπων 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas of **ungodliness** and **unrighteousness**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “against all the ungodly and unrighteous acts of men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 18 fz23 figs-metonymy ἐπὶ πᾶσαν ἀσέβειαν καὶ ἀδικίαν ἀνθρώπων 1 Here, **ungodliness and unrighteousness of men** figuratively refer to the people who do ungodly and unrighteous things. If this would confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “against people who do any ungodly or unrighteous deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 1 18 td8t figs-abstractnouns τῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐν ἀδικίᾳ κατεχόντων 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas of **unrighteousness** and **truth**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “who, because they do not want to act righteously, keep holding back what is true about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 18 rztp figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 1 18 g3qm figs-distinguish τῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐν ἀδικίᾳ κατεχόντων 1 This phrase gives us further information about the nature of people, who are called ** men** in the previous phrase. It is not making a distinction between different kinds of **men**. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “these same people who in unrighteousness are holding back the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 1 18 k4ql figs-personification τῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἐν ἀδικίᾳ κατεχόντων 1 Here Paul speaks of **truth** figuratively as though it were a person who could be restrained or held back. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “who in unrighteousness prevent the truth from being known” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 1 19 jd85 figs-activepassive τὸ γνωστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that it is any person. Alternate translation: “what people can know about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 19 r6ef writing-pronouns αὐτοῖς…αὐτοῖς 1 The pronoun **them** refers to the ungodly and unrighteous people mentioned in the previous verse. Unless, otherwise noted, **them**, “their”, and “they” refer to ungodly and unrighteous people throughout [verses 19–32](../01/19.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “all these ungodly and unrighteous people … all these ungodly and unrighteous people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 1 20 fo6q figs-abstractnouns τὰ…ἀόρατα αὐτοῦ…καθορᾶται; ἥ τε ἀΐδιος αὐτοῦ δύναμις καὶ θειότης 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **qualities**, **power**, and **nature**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what people cannot see about God, both how eternally powerful he is and who he is are clearly seen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 20 szu6 figs-metaphor καθορᾶται 1 For his invisible qualities … have been clearly seen Paul uses **seen** figurative to refer to perceiving something. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “are clearly perceived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 20 abdl figs-activepassive καθορᾶται 1 For his invisible qualities … have been clearly seen 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: “people can clearly see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 20 uvc1 figs-synecdoche κόσμου 1 world Paul uses **the world** figuratively to refer to the whole universe. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of all that God made” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 1 20 dr8v figs-activepassive τοῖς ποιήμασιν νοούμενα 1 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: “which the things God has made understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 20 dxr6 grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἀναπολογήτους 1 they are without excuse **So** indicates that this is a result clause. Use the natural way in your language to express result. Alternate translation: “As a result, they are without excuse” or “This is why they are without excuse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 21 pgta figs-explicit γνόντες τὸν Θεὸν 1 Here Paul uses **having known** to imply that these people know about God or know that God exists. He does not mean that they know God personally. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “having known about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 21 iasg figs-doublet οὐχ ὡς Θεὸν ἐδόξασαν ἢ ηὐχαρίστησαν 1 Here, **not glorify him** and **nor give him thanks** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that ungodly people dishonor God. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “they thanklessly despise God” or “they completely disregard God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 1 21 c6v7 figs-metaphor ηὐχαρίστησαν 1 Here Paul speaks of expressions of **thanks** figuratively as if they were something that could be given to a person. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “did they thank him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 21 dant figs-doublet ἐματαιώθησαν ἐν τοῖς διαλογισμοῖς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐσκοτίσθη ἡ ἀσύνετος αὐτῶν καρδία 1 These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how foolish these ungodly people became by refusing to honor God. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “they became completely senseless in the way they think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 1 21 xm6i figs-activepassive ἐματαιώθησαν ἐν τοῖς διαλογισμοῖς αὐτῶν 1 became foolish in their thoughts 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: “they began to think futile things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 21 d2c0 figs-metaphor ἐσκοτίσθη ἡ ἀσύνετος αὐτῶν καρδία 1 Here Paul speaks figuratively of the **heart** as if it could mentally sense things or could become black in color. He also uses **darkened** figuratively to refer to someone losing the ability to understand something. He means that these people lack spiritual sensitivity and are unable to understand spiritual things. If your readers would not understand what a **senseless heart** or **darkened** mean in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “their heart became incapable of feeling or understanding spiritual things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 21 t4p7 figs-metonymy καρδία 1 Here Paul uses **heart** figuratively to refer a person’s inner being or mind. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “inner being” or “mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 1 21 sw8q grammar-collectivenouns καρδία 1 The word **heart** is a singular noun that refers to the inner beings or minds of a group of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “inner beings” or “hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 1 22 ddr2 grammar-connect-logic-contrast ἐμωράνθησαν 1 They claimed to be wise, but they became foolish The phrase **they became foolish** is in contrast to what these unrighteous people claimed about themselves in the previous phrase. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “but they became foolish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) ROM 1 22 ly68 ἐμωράνθησαν 1 Alternate translation: “they became fools” or “they acted like fools” or “they started acting like fools” ROM 1 23 k9xu grammar-connect-words-phrases καὶ 1 They exchanged the glory of the imperishable God Here, **and** indicates that what follows describes what these ungodly and unrighteous people did after they “became foolish,” as stated in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “then they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 1 23 x2wl figs-metaphor καὶ ἤλλαξαν τὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ ἐν ὁμοιώματι εἰκόνος φθαρτοῦ ἀνθρώπου, καὶ πετεινῶν, καὶ τετραπόδων, καὶ ἑρπετῶν. 1 for the likenesses of an image Paul uses **exchanged** figuratively to describe the actions of these ungodly people as if they were exchanging goods or money. Paul means that they stopped worshiping God and started worshiping idols that resembled these creatures. If your readers would not understand what **exchanged** means in this context, you could use an express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “then they stopped glorifying the imperishable God in order to worship images things that God created: perishable humans, birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 23 qb7f figs-parallelism τὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ ἐν ὁμοιώματι εἰκόνος φθαρτοῦ ἀνθρώπου 1 The two phrases **the glory of the imperishable God** and **a likeness of an image of perishable man** mean the opposite thing. Paul says the opposite thing with similar phrases to emphasize the contrast between **God** and **man**. Use a natural way in your language to express a contrast that uses parallel ideas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 1 23 r14e figs-abstractnouns τὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ 1 of perishable man If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **glory**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what glorifies the imperishable God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 23 u971 figs-possession τὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου Θεοῦ 1 of birds, of four-footed beasts, and of creeping things Paul is using the possessive form to describe the relationship between **glory** and **the imperishable God**. This phrase could refer to: (1) the glory that characterizes God. Alternate translation: “the glory that characterizes the imperishable God” (2) the glory that belongs to God. Alternate translation: “the glory that belongs only to the imperishable God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 23 rfez figs-possession ὁμοιώματι εἰκόνος 1 The words translated as **likeness** and **image** were used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament to refer to the same thing ([Genesis 1:26](../gen/01/26.md)). Here Paul is using the possessive form to indicate that **image** is an explanation of **likeness**. Use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation or elaboration in your language. Alternate translation: “a likeness, that is, an image” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 23 osrt figs-ellipsis καὶ πετεινῶν, καὶ τετραπόδων, καὶ ἑρπετῶν 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “and likenesses of birds, and likenesses of four-footed animals, and likenesses of creeping things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 1 23 rq7h τετραπόδων 1 The phrase **four-footed beasts** refers to animals that walk on four feet. Use the most natural form to describe this kind of animal in your language. Alternate translation: “of quadrupeds” or “of four-legged beasts” ROM 1 24 fvv6 grammar-connect-logic-result διὸ 1 Therefore **Therefore** here introduces a result clause. Paul is stating the result of people rejecting the glory of God in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a result clause. Alternate translation: “As a result” or “This is why” or “Because of this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 24 ec9q figs-metaphor παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς ἐν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν 1 God gave them over to Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if **God** were physically giving them to **lusts**. He means that God is allowing them to have what they desire. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “God permitted them to become controlled by the lusts of their hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 24 tlv5 figs-possession ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν 1 them … their … themselves Paul is using the possessive form to describe **lusts** that come from **their hearts**. If this is not clear in your language, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the lusts that come from their hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 24 le2o figs-metonymy τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν 1 See how you translated “heart” in [verse 21](../01/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 1 24 rkou grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν 1 This is a result clause. Paul is stating the result of people indulging in **the lusts of their hearts**. Use the natural way in your language to express result. Alternate translation: “resulting in uncleanness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 24 ze8i figs-abstractnouns εἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **uncleanness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to become unclean” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 24 g0r4 figs-metaphor εἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν 1 Here Paul uses **uncleanness** figuratively to refer to sexual immorality as if it were something dirty. He means that these lustful people become spiritually impure as a result of doing sexually immoral acts. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “to become sexually immoral” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 24 puad grammar-connect-logic-goal τοῦ ἀτιμάζεσθαι 1 Here, **to dishonor** could refer to: (1) the result of God giving the people **over to their lusts**. Alternate translation: “which results in them dishonoring” (2) the purpose for which **God gave them over to their lusts**. Alternate translation: “in order to dishonor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 1 24 a8pm figs-euphemism τοῦ ἀτιμάζεσθαι τὰ σώματα αὐτῶν 1 for their bodies to be dishonored among themselves In this clause Paul uses **dishonor their bodies** figuratively to refer to sexually immoral acts. This is a polite way of referring to a shameful act. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to commit sexually immoral acts” or “to indulging in sexually immoral activity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) ROM 1 25 dv6h figs-metaphor οἵτινες μετήλλαξαν τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ψεύδει 1 they Paul uses **exchanged** figuratively to describe the actions of these ungodly people as if they were exchanging goods or money. Paul means that they stopped believing what is true about God and started believing in idols, which are false gods. If your readers would not understand what **exchanged** means in this context, you could use an express the meaning plainly. See how you translated **exchanged** in [verse 23](../01/23.md). Alternative translation, “these people refuse to trust what God says is true and accept what is false” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 25 koee figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ψεύδει 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **truth** and **lie**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what is correct about God for what is incorrect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 25 e9pj figs-possession τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 who worshiped and served the creation Paul is using the possessive form to describe **truth** that is about **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “true” instead of the noun **truth**. Alternate translation: “the truth about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 25 bl7p figs-doublet ἐσεβάσθησαν καὶ ἐλάτρευσαν 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that these people completely rejected worshiping the true **God**. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “wholeheartedly worshiped” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 1 25 x3t4 figs-abstractnouns τῇ κτίσει 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **creation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what was created” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 25 xrsa figs-distinguish ὅς ἐστιν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας 1 This phrase gives us further information about **the Creator**. It is not making a distinction between **God** and **the Creator**. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “God who is blessed to eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 1 25 m8zg translate-blessing ὅς ἐστιν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας 1 After naming **the Creator**, Paul adds a blessing. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “may he be blessed to eternity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]]) ROM 1 25 v1ex figs-nominaladj εὐλογητὸς 1 Paul is using the adjective **blessed** as a noun in order to describe **the Creator**. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the blessed one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 1 26 sk6f figs-metaphor παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς 1 See how you translated this phrase in [verse 24](../01/24.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 26 hw81 figs-possession πάθη ἀτιμίας 1 dishonorable passions Paul is using the possessive form to describe **passions** that are characterized by **dishonor**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “dishonorable” instead of the noun “dishonor.” Alternate translation: “dishonorable passions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 26 lk73 figs-abstractnouns πάθη ἀτιμίας 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **passions** and **dishonor**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “dishonor themselves by doing what they are passionate about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 26 j4ni grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 for their women The word translated **for** introduces an explanation of **passions of dishonor**. This explanation begins after the word **for** and continues through the end of the next verse. Use a word or phrase that introduces a further explanation or elaboration in your language. Alternate translation: “That is,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 1 26 jqyi figs-metaphor μετήλλαξαν τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν εἰς τὴν παρὰ φύσιν 1 Paul uses **exchanged** figuratively to describe the actions of ungodly women as if they were exchanging goods or money. Paul means that they stopped doing **natural** sexual acts with men and started doing sexual acts with other women that are **contrary to nature**. If your readers would not understand what **exchanged** means in this context, you could use an express the meaning plainly. See how you translated **exchanged** in [verses 23](../01/23.md) and [25](../01/25.md). Alternative translation, “stopped doing natural sexual acts with men and started doing unnatural sexual acts with women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 26 vs4a figs-euphemism τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν 1 exchanged natural relations for those that were unnatural Paul uses **the natural use** figuratively to refer to sexual activity between women and men. This is a polite way of referring to something that would be offensive in some cultures. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sexual activity with males” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) ROM 1 26 qvr5 figs-euphemism τὴν παρὰ φύσιν 1 exchanged natural relations for those that were unnatural Paul uses **contrary to nature** figuratively to refer to sexual activity between women and other women. This is a polite way of referring to something immoral. 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: “sexual activity with females” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) ROM 1 27 ji3l grammar-connect-words-phrases ὁμοίως τε καὶ οἱ ἄρσενες 1 This phrase emphasizes that what follows is similar to [1:26](../01/26.md). Alternate translation: “in the same way even the males” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 1 27 gn3f figs-metaphor ἀφέντες 1 committed shameless acts Paul speaks figuratively of these men as if they were leaving their location to go to another one. He means that they are abandoning or rejecting the way God intended for people to do sexual acts. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “having abandoned” or “having rejected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 27 g3ja figs-euphemism τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν τῆς θηλείας 1 men also left their natural relations with women See how you translated **the natural use** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) ROM 1 27 qvi3 figs-possession τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν τῆς θηλείας 1 men and received in themselves the penalty they deserved for their error Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the natural use** that is associated with **the female**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an alternative expression. Alternate translation: “the natural use associated with the female” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 27 pqpo figs-genericnoun τῆς θηλείας 1 men and received in themselves the penalty they deserved for their error Paul is speaking of these females in general, not of one particular **female**. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “of females” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) ROM 1 27 yvm1 figs-metaphor ἐξεκαύθησαν ἐν τῇ ὀρέξει αὐτῶν εἰς ἀλλήλους 1 error Paul speaks figuratively of **lust** as if it were something that could burn like a fire. He means that their **lust** is out of control like a burning fire. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “passionately lusted after one another” or “intensely desired each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 27 ylj6 figs-abstractnouns ἐξεκαύθησαν ἐν τῇ ὀρέξει αὐτῶν εἰς ἀλλήλους 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **lust**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “burned lustfully for one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 27 kxwj figs-euphemism ἄρσενες ἐν ἄρσεσιν τὴν ἀσχημοσύνην κατεργαζόμενοι 1 This phrase refers to men doing sexual acts with other men. This is a polite way of referring to something immoral. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “males shamelessly engaging in sexual activity with each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) ROM 1 27 u2hh figs-metaphor κατεργαζόμενοι 1 Paul speaks figuratively of men doing sexual acts with each other as if it could produce something. He means that what they are doing is morally shameful. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “committing” or “engaging in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 27 sjhb figs-infostructure καὶ τὴν ἀντιμισθίαν ἣν ἔδει τῆς πλάνης αὐτῶν, ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἀπολαμβάνοντες 1 In the original language the phrase **the penalty** is at the front of the clause for emphasis. If it would be more natural in your language, you could arrange the order of these phrases to show that emphasis. Alternate translation: “and the penalty which was necessary for their perversion receiving in themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 1 27 jtru grammar-connect-words-phrases καὶ 2 Here, **and** indicates that what follows is the result of the **shameless acts**. Alternate translation: “and as a result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 1 27 raet figs-metaphor ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἀπολαμβάνοντες 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **the penalty** for their sinful activity as if it were something that they could receive inside of themselves. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “experiencing in their own bodies” or “receiving among themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 27 x6fz figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἀντιμισθίαν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **penalty**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the punishing act” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 27 dbtt figs-abstractnouns ἣν ἔδει τῆς πλάνης αὐτῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **perversion**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “which was necessary for their perverted acts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 28 bt7u figs-idiom οὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν, τὸν Θεὸν ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει 1 The phrase **having God in their full awareness** is an idiom that means “thinking about God” or “acknowledging God.” If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “they did not approve of thinking about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 1 28 f53x figs-abstractnouns τὸν Θεὸν ἔχειν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **full awareness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being fully aware of God” or “fully acknowledging that God exists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 28 yy1c figs-metaphor παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Θεὸς εἰς 1 he gave them up to a depraved mind See how you translated this phrase in [verses 24](../01/24.md) and [26](../01/26.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 28 p8z2 figs-genericnoun εἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν 1 not proper Paul is speaking of the minds of these ungodly people in general, not of one particular **mind**. If your readers would misunderstand this, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “to disapproved minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) ROM 1 28 r1pt figs-explicit εἰς ἀδόκιμον νοῦν 1 not proper Here, **mind** refers to a person’s will and moral reasoning. The **mind** of one of these ungodly people is **disapproved**, which means that it has been rejected by God as worthless. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state these ideas explicitly. Alternate translation: “to a mind that has become worthless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 28 ie4l grammar-connect-logic-result ποιεῖν 1 Here, **to do** could refer to: (1) the result of **a disapproved mind**. Alternate translation: “as a result they do” or “causing them to practice” (2) the purpose of **a disapproved mind**. Alternate translation: “so that they do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 1 28 aye6 figs-explicit τὰ μὴ καθήκοντα 1 The phrase **those things that are not proper** refers to what Paul describes in [verses 29–31](../01/29.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “those improper things that follow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 1 29 c2e2 figs-litany 0 General Information: In [verses 29–31](../01/29.md) Paul uses a repetitive series of sentences and ideas to show how evil these ungodly and unrighteous people are. This is a list of the “things that are not proper” of which those people in [verses 18–28](../01/18.md) are guilty. Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone has done wrong. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]]) ROM 1 29 v0zj figs-metaphor πεπληρωμένους πάσῃ ἀδικίᾳ, πονηρίᾳ, πλεονεξίᾳ, κακίᾳ 1 Paul uses **filled with** figuratively to refer to these ungodly people as if they were a container **filled with** the sins that Paul lists in this clause. Like a container that has been **filled with** something, the people are completely controlled by these sins. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fully controlled by unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, and malice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 29 t4qm figs-activepassive πεπληρωμένους 1 They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and evil intentions If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they filled themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 1 29 uqks figs-abstractnouns πεπληρωμένους πάσῃ ἀδικίᾳ, πονηρίᾳ, πλεονεξίᾳ, κακίᾳ; 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **unrighteousness**, **wickedness**, **covetousness**, and **malice**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “filled with all unrighteous, wicked, covetous, and malicious thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 29 a7s3 figs-metaphor μεστοὺς φθόνου, φόνου, ἔριδος, δόλου, κακοηθείας 1 Paul uses **full of** figuratively to refer to these ungodly people as if they were a container **full of** the sins that Paul lists in this clause. Like a container that is **full of** something, the people are completely controlled by these sins. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fully controlled by envy, murder, strife, deceit, and evil intent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 1 29 dzda figs-abstractnouns μεστοὺς φθόνου, φόνου, ἔριδος, δόλου, κακοηθείας 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **envy**, **murder**, **strife**, **deceit**, and **evil intent**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “they are full of envious, murderous, contentious, and deceitful thoughts, and they intend to do evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 30 f4tt figs-nominaladj θεοστυγεῖς, ὑβριστάς, ὑπερηφάνους, ἀλαζόνας…ἀπειθεῖς 1 slanderers Paul is using these adjectives as nouns in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “people who hate God, people who are insolent, people who are arrogant, people who are boastful … people who are disobedient” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 1 30 th8q figs-abstractnouns καταλάλους…ἐφευρετὰς κακῶν 1 inventing ways of doing evil If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns **slanderers** and **inventors** in another way. Alternate translation: “people who speak against others … people who invent ways to do evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 30 qq50 figs-possession ἐφευρετὰς κακῶν 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **inventors** who invent **evil things**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they invent evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 31 i7ix figs-nominaladj ἀσυνέτους, ἀσυνθέτους, ἀστόργους, ἀνελεήμονας 1 Paul is using these adjectives as nouns in order to describe a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are senseless, faithless, heartless, and merciless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 1 32 cxx8 figs-abstractnouns τὸ δικαίωμα 1 They understand the righteous regulations of God If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **righteous decree**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is rightly decreed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 32 ytu6 figs-possession τὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **the righteous decree** that comes from **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God’s righteous decree” or “what God decrees is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 1 32 z12q grammar-connect-words-phrases ὅτι 1 are deserving of death Here, **that** indicates that what follows is the content of the **the righteous decree of God**. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “namely,” or “in other words,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 1 32 iqg1 writing-pronouns τὰ τοιαῦτα…αὐτὰ…τοῖς πράσσουσιν 1 who do them The pronouns **such things** and **things** and **them** refer to the litany of “the things that are not proper” in [verses 28–31](../01/28/md). If this would confuse your readers, you could make state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “such improper things … these improper things … those who keep doing these improper things” or “these kinds of evil things … these evil things … those who keep doing these evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 1 32 p9e9 figs-nominaladj ἄξιοι θανάτου 1 Paul is using the adjective **worthy** 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: “people who deserve death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 1 32 t0ls figs-abstractnouns ἄξιοι θανάτου εἰσίν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **death**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “are worthy to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 1 32 awth figs-metaphor ἄξιοι θανάτου εἰσίν 1 Here Paul uses **death** figuratively to refer to spiritual **death**, which is eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are worthy to die spiritually” or “are worthy of spiritual death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 intro dse2 0 # Romans 2 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

3. All mankind is condemned because of sin (1:18–3:20)
* All non-Jews have sinned (1:18–32)
* All Jews have sinned (2:1–3:8)

In this chapter Paul shifts his audience from Roman Christians to people who “judge” other people and do not believe in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “The Law”

In this chapter Paul uses the singular noun “the law” to refer to the group of laws that God gave Israel through Moses. Paul says that those who try to obey the Law of Moses will not be justified by trying to obey it. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

In [verses 1–5](../02/01.md) Paul uses the singular pronoun “you” and the singular noun “man” to refer to all people in general. If your language does not use singular pronouns or singular nouns to refer to a group of people, you can use a different expression. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-crowd]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 2 1 y6ts grammar-connect-logic-result διὸ 1 **Therefore** here marks a new section of the letter. It also introduces a result clause that summarizes the consequences of the behavior that Paul described in [1:18–32](../01/18.md). Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “As a result” or “So then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 1 d7pj figs-crowd εἶ…κρίνεις…σεαυτὸν κατακρίνεις…πράσσεις, ὁ κρίνων 1 Therefore you are without excuse Paul uses the singular pronoun **you** here to refer to all people in general. See the discussion of this in the General Notes for this chapter. Alternate translation: “every one of you is … every one of you judges … every one of you condemns yourself … every one of you who judges practices” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-crowd]]) ROM 2 1 atxo ἀναπολόγητος 1 Therefore you are without excuse See how you translated this phrase in [1:20](../01/20.md). ROM 2 1 md5e figs-exclamations ὦ ἄνθρωπε 1 you **O man** here is an exclamation that is meant to convict every judgmental person in the human race. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this idea. Alternate translation: “every human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 2 1 x3mi grammar-collectivenouns ἄνθρωπε 1 you are Here, **man** is a singular noun that refers to humanity in general. See the discussion of this in the General Notes for this chapter Alternate translation: “human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 2 1 n2mu grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 Here, **for** introduces a reason clause. In the rest of the verse Paul gives the reasons why **anyone who judges** is **without excuse**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because” or “since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 1 jt4b writing-pronouns ἐν ᾧ 1 you person, you who judge The word translated **that which** is a pronoun that refers to any way or any time a person might judge someone else. You may need to make this explicit in your language. Alternate translation: “anytime” or “in anything that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 2 1 ybp2 figs-genericnoun τὸν ἕτερον 1 for what you judge in another you condemn in yourself Here, **the other** refers to any other person. You may need to make this explicit in your language. Alternate translation: “any other person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) ROM 2 1 nz11 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 Here, **for** introduces a clause that explains why these judgmental people are self-condemned. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “this is because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 1 wumc writing-pronouns τὰ…αὐτὰ 1 The phrase **the same things** refers to acts for which people judge one another. Use a natural way in your language to communicate this idea. Alternate translation: “the very same deeds” or “the same things you judge them for doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 2 2 jr4i figs-exclusive οἴδαμεν 1 But we know Here, **we** could refer to: (1) Paul and the church at Rome. Alternate translation: “all of us believers in Christ” (2) mankind in general. Alternate translation: “all people” Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 2 2 qca8 figs-possession τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the judgment** that **God** does. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “God’s judgment” or “how God judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 2 kfy1 figs-abstractnouns τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν κατὰ ἀλήθειαν 1 God’s judgment is according to truth when it falls on those If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **judgment** and **truth**, you could express the ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “how God judges is according to what is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 2 lfqn figs-explicit κατὰ ἀλήθειαν 1 God’s judgment is according to truth when it falls on those This phrase indicates the manner in which God will judge those who act sinfully. He will judge them according to the sins they truly committed. If this phrase might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “based on the facts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 2 j46f τοὺς…πράσσοντας 1 See how you translated this phrase in [1:32](../01/32/.md). ROM 2 2 mjao figs-explicit τὰ τοιαῦτα 1 Here, **such things** refers to the litany of “the things that are not proper” in [1:28–32](../01/28/md). If this would confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “such improper things” or “these kinds of evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 3 zwg7 figs-rquestion λογίζῃ δὲ τοῦτο, ὦ ἄνθρωπε, ὁ κρίνων τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντας, καὶ ποιῶν αὐτά, ὅτι σὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ? 1 person Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize that these judgmental people should know that God will finally judge them. 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: “But you should not think, O man, who judges those who are practicing such things and you are doing the same things, that you will escape from the judgment of God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 2 3 jct9 writing-pronouns τοῦτο 1 The pronoun **this** refers to the final clause of this verse **that you will escape from the judgment of God**. You could use a natural way in your language to make this idea explicit. Alternate translation: “this fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 2 3 ysys figs-infostructure τοῦτο, ὦ ἄνθρωπε, ὁ κρίνων τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντας, καὶ ποιῶν αὐτά, ὅτι σὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “that you will escape from the judgment of God, O man, who judges those who are practicing such things and you are doing the same things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 2 3 rk75 figs-exclamations ὦ ἄνθρωπε 1 you who judge those who practice such things although you do the same things See how you translated this phrase in [verse 1](../02/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 2 3 mo4p figs-explicit τὰ τοιαῦτα…αὐτά 1 The phrases **such things** and **the same things** refer to the litany of “the things that are not proper” in [1:28–32](../01/28/md). See how you translated **such things** in [verse 2](../02/02.md) and **the same things** in [verse 1](../02/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 3 bd82 figs-personification ὅτι σὺ ἐκφεύξῃ τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **judgment** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who someone could **escape** from. Paul means that no one can avoid God’s judgment. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “that you will not prevent God’s judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 2 3 hpej figs-explicit τὸ κρίμα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 See how you translated this phrase in [verse 2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 4 pex3 figs-rquestion ἢ τοῦ πλούτου τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας καταφρονεῖς, ἀγνοῶν ὅτι τὸ χρηστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰς μετάνοιάν σε ἄγει? 1 Or do you think so little of the riches of his goodness, his delayed punishment, and his patience … repentance? Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize that these judgmental people should know that **the kindness of God leads** them **to repentance**. 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 who scorn the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience surely know that the kindness of God leads you to repentance!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 2 4 v9yf figs-crowd καταφρονεῖς…σε 1 In this verse Paul uses the singular pronoun **you** here to refer to all of humanity in general. See how you translated **you** in [verses 1](../02/01.md) and [3](../02/03.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-crowd]]) ROM 2 4 w537 figs-metaphor τοῦ πλούτου τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας 1 Do you think so little of the riches … patience Paul speaks figuratively of God’s **kindness and forbearance and patience** as if they were wealth that could be acquired or rejected. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a simile or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “acquiring his wonderful kindness and forbearance and patience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 4 swj9 figs-abstractnouns τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας 1 Do you not know that his goodness is meant to lead you to repentance? If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas behind the words **kindness**, **forbearance**, and **patience**, you could express these ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “of how kind, forbearing, and patient he is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 4 pplt figs-possession τῆς χρηστότητος αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἀνοχῆς, καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας…τὸ χρηστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe the **kindness**, **forbearance**, and **patience** that characterize **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “of God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience … God’s kindness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 4 acip figs-personification τὸ χρηστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰς μετάνοιάν σε ἄγει 1 Paul speaks of **the kindness of God** figuratively as if it were a person who could lead someone **to repentance**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God uses his kindness to cause you to repent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 2 4 u0io grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς μετάνοιάν σε ἄγει 1 Here, **to repentance** is a goal clause. Paul is stating the goal of **the kindness of God**. Use a natural way in your language to indicate a goal clause. Alternate translation: “leads you to repent” or “guides you to deeply change the way you perceive things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 2 4 jamv figs-abstractnouns μετάνοιάν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **repentance**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to deeply change the way you perceive things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 5 agl8 figs-metaphor κατὰ δὲ τὴν σκληρότητά σου 1 But it is to the extent of your hardness and unrepentant heart Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were a hard substance. He means that these people stubbornly refuse to repent from their judgmental way of life. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “But according to your stubbornness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 5 v6z1 figs-metonymy ἀμετανόητον καρδίαν 1 Here, **heart** figuratively refers to a person’s will or inner being. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “unrepentant will” or “unwillingness to repent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 5 fv4k figs-metaphor θησαυρίζεις σεαυτῷ ὀργὴν 1 you are storing up for yourself wrath Here Paul speaks of **wrath** figuratively as if it were an object that someone could store up. He means that the longer people refuse to repent, the greater is God’s wrath against them. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “you are increasing how much wrath God has against you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 5 s7cs figs-metonymy ὀργὴν…ὀργῆς 1 you are storing up for yourself wrath Here Paul uses **wrath** figuratively to refer to the outcome of God’s **wrath**, which is judging and punishing people because they are unrighteous. See how you translated the same use of this word in [1:18](../01/18.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 5 pck0 figs-explicit ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul assumes that his readers will know that both **the day of wrath** and **the revelation of the righteous judgment of God** refer to the time in the future when God will punish all wicked people. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the time God finally punishes wicked people and reveals his righteous judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 5 uz3k figs-possession ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **day** that is characterized by **wrath** and by **the revelation of the righteous judgment of God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “on the day characterized by God’s wrath and the revelation of his righteous judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 5 ay1h figs-abstractnouns ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὀργῆς καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **wrath**, **revelation**, and **judgment**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “on the day of God’s wrathful acts when he reveals how righteously he judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 5 fnpj figs-possession ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the righteous judgment of God** as what **the revelation** reveals. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an alternate expression. Alternate translation: “when God reveals his righteous judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 5 sume figs-possession δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the righteous judgment** that is carried out by **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an alternate expression. Alternate translation: “of God judging righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 6 frov figs-quotations ἀποδώσει ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ 1 This clause is a quotation from the Old Testament ([Psalm 62:12](../psa/062/012.md)). If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as a direct quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) ROM 2 6 jwcx figs-metaphor ἀποδώσει ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ 1 Here Paul uses **pay back** figuratively to refer to appropriately punishing or rewarding someone as if the punishment or reward was reciprocal payment for that person’s deeds. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will appropriately punish or reward each one according to his deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 6 gj1q figs-abstractnouns τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ 1 to every person according to his actions If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **deeds** in another way. Alternate translation: “how he acts” or “what he does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 7 ylpm 0 General Information: In [verses 7–10](../02/07.md) Paul explains what he means when he said in [verse 6](../02/06.md) that God will “pay back to each according to his deeds.” ROM 2 7 rrbf figs-infostructure τοῖς…καθ’ ὑπομονὴν ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ, δόξαν καὶ τιμὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν ζητοῦσιν, ζωὴν αἰώνιον; 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “eternal life to those who are seeking glory and honor and incorruptibility according to endurance of good work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 2 7 gec6 figs-ellipsis ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 seeking Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “eternal life is what God pays back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 2 7 sqdo figs-metaphor τοῖς…ζητοῦσιν 1 Paul uses **seeking** figuratively to refer to these people as if they were trying to find something. He means that they are trying to live in such a way as to obtain **glory and honor and incorruptibility**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “to those who … keep trying to attain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 7 zyff τοῖς…καθ’ ὑπομονὴν ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ…ζητοῦσιν, ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 Here, **according to** could indicate: (1) the means by which these people **are seeking glory and honor and incorruptibility**. Alternate translation: “everlasting life to those who, by means of endurance of good work, are seeking glory and honor and incorruptibility” (2) the reason why God gives these people **everlasting live**. Alternate translation: “because they endure in good work and are seeking glory and honor and incorruptibility, everlasting life” ROM 2 7 d2gw figs-abstractnouns καθ’ ὑπομονὴν ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **endurance**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “according to the fact that they keep on doing good work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 7 ub51 figs-abstractnouns δόξαν καὶ τιμὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν 1 praise, honor, and incorruptibility If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns **glory**, **honor**, and **incorruptibility** in another way. Alternate translation: “for God to glorify, honor, and cause them to live forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 8 j1e6 figs-abstractnouns ἐξ ἐριθείας 1 wrath and fierce anger will come If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **ambition**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from being selfishly ambitious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 8 fcb4 figs-doublet καὶ ἀπειθοῦσι τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, πειθομένοις δὲ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ 1 disobey the truth but obey unrighteousness These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how sinful these people are. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “who are disobedient to all that is true and right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 2 8 xhtm figs-personification ἀπειθοῦσι τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, πειθομένοις δὲ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ 1 Here, **the truth** is spoken of figuratively as if it were a person whom someone could disobey, and **unrighteousness** is spoken of as if it were a person whom someone could obey. Paul means that these people reject what God says is true and right by **disobeying** him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who reject what God says is true and right by disobeying him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 2 8 m7pm figs-abstractnouns τῇ ἀληθείᾳ…τῇ ἀδικίᾳ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **truth** and **unrighteousness**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “what is true … what is unrighteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 8 ytny figs-ellipsis ὀργὴ καὶ θυμός 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the [verse 6](../02/06.md). Alternate translation: “wrath and anger is what God pays back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 2 8 exor figs-metonymy ὀργὴ 1 Here Paul uses **wrath** figuratively to refer to the outcome of God’s **wrath**, which is judging and punishing people because they are unrighteous. See how you translated the same use of this word in [1:18](../01/18.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 8 wa6f figs-abstractnouns ὀργὴ καὶ θυμός 1 self-seeking If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of **wrath** and **anger**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “God is wrathful and angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 8 blwx figs-doublet ὀργὴ καὶ θυμός 1 The words **wrath** and **anger** mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize God’s intense anger toward people who are **disobedient to the truth**. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “fierce wrath” or “angry wrath” or “wrathful anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 2 9 ospb figs-metaphor θλῖψις καὶ στενοχωρία, ἐπὶ πᾶσαν ψυχὴν ἀνθρώπου τοῦ κατεργαζομένου τὸ κακόν 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **Tribulation and distress** as if these ideas were located on top of a person. He means that every **evil** person will experience **Tribulation and distress**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Every human soul that produces the evil will experience tribulation and distress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 9 qonf figs-abstractnouns θλῖψις καὶ στενοχωρία 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **Tribulation** and ** distress**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “difficult and distressing times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 9 u8f7 figs-doublet θλῖψις καὶ στενοχωρία 1 tribulation and distress on These two words mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how intense God’s judgment will be against these people. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “Distressing tribulation” or “Intense distress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 2 9 ck9i figs-synecdoche πᾶσαν ψυχὴν ἀνθρώπου 1 Paul uses **soul of man** to refer to the whole life of a person. If this might confuse your readers, you could use express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 2 9 msox figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπου 1 Although the term **man** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “of a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 2 9 n7q4 figs-nominaladj τὸ κακόν 1 has practiced evil Paul is using the adjective **evil** as a noun in order to describe things people do. If your language does not use adjectives in this way, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “what is evil” or “things that are evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 2 9 a9s5 figs-explicit Ἰουδαίου τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνος 1 to the Jew first This phrase could mean: (1) the Jews will have greater responsibility because God offered salvation to them first. Alternate translation: “especially for the Jewish person and also for the non-Jewish person” (2) the Jews will be judged before non-Jews, which is the same meaning as in [1:16](../01/16.md). Alternate translation: “first for the Jewish person and then for the non-Jewish person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 9 csnc figs-explicit Ἕλληνος 1 to the Jew first See how you translated this phrase in [1:16](../01/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 10 i9tg figs-abstractnouns δόξα…καὶ τιμὴ 1 practices good If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **glory** and **honor**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “God will glorify and honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 10 t2od figs-abstractnouns εἰρήνη 1 practices good If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **peace**, you could express the same idea in another way. Here, **peace** could refer to: (1) feeling calm and secure. Alternate translation: “a peaceful feeling” (2) being at peace with God. Alternate translation: “a peaceful relationship with God” (3) both a peaceful feeling and a peaceful relationship with God. “a peaceful feeling and a peaceful relationship with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 10 ib56 figs-nominaladj τὸ ἀγαθόν 1 first Paul is using the adjective **good** as a noun in order to describe things people do. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “good deeds” or “things that are good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 2 10 u06j figs-explicit Ἰουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι 1 See how you translated this phrase in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 11 eol0 figs-abstractnouns οὐ…ἐστιν προσωπολημψία παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **favoritism**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God does not honor one type of person above another” or “God is not more favorable toward one person than another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 12 wkx8 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 For as many as have sinned **For** here indicates that what follows in [verses 12–16](../02/12.md) gives the reason for the phrase “there is no favoritism with God” in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language to make this emphasis explicit. Alternate translation: “This is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 12 ecsk figs-explicit ὅσοι…ἀνόμως ἥμαρτον 1 Paul uses this phrase to refer to non-Jews, which he calls “the Greek” in [verses 9–10](../02/09.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “as many non-Jewish people as have sinned without the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 12 t3qs grammar-collectivenouns ἀνόμως…ἀνόμως…νόμῳ…νόμου 1 The word **law** is a singular noun that refers to a group of laws that God gave Israel through Moses. See the discussion of this term in the General Notes for this chapter. Alternate translation: “without God’s laws … without God’s laws … God’s laws … God’s laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 2 12 m6cy figs-idiom ἀνόμως…ἀνόμως 1 as many as have sinned Here, **without the law** refers to not knowing God’s **law**. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “without knowing God’s law” or “in ignorance of God’s law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 2 12 qkh4 figs-metonymy καὶ ἀπολοῦνται 1 Here Paul uses **perish** figuratively to refer to eternal punishment in hell that occurs after physical death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will also be punished eternally” or “will also experience eternal punishment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 12 jwvz figs-explicit ὅσοι ἐν νόμῳ ἥμαρτον 1 Paul uses this phrase to refer to Jews, who are the people to whom God gave his law. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “as many Jewish people as have sinned with the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 12 w4cp figs-activepassive διὰ νόμου κριθήσονται 1 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. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God will judge by his law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 2 12 a0k4 figs-explicit διὰ νόμου 1 Here, **by** indicates that **the law** is the standard by which God will judge those who know his law. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “according to what the law requires” or “by what the law says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 13 sw8x grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that this verse gives the reason why God judges both groups of people mentioned in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why someone does something. Alternate translation: “God judges both groups of people impartially because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 13 a8ra grammar-collectivenouns νόμου…νόμου 1 See how you translated **the law** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 2 13 eg4h figs-metaphor οὐ…δίκαιοι παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ 1 who are righteous before God Paul uses **with God** figuratively here to describe **righteous** people as if they were located in the presence of **God**. He means that God makes them right with himself. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “are not made righteous by God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 13 c1bu figs-activepassive οἱ ποιηταὶ νόμου δικαιωθήσονται 1 who will be justified 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. If you must state who will do the action, Paul implies that “God” will do it. Alternate translation: “God will justify the doers of the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 2 14 q2id grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 they do not have the law **For** here indicates that [verses 14–16](../02/14.md) give another reason why God judges both groups of people mentioned in [verse 12](../02/12.md). [Verses 14–16](../02/14.md) explain why **Gentiles** who do not know God’s law are still sinners. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why someone does something. Alternate translation: “God also judges both groups of people impartially because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 14 vlum figs-metaphor τὰ μὴ νόμον ἔχοντα…νόμον μὴ ἔχοντες 1 Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they own or possess **the law**. He means that they are unaware of the law that God gave to the Jewish people. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. See how you translated “without the law” in [verse 12](../02/12.md). Alternative translation: “who are unaware of God’s law … who are unaware of God’s law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 14 zhmw grammar-collectivenouns νόμον…τοῦ νόμου…νόμον 1 See how you translated **the law** in [verse 12](../02/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 2 14 h53h figs-abstractnouns φύσει…ποιῶσιν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **nature** in another way. Alternate translation: “naturally do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 14 atda figs-possession τὰ τοῦ νόμου 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe the specific rules that make up **the law**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the rules within the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 14 symg figs-personification ἑαυτοῖς εἰσιν νόμος 1 Here Paul speaks of **Gentiles** figuratively as if they were **a law**. Paul means that the non-Jewish people still have their own rules about what is right and wrong that are also part of God’s **law**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this meaning in plainly. Alternate translation: “are actually obeying the God’s law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 2 15 xl6v figs-metaphor οἵτινες ἐνδείκνυνται τὸ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου, γραπτὸν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν 1 By this they show Paul speaks figuratively of the non-Jewish people obeying some basic rules from the Law of Moses as if they were showing **the work of the law** to other people. He means that non-Jewish people demonstrate that they naturally understand some rules of the law by obeying those rules. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “who make others aware that they understand the work of the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 15 wtit figs-metaphor τὸ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου, γραπτὸν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν 1 By this they show Here Paul speaks figuratively of **the works of the law** as if they can be written on the surfaces of peoples’ hearts. He means that God has enabled non-Jewish people to know generally what is right or wrong even though they do not know the Law of Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they know the work of the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 15 x35c figs-possession τὸ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου 1 the actions required by the law are written in their hearts Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the work** that characterizes obeying **the law**. This phrase has a similar meaning to “the things of the law” in the previous verse. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the work that the law requires a person to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 15 v60q figs-activepassive γραπτὸν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν 1 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: “God wrote on their hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 2 15 ja5s figs-metonymy ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν 1 See how you translated “heart” in [1:21](../01/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 15 jmeo figs-genericnoun συνμαρτυρούσης αὐτῶν τῆς συνειδήσεως 1 bears witness to them, and their own thoughts either accuse or defend them Paul uses the singular **conscience** figuratively to refer to the individual consciences of these people. If your readers would misunderstand this, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “their consciences bearing witness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) ROM 2 15 z28q figs-personification συνμαρτυρούσης αὐτῶν τῆς συνειδήσεως 1 bears witness to them, and their own thoughts either accuse or defend them Here Paul uses **conscience** figuratively as if it were a person **bearing witness** in a courtroom. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their conscience confirms that this is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 2 15 ub8t figs-distinguish συνμαρτυρούσης…καὶ μεταξὺ ἀλλήλων, τῶν λογισμῶν κατηγορούντων ἢ καὶ ἀπολογουμένων 1 This clause explains what **bearing witness** means. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer or begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: “bearing witness, namely, the thoughts of each person both accusing or even defending them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 2 15 qk53 figs-personification καὶ μεταξὺ ἀλλήλων, τῶν λογισμῶν κατηγορούντων ἢ καὶ ἀπολογουμένων 1 Here, **thoughts** are spoken of figuratively as if they were a person who could accuse or defend someone in court. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation (remove preceding comma): “by accusing or defending them in the way they think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 2 16 o6kx figs-metonymy ἐν ἡμέρᾳ 1 Here, **day** refers to a point in time when something happens. It does not refer to a 24-hour length of time. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a point in time is coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 16 c5fp figs-explicit ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ὅτε κρίνει ὁ Θεὸς 1 on the day when God will judge Paul assumes that his readers will know that **the day when God will judge** refers to the time in the future when God will judge everyone, as Paul also mentioned in [verses 2](../02/02.md) and [5](../02/05.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the future time when God finally judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 16 lyvd figs-possession τὰ κρυπτὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **secrets** that **men** have. These **secrets** are specifically secret thoughts that people have, as indicated by the word “thoughts” in the previous verse. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “men’s secrets” or “the secrets that men keep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 16 gxet figs-abstractnouns τὰ κρυπτὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **secrets**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what men secretly think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 16 r8hz figs-gendernotations τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “of human beings” or “of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 2 16 xb7t figs-infostructure κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου, διὰ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “through Christ Jesus, according to my gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 2 16 e9bp figs-metaphor κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου 1 Paul speaks figuratively of the **gospel** as if it belongs to him. He means that this is the **gospel** God has entrusted him to preach. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “according to God’s gospel that I preach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 17 lc6m grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 Connecting Statement: **But** here indicates that in [verses 17–29](../02/17.md) Paul changes topics from talking about non-Jewish people who don’t know the Law of Moses to Jews who know the Law. He explains why the Jews as well cannot escape God’s judgment. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that” or “However” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 2 17 cnq7 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ 1 if you call yourself a Jew Here, **if** indicates the beginning of a conditional sentence that extends from this verse to [verse 21](../02/21.md). Paul speaks as if these descriptions of Jews were hypothetical possibilities, but he means that they are 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 Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since” or “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) ROM 2 17 kfe8 figs-youcrowd σὺ 1 Even though Paul is speaking to Jewish people, he is hypothetically addressing an individual, so **you** and **your** and **yourself** is singular throughout [2:17–27](../02/17.md) unless otherwise noted. 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** and **yourself** in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) ROM 2 17 pglg figs-metaphor σὺ Ἰουδαῖος ἐπονομάζῃ 1 Paul speaks figuratively of the Jews as if they named themselves. He means that they consider themselves to be Jews. If this would confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “you call yourself Jewish” or “you regard yourself as truly Jewish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 17 gz6j figs-ellipsis ἐπαναπαύῃ νόμῳ, 1 rest upon the law Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context, which is God’s judgment of sinners. Alternate translation: “rely upon the law to escape God’s judgment” or “rely upon the law to save you from God’s judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 2 17 dapj figs-metaphor καυχᾶσαι ἐν Θεῷ 1 Paul speaks figuratively of the Jews as if they were boasting inside of **God**. He means that the Jews brag that they are the only nation that knows God. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “brag that you are the only ones who know God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 18 xn6w grammar-connect-logic-result καὶ γινώσκεις τὸ θέλημα, καὶ δοκιμάζεις τὰ διαφέροντα, κατηχούμενος ἐκ τοῦ νόμου, 1 because you have been instructed from the law If it would be more natural in your language, 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: “and because you are instructed from the law, you know his will and approve of what is excellent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 18 qxkt figs-abstractnouns τὸ θέλημα 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **will** in another way. Alternate translation: “what God wills” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 18 aqbh figs-activepassive κατηχούμενος ἐκ τοῦ νόμου 1 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: “others having instructed you from the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 2 19 nk76 figs-rpronouns πέποιθάς τε σεαυτὸν ὁδηγὸν εἶναι 1 Paul uses the word **yourself** to emphasize how **convinced** the Jews are that they are the only ones who can spiritually guide others. Use a way that is natural in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “and you have convinced yourself that you alone are a guide” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) ROM 2 19 wi7z figs-metaphor ὁδηγὸν εἶναι τυφλῶν 1 you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness Paul uses **guide** figuratively to refer to the Jews as if they were the only people who could clearly see. He also uses **blind** figuratively to refer to non-Jews as if they were unable to see. He means that the Jews think they are the only ones who can teach others God’s truth. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “that you are the only ones who can teach others what is true about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 19 beop figs-abstractnouns ὁδηγὸν εἶναι τυφλῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **guide**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that you can guide blind men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 19 ql0b figs-gendernotations τυφλῶν 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “to blind people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 2 19 j76c figs-doublet ὁδηγὸν…τυφλῶν, φῶς τῶν ἐν σκότει 1 These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how strongly the Jews believed that non-Jews were ignorant about God’s truth. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the two ideas into one. Alternate translation: “the only ones who can guide those who are unaware of what is true about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 2 19 xlge figs-metaphor φῶς τῶν ἐν σκότει 1 Here Paul uses **light** figuratively to refer to a Jewish person, and he uses **those in darkness** figuratively to refer to non-Jews. He means that the Jews think they can teach non-Jews about God the way that a **light** shines on people who are in a dark place. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someone who can reveal what is true about God to those who do not know about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 20 ymey grammar-connect-logic-result παιδευτὴν ἀφρόνων, διδάσκαλον νηπίων, ἔχοντα τὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐν τῷ νόμῳ 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases, since the third phrase gives the reason for the result that the first two phrases describe. Alternate translation: “since having in the law the form of the knowledge and of the truth, you believe you should be an instructor of foolish men, a teacher of little children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 20 pf6v figs-doublet παιδευτὴν ἀφρόνων, διδάσκαλον νηπίων 1 These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how strongly the Jews believed that non-Jews were ignorant about God’s truth. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “the only people who can instruct those people who are as foolish as children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 2 20 ar5a figs-metaphor διδάσκαλον νηπίων 1 a teacher of little children Paul speaks figuratively of the non-Jews as if they were **little children**. He means that they are ignorant about God. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation: “people who are spiritually ignorant” or “people who are like uneducated infants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 20 ose0 figs-metaphor ἔχοντα τὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας ἐν τῷ νόμῳ 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **the law** as if it were a physical shape that someone could possess. He means that **the law** contains God’s true knowledge that the Jews think they exclusively own. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “understanding through God’s law how a person can truly know God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 20 ua61 figs-possession τὴν μόρφωσιν τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας 1 Paul is using the possessive forms **of the knowledge** and **of the truth** to describe the **form** of **the law**. Here, **of knowledge** and **of the truth** could indicate: (1) what **the law** contains. Alternate translation: “the form that contains the knowledge and the truth” (2) what **the law** represents. Alternate translation: “what represents knowledge and truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 20 y6i5 figs-abstractnouns τῆς γνώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **knowledge** and ** truth**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “of what we know about God and what is true about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 21 vy0h figs-rquestion ὁ οὖν διδάσκων ἕτερον, σεαυτὸν οὐ διδάσκεις? ὁ κηρύσσων μὴ κλέπτειν, κλέπτεις? 1 In [verses 21–23](../02/21.md) Paul transitions from his description of the Jews in [verses 17–20](../02/17.md) to a series of rhetorical questions. These questions emphasize the hypocrisy of the Jews, who thought they were superior to non-Jews because they knew the Law of Moses. If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate Paul’s words as statements or exclamations and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “then you, who teach another, do not teach yourself! You, who preach not to steal, actually steal!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 2 21 rftq grammar-connect-words-phrases οὖν 1 Here, **then** indicates that what follows is the second half of the factual conditional statement that Paul began with “if you name yourself a Jew” in [verse 17](../02/17.md). Paul wants to show that what the Jews believe and how they live are in contrast. If you divided [verses 17–21](../02/17.md) into separate sentences, then you may need to include a short form of the “if” statement here. Alternate translation: “if all this is really true, then” or “since all this is really true, then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 2 21 uq9y grammar-collectivenouns ἕτερον 1 You who teach others, do you not teach yourself? Here, **another** is a singular pronoun that refers to a group of people. If your language does not use singular pronouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 2 21 abq0 figs-explicit σεαυτὸν οὐ διδάσκεις 1 Here Paul implies that the Jews need to **teach** themselves because they do not actually obey the laws that they teach. They act as if they do not know the Law of Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “since you don’t obey the law, do you not teach yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 22 parm figs-rquestion ὁ λέγων μὴ μοιχεύειν, μοιχεύεις? ὁ βδελυσσόμενος τὰ εἴδωλα, ἱεροσυλεῖς? 1 You who preach against stealing, do you steal? Like in the previous verse, Paul is not asking for information here, but is using the question form twice 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 statements or exclamations and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You, who says not to commit adultery, actually commit adultery! You, who abhor idols, actually rob temples!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 2 22 dmpg figs-explicit ἱεροσυλεῖς 1 You who preach against stealing, do you steal? Here Paul implies that the **temples** the Jews **rob** are where **idols** are kept and worshipped. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “do you rob temples where idols are kept” or “should you actually enter an idol temple and rob it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 23 z80m figs-rquestion ὃς ἐν νόμῳ καυχᾶσαι διὰ τῆς παραβάσεως τοῦ νόμου, τὸν Θεὸν ἀτιμάζεις 1 Like in the previous two verses, Paul is not asking for information here, but is using the question form 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 exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You, who boast in the law, actually dishonor God through the transgression of the law!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 2 23 grr3 figs-metaphor ὃς ἐν νόμῳ καυχᾶσαι 1 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? Paul uses **in the law** figuratively as if it were something that people could boast inside of. He means that the Jews brag that they are the only nation who knows God’s law, which has similar meaning to “boast in God” in [verse 17](../02/17.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation, “You, who brag that you are the only ones who know God’s law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 2 23 ob98 figs-abstractnouns διὰ τῆς παραβάσεως τοῦ νόμου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **transgression**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by transgressing the law” or “by breaking the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 24 yp4l figs-infostructure τὸ γὰρ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ δι’ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, καθὼς γέγραπται 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “For, just as it is written, ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 2 24 z54i grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows is the reason why the previous statement is true. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “These things I have said about you are true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 24 lk5n figs-quotemarks τὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ δι’ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν 1 In this clause Paul quotes part of [Isaiah 52:5](../../isa/52/05.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 2 24 c4sk figs-possession τὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to indicate the **name** that belongs to **God**. Paul does not mean that **God** is a **name**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “God’s name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 24 mvwq figs-synecdoche τὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul uses **the name of God** figuratively to refer to**God** himself. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 2 24 ccm9 figs-activepassive τὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ δι’ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν 1 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: “the Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 2 24 m2bq grammar-connect-logic-result τὸ…ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ δι’ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν 1 If it would be more natural in your language, 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 of you the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 24 pg0g figs-explicit δι’ ὑμᾶς 1 Paul quotes Isaiah implying that the bad behavior of the Jews is what causes **the Gentiles** to blaspheme **the name of God**. Since the Jews were supposed to represent God to the world, their bad behavior misrepresented God so that the Gentiles blasphemed him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as a result of how you act” or “because of the way you behave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 24 e144 figs-you δι’ ὑμᾶς 1 Here, **you** is the plural and refers to the Jewish people. This is the only occurrence of plural **you** in [verses 17–27](../02/17.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 2 24 edrf figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 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. Since Paul is referring to something Isaiah wrote, you could indicate Isaiah as the subject. Alternate translation: “just as Isaiah wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 2 24 end9 writing-quotations γέγραπται 1 Here Paul uses **it is written** to indicate a quotation from an Old Testament book ([Isaiah 52:5](../../isa/52/05.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Peter is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “it had been written in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) ROM 2 25 vdu7 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that [verses 25–29] provide another reason why both Jews and Gentiles will be punished for their sins, as stated in [verse 12](../02/12.md). Paul is arguing against the idea that circumcision guaranteed a Jew’s salvation, which some Jews believed. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jews will be judged along with Gentiles because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 25 vp6o figs-abstractnouns περιτομὴ…ἡ περιτομή σου, ἀκροβυστία γέγονεν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **circumcision** and **uncircumcision**, you could express the same ideas in a different way. Alternate translation: “being circumcised … your being circumcised has become being uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 25 wm24 figs-ellipsis ὠφελεῖ 1 Paul is leaving out a word here that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply the word from the context. Alternate translation: “benefits you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 2 25 pqhz figs-possession παραβάτης νόμου 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe a person who transgresses **the law**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “one who transgresses the law” or “one who breaks the law”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 25 xq62 figs-hyperbole ἡ περιτομή σου, ἀκροβυστία γέγονεν 1 your circumcision becomes uncircumcision Here, **your circumcision becomes uncircumcision** is an exaggeration that Paul uses to show how important it is for God’s people to **practice the law**. Paul does not mean that the person who transgresses God’s **law** is no longer physically circumcised. If this would confuse your readers, you express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is as if you are not circumcised” or “it is the same as if you were never circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 2 26 vt7f figs-hypo ἐὰν οὖν 1 the uncircumcised person Paul is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize the benefits for **the uncircumcised one** who **keeps the requirements of the law**. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “Let’s suppose then that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) ROM 2 26 r9i4 figs-nominaladj ἡ ἀκροβυστία 1 the uncircumcised person Paul is using the adjective **uncircumcision** 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: “the people who are uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 2 26 nf3j figs-idiom φυλάσσῃ 1 keeps the requirements of the law Here, **keeps** is an idiom that means “obeys.” If your readers would not understand this, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is obedient to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 2 26 mkhr figs-possession τὰ δικαιώματα τοῦ νόμου 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **requirements** found in **the law**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “what the law requires” or “the law’s requirements” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 26 be71 figs-rquestion οὐχ ἡ ἀκροβυστία αὐτοῦ εἰς περιτομὴν λογισθήσεται 1 will not his uncircumcision be considered as circumcision? Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize how important it is do what **the law** requires. 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: “certainly God will consider his uncircumcision to be circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 2 26 rjb5 figs-activepassive οὐχ ἡ ἀκροβυστία αὐτοῦ εἰς περιτομὴν λογισθήσεται 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who will do the action, Paul implies that “God” will do it. Alternate translation: “will God not consider his circumcision to be circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 2 26 gjuy figs-abstractnouns ἡ ἀκροβυστία αὐτοῦ…περιτομὴν 1 See how you translated these abstract nouns in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 27 rkxz grammar-connect-words-phrases καὶ 1 **And** here could indicate that what follows is continuing the rhetorical question in the previous verse. If you choose the translate the passage in this way, then replace the ending exclamation point with a question mark. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 2 27 lqz2 grammar-connect-logic-result κρινεῖ ἡ ἐκ φύσεως ἀκροβυστία, τὸν νόμον τελοῦσα 1 And will not the one who is naturally uncircumcised condemn you … the law? If it would be more natural in your language, 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 he is fulfilling the law, the uncircumcised by nature will judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 27 tpno figs-nominaladj ἡ…ἀκροβυστία 1 And will not the one who is naturally uncircumcised condemn you … the law? See how you translated this in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 2 27 h2lj figs-abstractnouns ἡ ἐκ φύσεως ἀκροβυστία 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **nature**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the naturally uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 27 zwh8 figs-idiom τελοῦσα 1 Here, **fulfilling** is an idiom that means “fully obeying.” If your readers would not understand this, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is fully obedient to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 2 27 sv4b figs-explicit διὰ γράμματος καὶ περιτομῆς 1 Here, **through** could mean: (1) the Jews will be judged despite having the **letter and circumcision**. Alternate translation: “despite having letter and circumcision” (2) the Jews will be judged while having the **letter and circumcision**. Alternate translation: “while having letter and circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 27 nxa1 figs-metonymy γράμματος 1 Paul is figuratively describing **the law** by association with the letters that make up **the law**. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the written law code” or “God’s written law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 27 lkll figs-abstractnouns περιτομῆς 1 See how you translated this abstract noun in the previous two verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 27 q795 figs-abstractnouns παραβάτην νόμου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **transgressor** with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “someone who transgresses the law” or “someone who breaks God’s law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 2 28 g2vh grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows is the reason for what has just been stated. This verse is Paul’s conclusion to the statements he made in [verses 25–27](../02/25.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “In fact” or “Truly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 2 28 lfuj figs-metonymy Ἰουδαῖός 1 Here Paul uses **Jew** to refer to someone who is one of God’s people because he truly trusts in God for salvation, like Abraham did. **Jew** here does not refer to someone who only has Jewish ancestors. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a spiritual Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 28 rohy figs-explicit ἐν τῷ φανερῷ 1 Here, **visibly** refers to the Jewish religious practices that other people can see, such as circumcision or wearing special clothing. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “does externally visible Jewish rituals” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 28 n34i figs-metonymy ἡ…περιτομή 1 flesh Here Paul uses **circumcision** figuratively to refer to the change in thinking and attitude that happens when God saves a person. It can also be considered an inward mark of belonging to God’s people, like how circumcision was an outer mark of being Jewish. This was called “circumcision of the heart” in the Old Testament ([Deuteronomy 30:6](../../deu/30/06.md); [Jeremiah 4:4](../../jer/04/04.md)). Here, **circumcision** does not refer to the Jewish ritual. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this spiritual circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 28 s44m figs-synecdoche ἐν σαρκὶ 1 flesh Paul uses **the flesh** figuratively to mean “the whole body,” which is made of **flesh**. If this would confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “on the body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 2 29 b6ag figs-explicit ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ Ἰουδαῖος 1 The word translated **secretly** refers to something that other people cannot see or that is hidden. The meaning here is the opposite of “visibly” in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “a Jew in an inward way not seen by others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 29 u7b6 figs-metonymy Ἰουδαῖος 1 Here Paul uses **Jew** figuratively in the same way he did in the previous verse. See how you translated this word in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 29 d1go figs-possession περιτομὴ καρδίας 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **circumcision** that is performed in **the heart**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “circumcision is performed in the heart” or “circumcision is an inward change” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 29 hbiv figs-idiom περιτομὴ καρδίας 1 The phrase **circumcision of the heart** is an idiom that refers to the change in thinking and attitude that happens when God saves a person. It can also be considered an inward mark of belonging to God’s people, like how circumcision was an outer mark of being Jewish. This expression first occurred in the Old Testament ([Deuteronomy 30:6](../../deu/30/06.md); [Jeremiah 4:4](../../jer/04/04.md)).If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. See how you translated “this circumcision” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “truly belonging to God’s people is by removal of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 2 29 n4pp figs-metonymy καρδίας 1 See how you translated this word in [1:21](../01/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 29 ffa3 figs-explicit ἐν Πνεύματι, οὐ γράμματι 1 Here, both occurrences of **in** indicate the means by which something happened. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of the Spirit, not by means of the letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 29 kjc9 figs-explicit ἐν Πνεύματι 1 Here, **the Spirit** could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit, who changes a person’s thoughts and attitude when God saves that person, as in the UST. (2) a person’s spirit, which would require interpreting **in** to refer to a place. Alternate translation: “in one’s spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 2 29 gcoq figs-metonymy γράμματι 1 See how you translated **letter** in [verse 27](../02/27.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 2 29 dlac writing-pronouns οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος 1 in the Spirit The pronoun **whose** refers to **the one who is inwardly a Jew**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “that inward Jew’s praise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 2 29 qa6b figs-possession οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος 1 in the Spirit Paul is using the possessive form **whose** to indicate who receives **the praise**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “his praise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 2 29 r4gm figs-gendernotations ἐξ ἀνθρώπων 1 in the Spirit Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “from people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 3 intro y2kb 0 # Romans 3 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

3. All mankind is condemned because of sin (1:18–3:20)
* All non-Jews have sinned (1:18–32)
* All Jews have sinned (2:1–3:8)
* Everyone has sinned (3:9–20)
4. Righteousness is received through Jesus Christ by trusting in him (3:21–5:21)
* God’s righteousness is received through faith (3:21–26)
* No one can boast in works (3:27–31)

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 [verses 4](../03/04.md) and [10–18](../03/10.md) of this chapter, which are quotations from the Old Testament.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical Questions

In [verses 1–9](../03/01.md) and [27–31](../03/27.md) Paul frequently uses rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to answer objections that Jews might make about what he is saying. You may need to indicate that Paul is asking these questions as if he were a non-Christian Jew responding to his arguments. When Paul asks the rhetorical questions, he is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew arguing against Paul. When Paul answers those questions, he is speaking as himself. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this change in speakers with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 1 v788 0 Connecting Statement: In [verses 1–9](../03/01.md) Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions and answers in order to emphasize that both “Jews and Greeks” are “under sin.” ROM 3 1 a1l0 grammar-connect-logic-result τί οὖν 1 Here, **then** indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous chapter, especially what he said in [2:28–29](../02/28.md). If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “If these things are true, then what is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 1 dawv figs-rquestion τί οὖν τὸ περισσὸν τοῦ Ἰουδαίου, ἢ τίς ἡ ὠφέλια τῆς περιτομῆς? 1 This verse contains two rhetorical questions connected by **or**. Paul is not asking for information, but is using these two questions here to express the objections that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous chapter, especially what he said in [2:28–29](../02/28.md). 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: “Then the Jew certainly has no advantage, and circumcision certainly has no benefit!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 1 b7ls figs-quotemarks τί οὖν τὸ περισσὸν τοῦ Ἰουδαίου, ἢ τίς ἡ ὠφέλια τῆς περιτομῆς 1 In this verse Paul is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew arguing against Paul. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 1 bjfo figs-abstractnouns τί οὖν τὸ περισσὸν τοῦ Ἰουδαίου, ἢ τίς ἡ ὠφέλια τῆς περιτομῆς 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **advantage** or **benefit**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “How then is being a Jew advantageous, or how is being circumcised beneficial” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 1 h4h3 figs-possession τοῦ Ἰουδαίου 1 Paul is using the possessive form **of the Jew** to describe for whom there is **the advantage**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “for the Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 1 l79f figs-possession τῆς περιτομῆς 1 Paul is using the possessive form **of the circumcision** to describe from where **the benefit** comes. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “that comes from circumcision” or “from being circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 2 eq3o figs-explicit πολὺ κατὰ πάντα τρόπον 1 It is great in every way In this verse Paul responds to the rhetorical questions in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, ‘Great in every way!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 2 rri9 figs-ellipsis πολὺ κατὰ πάντα τρόπον 1 It is great in every way Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “The advantage of the Jew and the benefit of the circumcision is great is every way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 3 2 kzlh figs-hyperbole πολὺ κατὰ πάντα τρόπον 1 **Great in every way** is an exaggeration that Paul uses to emphasize the value of being Jewish and being circumcised. Paul does not mean that everything about being a Jew and being circumcised is beneficial. If your readers would misunderstand thus, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that shows enthusiasm. Alternate translation: “Great in many ways” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 3 2 f2fa figs-explicit πρῶτον μὲν…ὅτι 1 Here, **indeed first, that** could indicate that: (1) what follows is the first reason in a list of several reasons why being a Jew is beneficial, in which case Paul does not continue the list in this chapter. Alternate translation: “the first of many benefits is indeed that” or “one benefit is indeed that” (2) what follows is the most important reason why being a Jew is beneficial. Alternate translation: “the primary benefit is indeed that” or “the most important thing is indeed that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 2 mrej figs-activepassive ἐπιστεύθησαν τὰ λόγια τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God entrusted them with his sayings” or “God trusted them with the sayings of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 2 jkgk figs-metonymy τὰ λόγια τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **the sayings of God** could refer to: (1) the entire Old Testament. Alternate translation: “with what God said in the Scriptures” (2) direct speech from God in the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “with the messages that God announced to them in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 2 qide figs-possession τὰ λόγια τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, the possessive form **of God** could refer to: (1) **sayings** that came from **God**. Alternate translation: “with the sayings from God” (2) **says** that are about **God**. Alternate translation: “with the sayings about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 3 d9k3 grammar-connect-logic-result γάρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “If these things are true, then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 3 mclv figs-rquestion τί…εἰ ἠπίστησάν τινες? μὴ ἡ ἀπιστία αὐτῶν, τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Θεοῦ καταργήσει? 1 In this verse Paul is not asking for information, but is using these two questions here to express the objections that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. 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: “But some of them were unfaithful! Their unfaithfulness surely cannot nullify the faithfulness of God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 3 fd0w figs-quotemarks τί γάρ εἰ ἠπίστησάν τινες? μὴ ἡ ἀπιστία αὐτῶν, τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Θεοῦ καταργήσει? 1 In this verse Paul is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew arguing against Paul. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 3 i36p writing-pronouns τινες 1 The pronoun **some** refers to some Jewish people. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “some Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 3 3 pkae figs-abstractnouns μὴ ἡ ἀπιστία αὐτῶν, τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Θεοῦ καταργήσει 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **unfaithfulness** or **faithfulness**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “The fact that they are unfaithful will not nullify God’s faithful acts, will it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 3 moq7 figs-possession τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the faithfulness** that characterizes **God**. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the faithfulness that characterizes God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 4 djn7 figs-explicit μὴ γένοιτο 1 May it never be In this verse Paul responds to the rhetorical questions he wrote in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, ‘May it never be!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 4 z465 figs-exclamations μὴ γένοιτο 1 May it never be **May it never be** is an exclamatory phrase that communicates a strong prohibition. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating a strong prohibition. Alternate translation: “Absolutely not” or “Certainly not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 3 4 kz4j grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Instead, let be found **Instead** here indicates that what follows is a contrast to the idea in the previous verse that unfaithful Jews could “nullify the faithfulness of God.” Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “But” or “However” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) ROM 3 4 ld9h figs-imperative γινέσθω…ὁ Θεὸς ἀληθής 1 let God be found to be true Here, **let God be true** is an imperative phrase, but this is not a command. Instead, Paul is exclaiming that people must consider that God is always truthful regardless of what people think. Use a form in your language that would be used in this type of situation. Alternate translation: “let people always know that God is true” or “may people always declare that God is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) ROM 3 4 nud9 figs-abstractnouns πᾶς…ἄνθρωπος ψεύστης 1 even though every man is a liar If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **liar**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “every man lies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 4 fesk figs-ellipsis πᾶς…ἄνθρωπος ψεύστης 1 Paul is leaving out some words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “let every man be a liar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 3 4 hfdf figs-gendernotations πᾶς…ἄνθρωπος 1 Although the term **man** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “every person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 3 4 te39 writing-quotations καθὼς γέγραπται 1 As it has been written See how you translated this phrase in [1:17](../01/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) ROM 3 4 b8gv figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 As it has been written 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. If you must state who did the action, the quotation was written by David, a king of Israel. Alternate translation: “just as King David wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 4 f0oq figs-quotemarks ὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου, καὶ νικήσεις ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε 1 As it has been written This sentence is a quotation from [Psalm 51:4](../../psa/51/04.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 4 xli0 grammar-connect-logic-result ὅπως 1 **So that** indicates that what follows is the result of what David had written previously in [Psalm 51:4](../../psa/51/04.md), which is about how David had sinned. Paul assumes that his readers would be familiar with the earlier part of that verse. If this would confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I have sinned so that” or “Because of my sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 4 h0ne figs-you ὅπως ἂν δικαιωθῇς ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου, καὶ νικήσεις ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε 1 In this sentence, **you** and **your** refer to God and are singular. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 3 4 lnnr figs-activepassive δικαιωθῇς…ἐν τῷ κρίνεσθαί σε 1 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: “people would acknowledge how righteous you are … when people attempt to judge you” or “you would prove yourself to be righteous … when others try to judge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 4 tj8g figs-metonymy ἐν τοῖς λόγοις σου 1 Paul records David using **words** figuratively to describe the things that God said by using words. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in what you say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 5 gw3a grammar-connect-words-phrases εἰ δὲ 1 **But** here indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous verse. In this verse, Paul is speaking as if he were an unbelieving Jew and is challenging the statement that Paul made in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “If indeed that is true” or “Now if” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 3 5 putf figs-quotemarks εἰ δὲ ἡ ἀδικία ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην συνίστησιν, τί ἐροῦμεν? μὴ ἄδικος ὁ Θεὸς, ὁ ἐπιφέρων τὴν ὀργήν? 1 In these sentences Paul is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew arguing against Paul. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 5 hjyp grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical εἰ…ἡ ἀδικία ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην συνίστησιν, τί ἐροῦμεν? 1 Paul is using a hypothetical situation to develop the argument that an unbelieving Jew would make. Alternate translation: “suppose our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God. Then what will we say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]]) ROM 3 5 y6vv figs-exclusive ἡμῶν…ἐροῦμεν 1 Here, **our** and **we** are used exclusively to speak of Paul and other Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “Jewish … will we Jews say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 3 5 y0r5 figs-abstractnouns ἡ ἀδικία ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the ideas behind **unrighteousness** and **righteousness** in another way. Alternate translation: “how unrighteous we are … how righteous God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 5 ho67 figs-rquestion μὴ ἄδικος ὁ Θεὸς, ὁ ἐπιφέρων τὴν ὀργήν? 1 In this sentence Paul is not asking for information, but is using this question here to express an objection that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. This sentence is also the answer to the hypothetical question that precedes it. 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: “God certainly cannot be unrighteousness for imposing his wrath!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 5 v30z figs-infostructure εἰ…ἡ ἀδικία ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην συνίστησιν, τί ἐροῦμεν? μὴ ἄδικος ὁ Θεὸς, ὁ ἐπιφέρων τὴν ὀργήν? 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine the hypothetical conditional statement of the first sentence with the rhetorical question of the second sentence. Alternate translation: “if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, then we certainly cannot say that God is unrighteousness for imposing his wrath!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 3 5 e9ux figs-metonymy τὴν ὀργήν 1 Here Paul uses **wrath** figuratively to refer to the outcome of God’s **wrath**, which is judging and punishing people because they are unrighteous. See how you translated the same use of **wrath** in [1:18](../01/18.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 5 j631 figs-aside (κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω.) 1 I am using a human argument Paul could be saying this as an aside in order to show that he is not trying to challenge **the righteousness of God**. If this would be confusing in your language, you could add parentheses like the ULT or use a natural way in your language to indicate an aside. Alternate translation: “I am reasoning like a human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) ROM 3 5 sd4g figs-idiom (κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω.) 1 Here, the phrase **according to men** is an idiom meaning “the way people do” or “like a human being.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I speak based on how human beings perceive things” or “I speak according to mere human reasoning”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 3 6 gd5f figs-exclamations μὴ γένοιτο 1 May it never be See how you translated this in [verse 4](../03/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 3 6 zg9s grammar-connect-logic-result ἐπεὶ πῶς κρινεῖ ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον 1 For then how would God judge the world? Here Paul is giving the reason why God is “not unrighteous for imposing his wrath,” as stated in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language for expressing the reason why someone does something. Alternate translation: “Because if God were unrighteous, how would he judge the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 6 x1y3 figs-rquestion πῶς κρινεῖ ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον 1 In this clause Paul is not asking for information, but is using this question here to emphasize that **God** could not **judge the world** if he were unrighteous. 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: “God certainly could not judge the world!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 6 lnp3 figs-metonymy τὸν κόσμον 1 the world Here Paul uses **world** figuratively to refer to the people who live in the **world**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 7 htfa 0 General Information: In [verses 7–9](../03/07.md), Paul is speaking as if he were an unbelieving Jew and is challenging the statement Paul made in [verse 6](../03/06.md). A note will inform you of the one parenthetic statement within these verses in which Paul interjects his own voice into the argument. ROM 3 7 b9k1 grammar-connect-words-phrases εἰ δὲ 1 But if the truth of God through my lie provides abundant praise for him, why am I still being judged as a sinner? **But** here indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous verse. In this verse, Paul is speaking as if he were an unbelieving Jew and is challenging the statement Paul made in the previous verse. See how you translated this in [verse 5](../03/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 3 7 c2u5 grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical εἰ…ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ἐμῷ ψεύσματι ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, τί ἔτι κἀγὼ ὡς ἁμαρτωλὸς κρίνομαι 1 But if the truth of God through my lie provides abundant praise for him, why am I still being judged as a sinner? Paul is using a hypothetical situation to develop the argument an unbelieving Jew would make. Alternate translation: “suppose the truth of God through my life abounds to his glory. Then why am I still being judged as a sinner” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]]) ROM 3 7 xysz figs-infostructure εἰ δὲ ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ἐμῷ ψεύσματι ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “But if the truth of God abounds to his glory through my lie” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 3 7 j9ji figs-abstractnouns ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **truth**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or another way. Alternate translation: “how truthful God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 7 lbji figs-possession ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the truth** that characterizes **God**. Use a natural way in your language to communicate this idea. Alternate translation: “God’s truthfulness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 7 fa7j figs-exclusive ἐν τῷ ἐμῷ ψεύσματι…κἀγὼ ὡς ἁμαρτωλὸς 1 Here Paul uses the pronoun **my** and **I** to refer to a Jewish person who might give this hypothetical response. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternative translation: “when we Jews act falsely … are we … as sinners” or “when we Jews lie … are we … as sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 3 7 o3po figs-abstractnouns ἐν τῷ ἐμῷ ψεύσματι 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **lie**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “when I act falsely” or “when I lie” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 7 je41 grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **to** indicates that this is a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “with the result that he is glorified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 7 h61j figs-abstractnouns εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **glory**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or another way. Alternate translation: “to demonstrate how glorious he is” or “to glorify him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 7 yv5j figs-rquestion τί ἔτι κἀγὼ ὡς ἁμαρτωλὸς κρίνομαι 1 In this clause Paul is not asking for information, but is using this question to express an objection that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse, which was also repeated in the previous clause. 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: “surely I should not still be judged as a sinner!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 7 iiqc figs-activepassive ἔτι κἀγὼ…κρίνομαι 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that “God” does it. Alternate translation: “does God still judge me” or “should God still keep on judging me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 7 pgus figs-abstractnouns ἁμαρτωλὸς 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **sinner**, you could express the same idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “someone who sins” or “as if I were sinful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 8 vw1x grammar-connect-words-phrases καὶ 1 as we are falsely reported to say **And** here indicates that in this verse Paul continues speaking as if he were an unbelieving Jew and is challenging the statement he made in [verse 6](../03/06.md). If it would help your readers, you could state this with a fuller expression. Alternate translation: “Furthermore” or “In addition” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 3 8 kb9d figs-infostructure καὶ μὴ καθὼς βλασφημούμεθα, καὶ καθώς φασίν τινες ἡμᾶς λέγειν, ὅτι ποιήσωμεν τὰ κακὰ, ἵνα ἔλθῃ τὰ ἀγαθά? 1 as we are falsely reported to say If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “And not, ‘Let us do evil, so that good may come,’ just as we are blasphemed and just as some affirm we say?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 3 8 wr3g figs-ellipsis καὶ μὴ 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “And why not say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 3 8 pr4u figs-rquestion μὴ…ὅτι ποιήσωμεν τὰ κακὰ, ἵνα ἔλθῃ τὰ ἀγαθά 1 In this sentence Paul is not asking for information, but is using an elided question here to emphasize that God could not judge the world if he were unrighteous. 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 should say … ‘Let us do the evil things, so that the good things may come!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 8 o3pz figs-aside καθὼς βλασφημούμεθα, καὶ καθώς φασίν τινες ἡμᾶς λέγειν 1 Paul is saying this as an aside in order to show that people have been falsely accusing him of teaching that people should sin in order to show how good God is. If this would be confusing in your language, you could add parentheses like the ULT or use a natural way in your language to indicate an aside. Alternate translation: “Some people blaspheme us and affirm that we are saying such things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) ROM 3 8 veic figs-exclusive βλασφημούμεθα…ἡμᾶς 1 When Paul says **we** and **us**, he could be (1) speaking only of himself in a formal manner. Alternate translation: “I am blasphemed … me” (2) speaking of himself and all other Christians. Alternate translation: “we Christians are blasphemed … us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 3 8 klaa figs-activepassive βλασφημούμεθα 1 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: “people blaspheme us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 8 vbpa figs-quotations μὴ καθὼς βλασφημούμεθα, καὶ καθώς φασίν τινες ἡμᾶς λέγειν, ὅτι ποιήσωμεν τὰ κακὰ 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “not say (just as we are blasphemed and just as some affirm us to say) that we should do the evil things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) ROM 3 8 pe2c figs-aside ὧν τὸ κρίμα ἔνδικόν ἐστιν 1 Paul is saying this as an aside in order to show that the people who have been falsely accusing him of teaching people to “do the evil things, so that the good things may come” deserve to be judged by God. If this would be confusing in your language, you could add parentheses like the ULT or use a natural way in your language to indicate an aside. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) ROM 3 8 re0k writing-pronouns ὧν τὸ κρίμα ἔνδικόν ἐστιν 1 The pronoun **whose** here refers to the people who slander Paul by claiming that he teaches people to “do the evil things, so that the good things may come.” If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the judgment of those who say this is just” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 3 8 g87e figs-abstractnouns ὧν τὸ κρίμα ἔνδικόν ἐστιν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **judgment**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “who are justly judged” or “whom God justly judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 9 z3wu grammar-connect-logic-result τί οὖν? προεχόμεθα? 1 Here Paul concludes his series of rhetorical questions by using the same phrase **What then**. See how you translated this phrase in [verse 1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 9 y6uz figs-rquestion προεχόμεθα? 1 Paul is using the question form to express the objection that a Jew might have to what Paul has said previously. 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: “Surely we are not better off!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 9 ajj8 figs-exclusive προεχόμεθα 1 Here, **we** is used exclusively to speak of Paul and his fellow Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “Are we Jews better off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 3 9 g85q figs-exclamations οὐ πάντως 1 Not at all **Not at all** is an exclamatory phrase that communicates a strong negative response to the previous statement. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this idea. Alternate translation: “Absolutely not!” or “In no way!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 3 9 cbgq figs-ellipsis οὐ πάντως 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “We are not better off at all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 3 9 a01e grammar-connect-logic-result προῃτιασάμεθα γὰρ 1 Not at all **For** here indicates that what follows is the reason why the previous statement is true. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “We are not better off because we have already accused” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 9 qvjy figs-exclusive προῃτιασάμεθα 1 Not at all Here, **we** could mean: (1) Paul is speaking only of himself in a formal manner. Alternate translation: “I have already accused” (2) Paul is speaking of himself and other Christians. Alternate translation: “we Christians have already accused” See how you translated **we** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 3 9 hgs3 figs-explicit Ἕλληνας 1 Not at all Here, **Greeks** refers to non-Jewish people in general. It does not refer only to people from the country of Greece. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “non-Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 9 x4eb figs-idiom ὑφ’ ἁμαρτίαν 1 The phrase **under sin** is an idiom that means “under the power of sin” or “controlled by one’s desire to sin.” If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “controlled by sin” or “ruled by sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 3 10 m5r6 figs-litany 0 General Information: In verses [10–18](../03/10.md) Paul uses Old Testament quotations as a repetitive series of sentences in order to show how evil all types of people are. In [verses 10–12](../03/10.md) he emphasizes the general nature of their evil conduct by repeating the word **none** four times, and the phrase **not even one** twice. In [verses 13–18](../03/13.md) he uses specific examples of their evil conduct. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” This is a list of the accusations against humanity. Use a form in your language that someone would use to list things that someone has done wrong. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]]) ROM 3 10 u88n writing-quotations καθὼς γέγραπται 1 This is as it is written See how you translated this phrase in [1:17](../01/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) ROM 3 10 zkzr figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 This is as it is written 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: “just as the prophets wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 10 ju1k figs-quotemarks οὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος οὐδὲ εἷς 1 This is as it is written This sentence is Paul’s paraphrase of [Psalm 14:3](../../psa/14/03.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 10 yt5d figs-parallelism οὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος οὐδὲ εἷς 1 These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that **not** even one type of person is **righteous**. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “There is not even one type of person who is righteous” or “Absolutely no one who is righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 3 10 bscu figs-nominaladj οὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος οὐδὲ εἷς 1 Paul is using the singular adjectives **none righteous** and **one** as nouns in order to describe all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these adjectives with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “There are no righteous people, not any people” or “There is no righteous person, not even one person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 3 11 b0m7 figs-quotemarks οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ συνίων; οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ἐκζητῶν τὸν Θεόν 1 This sentence is Paul’s paraphrase of [Psalm 14:2](../../psa/14/02.md) and [Psalm 53:3](../../psa/53/03.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 11 kqs5 figs-nominaladj οὐκ ἔστιν…οὐκ ἔστιν 1 Paul is using the adjectives **none** as nouns in order to describe all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these adjectives with noun phrases. Alternate translation: “There are no people … There are no people” or “There is no person … There is no person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 3 11 h9e9 figs-explicit οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ συνίων 1 There is no one who understands Here, **who understands** refers to someone who is able to think wisely or correctly. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “There is none who is wise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 11 mn84 figs-metaphor ὁ ἐκζητῶν τὸν Θεόν 1 Her, Paul quotes David using**seeks** figuratively to describe people attempting to know God as if God were lost and people needed to find him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who attempts to know God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 12 lg0i figs-quotemarks πάντες ἐξέκλιναν, ἅμα ἠχρεώθησαν; οὐκ ἔστιν ποιῶν χρηστότητα, οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός 1 They have all turned away This sentence is quotation of [Psalm 14:3](../../psa/14/03.md) and [Psalm 53:4](../../psa/53/04.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 12 cen3 figs-metaphor ἐξέκλιναν 1 They have all turned away Paul quotes David using **turned away** figuratively to describe these people as if they had left a path that leads to where God is. David means that they refuse to live according to God’s rules. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “refuse to live the way God requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 12 a72h figs-explicit ἅμα ἠχρεώθησαν 1 They have all turned away Here, **useless** implies that these sinful people are so sinful that they do not benefit God or humankind. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “They together became worthless for benefitting anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 12 na87 figs-parallelism οὐκ ἔστιν ποιῶν χρηστότητα, οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός 1 These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that **not even one** type of person can continually do **kindness**. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “There is not even one type of person who does kindness” or “Absolutely no one who is doing kindness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 3 12 v9ed figs-nominaladj οὐκ…ἑνός 1 See how you translated **none** and **one** in [verse 10](../03/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 3 12 b3g1 figs-abstractnouns χρηστότητα 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **kindness**, you could express the same idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “what is kind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 13 xr4g figs-quotemarks τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν; ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν 1 These two sentences are a quotation from [Psalm 5:10](../../psa/05/10.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 13 c7rh figs-parallelism τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν; ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν; ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν 1 These three sentences mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing three times, in slightly different ways, to show how harmful the words are that these people say. If saying the same thing three times might confuse your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “The things they say are deadly, deceptive, and damaging” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 3 13 nmrs figs-genericnoun ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν 1 Paul quotes David speaking of these people’s throats in general, not of one particular **throat**. If your readers would misunderstand this, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “throats” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) ROM 3 13 sx6y figs-metonymy ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν 1 Here Paul quotes David using **throat** figuratively to describe something people would say by using their throats to say it. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 13 bbq5 figs-metaphor τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν 1 Their throat is an open grave Paul quotes David using **opened grave** figuratively to describe these people’s **throat** as if it were a deep hole containing rotting corpses. He means that the things these people say are morally corrupt and offend God. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Their throats express moral corruption” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 13 pemg figs-metonymy ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν 1 Here Paul quotes David using **tongues** figuratively to describe something people would say to deceive someone by using their tongues to say it. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with what they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 13 d82g figs-quotemarks ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν 1 This sentence is a quotation from [Psalm 140:3](../../psa/140/03.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 13 b4bp figs-possession ἰὸς ἀσπίδων 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **poison** that comes from **asps**, which are venomous snakes. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Asp’s poison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 13 qk16 figs-metaphor ἰὸς ἀσπίδων 1 The poison of snakes is under their lips Paul quotes David using **poison of asps** figuratively to refer to what people say as if what they say contained **poison**. He means that the things they say harm people like deadly venom. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation: “What hurts people like a poisonous snake bite” or “Speech that hurts people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 13 u40o figs-metonymy ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν 1 The poison of snakes is under their lips Here Paul quotes David using **lips** figuratively to describe something people would say to harm someone by using their **lips** to say it. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by what they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 14 ucnr figs-quotemarks ὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει 1 This sentence is a quotation from [Psalm 10:7](../../psa/10/07.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 14 ujjd figs-genericnoun τὸ στόμα 1 Paul quotes David speaking of these people’s mouths in general, not of one particular **mouth**. If your readers would misunderstand this, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “mouths” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) ROM 3 14 sqr5 figs-metonymy ὧν τὸ στόμα 1 Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness Here Paul quotes David using **mouth** figuratively to describe people speaking curses and bitter things by using their **mouth** to say them. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 14 j0sg figs-metaphor ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει 1 Paul quotes David using **cursing and bitterness** figuratively as if these concepts were thins with which people could fill or load their **mouth**. He means that these people habitually curse and say bitter things against others. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “habitually curses and says bitter things against others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 15 e67d figs-quotemarks 0 General Information: Verses 15–17 are Paul’s paraphrase of [Isaiah 59:7–8](../isa/59/07.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 15 vds1 figs-synecdoche οἱ πόδες αὐτῶν 1 Their feet are swift to pour out blood Paul quotes Isaiah using **feet**, a part of the human body, to refer to the whole person. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “These people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 3 15 quph figs-metaphor ἐκχέαι αἷμα 1 Paul quotes Isaiah using **pour out blood** figuratively to refer to violently murdering people, which usually causes blood to come out of the people who are murdered. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “to murder others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 16 bc96 figs-abstractnouns σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **Destruction** and **suffering**, you could express the same ideas with other expressions. Alternate translation: “They demolish lives and make people suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 16 rrgr figs-idiom ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν 1 Here, **ways** is an idiom meaning “wherever they go” or “how they behave.” It refers to a person’s daily life. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “characterize how they behave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 3 17 zbrd figs-idiom ὁδὸν 1 See how you translated “ways” in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 3 17 jb6b figs-possession ὁδὸν εἰρήνης 1 a way of peace Paul is using the possessive form to describe **a way** that is characterized by **peace**. He means that these people do not understand how to live peacefully. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “a peaceful way” or “a peaceful way to behave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 18 wr0x figs-quotemarks οὐκ ἔστιν φόβος Θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν 1 This sentence is a quotation from [Psalm 36:1](../../psa/36/01.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 3 18 bx27 figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἔστιν φόβος Θεοῦ 1 There is no fear of God before their eyes If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **fear**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “They are not afraid of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 18 frt1 figs-possession φόβος Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **fear** that people should feel toward for **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “fear for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 18 m89o figs-idiom ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν 1 Here,**before their eyes** is an idiom that refers to thinking about something. Paul means that these people do not think at all about how terrifying God is. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in their minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 3 19 lrdp grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 **Now** here indicates that what follows summarizes Paul’s teachings about **the law** and “the righteousness of God” in [verses 1–9](../03/01.md). If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Indeed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 3 19 gc8t figs-exclusive οἴδαμεν 1 Here, **we** is used exclusively to speak of Paul and other Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we Jews know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 3 19 e8h2 figs-personification ὅσα ὁ νόμος λέγει…λαλεῖ 1 whatever the law says, it speaks Here Paul speaks of **the law** figuratively as if it were a person who could speak. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as many things as God says in the law, he speaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 3 19 n399 figs-metonymy ὁ νόμος…τῷ νόμῳ 1 the ones who are under the law Here Paul uses **the law** figuratively to refer to the entire Old Testament, which includes the law. Here he is not referring to only the Law of Moses, as he did earlier in the chapter. We know this because in [verses 10–18](../03/10.md) Paul quoted verses from parts of the Old Testament that are not in the Law of Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Scriptures … the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 19 b0g5 figs-explicit τοῖς ἐν τῷ νόμῳ 1 Paul uses **those with the law** to refer to the Jews. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2:12](../02/12.md). Alternative translation: “to Jews” or “to those who know the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 19 end8 grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 Here, **so that** introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for what **the law says**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 3 19 cy5r figs-idiom πᾶν στόμα φραγῇ 1 Here, **every mouth may be shut** is an idiom that means “no one can say anything to excuse themselves.” Paul means that no one can defend themselves before God because everyone has sinned. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no human beings can excuse themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 3 19 js71 figs-activepassive φραγῇ 1 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: “may stop talking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 19 w12y figs-synecdoche πᾶς ὁ κόσμος 1 the whole world held accountable to God Paul uses**all the world** figuratively to refer to **all** the people living in **the world**. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 3 19 wwq3 figs-explicit ὑπόδικος γένηται…τῷ Θεῷ 1 The phrase **may become accountable to God** means that God will judge everyone at the final judgment according to how they lived their lives. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “God would judge all the people in the world as guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 20 ezbo grammar-connect-logic-result διότι 1 Here. **because** introduces a reason clause. Paul is stating the reason why all humanity is “accountable to God,” as stated in the previous verse. Use natural way in your language to indicate a reason clause. You may need to begin a new sentence, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “The reason for this is that” or “As a result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 20 vzot figs-activepassive οὐ δικαιωθήσεται πᾶσα σὰρξ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who will do the action, Paul implies that “God” will do it. Alternate translation: “God will not justify any flesh” or “God will not make any flesh righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 20 xs9x figs-synecdoche σὰρξ 1 flesh Paul uses **flesh** figuratively to refer to a human being, who is made of flesh. If this would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 3 20 d6vi figs-personification ἐξ ἔργων νόμου…διὰ…νόμου ἐπίγνωσις ἁμαρτίας 1 In this verse Paul speaks of **the law** figuratively as if it were a person who could justify someone or give them **full awareness**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by doing what God requires in his law … God gives full awareness of sin through his law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 3 20 w5qb figs-possession ἐξ ἔργων νόμου 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in [2:15](../02/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 20 i7zi grammar-collectivenouns νόμου…νόμου 1 In this verse **law** is a singular noun that refers to a group of laws that God gave Israel through Moses. It does not refer to the entire Old Testament, as in the previous verse. See how you translated this use of **law** in [2:12](../02/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 3 20 llh9 figs-idiom ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **before him** is an idiom meaning “in his presence” or “from his perspective.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “in his presence” or “before his judgment seat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 3 20 xgpp figs-abstractnouns ἐπίγνωσις ἁμαρτίας 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **full awareness** and **sin**, you could express the same ideas in different way. Alternate translation: “fully aware of being sinful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 20 aety figs-possession ἐπίγνωσις ἁμαρτίας 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **full awareness** about the **sin** a person has committed. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “full knowledge about sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 20 jdw9 figs-explicit διὰ…νόμου 1 Here, **through law** indicates the means by which a person becomes fully aware of sin. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by means of law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 21 fqz4 grammar-connect-logic-contrast νυνὶ δὲ 1 **But now** here indicates that what follows is in contrast to Paul’s discussion about **the law** in [2:1–3:20](../02/01.md). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “Yet now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) ROM 3 21 y3te figs-infostructure νυνὶ δὲ χωρὶς νόμου, δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ πεφανέρωται 1 now If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “But now, the righteousness of God has been made known apart from the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 3 21 e5ky figs-explicit νόμου…τοῦ νόμου 1 now While the first occurrence of **the law** in this verse refers to the laws that God gave the Jews through Moses, the second occurrence refers to the first five books in the Old Testament that were written by Moses. The ULT shows this different by using **the law** and **the Law** respectively. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this more explicitly. Alternate translation: “the laws God gave Israel … the part of Scripture that Moses wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 21 nlj0 figs-possession χωρὶς νόμου 1 Here, **apart from the law** could mean: (1) **apart from** doing what **the law** requires. Alternate translation: “without having to do what the law requires” (2) outside of what **the law** says. Alternate translation: “not related to what the law says” or “differently than what the law says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 21 e4qe figs-activepassive δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ πεφανέρωται 1 apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God has made his righteousness visible” or “God has revealed his righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 21 qkis figs-possession δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ 1 See how you translated this phrase in [1:17](../01/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 21 gvca figs-activepassive μαρτυρουμένη ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Law and the Prophets bearing witness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 21 tnf8 figs-personification μαρτυρουμένη ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν 1 It was witnessed by the Law and the Prophets Here Paul uses **the Law and the Prophets** figuratively as if they were people who could witness or testify in a courtroom. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what God says in the Law and the Prophets is a written testimony to this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 3 21 bgyx figs-synecdoche ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν 1 Paul is using the name of two parts of the Hebrew Scriptures, **the Law and the Prophets**, to represent the entire Hebrew Scriptures in general. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 3 22 pec5 grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 Here, **but** indicates that what follows explains how a person receives “the righteousness of God”. It does not indicate a contrast. Alternate translation: “namely,” or “even” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 3 22 cvhy figs-possession δικαιοσύνη…Θεοῦ 1 See how you translated this phrase in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 22 q4m1 figs-possession διὰ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here, **faith in Jesus Christ** is a possessive form that indicates **faith** that is associated with **Jesus Christ**. This could refer to: (1) trust in Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by trusting in Jesus Christ” or “by believing in Jesus Christ” (2) the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “through the faithfulness that Jesus Christ possesses” or “through how faithful Jesus Christ is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 22 c4mg figs-ellipsis τοὺς πιστεύοντας 1 Paul is leaving out some words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could supply this word from the context. Alternate translation: “those who believe in him” or “those who believe in Jesus for salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 3 22 o6qe grammar-connect-logic-result γάρ 1 Here, **for** introduces a reason clause. Paul is giving the reason why **the righteousness of God** is **for all those who believe**. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why something is true. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 22 daa3 figs-abstractnouns οὐ…ἐστιν διαστολή 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **distinction**, you could express the same idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “God does not discriminate” or “God is not partial” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 23 x1hu grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** here introduces a reason clause. Paul is giving the reason why “there is no distinction,” as stated in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why something is true. Alternate translation: “The reason for this is that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 23 akn9 figs-nominaladj πάντες 1 Here Paul uses the adjective **all** as a noun that refers to **all** the people who have existed or will exist. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 3 23 jbe9 figs-metaphor ὑστεροῦνται τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **all** people as if they were something that fails to reach its destination. He means that they lack or do not attain **the glory of God**. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “lack the glory of God” or “fail to attain the glory of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 23 vwsf figs-possession τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here the possessive form **the glory of God** could refer to: (1) the glory that God shared with humans when he created them, but which they lost when the first humans sinned. Alternate translation: “the glory God once gave them” or “the glory from God” (2) glorifying God, as in the similar phrase “the glory of the imperishable God” in [1:23](../01/23.md). Alternate translation: “of glorifying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 24 ibi2 figs-personification δικαιούμενοι δωρεὰν τῇ αὐτοῦ χάριτι 1 Here, **grace** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could **justify** someone. Paul means that God graciously makes people righteous as a gift. If this might confuse your readers, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and are gifted with becoming righteous because God is gracious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 3 24 evs8 figs-explicit δικαιούμενοι δωρεὰν 1 Paul assumes that his readers know that those who are **being justified freely** are “all” those who “have sinned” in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “all people are being freely justified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 24 jgcu δωρεὰν 1 Alternate translation: “as a gift” or “without payment” ROM 3 24 atij figs-abstractnouns τῇ αὐτοῦ χάριτι, διὰ τῆς ἀπολυτρώσεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **grace** and **redemption**, you could express the same ideas with different forms. Alternate translation: “by God being gracious through redeeming them in Christ Jesus” or “due to how kind God is, because Christ Jesus redeemed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 24 hyeb figs-explicit ἀπολυτρώσεως 1 The word translated as **redemption** refers to rescuing someone from captivity by paying a ransom. Your language may require you to indicate what the people are redeemed from. This could mean: (1) Jesus redeems people from eternal punishment. Alternative translation: “redemption from eternal punishment” (2) Jesus redeems people from being enslaved to sin. Alternative translation: “redemption from enslavement to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 24 lno6 figs-metaphor τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 Here, Paul speaks figuratively of **redemption** as if it were an object that could be inside Jesus. Paul means that God redeemed all people who believe in Jesus by uniting them to **Christ Jesus**. If your readers might misunderstand this, you can express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “that comes through union with Christ Jesus” or “that is through being united to Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 25 ci0v figs-metaphor ὃν προέθετο ὁ Θεὸς ἱλαστήριον 1 Here Paul uses **presented** figuratively as if Jesus were an Old Testament atonement sacrifice that was **presented** to God in the temple. He means that Jesus’ death was a sacrifice for the sins of humankind. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “whom God offered to atone for the sins of humanity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 25 t2d8 figs-abstractnouns ἱλαστήριον, διὰ πίστεως…εἰς ἔνδειξιν τῆς δικαιοσύνης αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **propitiation**, **faith**, **demonstration**, or **righteousness**, you could express the same ideas with different forms. Alternate translation: “to atone for people’s sins by trusting … to demonstrate how he makes people righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 25 m159 figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ αὐτοῦ αἵματι 1 in his blood Here Paul uses **his blood** figuratively to refer to Jesus’ death. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in Christ’s death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 25 ieq9 grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς ἔνδειξιν 1 disregard Here, **for** indicates that the phrase that follows is the purpose for which God **presented** Jesus as **a propitiation**. Use a natural way in your language to indicate a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order to demonstrate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 3 25 ze9m figs-possession τῆς δικαιοσύνης αὐτοῦ 1 See how you translated “the righteousness of God” in [1:17](../01/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 25 siri figs-abstractnouns διὰ τὴν πάρεσιν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **overlooking**, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “because he overlooked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 25 ydoj figs-abstractnouns τῶν προγεγονότων ἁμαρτημάτων 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **sin**, you could express the same idea in a different way. Alternate translation: “how they had sinned previously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 26 b2f6 grammar-connect-logic-result ἐν 1 Here, **in** introduces a reason clause. Paul is giving the reason for God “overlooking of the sins that happened previously,” as stated in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why something is true. Alternate translation: “The reason for this is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 26 lm1r figs-abstractnouns ἐν τῇ ἀνοχῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 This all happened for the demonstration of his righteousness at this present time If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **forbearance**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “because God is so forbearing” or “since God forbears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 26 cg55 figs-possession ἐν τῇ ἀνοχῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 so that he could be just, and justify the one who has faith in Jesus Paul is using the possessive form to describe **God** who is characterized by **forbearance**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in God’s forbearance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 26 b1xa figs-possession πρὸς τὴν ἔνδειξιν τῆς δικαιοσύνης αὐτοῦ 1 See how you translated this phrase in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 26 v1c9 ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ 1 Alternate translation: “at this time in history” or “currently” ROM 3 26 jjwq grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν 1 Here, **so that** indicates that what follows is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God now demonstrates **his righteousness**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order that he would be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 3 26 x6cf figs-genericnoun τὸν ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ 1 Paul is speaking of all people who have **faith in Jesus**, not one particular person. If your readers would misunderstand this, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “anyone who is from faith in Jesus” or “every person who trusts in Jesus”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) ROM 3 26 qdkw figs-possession τὸν ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ 1 Here Paul is using the possessive form to describe a person who is characterized by **faith in Jesus**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who is characterized by faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 26 ab0w figs-possession πίστεως Ἰησοῦ 1 See how you translated this phrase in [verse 22](../03/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 27 emwi 0 Connecting Statement: In [verses 27–31](../03/27.md) Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions and answers in order to emphasize that God alone makes people righteous through faith in Jesus. Like in [verses 1–9](../03/01.md), Paul is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew when he asks the rhetorical questions, but he is speaking as himself when he answers those questions. ROM 3 27 e0wc grammar-connect-logic-result οὖν 1 Here, **then** indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in [verses 21–26](../03/21.md). If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “If it is God who makes people righteous through faith in Jesus, then where is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 27 fjm4 figs-rquestion ποῦ οὖν ἡ καύχησις? 1 Where then is boasting? It is excluded Paul is not asking for information, but is using this question here to express an objection that a Jew might have to what Paul said in [verses 21–26](../03/21.md). If you would not use rhetorical questions 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: “There then is no grounds for boasting!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 27 mvs0 figs-metaphor ποῦ οὖν ἡ καύχησις 1 Here Paul speaks figuratively of **boasting** as if it were an object that could be in a location. He means that no one can boast because only God makes people righteous. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Then can anyone boast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 27 pub7 figs-abstractnouns ποῦ οὖν ἡ καύχησις 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **boasting**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Who then can boast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 27 px29 figs-explicit ἐξεκλείσθη 1 In this sentence Paul responds to the rhetorical question in the previous sentence. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, ‘It is excluded!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 27 eufl figs-activepassive ἐξεκλείσθη 1 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: “God has excluded it” or “God does not allow it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 27 v3ut figs-ellipsis διὰ ποίου νόμου? τῶν ἔργων?…διὰ νόμου πίστεως 1 On what grounds? Of works? No, but on the grounds of faith Paul is leaving out some of the words that these sentences would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “Through what kind of law is a person made righteous? Is a person made righteous through the works of the law? … a person made righteous through a law of faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 3 27 dpny figs-rquestion διὰ ποίου νόμου? τῶν ἔργων? 1 In these two sentences Paul is not asking for information, but is using these two questions here to express the objections that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous sentence and in [verses 21–26](../03/21.md). 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: “Surely through a kind of law! Surely through the works!” or “Surely a person is made righteous through a kind of law! Surely a person is made righteous through works!”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 27 bgyy figs-possession τῶν ἔργων? 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **law** that is characterized by **works**. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Through a law characterized by works?” or “By doing what the law requires?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 27 h9wb figs-explicit οὐχί, ἀλλὰ διὰ νόμου πίστεως 1 In this sentence Paul responds to the rhetorical questions in the previous two sentences. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, ‘No! But through a law of faith.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 27 tg79 figs-exclamations οὐχί 1 **No!** is an exclamation that communicates a strong contrast to the previous statement. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating a strong contrast. Alternate translation: “Not at all!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 3 27 ynz1 figs-possession διὰ νόμου πίστεως 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **law** that is characterized by **faith**. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “through a law characterized by faith” or “by doing what faith requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 27 mlcq figs-abstractnouns πίστεως 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “of trusting in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 28 qe9p grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows explains what “the law of faith” means in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 3 28 jtqq figs-exclusive λογιζόμεθα 1 Here, **we** is used exclusively to speak of Paul and other Christian Jews, as indicated in [verse 9](../03/09.md). Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we believing Jews consider” or “we believing Jews regard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 3 28 t8um figs-gendernotations ἄνθρωπον 1 a person is justified by faith Although the term **man** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in the generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “humankind” or “a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 3 28 ph88 figs-activepassive δικαιοῦσθαι…ἄνθρωπον 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in an active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “that God justifies a man” or “that God makes a man righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 3 28 jb14 figs-abstractnouns πίστει 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “by believing in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 3 28 s747 figs-possession χωρὶς ἔργων νόμου 1 without works of the law See how you translated “apart from the law” in [verse 21](../03/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 28 ycx2 figs-possession ἔργων νόμου 1 without works of the law Paul is using the possessive form to refer to **the works** that God requires in **the law**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the works that the law requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 29 hdbq grammar-connect-words-phrases ἢ 1 **Or** here indicates that the next two sentences are the responses that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Or you Jews might say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 3 29 ineu figs-ellipsis οὐχὶ καὶ ἐθνῶν? ναὶ, καὶ ἐθνῶν 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that these sentences would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Is he not also God of Gentiles? Yes, he is also God of Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 3 29 m8eo figs-explicit ἐθνῶν…ἐθνῶν 1 See how you translated this word in [1:5](../01/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 29 ch7p figs-rquestion Ἰουδαίων ὁ Θεὸς μόνον? οὐχὶ καὶ ἐθνῶν? 1 Paul is not asking for information, but is using these two questions here to express the responses that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. 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: “God is surely not only the God of Jews! He is surely also the God of Gentiles!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 29 rq5m figs-explicit ναὶ, καὶ ἐθνῶν 1 In this sentence Paul responds to the rhetorical questions in the previous two sentences. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, ‘Yes, also of Gentiles’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 29 gp74 figs-exclamations ναὶ 1 **Yes** is an exclamation word that communicates enthusiasm. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating enthusiasm. Alternate translation (change the period to an exclamation point): “Of course!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 3 30 vur7 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἴπερ 1 Paul uses **if** as if the rest of the verse 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 Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since we know” or “Because it is true that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) ROM 3 30 qdiu grammar-connect-logic-result εἴπερ 1 This phrase introduces the reason why Paul could say in the previous verse that God is also the God of the Gentiles. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a reason clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “since, indeed” or “we know this is true because, indeed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 3 30 ux30 figs-metaphor εἷς ὁ Θεός 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **God** as if he were a number. He means that **God** is the **one** and only true **God** for both Jews and Gentiles. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “there is only one God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 3 30 rjxp figs-distinguish ὃς δικαιώσει περιτομὴν ἐκ πίστεως, καὶ ἀκροβυστίαν διὰ τῆς πίστεως 1 This phrase gives us further information about **who** **God** is. It is not making a distinction between the one true **God** and false gods. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “he is the one who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through the same faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 3 30 kw62 grammar-collectivenouns περιτομὴν…ἀκροβυστίαν 1 he will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith The words **circumcision** and **uncircumcision** are singular nouns that refers to groups of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the circumcised people … the uncircumcised people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 3 30 gk5d figs-metonymy περιτομὴν…ἀκροβυστίαν 1 he will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith Here Paul uses **the circumcision** figuratively to refer to the Jews by associating them with **circumcision**, and he uses **the uncircumcision** figuratively to refer to the Gentiles by associating them with **uncircumcision**. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Jewish people … the non-Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 3 30 s9i4 figs-possession ἐκ πίστεως…διὰ τῆς πίστεως 1 See how you translated this phrase in [verse 26](../03/26.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 31 vj40 grammar-connect-words-phrases νόμον οὖν καταργοῦμεν 1 we uphold Here, **then** indicates that this sentence is the responses that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then you Jews might say, ‘Do we nullify the law’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 3 31 y6qx figs-rquestion νόμον οὖν καταργοῦμεν διὰ τῆς πίστεως 1 we uphold the law Paul is not asking for information, but is using this question to express the response that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous verse. 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: “Then we surely nullify the law through the same faith!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 3 31 nzr7 figs-exclusive οὖν καταργοῦμεν 1 we uphold Here, **we** is used exclusively to speak of the unbelieving Jews whom Paul is speaking on behalf of. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “Do we Jews then nullify” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 3 31 cw0k figs-explicit νόμον οὖν καταργοῦμεν 1 Here, **nullify the law** means to make **the law** useless or no longer applicable to anyone. Paul is stating that the Jews might worry that he is teaching that the Law of Moses does not have any function at all because God makes people righteous by faith. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Do we make the law useless” or “Do we throw away the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 31 aj6s figs-possession διὰ τῆς πίστεως 1 See how you translated this phrase in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 3 31 pjgc figs-explicit μὴ γένοιτο! ἀλλὰ νόμον ἱστάνομεν 1 In these two sentences Paul responds to the rhetorical questions in the previous sentence. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, ‘May it never be! Instead, we establish the law’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 3 31 rhy5 figs-exclamations μὴ γένοιτο 1 See how you translated this phrase in [verse 6](../03/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 3 31 ppvo figs-exclusive νόμον ἱστάνομεν 1 Here, **we** is used exclusively to refer to Paul and other Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we Christians uphold the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 3 31 c295 figs-metaphor νόμον ἱστάνομεν 1 Paul uses **uphold** figuratively to refer to **the law** as if it were an object that people could hold up high. The meaning of **uphold** here is the opposite meaning of **nullify** earlier in the verse. It could mean: (1) Christians fulfill the requirements of the law by trusting in Jesus, who fulfilled the law for them. Alternate translation: “we fulfill the law by faith” (2) Christians value **the law** and affirm that it is useful. Alternative translation: “we confirm that the law is useful” or “we affirm that the law has value”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 intro f9jc 0 # Romans 4 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

4. Righteousness is received through Jesus Christ by trusting in him (3:21–5:21)
* God’s righteousness is received through faith (3:21–26)
* No one can boast in works (3:27–31)
* The examples of Abraham and David (4:1–25)

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 [verses 7–8](../04/07.md) of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The purpose of the law of Moses

In this chapter Paul continues to develop his argument based on what he wrote in the previous chapter. He explains how God made Abraham, the ancestor of all Jews, righteous a long time before God gave the Jews the Law of Moses. Even Abraham could not become righteous by what he did. Rather, God made Abraham righteous on the basis of Abraham’s faith. Obeying the law of Moses does not make a person righteous. People have always become righteous only by faith. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

### Circumcision

Circumcision was important to the Israelites. It identified a person as a descendant of Abraham. It was also a sign of the covenant between Abraham and Yahweh. However, being circumcised never made anyone righteous. In this chapter Paul uses “circumcision” to refer to Jews and “uncircumcision” to refer to non-Jews. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/circumcise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical Questions

In [verses 1](../04/01.md), [3](../04/03.md), and [9–10](../04/09.md) Paul continues using rhetorical questions like he did in the previous chapter. He does this in order to answer objections that Jews might make about what he is saying. ROM 4 1 q7wc 0 Connecting Statement: [Verses 1–12](../04/01.md) are a series of rhetorical questions and answers that Paul uses to emphasize that even **Abraham**, the ancestor of the Jewish people, was made righteous by God “through faith.” ROM 4 1 gxv3 grammar-connect-logic-result τί οὖν 1 Here, **then** indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous chapter, especially what he said in [3:27–31](../03/27.md). See how you translated **What then** in [3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 1 gw29 figs-rquestion τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν, εὑρηκέναι Ἀβραὰμ τὸν προπάτορα ἡμῶν κατὰ σάρκα? 1 In this verse Paul is not asking for information, but is using a question to express the objections that a Jew might have to what Paul said in the previous chapter, especially what he said in [3:27–31](../03/27.md). 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: “Then we will say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has surely discovered something!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 4 1 rhrp figs-quotemarks τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν, εὑρηκέναι Ἀβραὰμ τὸν προπάτορα ἡμῶν κατὰ σάρκα? 1 In this verse and the first part of the next verse, Paul is speaking as if he were a non-Christian Jew arguing against Paul. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 4 1 s4b5 figs-exclusive ἐροῦμεν 1 In [verses 1–9](../04/01.md) Paul uses **we** exclusively to speak of himself and other Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “will we Jews say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 4 1 ot88 figs-infostructure εὑρηκέναι Ἀβραὰμ τὸν προπάτορα ἡμῶν κατὰ σάρκα 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “that Abraham has discovered, who is our forefather according to the flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 4 1 fk5t figs-idiom κατὰ σάρκα 1 See how you translated **according to the flesh** in [1:3](../01/03.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 4 2 pmua figs-quotemarks εἰ γὰρ Ἀβραὰμ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη, ἔχει καύχημα 1 These clauses continue the the statements that a Jew might have to against Paul that began in the previous verse. You may need to indicate this with a closing quotation mark at the end of these clauses or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 4 2 ka9b grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows is a the reason for the statement in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This must be the case because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 2 oe12 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ…Ἀβραὰμ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη, ἔχει καύχημα 1 Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that the unbelieving Jew might think that this is actually true. In Paul’s time some Jewish teachers taught that Abraham had a right to boast because of his faith. However, since translating this as if it were true might confuse your readers, it is best to use a hypothetical sentence, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) ROM 4 2 wvmh figs-activepassive Ἀβραὰμ…ἐδικαιώθη 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God justified Abraham” or “God made Abraham right with himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 2 sibe figs-explicit ἐξ ἔργων 1 Paul assumes that his readers would understand that **works**means “works of the law” as in [3:28](../03/28.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by doing what God requires from his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 2 mefy figs-explicit ἀλλ’ οὐ πρὸς Θεόν 1 In this clause Paul begins to respond to the rhetorical questions he wrote in the previous clauses and previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I would respond by saying, ‘But not before God!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 2 me3d grammar-connect-logic-contrast ἀλλ’ οὐ πρὸς Θεόν. 1 What follows the word **but** here is an emphatic contrast to what was just stated. Paul is negating the argument that he presented earlier in this verse and in the previous verse. You could make this emphasis explicit by replacing the period with an exclamation point or another natural way in your language for introducing am emphatic contrast. Alternate translation: “but certainly not before God!” or “however not from God’s perspective!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) ROM 4 2 z9wx figs-metaphor πρὸς Θεόν 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **Abraham** as if he were located in the presence of **God**. He means that Abraham could not **boast** to God about his **righteousness** if it was **righteous by works**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “from God’s perspective” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 3 w9i5 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 For what does the scripture say **For** here indicates that what follows in this verse is the reason why Paul said in the previous verse that Abraham cannot boast “before God.” Use a natural way in your language to introduce a reason clause. Alternative translation: “This is true because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 3 hih3 figs-rquestion τί…ἡ Γραφὴ λέγει 1 Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form 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: “the scripture surely says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 4 3 g1wz figs-personification τί…ἡ Γραφὴ λέγει 1 Here Paul uses **say** figuratively as if **the scripture** were a person who could speak. He means that the scripture he is about to quote contains information related to the topic he is discussing. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what information is in the scripture” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 4 3 r9te writing-quotations τί…ἡ Γραφὴ λέγει? 1 Here Paul uses **what does the scripture say** to indicate a quotation from an Old Testament book ([Genesis 15:6](gen/15/06.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “what is written in the scripture” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) ROM 4 3 xdtx figs-explicit ἡ Γραφὴ 1 Here, **the scripture** refers specifically to the quotation from [Genesis 15:6](../../gen/15/06.md) that follows in this verse. It does not refer to the Scriptures in general. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the scripture that Moses wrote in Genesis” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 3 smc6 figs-activepassive ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 it was counted to him as righteousness If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God counted it to him as righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 3 az65 writing-pronouns ἐλογίσθη 1 it was counted to him as righteousness The pronoun **it** refers to Abraham’s faith, which was implied by the statement that **Abraham believed God**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “his faith was counted” or “his trust in God was counted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 4 3 qked figs-abstractnouns δικαιοσύνην 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **righteousness**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or another way. Alternate translation: “being righteous” or “being right with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 4 ihul grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 **Now** here indicates that what follows in verses 4–5 is an explanation of the scripture quotation in the previous verse. If it might help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “In fact” or “Certainly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 4 4 oojx figs-extrainfo τῷ…ἐργαζομένῳ 1 Here, **the one who works** refers to a hypothetical person who obeys the laws God gave through Moses and is “made righteous by works” (see [verse 2](../04/02.md)). However, since the meaning of verses 4–5 is given in the next verse, you do not need to explain its meaning further here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]]) ROM 4 4 dsl8 figs-activepassive ὁ μισθὸς οὐ λογίζεται κατὰ χάριν 1 what he is paid is not counted as a gift 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: “he does not consider his wage as grace” or “he does not regard his pay as grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 4 xo4x κατὰ χάριν…κατὰ ὀφείλημα 1 Alternate translation: “as a matter of grace … as a matter of obligation” or “as a gift … as an obligation” ROM 4 4 ossx figs-abstractnouns κατὰ χάριν…κατὰ ὀφείλημα 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas of **grace** and **obligation**, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “as what is gracious … as what is owed” or “something gifted … something owed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 5 ynp2 grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 **Now** here indicates that what follows in this verse is in contrast to what Paul said in the previous verse. Use natural way in your language to express contrasting ideas. Alternate translation: “But” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) ROM 4 5 j3ir figs-explicit τῷ…μὴ ἐργαζομένῳ 1 Here, **the one who does not work** refers to a person who does not obey the laws God gave through Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to the one who is does not obey God’s laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 5 fezj figs-explicit τὸν δικαιοῦντα 1 Here, **the one who makes righteous** refers to God. If this would your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God who justifies” or “God who makes righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 5 tovp figs-nominaladj τὸν ἀσεβῆ 1 Paul is using the singular adjective phrase **the ungodly** as a noun in order to describe a group of people. If your language does not use adjectives in this way, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are ungodly” or “people who do ungodly things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 4 5 va3e figs-activepassive λογίζεται ἡ πίστις αὐτοῦ εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 his faith is counted as righteousness If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who does the action, Paul implies that “God” does it. See how you translated a similar phrase in [verse 3](../04/03.md). Alternate translation: “God counted his faith as righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 5 s00l figs-abstractnouns ἡ πίστις αὐτοῦ εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **faith** and **righteousness**, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “how he trusts … as being righteous” or “how he trusts in God … as being right with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 6 hil6 writing-quotations καὶ Δαυεὶδ λέγει 1 Paul uses **David also speaks of** here to introduce a scripture quotation from [Psalm 31:1–2](../psa/031/001.md), which King David wrote. This occurs in [verses 7–8](../04/07.md). If your readers would not understand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “David also wrote in the Old Testament” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) ROM 4 6 s0v1 figs-abstractnouns τὸν μακαρισμὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **blessedness**, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “how blessed the man is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 6 vyse figs-possession τὸν μακαρισμὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the man** that is characterized by **blessedness**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the blessed man” or “the happy man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 4 6 x40j figs-genericnoun τοῦ ἀνθρώπου 1 Paul is speaking of people in general, not of one particular **man**. If your readers would misunderstand this, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) ROM 4 6 c6zs figs-distinguish ᾧ ὁ Θεὸς λογίζεται δικαιοσύνην χωρὶς ἔργων 1 This phrase gives us further information about the **the man**. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “that is, the man God counts as righteous apart from works” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 4 6 lilj figs-abstractnouns δικαιοσύνην 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **righteousness**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “being righteous” or “being right with himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 6 o260 figs-possession χωρὶς ἔργων 1 See how you translated this phrase in [3:28](../03/28.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 4 7 zqwl figs-quotemarks μακάριοι, ὧν ἀφέθησαν αἱ ἀνομίαι καὶ ὧν ἐπεκαλύφθησαν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι 1 This verse is the beginning of a quotation from [Psalm 31:1–2](../../psa/031/001.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 4 7 dur6 figs-parallelism μακάριοι, ὧν ἀφέθησαν αἱ ἀνομίαι καὶ ὧν ἐπεκαλύφθησαν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι 1 whose lawless deeds are forgiven … whose sins are covered These two clauses mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show how **Blessed** these people are. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “How blessed are those people whom God forgives completely for all their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 4 7 lq4w figs-abstractnouns ὧν…αἱ ἀνομίαι…ὧν…αἱ ἁμαρτίαι 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **lawless deeds** and **sins**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “the lawless things they have done … the sins they have committed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 7 d4f4 figs-activepassive ἀφέθησαν…ἐπεκαλύφθησαν 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God forgives … God covers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 7 hj2w figs-ellipsis ὧν ἐπεκαλύφθησαν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι 1 Paul quotes David leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “blessed are those whose sins have been covered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 4 7 hqfm figs-metaphor ἐπεκαλύφθησαν 1 Paul quotes David using **covered** figuratively to refer to God forgiving sins as if he covers sins so that he no longer sees them. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have been forgiven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 8 jjov figs-quotemarks μακάριος ἀνὴρ, οὗ οὐ μὴ λογίσηται Κύριος ἁμαρτίαν 1 The end of this verse is the end of a quotation from [Psalm 31:1–2](../../psa/031/001.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 4 8 yox7 figs-parallelism μακάριος ἀνὴρ, οὗ οὐ μὴ λογίσηται Κύριος ἁμαρτίαν 1 This verse means the same thing as the two clauses in the previous verse. Paul the same thing here, in a slightly different way, to emphasize how **Blessed** people are home God forgives for their sins. Use a natural way in your language to express this emphasis. Alternate translation: “How truly blessed is a man whose sin the Lord does certainly not count!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 4 8 kpfe figs-genericnoun ἀνὴρ 1 Paul quotes David speaking of people in general, not of one particular **man**. If your readers would misunderstand this, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “a person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) ROM 4 8 y21b figs-abstractnouns ἁμαρτίαν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **sin**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “sinful deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 8 jdrm figs-metaphor οὐ μὴ λογίσηται 1 Paul quotes David using **count** figuratively to refer to God remembering or regarding people’s sins after he has forgiven them. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does certainly not regard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 8 yxh2 figs-doublenegatives οὐ μὴ 1 The phrase **certainly not** translates two negative words in Greek. Paul quotes David using them together to emphasize how certain it is that God does not regard people’s sin after he has forgiven them. Use a natural way in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “never” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ROM 4 9 qtgb grammar-connect-logic-result οὖν 1 **Then** here introduces a result clause. This verse indicates the logical conclusion to what Paul has stated in [verses 6–8](../04/06.md). Use a natural way in your language for expressing result. Alternate translation: “As a result,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 9 g4f6 figs-rquestion ὁ μακαρισμὸς…οὗτος ἐπὶ τὴν περιτομὴν, ἢ καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν ἀκροβυστίαν? 1 Paul is not asking for information, but is using the question form 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: “this blessedness is surely upon the circumcision and also upon the uncircumcision!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 4 9 alrb figs-explicit ὁ μακαρισμὸς…οὗτος 1 Here, **this blessedness** refers to joyful state of those people whom God forgives and makes righteous, as mentioned in [verses 6–8](../04/06.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “is this blessed state of being forgiven by God” or “is this blessed forgiveness from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 9 jmym figs-metaphor ὁ μακαρισμὸς…οὗτος ἐπὶ τὴν περιτομὴν…ἐπὶ τὴν ἀκροβυστίαν 1 Paul speaks of **blessedness** figuratively as if it were an object that could be put **upon** someone. He means that both circumcised and uncircumcised people can receive the blessing of forgiveness from God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is this blessedness given to the circumcision … to the uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 9 dn7v grammar-collectivenouns τὴν περιτομὴν…τὴν ἀκροβυστίαν 1 See how you translated these words in [3:30](../03/30.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 4 9 mrsm grammar-connect-words-phrases γάρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows answers the rhetorical question. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 4 9 w2xt figs-exclusive λέγομεν 1 Here Paul uses **we** exclusively to refer to Paul and other Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “we Jewish people say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 4 9 o51f writing-quotations λέγομεν 1 Paul uses **we say** here to introduce a modified scripture quotation from [Genesis 15:6](../../gen/15/06.md), which Moses wrote. If your readers would not understand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “we say what Moses wrote in the Old Testament” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) ROM 4 9 m3uh figs-activepassive ἐλογίσθη τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἡ πίστις εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 Faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness See how you translated the similar clauses in [verses 3](../04/03.md) and [5](../04/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 10 trz4 figs-rquestion πῶς οὖν ἐλογίσθη? ἐν περιτομῇ ὄντι, ἢ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ? 1 In these two sentences Paul is not asking for information, but is using these two questions here to emphasize that Abraham was made righteous without being circumcised. 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. You may need to combine these sentences. Alternate translation: “Then you surely know how it was counted to him! You surely know whether it was in circumcision or in uncircumcision!” or “Then you surely know how it was counted to him, whether in circumcision or in uncircumcision!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 4 10 unuf grammar-connect-logic-result πῶς οὖν 1 Here, **then** introduces a result clause that is in the form of a rhetorical question. Use a natural way in your language for expressing result. Alternate translation: “How as a result” or “So then how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 10 uj5i figs-idiom πῶς 1 **How** here means “in what circumstances.” Paul is not asking how God made Abraham righteous, but is asking whether or not Abraham was circumcised when God made him righteous. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “In what circumstances” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 4 10 bw38 writing-pronouns ἐλογίσθη…οὐκ ἐν περιτομῇ 1 In this verse the pronoun **it** refers to Abraham’s faith, as stated in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “was Abraham’s faith counted … His faith was not in circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 4 10 p5rp figs-activepassive πῶς οὖν ἐλογίσθη 1 It was not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “How then did God count it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 10 wbta figs-ellipsis ἐν περιτομῇ ὄντι, ἢ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ? οὐκ ἐν περιτομῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ 1 Here Paul is leaving out some the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “Was it counted being in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? It was not counted in circumcision, but in uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 4 10 zj6b figs-abstractnouns ἐν περιτομῇ ὄντι, ἢ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ? οὐκ ἐν περιτομῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **circumcision** and **uncircumcision**, you could express the same ideas in verbal way. Paul implies that Abraham is the subject of these sentences. Alternate translation: “While Abraham was circumcised, or while he was uncircumcised? It was not while he was circumcised, but while he was uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 11 unmg figs-abstractnouns περιτομῆς…ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ…δι’ ἀκροβυστίας 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **circumcision** and **uncircumcision**, you could express the same ideas in verbal way. Alternate translation: “of being circumcised … while being uncircumcised … through being uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 11 d564 figs-possession σημεῖον…περιτομῆς 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the sign** that is **circumcision**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the sign that is circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 4 11 rjhr figs-distinguish σφραγῖδα τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῆς πίστεως τῆς ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ 1 This phrase gives us further information about **the sign of circumcision**. Circumcision is not only a **sign**, but also a **seal**. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these clauses clearer. Alternate translation: “that is, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had in his uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 4 11 wm54 figs-possession σφραγῖδα τῆς δικαιοσύνης 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **a seal** that proves **the righteousness** to be real. If this is not clear in your language, you could indicate this with a different form. Alternate translation: “a seal that proves the righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 4 11 n31z figs-possession τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῆς πίστεως 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **righteousness** that comes from **faith**. If this is not clear in your language, you could indicate this with an adjective phrase or a verbal form. Alternate translation: “of the righteousness from faith” or “of being right with God that comes from trusting in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 4 11 zlwg figs-distinguish τῆς ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ 1 This clause gives us further information about **the faith** that Abraham had. Paul is referring to **the faith** that Abraham had before he was circumcised. If this is not understood in your language, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “that Abraham had in his uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 4 11 mob7 figs-metaphor ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ 1 Here Paul speaks figuratively of **uncircumcision** as if it were a location someone could be **in**. He means that Abraham was in the state of being uncircumcised. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “while he was uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 11 f5vv grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν 1 Here, **so that** introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God required Abraham to become circumcised. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order that he would be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 4 11 ue6v figs-metaphor πατέρα πάντων τῶν πιστευόντων δι’ ἀκροβυστίας 1 Paul uses **father** figuratively to refer to Abraham as if he physically produced **those who believe** in God. Paul means that Abraham spiritually represents all uncircumcised non-Jews who trust in God. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternative translation: “the spiritual representative of all those who believe through uncircumcision” or “like the father of all those who believe through uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 11 etyl figs-explicit δι’ ἀκροβυστίας 1 Here the word translated as **through** refers to a going through a time period. If this would confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “during uncircumcision” or “throughout the time they were uncircumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 11 hm61 grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς τὸ λογισθῆναι αὐτοῖς τὴν δικαιοσύνην 1 Here, **so that** indicates that this clause could refer to: (1) the purpose of Abraham being **the father of all those who believe**. Alternate translation: “in order that the righteousness would be counted to them” (2) the result of Abraham being **the father of all those who believe**. Alternate translation: “resulting in the righteousness being counted to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 4 11 y88e figs-activepassive εἰς τὸ λογισθῆναι αὐτοῖς τὴν δικαιοσύνην 1 See how you translated **counted** in [verses 3–5](../04/03.md) and [9–10](../04/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 11 ehib figs-abstractnouns τὴν δικαιοσύνην 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **righteousness**, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “being righteous” or “being right with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 12 v9bu grammar-connect-words-phrases καὶ πατέρα περιτομῆς 1 And he became the father of the circumcision Here, **and** indicates that what follows is another purpose for God commanding Abraham to be circumcised after he trusted in God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could repeat some of the information from the previous sentence and start a new sentence. Alternate translation: “and also so that he would be the father of circumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 4 12 u8j3 figs-possession πατέρα περιτομῆς…τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν 1 And he became the father of the circumcision Paul uses **father of circumcision** here figuratively. He means that Abraham is both the physical ancestor and spiritual ancestor of Jewish people who are both physically circumcised and have the “circumcision of the heart,” which Paul refers to in [2:29](../02/29.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the spiritual representative of those who are physically and spiritually circumcised … our spiritual representative” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 4 12 krkf figs-explicit τοῖς οὐκ ἐκ περιτομῆς μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ τοῖς στοιχοῦσιν τοῖς ἴχνεσιν τῆς ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ πίστεως, τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ 1 Paul assumes that his readers will know that these two clauses refer to those Jews who are **not only** circumcised in their bodies, but also have the same **faith** in God that Abraham had before he was circumcised. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “to those Jews who are not only circumcised, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham in uncircumcision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 12 s9jt figs-idiom καὶ τοῖς στοιχοῦσιν τοῖς ἴχνεσιν τῆς…πίστεως, τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ 1 who follow in the steps of faith of our father Abraham Here, **follow in the steps** is an idiom that means to follow someone’s example. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “who follow the example of the faith of our father Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 4 12 btrd figs-possession τῆς…πίστεως, τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the faith** that **our father Abraham** had. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “of our father Abraham’s faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 4 12 u5ur figs-exclusive τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ 1 Here, **our** refers to Paul and his fellow believing Jews, as in [3:9](../03/09.md). Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “of our Jewish father Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 4 12 ykdc figs-explicit ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ 1 Here, **in uncircumcision** has the same meaning as “through circumcision” stated in the previous verse. See how you translated the phrase there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 13 i6xc grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** here gives the reason why Abraham is the spiritual “father” of both non-Jews and Jews, as stated in [verses 11–12](../04/11.md). If it would be clearer to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 13 e0a3 figs-abstractnouns ἡ ἐπαγγελία…τὸ κληρονόμον αὐτὸν εἶναι 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **promise** and **heir**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “God promised … that he would inherit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 13 yqxx grammar-connect-words-phrases ἢ 1 Here, the world translated **or** indicates that **the promise** is **to Abraham** and **his seed**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “and also” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 4 13 ew13 figs-metaphor τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ 1 Here Paul uses **seed** figuratively to refer to “offspring.” Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to his descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 13 ct1f figs-synecdoche κόσμου 1 Here **the world** could refer to: (1) all the land of **the world**. Although God had promised to give the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants, the Jews in Paul’s time understood that this promise included the whole earth. This will indeed take place when Jesus, a descendent of Abraham, rules over the whole world. Alternate expression: “of all the land in the world” (2) the people who live in the world, as in [3:19](../03/19.md). Alternate translation: “of the people who live in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 4 13 pjyt figs-explicit οὐ…διὰ νόμου…ἀλλὰ διὰ δικαιοσύνης 1 Here the word translated as **through** indicates the means by which God gave ** the promise**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “was not by means of the law but by means of the righteousness” or “was not on the basis of the law but on the basis of the righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 13 kquo figs-explicit νόμου 1 See how you translated **the law** in [3:21](../03/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 13 iqsm figs-possession δικαιοσύνης πίστεως 1 See how you translated the similar phrase in [verse 11](../04/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 4 14 hba4 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that [verses 14–15](../04/14.md) give the reasons why God’s promise to Abraham was given “through the righteousness of faith” and not “through the law,” as stated in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 14 n0x6 figs-hypo εἰ…οἱ ἐκ νόμου κληρονόμοι, κεκένωται ἡ πίστις 1 Paul is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers recognize the serious implications of how people inherit God’s promises. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: “suppose the heirs are from the law, then the faith has been emptied” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) ROM 4 14 ksui figs-abstractnouns οἱ ἐκ νόμου κληρονόμοι…ἡ πίστις…ἡ ἐπαγγελία 1 See how you translated “heir”, **the law**, and **faith** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 14 k4ip figs-explicit κληρονόμοι 1 Here, **heirs** refers to “Abraham” and “his seed” from the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the heirs, Abraham or his seed, are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 14 w977 figs-explicit οἱ ἐκ νόμου κληρονόμοι 1 Here, **from the law** refers to those who try to obey the Law of Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the heirs are those who try to obey the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 14 hxvd figs-metaphor κεκένωται ἡ πίστις 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **faith** as if it were a container that could be emptied. He means that **faith** would become powerless or useless to make a person righteous if simply obeying**the law** allows a person to inherit God’s promises. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “then it would be impossible to become righteous by trusting in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 15 v1ow grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 **For** indicates that the rest of the verse gives the reason why inheriting God’s promise by obeying the law would nullify faith and the promise, as stated in the previous verse. If it would be clearer to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is due to the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 15 qma4 figs-personification ὁ…νόμος ὀργὴν κατεργάζεται 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **the law** as if it were a person who could produce something. He means that the **law** causes God to punish people because they cannot obey it. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “the law results in wrath for those who do not obey it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 4 15 h1x1 figs-metonymy ὀργὴν 1 See how you translated the same use of this word in [1:18](../01/18.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 4 15 px0m figs-metaphor οὗ δὲ οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος, οὐδὲ παράβασις 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **the law** and **transgression** as if they were located in a specific place. Here, **where** means that God’s law exists. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “but where the law is not present, neither is transgression present” or “but in a place where God’s law does not exist, transgression also does not exist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 15 t0wx figs-abstractnouns παράβασις 1 See how you translated the same use of this word in [2:23](../02/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 16 defl figs-extrainfo ἐκ πίστεως 1 Here, **it** refers to **the promise** mentioned later in the verse and introduced in [verse 13](../04/13.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the promise is by faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]]) ROM 4 16 nchm figs-explicit ἐκ πίστεως 1 Here, **by** indicates the means by which someone acquires **the promise**. If this is not clear in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “a person acquires God’s promise by faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 16 bc5k grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 This phrase introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God makes **faith** the means for acquiring **the promise**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “so that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 4 16 fvax κατὰ χάριν 1 Alternate translation: “by grace” or “on the basis of grace” ROM 4 16 cgpq figs-abstractnouns χάριν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **grace**, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “how gracious God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 16 v8it grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς τὸ εἶναι βεβαίαν, τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν 1 Here, **so that** could indicate: (1) a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order for the promise to be certain” (2) a result clause. Alternate translation: “with the result that the promise might be certain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 4 16 qalp figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν 1 See how you translated this word in [verse 13](../04/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 16 r8ji grammar-collectivenouns παντὶ τῷ σπέρματι 1 The phrase **all the seed** is singular but refers to a group of people. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “all the descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 4 16 xzsp figs-metaphor παντὶ τῷ σπέρματι 1 See how you translated **seed** in [4:13](../04/13.md).(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 16 a4ai figs-distinguish οὐ τῷ ἐκ τοῦ νόμου μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῷ ἐκ πίστεως Ἀβραάμ 1 These clauses give us further information about the phrase **all the seed**. They distinguish between a **seed** associated with **the law** and a **seed** associated with **the faith**. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “both from those believers associated with Abraham through the law, and those associated with the faith of Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 4 16 ns6r figs-explicit ἐκ τοῦ νόμου 1 those who are under the law See how you translated this phrase in [verse 14](../04/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 16 qctv figs-possession ἐκ πίστεως Ἀβραάμ 1 those who are under the law Here, **from the faith of Abraham** refers to those who trust in God the way Abraham did. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “who has the same faith as Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 4 16 welr figs-metaphor ὅς ἐστιν πατὴρ πάντων ἡμῶν 1 Paul uses **father** figuratively to refer to Abraham as if he physically produced all human beings. Paul means that Abraham is the physical ancestor of all believing Jews and the spiritual ancestor of all believing non-Jews. If your readers would not understand this, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “who spiritually represents all of us who believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 16 kd6g figs-exclusive πάντων ἡμῶν 1 Here, **us all** refers to **all the seed** and so is inclusive of all believing Jews and non-Jews. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “of all believers in God” or “of all of us who trust in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 4 17 nuj8 figs-infostructure καθὼς γέγραπται, ὅτι πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν τέθεικά σε 1 Here Paul interrupts the sentence he began in the previous verse and inserts these two clauses in order to support his argument. If this would confuse your readers, you could mark these clauses in a way that shows they are inserted into the middle of a sentence, as in the UST. You could also move these clauses to the end of the verse so that they do not divide the main sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 4 17 ibwm figs-explicit καθὼς γέγραπται 1 Here Paul uses a quotation from the Old Testament in order to support the statement in the previous verse that Abraham “is the father of us all.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make the relationship between this verse and the previous verse clearer. Alternate translation: “The fact that Abraham is the father of us all is written in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 17 iju4 writing-quotations καθὼς γέγραπται 1 as it is written Here Paul uses **just as it is written** to introduce a quotation from an Old Testament book ([Genesis 17:5](../../gen/17/05.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “just as it is written in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) ROM 4 17 sjm0 figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 as it is written 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. If you must state who did the action, the quotation was written by Moses. Alternate translation: “just as Moses wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 17 peaf figs-quotemarks πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν τέθεικά σε 1 I have made you In this clause Paul quotes [Genesis 17:5](../../gen/17/05.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 4 17 mxm5 writing-pronouns τέθεικά σε…ἐπίστευσεν 1 I have made you The pronoun **I** refers to **God**, and **you** and **he** refer to Abraham. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, God, have appointed you, Abraham, as … Abraham trusted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 4 17 n6l7 figs-metaphor πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν 1 Paul quotes God using **father** figuratively to refer to Abraham as if he were going to physically produce children who would comprise **many nations**. God means that Abraham would become the spiritual ancestor of a large amount of people from **many nations** who trust in God like Abraham. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “the spiritual representative of numerous groups of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 17 ph37 figs-explicit κατέναντι οὗ ἐπίστευσεν Θεοῦ, 1 in the presence of God whom he trusted, who gives life to the dead Here Paul continues the sentence from the previous verse that he had interrupted with the first two clauses in this verse. This clause completes the previous statement from the previous verse, “who is the father of us all.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. You made need to start a new sentence, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “Abraham is the father of us all in the presence of God whom he trusted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 17 ifwu figs-metaphor κατέναντι…Θεοῦ 1 Paul uses **in the presence of** figuratively to refer to Abraham as if he were physically present with **God**. Paul means that **God** personally considers Abraham to represent the believers that come from **many nations**. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “according to what God thinks” or “in God’s view” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 17 s67j figs-distinguish οὗ ἐπίστευσεν…τοῦ ζῳοποιοῦντος τοὺς νεκροὺς, καὶ καλοῦντος τὰ μὴ ὄντα ὡς ὄντα 1 These clauses give further information about **God**. If this might confuse your readers, you could make the relationship between these phrases clearer by making new sentences or by another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “This is the God whom he trusted. It is this God who makes the dead live and calls the things not existing as existing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 4 17 tg2e figs-metaphor καλοῦντος τὰ μὴ ὄντα ὡς ὄντα 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **the things not existing** as if **God** were calling to them. Paul means that **God** creates things by commanding them to exist, as Moses describes in [Genesis 1:3–27](../gen/01/03.md). If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “summons into being things that did not previously exist” or “by speaking creates things that did not previously exist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 18 emih writing-pronouns ὃς…αὐτὸν…σου 1 The pronouns **who** and **he** and **your** refer to Abraham, not God. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 4 18 g8fm figs-idiom ὃς παρ’ ἐλπίδα, ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι ἐπίστευσεν 1 In hope he believed against hope Here, **against hope** is an idiom meaning “what seems hopeless.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “although it seemed hopeless, he believed on the basis of hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 4 18 auah figs-abstractnouns ὃς παρ’ ἐλπίδα, ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι ἐπίστευσεν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **hope**, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “who hopefully believed although it seemed hopeless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 18 n62i figs-ellipsis ἐπίστευσεν 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “believed in God” or “believed what God had promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 4 18 bs6y grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς τὸ γενέσθαι αὐτὸν 1 Here, **so that** indicates that this is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the result of Abraham believing **on the basis of hope**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “which resulted in him becoming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 18 qbdq figs-metaphor πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν 1 See how you translated this phrase in [verse 17](../04/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 18 b92q writing-quotations τὸ εἰρημένον 1 according to what he had been told Here Paul uses **what was said** to introduce a quotation from an Old Testament book ([Genesis 15:5](../../gen/15/05.md)). If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a comparable phrase that indicates that Paul is quoting from an important text. Alternate translation: “what was said in the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) ROM 4 18 cryi figs-activepassive τὸ εἰρημένον 1 according to what he had been told 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. If you must state who did the action, the quotation was spoken by God. Alternate translation: “what God said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 18 p5el figs-explicit οὕτως ἔσται τὸ σπέρμα σου 1 So will your descendants be Paul assumes that his readers would know the rest of what God said in the verse he is quoting ([Genesis 15:5](../../gen/15/05.md)). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Look now at the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them. So will your seed be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 18 i2ev figs-metaphor τὸ σπέρμα 1 See how you translated **seed** in [verse 16](../04/16.md).(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 19 ycte figs-infostructure καὶ μὴ ἀσθενήσας τῇ πίστει, κατενόησεν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σῶμα ἤδη νενεκρωμένον, ἑκατονταετής που ὑπάρχων, καὶ τὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “He considered his own body as already having died (being about a hundred years old)—and the deadness of the womb of Sarah—but he was not weakening in the faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 4 19 m9gq figs-litotes καὶ μὴ ἀσθενήσας τῇ πίστει 1 Without becoming weak in faith, Here Paul uses 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. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “And being strengthened in the faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) ROM 4 19 s6u1 figs-metaphor μὴ ἀσθενήσας τῇ πίστει 1 Without becoming weak in faith, Paul speaks figuratively of Abraham’s faith as if it were something that a person could be **weakening in**. He means that Abraham kept trusting God. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “not ceasing to trust” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 19 b3w6 figs-abstractnouns τῇ πίστει 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “in how he trusted God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 19 bn9k figs-metaphor ἤδη νενεκρωμένον 1 Paul speaks figuratively of Abraham as if he actually thought his body was **dead**. Paul means that Abraham knew he was too old to produce a child. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “unable to father a child” or “useless for procreating” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 19 bfsr writing-background ἑκατονταετής που ὑπάρχων 1 Here Paul provides background information about Abraham’s age to help his readers understand why Abraham **considered his own body as already being dead**. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. Alternate translation: “since he was about one hundred years old” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) ROM 4 19 hro2 figs-ellipsis τὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας 1 Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “he also considered the deadness of the womb of Sarah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 4 19 ghhm figs-abstractnouns τὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **deadness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that the womb of Sarah was dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 19 qil5 figs-metaphor τὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας 1 Paul speaks figuratively of Sarah’s **womb** as if it were dead. He means that she was unable to conceive children. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “how Sarah was unable to conceive” or “that Sarah could not bear children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 19 yx92 figs-explicit τὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας 1 Paul assumes that his readers would know that Sarah had been unable to become pregnant throughout her life, as described in the Old Testament book of Genesis. This fact makes Abraham’s faith even more amazing. If your readers would be unfamiliar with the story of Abraham and Sarah, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the deadness of the womb of Sarah, since she could never become pregnant before” or “the deadness of the womb of Sarah, which had always been dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 20 qn5h figs-infostructure εἰς δὲ τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, οὐ διεκρίθη τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Abraham did not waver in unbelief about what God promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 4 20 kicf grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 **But** here indicates that what follows emphasizes Abraham’s **faith** in **the promise of God**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 4 20 o3zu figs-explicit εἰς…τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The word translated as **toward** could also mean “with regard to” or “regarding.” If it might be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “with regard to the promise of God” or “regarding the promise of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 20 qcod figs-possession τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the promise** that comes from **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the promise that came from God” or “the promise from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 4 20 wgmc figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **promise**, you could express the same idea with a different form. Alternate translation: “the things God promised” or “the things God said would happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 20 ep2z figs-doublenegatives οὐ διεκρίθη τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ 1 did not hesitate in unbelief Here, **did not waver** and **unbelief** form a double negative expression. If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “he did not waver in belief” or “his belief did not waver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ROM 4 20 th2x figs-abstractnouns τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ…τῇ πίστει 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **the unbelief** and **the faith**, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “by distrusting … by trusting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 20 zdj5 figs-activepassive ἐνεδυναμώθη τῇ πίστει 1 he was strengthened in faith If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God strengthened him in the faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 20 a4g4 figs-metaphor ἐνεδυναμώθη τῇ πίστει 1 Paul speaks figuratively of Abraham’s **faith** as if it were something that a person could be **strengthened in**. He means that God enabled Abraham to continue trusting him. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “was enabled to keep on trusting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 20 ew3r figs-abstractnouns δοὺς δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **glory**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “having glorified God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 21 y2sh figs-activepassive πληροφορηθεὶς 1 He was fully convinced If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God fully convinced him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 21 plbf writing-pronouns ἐπήγγελται…ἐστιν 1 The pronoun **he** refers to God, not Abraham. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God had promised, God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 4 21 j12r writing-pronouns ὃ ἐπήγγελται 1 Here, **what he had promised** refers to the promise Paul describes in [verse 13](../04/13.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the things God promised to Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 4 22 ympp grammar-connect-logic-result διὸ καὶ 1 Here, **therefore** introduces a result clause. Use a natural way in your language for indicating result. Alternate translation: “And for this reason” or “And this is the reason why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 22 wlnh figs-quotemarks ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 This clause is a quotation from [Genesis 15:6](../../gen/15/06.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 4 22 i56a figs-activepassive ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 Therefore this was also counted to him as righteousness See how you translated this in [verse 3](../04/03.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 23 zdc0 figs-infostructure οὐκ ἐγράφη…δι’ αὐτὸν μόνον, ὅτι ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ 1 Therefore this was also counted to him as righteousness If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases and combine them. Alternate translation: “Now the phrase ‘it was counted to him,’ was not written only for his sake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 4 23 r65c writing-pronouns αὐτὸν…αὐτῷ 1 only for his benefit The pronouns **his** and **him** refer to Abraham. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Abraham’s … to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 4 23 bfiw figs-activepassive οὐκ ἐγράφη…δι’ αὐτὸν μόνον 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Moses wrote the quotation. Alternate translation: “Moses did not write it only for Abraham’s sake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 23 bmlm δι’ αὐτὸν 1 Alternate translation: “for him” or “regarding him” ROM 4 23 ae1u figs-quotemarks ὅτι ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ, 1 This clause is a quotation from [Genesis 15:6](../../gen/15/06.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 4 23 jft0 figs-activepassive ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ 1 See how you translated this in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 24 pfc9 figs-exclusive δι’ ἡμᾶς, οἷς μέλλει λογίζεσθαι, τοῖς πιστεύουσιν ἐπὶ τὸν ἐγείραντα Ἰησοῦν, τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν, ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 for us Here, **our** and **whom** refer to all **those who believe** in **Jesus**. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “for the sake us believers who are about to be counted, to we who believe in the one who raised from the dead ones Jesus, the Lord of us all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 4 24 ffdm δι’ ἡμᾶς 1 See how you translated “for his sake” in the previous verse. ROM 4 24 nh4k figs-activepassive οἷς μέλλει λογίζεσθαι 1 also for us, for whom it will be counted, we who believe If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who will do the action, Paul implies that “God” will do it. Alternate translation: “to whom God is about to count it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 24 bu1m writing-pronouns μέλλει 1 Here the pronoun **it** refers to the “faith” mentioned in [verses 5](../04/05) and [20](../04/20). Previously **it** referred to Abraham’s faith, but in this verse **it** refers to **our** faith. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “our faith is about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 4 24 mujr λογίζεσθαι 1 See how you translated **counted** in the previous verse. ROM 4 24 artt figs-explicit τὸν ἐγείραντα Ἰησοῦν, τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν, ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 This clause refers to God. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “God who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 4 24 i6vl figs-idiom ἐγείραντα Ἰησοῦν, τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν 1 Here, **raised** is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who caused Jesus our Lord to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 4 24 iq69 figs-idiom ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 Here, the phrase translated **the dead ones** refers to dead people. Here it means that Jesus physically died and was buried. If your language has a word or phrase for the place that dead people go, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “from the place where dead people are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 4 25 irue writing-pronouns ὃς…ἡμῶν…τὴν δικαίωσιν ἡμῶν 1 Here the pronoun **who** refers to Jesus, and **our** refers to all “those who believe” in him, as mentioned in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus … we believers’ … the justification of us believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 4 25 cca1 figs-activepassive ὃς παρεδόθη…ἠγέρθη 1 who was delivered up for our trespasses and was raised for our justification If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “whom God gave up … God raised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 4 25 b999 figs-metaphor ὃς παρεδόθη 1 Paul speaks figuratively of Jesus as if he were a thing that could be **given up** to another person. Paul means that God allowed people to arrest and kill Jesus. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “who was allowed to be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 4 25 op41 figs-abstractnouns διὰ τὰ παραπτώματα ἡμῶν…διὰ τὴν δικαίωσιν ἡμῶν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas of **trespasses** and **justification**, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “because we trespassed … to make us righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 4 25 imvc grammar-connect-logic-result διὰ τὰ παραπτώματα ἡμῶν 1 Here Paul uses **for the sake of** differently than he did in [verses 23–24](../04/23.md). Here Paul uses this phrase to indicate the reason why Jesus **was given up**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of our trespasses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 4 25 gmbd figs-idiom ἠγέρθη 1 See how you translated **raised** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 4 25 hzop grammar-connect-logic-goal διὰ τὴν δικαίωσιν ἡμῶν 1 Here Paul uses **for the sake of** differently than he did in the first part of this verse. Here Paul uses this phrase to indicate one of the purposes for Jesus being **raised**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of our justification” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 5 intro i1dt 0 # Romans 5 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

4. Righteousness is received through Jesus Christ by trusting in him (3:21–5:21)
* God’s righteousness is received through faith (3:21–26)
* No one can boast in works (3:27–31)
* The examples of Abraham and David (4:1–25)
* The blessings of justification (5:1–11)
* Adam and Christ are compared (5:12–5:21)

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The second Adam

Adam was the first man and the first “son” of God. He was created by God. He brought sin and death into the world by eating the forbidden fruit. In this chapter Paul describes Jesus as the “second Adam” and the true son of God. Jesus brings eternal life and overcame sin and death by dying on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

In this chapter the pronouns “we”, “us”, and “our” refer inclusively to all believers in Christ. Paul calls these people those who have been “justified by faith” in [verse 1](../05/01.md). Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 5 1 age4 grammar-connect-words-phrases οὖν 1 **Therefore**, here marks a new section of the letter. It also introduces a result clause that summarizes the blessed results of a person becoming righteous by trusting in Jesus, which Paul just discussed in [1:18](../01/18.md)–[4:25](../04/25.md). Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “Since all these things are true” or “As a result of everything that I have just told you being true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 1 xmp3 grammar-connect-logic-result δικαιωθέντες…ἐκ πίστεως, εἰρήνην ἔχωμεν πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν, διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 If it would be more natural in your language, 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: “Let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, because we have been justified by faith” or “We can have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, since we have been justified by faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 1 xott figs-activepassive δικαιωθέντες 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “because God makes us righteous” or “since God makes us right with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 5 1 wbwx figs-abstractnouns ἐκ πίστεως 1 See how you translated this phrase in [4:16](../04/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 1 ldru translate-textvariants εἰρήνην ἔχωμεν 1 Some ancient copies say “we have peace,” which makes sense, since [verses 1–5](../05/01.md) are a list of blessings that belong to those people who have been **justified by faith**. If the reading **let us have peace** is correct, this phrase may be indicating Paul’s desire that his fellow believers continue to experience the peace they have with God. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider using the reading in that translation. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you follow the readings of ULT and UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) ROM 5 1 kjpb figs-imperative ἔχωμεν 1 Paul uses the phrase **let us have peace** to exhort his Christian readers to continue living peacefully with God. It is not a command. This phrase does not imply that those who have been **justified by faith** do not yet have peace with God. Use a form in your language that communicates an exhortation. Alternate translation: “we must continue to have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) ROM 5 1 hi12 figs-abstractnouns εἰρήνην ἔχωμεν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **peace**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 1 o2yr figs-metaphor εἰρήνην ἔχωμεν 1 Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they could possess or own **peace**. He means that they can live peacefully with God. If your readers would not understand what **have peace** means in this context, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “let us live in a peaceful manner” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 1 s6xd figs-exclusive ἔχωμεν…ἡμῶν 1 we … our Here and throughout this chapter the pronouns **us** and **our** inclusively refer to all those **having been justified by faith** in Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could state the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “let us believers … our” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 5 1 xaeg figs-explicit διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here, **through** indicates that **our Lord Jesus Christ** is the means by which believers have **peace with God**. This refers to what Jesus did for believers in order for them to have **peace with God**, as briefly mentioned in [4:25](../04/25.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us” or “which was caused by our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 2 slyh figs-abstractnouns δι’ οὗ καὶ τὴν προσαγωγὴν ἐσχήκαμεν, τῇ πίστει εἰς τὴν χάριν ταύτην, ἐν ᾗ ἑστήκαμεν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **access**, **faith**, or **grace**, you could express the same ideas another way. Alternate translation: “through whom we also access and stand in how gracious God is by trusting in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 2 tsbo writing-pronouns οὗ 1 The pronoun **whom** refers to “our Lord Jesus Christ,” as mentioned in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 5 2 i50u figs-exclusive καὶ…ἐσχήκαμεν…ἑστήκαμεν…καυχώμεθα 1 The pronoun **we** in this verse refers inclusively to all believers in Christ. See the discussion of this in the General Notes for this chapter. Alternate translation: “we believers also have … we believers stand … we believers boast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 5 2 af0n figs-metaphor εἰς τὴν χάριν ταύτην, ἐν ᾗ ἑστήκαμεν 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **grace** as if it were a location that someone could access and stand within. He means that trusting in Jesus allows believers to confidently experience how gracious God is toward his people. If your readers would not understand this, you express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “to confidently experience how kind God is” or “to safely experience how gracious God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 2 dxcu figs-abstractnouns καυχώμεθα ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **hope and **glory**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “we may boast because we are confident that we will be glorified with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 2 zp5p figs-possession τῆς δόξης τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using possessive forms to describe how **glory** relates to **God**. This could refer to: (1) the glory that God shares with believers. This was the same glory that God shared with humans when he created them, but which they lost when the first humans sinned, as mentioned in [3:23](../03/23.md). Alternate translation: “of sharing in the glory God has” or “of the glory from God” (2) glorifying God, as in the similar phrase “the glory of the imperishable God” in [1:23](../01/23.md). Alternate translation: “of glorifying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 5 3 q5p7 writing-pronouns οὐ μόνον δέ 1 Not only this The pronoun **this** here refers to boasting about “the hope of the glory of God,” as mentioned in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “And we not only boast on the basis of the hope of the glory of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 5 3 c644 figs-metaphor καὶ καυχώμεθα ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν 1 Here, **in our sufferings** could mean: (1) believers can **boast** about their **sufferings**. Alternate translation: “we can also boast about our sufferings” (2) believers can boast while they are experiencing **sufferings**. Alternate translation: “we can also boast when we are distressed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 3 xeak grammar-connect-logic-result εἰδότες 1 Here, **knowing** indicates that what follows in this verse and the next verse are the reasons why believers can **boast in our sufferings**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “since we know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 3 c0rl figs-abstractnouns ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν…ἡ θλῖψις…ὑπομονὴν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **sufferings**, **suffering**, and **endurance**, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “when we suffer … when we suffer … a way to endure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 3 vmbf figs-litany ἡ θλῖψις ὑπομονὴν κατεργάζεται 1 Paul uses a repetitive series of clauses in this clause and the next verse to show how many reasons there are for Christians to boast about their suffering. This repetitive style of speaking or writing is called a “litany.” Use a form in your language that someone would use to list a series of reasons for something. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]]) ROM 5 3 lo57 figs-metaphor ἡ θλῖψις ὑπομονὴν κατεργάζεται 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **endurance** as if it were an object that could be produced. He means that when Christians trust in God while **suffering**, they develop greater **endurance** than they had before experiencing **suffering**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “this suffering helps us know how to endure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 4 w7c2 figs-ellipsis ἡ δὲ ὑπομονὴ δοκιμήν, ἡ δὲ δοκιμὴ ἐλπίδα 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “and endurance produces character, and this character produces hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 5 4 dt8w figs-abstractnouns ἡ…ὑπομονὴ 1 See how you translated **endurance** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 4 gjvh figs-abstractnouns δοκιμήν, ἡ δὲ δοκιμὴ 1 The word translated **character** refers specifically to someone who has been approved by God because they have successfully endured testing. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **character**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “makes us approved by God, and when God approves us it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 4 eh9c figs-abstractnouns ἐλπίδα 1 See how you translated **hope** in [verse 2](../05/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 5 u4xh grammar-connect-logic-result ἡ δὲ ἐλπὶς οὐ καταισχύνει, ὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, τοῦ δοθέντος ἡμῖν 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “And because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us, that hope does not disappoint” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 5 rctz figs-explicit ἡ δὲ ἐλπὶς 1 Here, **that hope** refers to **the hope of the glory of God** in [verse 2](../05/02.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “And being confident in God’s glory” or “And the hope of the glory of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 5 qka8 figs-metaphor ὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, τοῦ δοθέντος ἡμῖν 1 because the love of God has been poured into our hearts Paul speaks figuratively of **love** as if it were something that could be **poured** out of a container, and speaks figurative of **our hearts** as though they were containers that could be filled. He means that the Holy Spirit has completely revealed to God’s people how much God loves them. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “because the Holy Spirit, who was given to us, has deeply revealed how much God loves his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 5 dc95 figs-activepassive ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, τοῦ δοθέντος ἡμῖν 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit, who God gave us, has poured the love of God into our hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 5 5 clmb figs-possession ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe how **love** relates to **God**. Here, **the love of God** could refer to: (1) God’s love for us. Alternate translation: “God’s love” or “God’s love for us” (2) our love for God. Alternate translation: “love for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 5 5 glt1 figs-metonymy ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν 1 See how you translated this word in [1:21](../01/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 5 6 x5eg grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 we **For** here indicates that what follows in [verses 6–8](../05/06.md) explains “the love of God” in [verse 5](../05/05.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 6 a7s7 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous ἔτι…ὄντων ἡμῶν ἀσθενῶν 1 In this clause Paul is describing something that was true during the time period he is describing in the rest of the verse. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “during the time we were still being weak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) ROM 5 6 xqr3 figs-explicit ἔτι…ὄντων ἡμῶν ἀσθενῶν 1 Here, **weak** means that people are completely unable to make themselves righteous. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we still being powerless to make ourselves righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 6 xl85 figs-explicit ὑπὲρ ἀσεβῶν 1 Here, **ungodly ones** refers to **we** mentioned earlier in the verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “on behalf of us ungodly ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 7 o92c grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows in this verse explains how surprising it is that Christ would die on the behalf of ungodly sinners, as stated in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 7 h089 figs-hypo μόλις γὰρ…τις ἀποθανεῖται…γὰρ…τάχα τις 1 Paul uses **someone** twice in this verse to indicate two hypothetical situations. He does this to help his readers recognize how rare it is for someone to voluntarily die on behalf of another person. Use the natural form in your language for expressing hypothetical situations. Alternate translation: “Let us consider how rare it would be for someone to die … Let us, though, suppose that just maybe someone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) ROM 5 7 x60d grammar-connect-logic-contrast γὰρ…τάχα τις 2 What follows the word **though** here is in contrast to what Paul stated in the previous sentence. Although **someone will hardly die** for **a righteous person**, **someone** might possibly be willing to die for a **good person**. Although Paul does not state the difference between **a righteous person** and **a good person**, he contrasts both examples to emphasize how unlikely it is for a person to die on the behalf of another person. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “By contrast, perhaps someone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) ROM 5 7 mqyq figs-metaphor καὶ τολμᾷ ἀποθανεῖν 1 Paul speaks figuratively of dying as if it were a **dare** or challenge for **someone** to overcome. He means that **someone** would be brave enough to give their life for the sake of someone else. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “might even be willing to die” or “would even be brave enough to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 8 qh0h figs-rpronouns ἑαυτοῦ 1 Paul uses the word **his own** to emphasize how much **God** loves his people. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “his very own” or “his personal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) ROM 5 8 vh6y figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἀγάπην εἰς ἡμᾶς 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **love**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “how much God loves us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 8 c8vd grammar-connect-time-simultaneous ἔτι ἁμαρτωλῶν ὄντων ἡμῶν 1 In this clause Paul is describing something that was true during the time period he is describing in the rest of the verse. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “during the time we were still being sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) ROM 5 8 fel5 figs-infostructure ἔτι ἁμαρτωλῶν ὄντων ἡμῶν, Χριστὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἀπέθανεν 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Christ died for us, while we were still being sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 5 8 w7hy figs-nominaladj ἁμαρτωλῶν 1 Paul is using the adjective **sinners** as a plural 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: “people who lived sinfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 5 9 vnxd grammar-connect-logic-result πολλῷ οὖν μᾶλλον 1 Here, **then** indicates that what follows is the result of what Paul described in [verses 6–8](../05/06.md). If it would be more natural in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “As a result, much more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 9 tewt grammar-connect-words-phrases πολλῷ οὖν μᾶλλον 1 **Much more then** here strongly emphasizes that what follows is another important result of what Christ did for us. Use a natural way in your language to express strong emphasis. Alternate translation: “It is then much more certain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 9 zp4v grammar-connect-logic-result δικαιωθέντες νῦν ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ 1 This clause states the reason why **we** can be **much more** certain that **we will be saved**. Use the most natural way in your language to express a reason clause. Alternate translation: “because we have now been justified by his blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 9 x9yi figs-activepassive δικαιωθέντες νῦν ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express these ideas with active forms or in other ways that are natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his blood having now justified us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 5 9 nvs3 figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ 1 blood See how you translated **his blood** in [3:25](../03/25.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 5 9 jbaz figs-activepassive σωθησόμεθα δι’ αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express these ideas with active forms or in other ways that are natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will save us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 5 9 bev3 figs-abstractnouns τῆς ὀργῆς 1 his wrath If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **the wrath**, you could use a different expression. Here, **the wrath** refers specifically to “the day of wrath”, which is mentioned in [2:5](../02/05.md). Alternate translation: “the Final Judgment” or “from when God finally judges sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 10 wply grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows in this verse explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an alternate expression. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 10 mz06 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ…ἐχθροὶ ὄντες 1 Paul 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 Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since being enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) ROM 5 10 rnc5 figs-activepassive κατηλλάγημεν τῷ Θεῷ διὰ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son If your language does not use passive forms in this way, you could express these ideas with active forms or in other ways that are natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the death of his Son reconciled us to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 5 10 cu3c guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 Son **Son** is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) ROM 5 10 o1m6 grammar-connect-words-phrases πολλῷ μᾶλλον 1 Here, **much more** strongly emphasizes that what follows is an important result of **having been reconciled** with **God**. See how you translated this phrase in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “it is much more certain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 10 n817 figs-activepassive καταλλαγέντες 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express this idea with an active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he having reconciled us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 5 10 e4ug grammar-connect-logic-result καταλλαγέντες 1 This clause states the reason why **we** can be **much more** certain that **we will be saved**. Use the most natural way in your language to express a reason clause. Alternate translation: “because we have been reconciled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 10 tmxf figs-activepassive σωθησόμεθα ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express this idea with an active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his life will save us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 5 10 gcto figs-ellipsis σωθησόμεθα 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the similar statement in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “we will be saved when God finally judges people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 5 10 eeo4 figs-explicit τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ 1 Here **life** implies the **life** that Jesus has after God made him alive again. This resurrection **life** showed that God had accepted Jesus’ death as the payment for the sins of everyone who trusts in Jesus. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus’ life after God caused him to become alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 10 b3z4 figs-abstractnouns τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **life**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “him being alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 11 a0vk writing-pronouns οὐ μόνον δέ 1 The pronoun **this** could refer to: (1) what Paul said in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Not only are we saved by his life, but” (2) what Paul said in [verses 2–10](../05/02.md). Alternate translation: “Not only are all these things true, but” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 5 11 zp36 figs-metaphor καὶ καυχώμενοι ἐν τῷ Θεῷ 1 Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were boasting inside of God. Paul means that these believers in Christ **boast** about how great God is. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “we also are boasting about how great God is” or “we also are boasting because of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 11 uukm figs-explicit διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here, **through** indicates that **our Lord Jesus Christ** is the means by which believers can boast. This refers to what Jesus did for believers in order for them to be able to boast. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 11 r0zj figs-explicit δι’ οὗ νῦν τὴν καταλλαγὴν ἐλάβομεν 1 Here, **through** indicates that Jesus is the means by which believers **have received the reconciliation**. This refers to what Jesus did for believers in order for them to have peace with God, as briefly mentioned in [4:25](../04/25.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “through what he did for us that caused us to receive the reconciliation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 11 xjes figs-abstractnouns νῦν τὴν καταλλαγὴν ἐλάβομεν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **reconciliation**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “we have now been reconciled with God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 12 hjx4 grammar-connect-words-phrases διὰ τοῦτο 1 **For this reason** here indicates that what follows in [verses 12–21](../05/12.md) is Paul’s explanation of the relationship between human **sin** and God’s grace. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Because of this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 12 wf9f figs-metaphor ὥσπερ δι’ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου ἡ ἁμαρτία εἰς τὸν κόσμον εἰσῆλθεν, καὶ διὰ τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ θάνατος; καὶ οὕτως εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους ὁ θάνατος διῆλθεν 1 through one man sin entered … death entered through sin Here Paul speaks of **sin** and **death** figuratively as if they were objects that could enter a place or spread within people. Paul means that the way God intended for **the world** and human beings to function became thoroughly corrupted by **sin** and **death**. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “just as through one man sinned began to exist in the world, and that sin would result in that man’s death, so also all men born after that man would die too” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 12 pa8s figs-explicit δι’ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου 1 Paul uses the phrase **one man** to refer to Adam, the first human being. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly, as in [verse14](../05/14.md). Alternate translation: “through the first man Adam” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 12 smc2 figs-abstractnouns ἡ ἁμαρτία…τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ θάνατος; καὶ οὕτως…ὁ θάνατος 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **sin** and **death**, you could use different expressions. Alternate translation: “sinful things … sinful things, living things could die, so also the ability to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 12 uxcs figs-ellipsis διὰ τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ θάνατος 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “and through sin death entered into the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 5 12 xhbv figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπους 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 5 12 jy25 writing-pronouns ἐφ’ ᾧ πάντες ἥμαρτον 1 Here the pronoun **which** could refer to: (1) the fact that Paul states in the next phrase. Alternate translation: “because of this fact, namely, that all sinned” (2) the **one man** mentioned earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “because of the one man all sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 5 12 si2i figs-nominaladj πάντες 1 Paul is using the adjective **all** 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: “all men” or “all humanity” or “all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 5 13 at4i grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows in [verses 13–14](../05/13.md) explains how death and **sin** existed before the **law**. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 13 e6bx figs-ellipsis ἄχρι γὰρ νόμου…μὴ ὄντος νόμου 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “For until the law came … when there was no law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 5 13 abjg grammar-collectivenouns νόμου…νόμου 1 In this verse **law** refers to the laws that God gave the Jews through Moses. See how you translated **law** in [2:12](../02/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 5 13 v51t figs-abstractnouns ἁμαρτία…ἁμαρτία 1 See how you translated **sin** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 13 uyd4 figs-metaphor ἁμαρτία ἦν ἐν κόσμῳ 1 Here Paul speaks of **sin** figuratively as if it were an object that could exist in a place. Paul means that people sinned **in the world** before God gave his laws to Moses. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people sinned in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 13 juq7 figs-activepassive ἁμαρτία…οὐκ ἐλλογεῖται 2 but there is no accounting for sin when there is no law If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God did not charge them with sinning” or “God did not reckon it as sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 5 13 izno ἁμαρτία…οὐκ ἐλλογεῖται 2 Alternate translation: “a record of sin is not kept” or “no account is kept of sins” ROM 5 13 v5l9 grammar-connect-logic-result μὴ ὄντος νόμου 1 Here, **being** could indicate: (1) the reason why **sin is not charged**. Alternate translation: “because there was no law” (2) the time when **sin is not charged**. Alternate translation: “when there was no law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 13 j04c figs-explicit μὴ ὄντος νόμου 1 Here, **no law** implies that God had not yet given people his laws that could help them identify what sin is. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “being no law to identify to people what sin is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 14 bd3q figs-personification ἐβασίλευσεν ὁ θάνατος ἀπὸ Ἀδὰμ μέχρι Μωϋσέως, καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς 1 death ruled from Adam until Moses Here, **death** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a king who **ruled** **over** people. Paul means that nobody could prevent themselves from dying. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no human could escape dying from Adam until Moses, even those” or “human life inevitably ended in death from Adam until Moses, even the lives of those” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 5 14 u66m figs-abstractnouns ὁ θάνατος 1 See how you translated **death** in [verse 12](../05/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 14 pdrh figs-explicit ἀπὸ Ἀδὰμ μέχρι Μωϋσέως 1 Here, **Adam** refers to the period of time when Adam lived and **Moses** refers to the period of time when **Moses** lived. If this would confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “from the time when Adam lived until the time when Moses lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 14 w24g figs-distinguish καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς μὴ ἁμαρτήσαντας ἐπὶ τῷ ὁμοιώματι τῆς παραβάσεως Ἀδάμ 1 This phrase gives us further information about over whom **death ruled**. It is not making a distinction between those who lived during the time of **Adam** and **Moses**. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “even over the people who did not disobey God in the same way that Adam did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 5 14 skns figs-abstractnouns ἐπὶ τῷ ὁμοιώματι τῆς παραβάσεως Ἀδάμ, ὅς ἐστιν τύπος τοῦ μέλλοντος 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **likeness**, **transgression**, and **pattern**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “in the same way that Adam transgressed, who typifies the one who is coming” or “exactly how Adam transgressed, who resembles the one who is coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 14 k2w7 figs-possession ἐπὶ τῷ ὁμοιώματι τῆς παραβάσεως Ἀδάμ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe how **the likeness** relates to the **transgression**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “like Adam’s transgression” or “in the same way Adam transgressed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 5 14 e4ze figs-metaphor Ἀδάμ, ὅς ἐστιν τύπος τοῦ μέλλοντος 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **Adam** as if he were a model or **pattern**. Paul means that **Adam**’s role is similar to the role of **the one who is coming** because both people do things that affect all human beings. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Adam, who is a replica of the one who is coming” or “Adam, who models the one who is coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 14 mu4s figs-explicit τοῦ μέλλοντος 1 The phrase **the one who is coming** refers to Jesus. Paul means that Adam represents the ideal human being, Jesus, who would come in the future. If this is not clear in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “representing Jesus who would come in the future” or “prefiguring Jesus who was destined to come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 15 x37x figs-abstractnouns τὸ παράπτωμα…τὸ χάρισμα…τῷ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματι…ἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ δωρεὰ ἐν χάριτι 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **trespass**, **gracious gift**, **grace**, and **gift**, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “how Adam trespassed … what God graciously gave … when the one man trespassed … how gracious God is and what he graciously gave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 15 ieb0 figs-infostructure οὐχ ὡς τὸ παράπτωμα, οὕτως καὶ τὸ χάρισμα 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “the gracious gift is not like the trespass” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 5 15 sful grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 **For** indicates that what follows explains the difference between **the trespass** and **the gracious gift**. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 15 yxej grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ 1 Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is true. He has concluded that the benefits of **the gracious gift** are superior to the consequences of **the trespass**. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is true. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) ROM 5 15 kdhb figs-possession τῷ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματι 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the trespass** that was committed by the **one** man. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “by one man’s trespass” or “because one man trespassed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 5 15 mm6y figs-nominaladj τοῦ ἑνὸς 1 Paul is using the adjective phrase **the one** as a noun in order to refer to Adam, as in the previous verse. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could make these references explicit. Alternate translation: “of Adam, the one man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 5 15 e9me figs-nominaladj οἱ πολλοὶ…τοὺς πολλοὺς 1 Here Paul is using the adjective **many** as a noun in order to describe a large group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 5 15 h6c3 grammar-connect-words-phrases πολλῷ μᾶλλον 1 Here, **how much more** strongly emphasizes the difference between the results of **the trespass** of Adam and the **grace of God** that comes through **Jesus Christ**. Use a natural way in your language to express strong emphasis. Alternate translation: “even more certainly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 15 tfhj figs-infostructure ἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ δωρεὰ ἐν χάριτι, τῇ τοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, εἰς τοὺς πολλοὺς ἐπερίσσευσεν 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “abounded to the many the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 5 15 ejxz figs-possession ἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **grace** that comes from **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “God’s grace” or “the grace from God” or “how kind God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 5 15 wn36 figs-possession τοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the grace** that comes from **the one man**. Use a natural way in your language to express this idea. Alternate translation: “from the one man” or “associated with the one man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 5 16 ns9a grammar-connect-logic-result καὶ οὐχ ὡς δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος, τὸ δώρημα; τὸ μὲν γὰρ κρίμα ἐξ ἑνὸς, εἰς κατάκριμα, τὸ δὲ χάρισμα ἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων, εἰς δικαίωμα 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second sentence gives the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “Indeed, because the judgment came from one man unto condemnation, but the gift came from many trespasses unto justification. This is why the gift is not the same as through the one man who sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 16 rmpt figs-abstractnouns τὸ δώρημα…τὸ δὲ χάρισμα 1 See how you translated these two phrases in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 16 ok2k figs-ellipsis ὡς δι’ ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “as what came through one who sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 5 16 muum figs-explicit ἑνὸς ἁμαρτήσαντος 1 Here, **one who sinned** refers to Adam, as mentioned in [verses 12–15](../05/12.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Adam, the one who sinned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 16 ub9s figs-abstractnouns τὸ…κρίμα 2 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **judgment**, you could express the same idea in another way, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 16 eusx figs-explicit ἐξ ἑνὸς 1 Here, **one** refers to the **one** sin Adam committed. It does not refer to Adam himself, as the previous **one** does. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “from Adam’s trespass” or “from the sin Adam committed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 16 xza3 grammar-connect-logic-result ἐξ ἑνὸς 1 Here, **from one** could indicate: (1) that **the judgment** happened after the **one** trespass. Alternate translation: “after one” (2) that **the judgment** happened because of the **one** trespass. Alternate translation: “because of one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 16 t4t8 figs-abstractnouns εἰς κατάκριμα…παραπτωμάτων, εἰς δικαίωμα 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **condemnation**, **trespasses**, and **justification**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “to cause God to condemn … sinful deeds people have done, to cause God to justify” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 16 s82t grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς κατάκριμα 1 Here, **to** indicates that was follows is the result of God’s **judgment**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “resulted in condemnation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 16 m5k4 grammar-connect-logic-result ἐκ πολλῶν παραπτωμάτων 1 Here, **from many trespasses** could indicate: (1) that **the gracious gift** happened after **many trespasses**. Alternate translation: “after many trespasses” (2) that **the gracious gift** happened because of **many trespasses**. Alternate translation: “because of many trespasses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 16 jarb grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς δικαίωμα 1 Here, **to** indicates that was follows is the result of God’s **gracious gift**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “resulted in justification” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 17 n5zx grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows further explains the difference between **the trespass** and **the gift**, as discussed in [verses15–16](../05/15.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 17 mhtc grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ 1 Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is true. He has concluded that the benefits of **the gift** are superior to the consequences of **the trespass**. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is true. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) ROM 5 17 lcyd figs-possession τῷ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματι 1 See how you translated this phrase in [verse 15](../05/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 5 17 whbf figs-nominaladj τοῦ ἑνὸς…τοῦ ἑνός…τοῦ ἑνὸς 1 See how you translated the first occurrence of **one** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 5 17 yvq5 figs-abstractnouns τῷ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματι, ὁ θάνατος…τὴν περισσείαν τῆς χάριτος καὶ τῆς δωρεᾶς τῆς δικαιοσύνης…ἐν ζωῇ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. Alternate translation: “because the one man trespassed, the fact that people die … how abundantly kind God is and how he makes people righteous … by living” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 17 kz6z figs-personification ὁ θάνατος ἐβασίλευσεν 1 death ruled See how you translated this phrase in [verse 14](../05/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 5 17 mtr9 grammar-connect-logic-result διὰ τοῦ ἑνός 1 death ruled Here, **through** indicates that **the one** is the reason why **death ruled**. Use an expression in your language that indicates a reason. Alternate translation: “because of the one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 17 lf7t grammar-connect-words-phrases πολλῷ μᾶλλον 1 See how you translated this phrase in [verses 10](../05/10.md) and [15](../05/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 17 hfvt figs-infostructure ἐν ζωῇ βασιλεύσουσιν, διὰ τοῦ ἑνὸς, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “through the one man Jesus Christ will … rule in life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 5 17 xy6h figs-metaphor οἱ…ἐν ζωῇ βασιλεύσουσιν 1 Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were kings who **rule** in a location called **life**. This could mean: (1) they will have control over their sinful desires while physically alive. Alternate translation: “will those … have control over their sinfulness while alive” (2) they **will rule** with **Jesus Christ** while living eternally. Alternative translation: “will those … rule and live eternally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 17 nr25 figs-distinguish οἱ τὴν περισσείαν τῆς χάριτος καὶ τῆς δωρεᾶς τῆς δικαιοσύνης λαμβάνοντες 1 This clause describes the people who will **rule in life**. It is not making a distinction between **those who receive** and those who **rule**. If this might confuse your readers, you can make the relationship between these phrases clearer. Alternate translation: “those who receive the abundance of the grace and the gift of the righteousness as well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]]) ROM 5 17 fodc figs-possession οἱ τὴν περισσείαν τῆς χάριτος…λαμβάνοντες 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **abundance** that relates to **grace**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “those who receive God’s abundant grace” or “those who experience how abundantly gracious God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 5 17 o8c3 figs-possession τῆς δωρεᾶς τῆς δικαιοσύνης 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe how **righteousness** is a **gift**. Use a natural way in your language to express this idea. Alternate translation: “the gift, which is being made righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 5 17 ehbk grammar-connect-logic-result διὰ τοῦ ἑνὸς, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here, **through** indicates that **the one, Jesus Christ** is the reason why his people will **rule in life**. Use an expression in your language that indicates a reason. Alternate translation: “because of the one, Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 17 uifs figs-explicit τοῦ ἑνὸς, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 The phrase **the one, Jesus Christ** refers to what Jesus did for believers in order for them to **rule in life**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “what the one, Jesus Christ has done for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 18 e7cq figs-ellipsis ἄρα οὖν ὡς δι’ ἑνὸς παραπτώματος, εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους εἰς κατάκριμα, οὕτως καὶ δι’ ἑνὸς δικαιώματος, εἰς πάντας ἀνθρώπους εἰς δικαίωσιν ζωῆς 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “So then, as one man trespassed and this trespass caused all men to become condemned, so also one man acted righteously and this act caused all men to become justified for living eternally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 5 18 mccf grammar-connect-words-phrases ἄρα οὖν 1 **So then** indicates that what follows in [verses 18–21](../05/18.md) summarizes the ideas of [verses 12–17](../05/12.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could use a clearer expression. Alternate translation: “Finally” or “In summary” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 18 sfwg grammar-connect-logic-result δι’…δι’ 1 See how you translated **through** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 18 z0jq figs-abstractnouns παραπτώματος…κατάκριμα…δικαίωσιν 1 See how you translated these abstracts nouns in [verse 16](../05/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 18 n8pr figs-gendernotations πάντας ἀνθρώπους…πάντας ἀνθρώπους 2 Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. See how your translated **all men** in [verse 12](../05/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 5 18 bcm2 figs-possession δικαίωσιν ζωῆς 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe how **justification** relates to **life**. This could mean: (1) **justification** that leads to **life**. Alternate translation: “justification that brings eternal life” (2) **justification** that is **life**. Alternate translation: “justification, which is eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 5 18 bmey figs-explicit ζωῆς 1 Here, **life** refers to “eternal life.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “of eternal life” or “for living forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 19 hj69 grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 **For** here indicates that what follows explains what Paul said in the previous verse. If this might confuse your readers, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 19 sjek grammar-connect-words-phrases ὥσπερ…οὕτως καὶ 1 See how you translated the similar connective words **as** and **so also** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 19 rgji grammar-connect-logic-result διὰ…διὰ 1 See how you translated **through** in the previous two verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 19 z8r8 figs-abstractnouns τῆς παρακοῆς τοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου…τῆς ὑπακοῆς τοῦ ἑνὸς 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **disobedience** and **obedience**, you could express the same ideas with verbal forms. You may need to supply an object for the verbs, such as “God” or “God’s command.” Alternate translation: “the one man disobeying God … the one man obeying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 19 qpsm figs-explicit τοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου 1 Here, **the one man** refers to “Adam.” See how you translated the similar use of **one man** in [verse 12](../05/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 19 q8lj figs-activepassive διὰ τῆς παρακοῆς τοῦ ἑνὸς ἀνθρώπου, ἁμαρτωλοὶ κατεστάθησαν οἱ πολλοί 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the disobedience of the one man caused many to become sinners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 5 19 huig figs-nominaladj οἱ πολλοί…οἱ πολλοί 2 See how you translated **the many** in [verse 15](../05/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 5 19 px2r figs-nominaladj ἁμαρτωλοὶ 1 See how you translated **sinners** in [verse 8](../05/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 5 19 bhra figs-activepassive διὰ τῆς ὑπακοῆς τοῦ ἑνὸς, δίκαιοι κατασταθήσονται οἱ πολλοί 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the obedience of the one caused many to become righteous ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 5 19 haks figs-explicit τοῦ ἑνὸς 2 Here, **the one** refers to “Jesus Christ.” See how you translated the third occurrence of **the one ** in [verse 17](../05/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 20 lah6 grammar-collectivenouns νόμος 1 See how you translated **the law** in [2:12](../02/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 5 20 w958 figs-personification παρεισῆλθεν 1 the law came in The word translated **slipped in** can mean to sneak in unnoticed, as in [Jude 1:4](../../jud/01/04.md). Paul may be stressing how the coming of **the law** was like an unwelcome person secretly intruding at some location. If this is confusing in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “intruded like a person sneaking in unnoticed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 5 20 ttcw figs-abstractnouns τὸ παράπτωμα…ἡ ἁμαρτία…ἡ χάρις 1 See how you translated the abstract nouns **trespass** in [verses 15–18](../05/15.md), **sin** in [verses 12–13](../05/12.md), and **grace** in [verses 15](../05/15.md) and [17](../05/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 20 relk figs-metaphor πλεονάσῃ τὸ παράπτωμα…ἐπλεόνασεν ἡ ἁμαρτία, ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν ἡ χάρις 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **the trespass**, **sin**, and **grace** as if they were objects that could increase in amount. He means that the power or influence of these concepts expanded throughout humanity. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “the trespass might be more evident … sin became more evident, the grace became even more obvious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 20 wbh3 grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα πλεονάσῃ τὸ παράπτωμα 1 This clause could refer to: (1) one of God’s purposes for giving **the law**. Alternate translation: “in order to increase the trespass” (2) the result of God giving **the law**. Alternate translation (with preceding comma): “resulting in the trespass increasing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 5 20 godn figs-metaphor οὗ 1 Here Paul uses **where** figuratively to refer to **sin** and **grace** as if they were located somewhere. If your readers would not understand this, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “when” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 5 21 ycy7 grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 The phrase **so that** here introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God caused grace to abound, as stated in the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “for the purpose that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 5 21 ymxy grammar-connect-words-phrases ὥσπερ…οὕτως καὶ 1 See how you translated **just as** and **so also** in the [verse 19](../05/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 5 21 leu9 figs-abstractnouns ἡ ἁμαρτία ἐν τῷ θανάτῳ…ἡ χάρις…δικαιοσύνης…ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 See how you translated the abstract nouns **sin** and **grace** in the previous verse, **death** and **righteousness** in [verse 17](../05/17.md), and **eternal life** in [2:7](../02/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 5 21 wmy8 figs-personification ἐβασίλευσεν ἡ ἁμαρτία 1 as sin ruled in death Here, **sin** is spoken of figuratively as if it were a king ruling over people. Paul means that everyone was controlled by their sinful desires. While death **ruled** in [verse 14](../05/14.md), **sin ruled** after God gave the law. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everyone was controlled by sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 5 21 wuh2 figs-explicit ἐν τῷ θανάτῳ 1 as sin ruled in death Here, **in death** could refer to: (1) the location in which **sin ruled**. Alternate translation: “in the place where death exists” (2) the means by which **sin ruled**. Alternate translation: “by means of death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 5 21 kc21 figs-personification χάρις βασιλεύσῃ διὰ δικαιοσύνης 1 as sin ruled in death Here, **grace** is spoken of figuratively as if it were a king ruling over people. Paul means that God’s **grace** allows people to become righteous. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how gracious God is might make people become righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 5 21 bk72 grammar-connect-logic-result διὰ…διὰ 1 See how you translated **through** in the [verses 17–19](../05/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 21 c9nj grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 Here, **to** indicates that was follows is the result of God’s **grace** ruling **through righteousness**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “resulted in eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 5 21 axr9 figs-explicit Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν 1 The phrase **Jesus Christ our Lord** refers to what Jesus did for believers in order for them to have **eternal life**. If this might confuse your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 6 intro v522 0 # Romans 6 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

5. Becoming like Christ in this life (6:1–8:39)
* Baptism represents union with Christ’s death (6:1–14)
* Christians are now slaves of righteousness (6:15–23)

Paul begins this chapter by answering how someone might hypothetically object to what he taught in Chapter 5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Against the Law

In this chapter, Paul refutes the teaching that Christians can live however they want after they are saved. Scholars call this “antinomianism” or being “against the law.” To motivate godly living, Paul recalls the great price Jesus paid for a Christian to be saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])

### Servants of sin

Before believing in Jesus, sin enslaves people. God frees Christians from serving sin. They are able to choose to serve Christ in their lives. Paul explains that when Christians choose to sin, they willingly choose to sin. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

### Fruit

This chapter uses the imagery of fruit. The image of fruit usually refers to a person’s faith producing good works in their life. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical Questions

Paul uses rhetorical questions in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical questions is to make the reader see their sin so they will trust in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Death

Paul uses “death” many different ways in this chapter: physical death, spiritual death, sin reigning in the heart of man, and to end something. He contrasts sin and death with the new life provided by Christ and the new way Christians are supposed to live after they are saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]]) ROM 6 1 fxgw grammar-connect-logic-result τί οὖν 1 Here, **then** indicates that what follows is a response to what Paul said in the previous chapter, especially what he said in [5:20](../05/20.md). See how you translated **What then** in [3:1](../03/01.md) and [4:1](../04/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 1 pvg3 figs-rquestion τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν? ἐπιμένωμεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσῃ? 1 What then will we say? Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound? In this verse Paul is not asking for information, but is using a question to address rumors some people may have been saying that misrepresent his teachings. If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation or communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Then we will say that we should continue in the sin so that the grace might increase!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 6 1 t8tl figs-quotemarks τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν? ἐπιμένωμεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσῃ? 1 we say In this verse and the first part of the next verse, Paul is speaking as if he were a Christian who misunderstood what Paul had taught in the previous chapter. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate quotations, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ROM 6 1 fj9e figs-exclusive ἐροῦμεν? ἐπιμένωμεν 1 we say When Paul says **we** in this verse, he is including all “who were baptized into Christ Jesus,” as mentioned in [6:3](../06/03.md), so **we** is inclusive of all Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 6 1 ngpt figs-abstractnouns τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ…ἡ χάρις 1 See how you translated the abstract nouns: **sin** and **grace** in [5:21](../05/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 1 sa16 figs-metaphor ἐπιμένωμεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **sin** as if it were a location. He is referring to the idea of people continuing to live sinfully after they have become Christians. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “Should we continue to live sinfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 1 ju6f figs-metaphor ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσῃ 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **grace** as if it were an object that could **increase** in amount, as in [5:20](../05/20.md). He is referring to the idea of the power or influence of **grace** expanding in the lives of Christians. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “so that we can experience more grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 1 f5qt grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσῃ 1 This phrase introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the supposed purpose for which someone would **sin**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order to increase the grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 6 2 pa6g figs-exclamations μὴ γένοιτο 1 See how you translated this phrase in [3:4](../03/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 6 2 rgte figs-metaphor οἵτινες ἀπεθάνομεν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, πῶς ἔτι ζήσομεν ἐν αὐτῇ? 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **sin** as if were a location where Christians could live or die. He means that for baptized Christians the spiritual kingdom of sin and death (See [5:14,17,21](../05/14.md)) lost its power over them when Christ was crucified (See [6:6](../06/06.md)). If your readers would not understand what **to die to sin** or **live in it** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “We who are no longer dominated by sinning, how could we still live as though we are dominated by sinning” or “Since we are not dominated by sinning anymore, we certainly cannot still live sinfully!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 2 gddr figs-exclusive οἵτινες ἀπεθάνομεν 1 Unless otherwise noted, **we** and “our” are inclusive of all Christians in this chapter. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “We believers who in Christ died” or “We Christians who died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 6 3 ok3v grammar-connect-words-phrases ὅτι 1 Here, **of the fact that** indicates that what follows is the rhetorical answer to the question of **are you ignorant**. Alternate translation: “of this reality:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 6 3 wh26 writing-pronouns ὅσοι 1 The pronoun **as many as** refers to those people who **were baptized into Christ Jesus**. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “as many people as” or “however many of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 6 3 bd11 figs-metaphor ἐβαπτίσθημεν εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν, εἰς τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ ἐβαπτίσθημεν 1 Paul speaks figuratively of **Christ Jesus** and **his death** as if they were locations where someone could **be baptized**. He means that people who are **baptized** as Christians are united to **Christ Jesus** and spiritually share in benefits of **his death**. If your readers would not understand what **baptized into** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “become baptized as a Christians are united to Christ Jesus and also as many as become baptized are united to his death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 3 jfs4 figs-parallelism ἐβαπτίσθημεν εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν, εἰς τὸν θάνατον αὐτοῦ ἐβαπτίσθημεν 1 These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show what happens when a Christian is **baptized**. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “become baptized as Christians are spiritually united to Christ Jesus and spiritually participate in his death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 6 3 tcve figs-abstractnouns τὸν θάνατον 1 See how you translated **death** in [5:21](../05/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 4 ufp9 figs-parallelism συνετάφημεν οὖν αὐτῷ διὰ τοῦ βαπτίσματος εἰς τὸν θάνατον 1 This sentence means the same thing as [6:3](../06/03.md). Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show what happens in Christian **baptism**. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 6 4 f4va figs-metaphor συνετάφημεν οὖν αὐτῷ διὰ τοῦ βαπτίσματος εἰς τὸν θάνατον 1 We were buried, then, with him through baptism into death Paul speaks figuratively of **baptism** as if it were a burial. He means that in the physical act of going under the water in **baptism**, the Christian ceases to be under the control of eternal **death** (See “died to sin” in [6:2](../06/02.md)). If your readers would not understand what **buried** and **baptism into death** mean in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “So then, being baptized represents being buried with Christ in his tomb” or “When we were baptized, we ceased to be controlled by eternal death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 4 m43r grammar-connect-logic-result συνετάφημεν οὖν 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, to emphasis what results from **baptism**. Alternate translation: “So then, we were buried” or “As a result, we were buried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 4 y71v figs-abstractnouns τὸν θάνατον…ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός…ζωῆς 1 See how you translated the abstract nouns: **death** in [6:3](../06/03.md), **glory** in [5:2](../05/02.md), and **life** in [5:21](../05/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 4 k1el grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα ὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς περιπατήσωμεν 1 This is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God instituted **baptism**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases to make this explicit. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order that we could walk in newness of life, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 6 4 qa7r figs-parallelism ὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς περιπατήσωμεν 1 These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show the link between Christ’s resurrection and the Christian’s new way of **life** after **baptism**. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “we would newly live like Christ did when Father gloriously raised him from death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 6 4 z6zk figs-simile ὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός, οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς περιπατήσωμεν 1 The point of this comparison is that the new way a Christian should live after being baptized is similar to being **raised from the dead**, like Christ was. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “we should live in a new way, similar to when the Father gloriously raised Christ from death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) ROM 6 4 dpy2 figs-activepassive ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός 1 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: “The Father gloriously resurrected Christ from death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 6 4 t47r figs-idiom ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we might walk in newness of life Here, the phrase **raised from the dead** is an idiom meaning “resurrected from where dead people are” (See how you translated this phrase in [4:24](../04/24.md)). If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “Christ resurrected from death” or “Christ resurrected from the grave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 6 4 ce9z figs-nominaladj ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we might walk in newness of life Paul is using the adjective **the dead** 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: “where dead people are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 6 4 gblc figs-possession διὰ τῆς δόξης τοῦ Πατρός 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **glory** that comes from or characterizes **the Father**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “Father’s” instead of the noun “Father” or make this explicit another way. Alternate translation: “through the glorious power of the Father” or “through the Father’s glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 6 4 r3hn guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός 1 **Father** is an important title that describes the relationship between God and **Christ** Jesus, as his “Son” (See [1:3–4, 7](../01/03.md)). Be sure to accurately translate these titles in your translation. Alternate translation: “God his Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) ROM 6 4 gtns figs-idiom ἡμεῖς ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς περιπατήσωμεν 1 Here, the verb **might walk** is an Old Testament idiom meaning “would live” or “would act.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “we might live in new way” or “we would act like new people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 6 4 x1t4 figs-rpronouns καὶ ἡμεῖς 1 Paul uses the phrase **we too** to emphasize the union of the baptized Christian with Christ’s resurrection. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “we who are baptized too” or “even we” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) ROM 6 4 hyab figs-possession ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe **life** that is characterized by **newness**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “renewed” instead of the noun “newness.” Alternate translation: “with a renewed life” or “like those made newly alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 6 4 lvim figs-abstractnouns ἐν καινότητι 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **newness**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “renewed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 5 p6xk figs-metaphor εἰ γὰρ σύμφυτοι γεγόναμεν τῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως ἐσόμεθα 1 we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection Paul speaks figuratively of **death** and **resurrection** as if they were things to which baptized Christians could be physically attached. He means that in baptism Christians participate in the spiritually benefits obtained by Christ’s death and will one day resurrect as he did. If your readers would not understand what **united with** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “Indeed, since we participate in Christ’s death through baptism, we will definitely participate in Christ’s life through resurrection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 5 jdzp grammar-connect-condition-contrary εἰ γὰρ 1 we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is true. He goes on to conclude that baptized Christians will **certainly be united with** Christ’s **resurrection**. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is true. Alternate translation: “Indeed, since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]]) ROM 6 5 xh3z writing-pronouns αὐτοῦ…τῆς 1 we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection The pronoun **his** refers to Christ, not the “Father” (See [6:1–3](../06/01.md)). If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Christ’s … with Christ’s” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 6 5 wnd4 figs-metaphor σύμφυτοι γεγόναμεν 1 we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection Since the Greek word that ULT translates as **united** can mean “planted with,” Paul may be figuratively likening the process of burying a seed in the ground with being buried with Christ, and the result of a sprouting plant with Christ’s resurrection. If it would help your readers understand, you could make this explicit in your translation. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “we have become planted with” or “have grown together with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 5 z8wa figs-abstractnouns τῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ…τῆς ἀναστάσεως 1 we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas of **likeness** and **resurrection**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “in what is like his death … his resurrecting from the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 5 hg5y figs-explicit τῷ ὁμοιώματι τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ 1 we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection The implication is that **likeness of his death** refers to “baptism” (See [6:4](../06/04.md)). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the likeness of his death through baptism” or “in baptism that represents dying with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 6 5 ruhn grammar-connect-words-phrases ἀλλὰ καὶ…ἐσόμεθα 1 we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection Here, **also certainly** strongly emphasizes that the reality of future resurrection is established in Christian baptism. If it would be more natural in your language, you could move this phrase to the beginning of the clause to make this emphasis explicit. Alternate translation: “You also need to know that we will” or “it is absolutely certain that we will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 6 5 f1q1 figs-ellipsis τῆς ἀναστάσεως 1 we have become united with him in the likeness of his death … be united with his resurrection A word is left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, his is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “with his resurrection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 6 6 gv43 grammar-connect-words-phrases τοῦτο γινώσκοντες 1 our old man was crucified with him Here, **knowing this** indicates that what follows is accepted teaching. Alternate translation: “because we know this very thing,” or “since we are certain of this fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 6 6 rv8u grammar-connect-logic-result ὅτι…ἵνα 1 our old man was crucified with him What follows **that** gives the reason why **our old man was crucified**. Use a natural way in your language to indicate the reason why something happens. Alternate translation: “the reason why … was in order that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 6 fhvh figs-activepassive ὁ παλαιὸς ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος συνεσταυρώθη 1 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: “God crucified our old man with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 6 6 lu12 figs-metaphor ὁ παλαιὸς ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος συνεσταυρώθη 1 Paul speaks figuratively of sinful humanity as if it were an **old man** nailed to the same cross as Christ. Paul means that when Christ was **crucified** he destroyed the power of **sin** and death that controlled humanity (See [6:12–18](../06/12.md)). If your readers would not understand what **old man** or **crucified with him** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “on Christ’s cross, God crucified the power of sin that controlled humanity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 6 y0ib writing-pronouns συνεσταυρώθη 1 The pronoun **him** refers to Christ (See [6:4](../06/04.md)). If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “was crucified with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 6 6 n6o6 grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα 1 This phrase introduces a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which God **crucified our old man**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 6 6 jw00 figs-metaphor καταργηθῇ τὸ σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας, τοῦ μηκέτι δουλεύειν ἡμᾶς τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ 1 the body of sin Paul speaks figuratively of **the body of sin** as if it were a condition of slavery that could be cancelled or made void. He means that how the human race was controlled by living sinfully was spiritually cancelled by the power Christ’s crucifixion. If your readers would not understand what **body of sin** and **nullified** and **enslaved to sin** mean in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “God would completely end how living sinfully controls the human race, and he would free us from how living sinfully enslaves us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 6 jpge figs-activepassive καταργηθῇ τὸ σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας, τοῦ μηκέτι δουλεύειν ἡμᾶς τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ 1 the body of sin If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God nullified how we are dominated by sinning so that living sinfully would no longer control us” or “God canceled the power of sin over our bodies, making us no longer enslaved to living sinfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 6 6 l6pd figs-possession τὸ σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας 1 the body of sin Paul is using the possessive form to describe how **the body** is related to **sin**. Use a natural way in your language to express this idea. Here, **the body of sin** could refer to: (1) how humans tend to **sin**. Alternate translation: “our human tendency to sin” or “how living sinfully controls us” (2) how sin controls the human body. Alternate translation: “how sin controls our bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 6 6 l3zm figs-abstractnouns ἁμαρτίας…ἁμαρτίᾳ 1 the body of sin See how you translated the abstract noun **sin** in [6:1](../06/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 6 c5ie τοῦ μηκέτι δουλεύειν ἡμᾶς τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ 1 the body of sin Use a natural way in your language for expressing a result or purpose clause. This following clause could refer to: (1) the result of **the body of sin** being **nullified**. Alternate translation: “causing us to no longer be enslaved to sin” (2) God’s purpose for nullifying **the body of sin**. Alternate translation: “in order that we would no longer be enslaved to sin” (3) both God’s purpose and the result of nullifying **the body of sin**. Alternate translation (with preceding comma): “in order to cause us no longer be enslaved to sin” ROM 6 7 qvmj grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 What follows **For** summarizes the ideas in [6:6](../06/06.md). Alternate translation: “This is because” or “Since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 6 7 f893 figs-explicit ὁ…ἀποθανὼν 1 The implication is that **the one having died** is the same as “the old man” who “was crucified” in [6:6](../06/06.md). Paul means that God considers any person who has “died to sin” (See [6:2](../06/02.md)) to be **righteous**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “any person who dies to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 6 7 hoqm figs-activepassive δεδικαίωται 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God has declared free” or “God declares is righteous” or “God has vindicated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 6 7 z81y figs-possession ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας 1 Paul is using the possessive form to describe how **sin** is related to **has been declared righteous**. Use a natural way in your language to express this idea. Alternate translation: “from being enslaved to sin” or “from sin’s control” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 6 7 geua figs-abstractnouns ἁμαρτίας 1 See how you translated this abstract noun in [6:6](../06/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 8 wwhf figs-metaphor εἰ δὲ ἀπεθάνομεν σὺν Χριστῷ 1 we have died with Christ Paul speaks figuratively of baptized Christians as if they physically died with Christ (See [6:5](../06/05.md)). He means that in baptism Christians participate in the spiritual benefits obtained by Christ’s death and will one day **live together with him**. If your readers would not understand what **died with Christ** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “Indeed, since we are united to Christ’s death when baptized” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 8 mbx9 grammar-connect-condition-contrary εἰ δὲ 1 we have died with Christ In this verse, Paul is making a conditional statement that sounds hypothetical, but he is already convinced that the condition is true (See also [6:5](../06/05.md)). Paul has already affirmed that the baptized **have died with Christ** in [6:3–4](../06/03.md). Use a natural form in your language for introducing a condition that the speaker believes is true. Alternate translation: “Indeed, since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]]) ROM 6 8 c724 figs-explicit πιστεύομεν 1 we have died with Christ The implication is that since baptized Christians have **died with Christ**, the result is that they have confidence that will eternally **live together with him**. You could make that explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “we are confident” or “this persuades us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 6 8 cg31 grammar-connect-words-phrases ὅτι 1 we have died with Christ Here, **that** indicates that what follows is the result of having **died with Christ**. Alternate translation: “the result is” or “this means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 6 8 nuc1 figs-explicit καὶ συνζήσομεν αὐτῷ 1 we have died with Christ The implication is that **live together with him** refers to “everlasting life” (See [5:21](../05/21.md); [6:4–5](../06/04.md)). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “we will also live forever with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 6 9 bebx figs-infostructure εἰδότες ὅτι Χριστὸς ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν, οὐκέτι ἀποθνῄσκει 1 We know that since Christ has been raised from the dead If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “knowing that Christ is not going to die again, because he has been raised from the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 6 9 zdkc grammar-connect-words-phrases εἰδότες ὅτι 1 We know that since Christ has been raised from the dead Here, **knowing that** indicates that what follows is accepted teaching (See [6:6](../06/06.md) for a similar phrase). Alternate translation: “because we know this very thing,” or “since we are certain that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 6 9 gjqq figs-activepassive Χριστὸς ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “God caused Christ to resurrect after he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 6 9 zkq2 figs-idiom ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 We know that since Christ has been raised from the dead See how you translated the phrase **raised from the dead** in [6:4](../06/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 6 9 lvv8 figs-parallelism οὐκέτι ἀποθνῄσκει; θάνατος αὐτοῦ οὐκέτι κυριεύει 1 from the dead These two phrases mean similar things. Paul says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that **Christ** can never die again. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “is now Lord over death” or “has completely mastered death’s power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 6 9 wem1 figs-personification θάνατος αὐτοῦ οὐκέτι κυριεύει 1 death no longer has authority over him Here, **death** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a **lord** who could rule over someone. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “he no longer submits to being dead” or “he is not dead anymore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 9 kl3e figs-abstractnouns θάνατος 1 from the dead See how you translated the abstract noun **death** in [6:4](../06/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 10 ehi9 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 For in regard to the death that he died to sin, he died once for all Here, what follows **For** indicates the reason why Christ “no longer dies” in [6:9](../06/09.md).(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 10 e290 writing-pronouns ὃ…ὃ 1 For in regard to the death that he died to sin, he died once for all Here the phrase translated **in that** is a pronoun. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Here, **in that** could refer to: (1) the way Christ died and lives. Alternate translation: “the way that…the way that” or “how … how” (2) Christ’s death and life. Alternate translation: “the death … the life” (3) the timing of Christ’s death and life. Alternate translation: “when … now that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 6 10 aw31 figs-metaphor τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ ἀπέθανεν…ζῇ τῷ Θεῷ 1 For in regard to the death that he died to sin, he died once for all Paul speaks figuratively of **sin** and **God** as if they were locations in which Christ died and lives (See also the similar wording in [6:2](../06/02.md) for how this fact effects baptized Christians)). Paul means that Christ died for the sake of freeing humanity from being “enslaved to sin” (See [6:6](../06/06.md), and now that he is resurrected, he lives for the sake of glorifying God. If your readers would not understand what **died for sin** and **lives for God** means to be shipwrecked in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “he died for the sake of dominating how sinning controls people … he lives for the sake of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 11 cac8 grammar-connect-logic-result οὕτως 1 In the same way, you also must consider This phrase introduces a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: “As a result” or “For this reason” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 11 zjjv writing-pronouns ὑμεῖς 1 In the same way, you also must consider Throughout [6:11-23](../06/11/.md), the pronoun **you** and “your” are plural and refer to the church at Rome. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “you at Rome” or “you believers at Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 6 11 qvoj figs-rpronouns λογίζεσθε ἑαυτοὺς εἶναι 1 In the same way, you also must consider Paul uses the word **yourselves** to emphasize how important it is for the church at Rome to personally apply the spiritual benefits of Christ’s death and resurrection to their own lives. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “regard yourselves to be personally” or “reckon yourselves as actually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) ROM 6 11 yqub figs-imperative λογίζεσθε 1 In the same way, you also must consider This is an imperative, but it could communicate an appeal rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates an appeal or a command. Alternate translation: “should consider” or “consider” or “reckon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) ROM 6 11 dw6l figs-metaphor εἶναι νεκροὺς μὲν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, ζῶντας δὲ τῷ Θεῷ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 dead to sin Paul speaks figuratively of **sin** and **God** and **Christ** as if they were locations where Christians could die and live (See also [6:2](../06/02.md). [10](../06/10.md)). Paul means that for Christians the spiritual kingdom of sin and death (See [5:14](../05/14.md), [5:17](../05/17.md), [5:21](../05/21.md)) lost its power over them when Christ was crucified (See [6:6](../06/06.md)). This happens when they are united to **Christ Jesus** in baptism (See [6:3–4](../06/03.md)). If your readers would not understand what **be dead to sin** or **alive to God** or **in Christ Jesus** mean in this context, you could use equivalent metaphors from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “no longer dominated by living sinfully, but people who are spiritually resurrected by God because you are united to Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 12 pp2t grammar-connect-words-phrases οὖν 1 do not let sin rule in your mortal body Here, **Therefore** indicates that what follows is how the church at Rome should respond to the fact that they are “dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (See [6:11](../06/11.md)). Alternate translation: “As a result” or “So then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 6 12 s6h1 figs-personification μὴ…βασιλευέτω ἡ ἁμαρτία ἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι, εἰς τὸ ὑπακούειν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις αὐτοῦ 1 do not let sin rule in your mortal body Here, **sin** is spoken of figuratively as though it were king of a place called **mortal body** (See [5:21](../05/21.md)), and who demands obedience. Paul means that Christians should not allow **sin** and **lusts** dominate the way they use their bodies. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “you must not allow your physical body to become ruled by sinning, by submitting to lusting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 12 z7zh figs-imperative μὴ…βασιλευέτω ἡ ἁμαρτία 1 do not let sin rule in your mortal body This is an imperative, but it could communicate an appeal rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates an appeal or command. Alternate translation: “you should not allow sin to be king” or “I urge you, do not to let sin reign like a king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) ROM 6 12 cm8d figs-synecdoche ἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι 1 in your mortal body Paul could be referring figuratively to the **body**, one part of the human being, to mean the whole person. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternative translation: “over you” or “any of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 6 12 z1ia grammar-collectivenouns ἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι, 1 in your mortal body The word **body** is a singular noun and could emphasize the unity of the individual members of the whole church at Rome. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “over your mortal bodies” or “throughout your whole church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) ROM 6 12 r462 grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς τὸ ὑπακούειν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις αὐτοῦ 1 in order that you may obey its lusts This phrase indicates what happens when **sin** rules. Use a natural way in your language to express this idea. Here, **to obey** could refer to: (1) the result of letting **sin rule**. Alternate translation: “causing you to become obedient to lusting sinfully” (2) the way sin rules. Alternate translation: “by obeying how it tempts you to lust” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 12 zs9g figs-abstractnouns ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις αὐτοῦ 1 in order that you may obey its lusts If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **lusts**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “how it urges you to lust” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 12 kh3w writing-pronouns αὐτοῦ 1 in order that you may obey its lusts The pronoun **its** refers to **mortal body**. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “your mortal body’s” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 6 13 wt07 figs-infostructure μηδὲ παριστάνετε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα ἀδικίας τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, ἀλλὰ παραστήσατε ἑαυτοὺς τῷ Θεῷ, ὡσεὶ ἐκ νεκρῶν ζῶντας, καὶ τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα δικαιοσύνης τῷ Θεῷ 1 in order that you may obey its lusts If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases to emphasize the similar ideas. Alternate translation: “And do not present your members as tools of unrighteousness to sin, but present your members to God as tools of righteousness. In other words, present yourselves to God, as living from death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) ROM 6 13 mxto figs-metaphor μηδὲ παριστάνετε…παραστήσατε 1 in order that you may obey its lusts Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if their body parts were **tools** that could be offered in service or used by someone. He means that the church at Rome should no longer use their body parts for sinning, but instead to live in the way God wants. If your readers would not understand what it means **to present** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “do not offer … offer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 13 rnho figs-abstractnouns τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα ἀδικίας τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ…τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα δικαιοσύνης 1 in order that you may obey its lusts If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “how you use your body parts to live unrighteously through sinning … your body parts … to live righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 13 r0ak figs-synecdoche τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν…τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν 1 in order that you may obey its lusts Paul could be referring figuratively to the **members**, the body parts of the human being, to mean the whole person (See [6:12](../06/12.md)). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Here, **your members** could mean: (1) the whole person. Alternative translation: “yourselves … yourselves” (2) the individual body parts. Alternate translation: “your body parts … your body parts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 6 13 qncn figs-possession ὅπλα ἀδικίας…ὅπλα δικαιοσύνης 1 in order that you may obey its lusts Paul is using the possessive form to describe what characterizes these **tools**. Alternate translation: “as unrighteous tools … as righteous tools” or “as tools for living unrighteously … as tools for living righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 6 13 hlzf ὅπλα…ὅπλα 1 in order that you may obey its lusts Since the Greek word that ULT translates as **tools** often means “weapons,” Paul could be stressing the spiritual warfare that is involved for the Christian to “not allow sin to rule over” them (See [6:14](../06/14.md)). If this is confusing in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation: “as weapons … as weapons” ROM 6 13 dz8u figs-ellipsis ὅπλα…ὅπλα 1 in order that you may obey its lusts Words are left out here in the original that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. Since English needs it, **as** is added in brackets. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as tools … as tools” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 6 13 zgd3 figs-parallelism παραστήσατε ἑαυτοὺς τῷ Θεῷ…καὶ τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, ὅπλα δικαιοσύνης τῷ Θεῷ 1 in order that you may obey its lusts These two phrases basically mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in similar ways, to urge the church at Rome to commit their whole lives to God. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can reorder and combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “Instead, because you are free from living sinfully through being baptized, use every body part as a tool for serving God” or “Instead, because you are no longer dominated by living sinfully in baptism, present your whole body and life to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 6 13 oiz0 figs-rpronouns ἑαυτοὺς 1 in order that you may obey its lusts Paul uses the word **yourselves** to emphasize how the church at Rome should commit their whole lives to God. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “your whole lives” or “yourselves completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) ROM 6 13 px9k figs-simile ὡσεὶ ἐκ νεκρῶν ζῶντας 1 in order that you may obey its lusts The point of this comparison is that the church at Rome should live in such a way that demonstrates that the reality that they have been baptized, and are now **dead to sin, but alive to God** (See [6:11](../06/11.md)). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “because through being baptized you are free from living sinfully” or “because through baptism you are no longer dominated by living sinfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) ROM 6 14 u36f grammar-connect-logic-result ἁμαρτία γὰρ ὑμῶν οὐ κυριεύσει, οὐ γάρ ἐστε ὑπὸ νόμον, ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν 1 Do not allow sin to rule over you If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “Since you are not under law, but under grace, do not allow sin to rule over you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 14 gez3 figs-personification ἁμαρτία…ὑμῶν οὐ κυριεύσει 1 Do not allow sin to rule over you See how you translated the similar phrase in [6:12](../06/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 14 bl09 figs-declarative ἁμαρτία…οὐ κυριεύσει 1 Do not allow sin to rule over you Paul is using a future statement to give a command or strong appeal. If this is confusing in your language, you can use a more natural form for a command or appeal. Alternate translation: “sin must not rule over” or “do not allow sin to rule over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]]) ROM 6 14 caqv grammar-connect-words-phrases γάρ 1 Do not allow sin to rule over you Here, **For** indicates that what follows is the reason why Paul urges the church at Rome not to **allow sin to rule over** them. Alternate translation: “The reason for this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 6 14 a0dz figs-personification οὐ γάρ ἐστε ὑπὸ νόμον, ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν 1 Do not allow sin to rule over you Paul speaks figuratively of **law** and **grace** as if they were a kingdoms ruled by **sin** (See [5:17](../05/17.md), [21](../05/21.md) for a similar idea). He means that believing and baptized Jewish Christians are freed from the spiritual dominion of the requirements of the **law**, and now they serve the gracious God (See [6:15–23](../06/15.md)). If your readers would not understand what it means to **under law** and **under grace** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “Indeed, the law no longer dominates you, but you are freed by how gracious God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 14 ypqx figs-abstractnouns ὑπὸ χάριν 1 Do not allow sin to rule over you If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **grace**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “serve the gracious God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 15 zxb8 figs-rquestion τί οὖν? ἁμαρτήσωμεν ὅτι οὐκ ἐσμὲν ὑπὸ νόμον, ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν? 1 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be Paul is using a rhetorical questions in [6:15–16](../06/15.md) to reject certain rumors that misrepresent his teachings (See also [6:1–3](../06/01.md)). If you would not use rhetorical questions for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation or communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “We certainly are not saying that we should keep sinning since the law no longer dominates us, and because we now are freed by how gracious God is!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 6 15 a74y figs-ellipsis τί οὖν? 1 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “Are we then saying” or “What are we saying then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 6 15 rtts figs-quotations τί οὖν? ἁμαρτήσωμεν ὅτι οὐκ ἐσμὲν ὑπὸ νόμον, ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν? 1 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as a direct quotation that is an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Are we then saying? ‘We should sin because we are not under law, but under grace!’” or “What are we saying then? ‘Let us sin because we are not under law, but under grace!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) ROM 6 15 t4cc figs-abstractnouns ὑπὸ χάριν 1 May it never be See how you translated this abstract noun phrase in [6:14](../06/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 15 c77g figs-exclamations μὴ γένοιτο 1 May it never be **May it never be** is an exclamatory phrase that communicates a strong prohibition (See how you translated this phrase in [3:31](../03/31.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 6 16 n5j4 figs-hypo οὐκ οἴδατε, ὅτι ᾧ παριστάνετε ἑαυτοὺς δούλους εἰς ὑπακοήν, δοῦλοί ἐστε ᾧ ὑπακούετε 1 whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the church at Rome. Alternate translation: “Suppose you present yourselves to someone to obey as slaves. Then you would become slaves to that person you obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) ROM 6 16 hn6y writing-pronouns ᾧ…ᾧ 1 whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience The pronoun translated **what** can indicate a general reference to a thing or person. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Here, **what** could refer to: (1) the concepts of **sin** and **obedience**. Alternate translation: “to whatever … to whatever” (2) anyone or anything. Alternate translation: “to whomever or whatever… to whomever or whatever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 6 16 g6zz παριστάνετε ἑαυτοὺς 1 whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience See how you translated this similar phrase in [6:13](../06/13.md). ROM 6 16 psrr grammar-connect-logic-goal εἰς ὑπακοήν 1 whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience This phrase is a purpose clause. Paul is stating the purpose for which these people are **presenting** themselves as **slaves**. Use a natural way in your language for indicating a purpose clause. Alternate translation (without a comma preceding): “in order to obey” or “for the purpose of obeying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) ROM 6 16 zim4 figs-abstractnouns ὑπακοήν…ὑπακοῆς 1 whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of **obedience**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “to obey … to obey God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 16 h0ar figs-personification ἤτοι ἁμαρτίας εἰς θάνατον, ἢ ὑπακοῆς εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience Here, **sin** and **obedience** are spoken of as if they were masters that **slaves** would obey. Paul means that depending on how a person chooses to live, they end up obeying either sin or God, like a slave would serve a master. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “whether you serve as slaves by sinning, leading you to die, or you serve as slaves by obeying God, leading you to become righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 16 f595 figs-ellipsis ἤτοι ἁμαρτίας εἰς θάνατον, ἢ ὑπακοῆς εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “whether you present yourselves as slaves of sin leading to death, or you present yourselves as slaves of obedience leading to righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 6 16 gtzd figs-possession ἁμαρτίας…ὑπακοῆς 1 whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience Paul is using the possessive form to describe **slaves** that belong to **sin** or **obedience**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use make that idea explicit. Alternate translation: “slaves that belong to sin … slaves that belong to obedience” or “sin’s slaves … obedience’s slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 6 16 cyct figs-abstractnouns ἁμαρτίας…θάνατον…δικαιοσύνην 1 whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience See how you translated the abstract noun **sin** in [6:15](../06/15.md), **death** in [6:9](../06/09.md), and **righteousness** in [6:13](../06/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 16 zfgc grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς θάνατον…εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 whether you are slaves to sin … or slaves to obedience These phrases indicate result. Use natural way in your language to express the result of something. Alternate translation: “leading to death … leading to righteousness” or “bringing death … bringing righteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 17 xj75 figs-exclamations χάρις…τῷ Θεῷ 1 For you were slaves of sin What follows this exclamatory phrase indicates the reason why Paul is thankful **to God**. Use an exclamation form that is natural in your language for communicating this. Alternate translation: “I give thanks to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) ROM 6 17 yxt7 figs-personification δοῦλοι τῆς ἁμαρτίας 1 For you were slaves of sin See how you translated the similar phrase **of sin** in [6:16](../06/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 17 uwcy figs-personification ὑπηκούσατε δὲ ἐκ καρδίας, εἰς ὃν παρεδόθητε τύπον διδαχῆς 1 For you were slaves of sin Here, **the pattern of teaching** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could be **obeyed**. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “but you fully accepted the form of teaching that others passed on to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 17 g1gn grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 2 For you were slaves of sin What follows the word **but** here is meant to strongly contrast the former sinful life of Christians at Rome. Instead, they now **have obeyed God**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “instead” or “on the contrary” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) ROM 6 17 n3nz writing-pronouns ὑπηκούσατε…ἐκ καρδίας, εἰς ὃν παρεδόθητε τύπον διδαχῆς 1 For you were slaves of sin The pronoun **which** refers to **the pattern**. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “you became willingly obedient to which pattern of teaching you were given” or “you are now fully obedient to that pattern of teaching that others passed down to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 6 17 my2z figs-metonymy ὑπηκούσατε…ἐκ καρδίας 1 but you have obeyed from the heart Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s inner being or motives. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “you became wholeheartedly obedient” or “you totally obeyed” or “you obeyed from deep within” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 6 17 osck figs-explicit εἰς ὃν παρεδόθητε τύπον διδαχῆς 1 For you were slaves of sin The implication is that **the pattern of teaching** is the apostolic traditions (See note on “we” in [3:8](../03/08.md) and the same verb or noun forms used in [1 Corinthians 11:2](../1cor/11/02.md); [2 Thessalonians 2:15](../2th/02/15.md); [3:6](../2th/03/06.md); [2 Timothy 1:13](../2ti/01/13.md)). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the apostles’ teaching that others orally transmitted to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 6 17 pz14 figs-activepassive εἰς ὃν παρεδόθητε 1 the pattern of teaching that you were given If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God gave other apostles to transmit to you” or “that others passed on to you” or (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 6 18 fcd1 figs-personification ἐλευθερωθέντες δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, ἐδουλώθητε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ 1 You have been made free from sin Here, **sin** and **righteousness** are spoken of as if they were masters that **slaves** would obey (See [6:16](../06/16.md)). Paul means that depending on how a person chooses to live, they end up serving either sin or righteousness, like a slave would serve a master. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Ever since God freed you being enslaved to living sinfully, you became enslaved to living righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 18 y2zg figs-activepassive ἐλευθερωθέντες δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, ἐδουλώθητε 1 You have been made free from sin If your language does not use passive forms in this way, you could express these ideas in active forms or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “Now that God freed you from sin, he enslaved you” or “Since God released you from serving as slaves to sin, he enslaved you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 6 18 twpq figs-abstractnouns ἁμαρτίας…δικαιοσύνῃ 1 You have been made free from sin See how you translated the abstract nouns **sin** and **righteousness** in [6:16](../06/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 19 jlmd grammar-connect-logic-result ἀνθρώπινον λέγω, διὰ τὴν ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν 1 because of the weakness of your flesh If it would be more natural in your language, 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 of the weakness of your flesh, I speak as a man” or “Because you are still immature, I have to speak in simple terms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 19 puvh figs-idiom ἀνθρώπινον λέγω 1 because of the weakness of your flesh Here, the phrase **as a man** is an idiom meaning “the way people do” or “like a human being” (See a similar phrase in [3:5](../03/05.md)). If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I am speaking based on how human beings perceive things” or “I am talking like a mere human being” or “I am speaking the way people do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 6 19 zi2o writing-participants λέγω 1 because of the weakness of your flesh Here Paul speaks in the first person again. Use the natural form in your language for referring to an previously mentioned writer. The pronoun **I** reiterates that Paul is the writer of this letter. Since he is an old participant, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that explicit by using his name. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, am speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) ROM 6 19 lhh4 figs-nominaladj ἀνθρώπινον 1 because of the weakness of your flesh Paul is using the adjective phrase **as a man** as a noun in order to describe the way he is speaking. He means that he is speaking from a human perspective or with ideas any person could understand. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “from a human perspective” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ROM 6 19 gt1n figs-abstractnouns διὰ τὴν ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν…τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν δοῦλα τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ τῇ ἀνομίᾳ εἰς τὴν ἀνομίαν…τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν…τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ εἰς ἁγιασμόν 1 because of the weakness of your flesh If your language does not use abstract nouns for these ideas, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “because of how immature you are … body parts … act impurely and increasingly wicked behavior … your body parts … for living rightly in order to live like God’s people should” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 19 l4ah figs-idiom τὴν ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν 1 because of the weakness of your flesh Here, the term **flesh** is an idiom meaning “human.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “how immature you are” or “your human weakness” or “your natural limitations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 6 19 bmo7 figs-parallelism ὥσπερ γὰρ παρεστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν δοῦλα τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ τῇ ἀνομίᾳ εἰς τὴν ἀνομίαν, οὕτως νῦν παραστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, δοῦλα τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ εἰς ἁγιασμόν 1 because of the weakness of your flesh These two clauses mean the opposite thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in opposite ways, to show the contrast between being **slaves to uncleanness** and **slaves to righteousness**. Be sure to retain the similar forms to keep the parallel ideas explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 6 19 jbcz figs-personification ὥσπερ γὰρ παρεστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν δοῦλα τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ, καὶ τῇ ἀνομίᾳ εἰς τὴν ἀνομίαν, οὕτως νῦν παραστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν, δοῦλα τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ εἰς ἁγιασμόν 1 because of the weakness of your flesh Here, **uncleanness** and ** righteousness** are spoken of figuratively as though they were slave-masters of **members**. Paul means that the church at Rome previously used their bodies to serve sinful purposes, but should now use their bodies to serve righteous purposes. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Indeed, in the same way you used to slavishly offer yourselves to live impurely, leading you to act more and more lawless, so now offer yourselves to live righteously for God, leading you to act holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 19 ran5 figs-synecdoche τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν…τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν 1 presented the parts of your body as slaves to uncleanness and to evil Paul refers figuratively to **members**, parts of the human body, to mean the whole person (See also [6:13](../06/13.md)). If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “yourselves … yourselves” or “your bodies … your bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 6 19 ka0f figs-imperative νῦν παραστήσατε 1 presented the parts of your body as slaves to uncleanness and to evil This is an imperative, but it could communicate an appeal rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates either an urgent appeal or a command. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “I beg you” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “you must now use” or “I beg you now to present” or “I urge you now to offer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) ROM 6 19 o0ta grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς ἁγιασμόν 1 presented the parts of your body as slaves to uncleanness and to evil This phrase indicates result. Use natural way in your language to express the result of something. Alternate translation: “leading you to live holy” or “causing you to become sanctified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 20 s9pk grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 you were free from righteousness Here, **For** introduces a result clause. Use a natural way in your language to express the result of something. Alternate translation: “This reason for this is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 20 aavw figs-parallelism δοῦλοι ἦτε τῆς ἁμαρτίας, ἐλεύθεροι ἦτε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ 1 you were free from righteousness These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul says the same thing twice, in opposite ways, to emphasize the relationship between **sin** and **righteousness**. Be sure to retain the similar phrasing to keep the parallel ideas explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 6 20 i1ze figs-personification ἐλεύθεροι ἦτε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ 1 you were free from righteousness Here, **sin** and **righteousness** are spoken of figuratively as though they were slave-masters. Paul means that when church at Rome previously used their bodies to serve sinful purposes, they were not **slaves** of **righteousness** by serving God’s purposes (See [6:19](../06/19.md)). If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “you did not serve God” or “you were not enslaved to righteousness” or “you did not live righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 20 mu0y figs-irony ἐλεύθεροι ἦτε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ 1 Paul is not making a serious suggestion here that sinful people are not required to live righteously. Paul actually means to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of **free**. If this would be misunderstood in your language, consider expressing the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you were unrighteous” or “you were alienated from serving God’s righteous purposes” or “you were unable to live righteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) ROM 6 21 x3bn grammar-connect-logic-result τίνα οὖν καρπὸν εἴχετε τότε, ἐφ’ οἷς νῦν ἐπαισχύνεσθε? τὸ γὰρ τέλος ἐκείνων θάνατος 1 At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed? If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second sentence gives the reason for the result that the first sentence describes. Alternate translation: “Since the outcome of those things is death, what fruit then did you have from that of which you are now ashamed?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 21 kjl5 figs-rquestion τίνα οὖν καρπὸν εἴχετε τότε, ἐφ’ οἷς νῦν ἐπαισχύνεσθε 1 At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed? Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize the futility of being “slaves to sin” in [6:20](../06/20.md). 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 in order to communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “So then, it is clear that the shameful way you used to live never produced anything beneficial for you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 6 21 vgam figs-idiom καρπὸν 1 At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed? Here, the term **fruit** is an idiom meaning “benefit” or “advantage.” If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “advantage” or “profit” or “value” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 6 21 pnbm figs-explicit ἐφ’ οἷς…ἐκείνων 1 At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed? The implication is that **which things** and **those things** refer to sins. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of which sins … those sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 6 21 j2ie figs-abstractnouns τὸ γὰρ τέλος ἐκείνων θάνατος 1 At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed? If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **outcome**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “This is because what finally results from those things is death” or “Certainly, those things end in death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 22 x8vw grammar-connect-logic-contrast νυνὶ δέ 1 But now that you have been made free from sin and are enslaved to God Here what follows **But now** strongly contrasts the way the baptized Christians at Rome used to live as “slaves to sin” (See [6:20](../06/20.md)). Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “However presently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) ROM 6 22 fmtc figs-personification ἐλευθερωθέντες ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, δουλωθέντες δὲ τῷ Θεῷ 1 But now that you have been made free from sin and are enslaved to God Here, **sin** and **God** are spoken of figuratively as though they were slave-masters. Paul means that when church at Rome previously used their bodies to serve sinful purposes, they were not serving **God** or “righteousness” (See [6:18](../06/18.md) for a similar phrase). If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “ever since God freed you from being enslaved to living sinfully, and you began to serve God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 22 z3ap figs-activepassive ἐλευθερωθέντες ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, δουλωθέντες δὲ τῷ Θεῷ 1 But now that you have been made free from sin and are enslaved to God If your language does not use passive forms in this way, you could express these ideas in active forms or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: “Now that God freed you from sin, and he enslaved you to serve as his slaves” or “Since God released you from serving as slaves to sin, and he enslaved you to serve him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 6 22 npf3 figs-idiom ἔχετε τὸν καρπὸν ὑμῶν 1 you have your fruit for sanctification See how you translated this idiom in [6:21](../06/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 6 22 a478 figs-abstractnouns εἰς ἁγιασμόν, τὸ…τέλος ζωὴν αἰώνιον 1 The result is eternal life See how you translated the abstract nouns **sanctification** in [6:19](../06/19.md), **the outcome** in [6:21](../06/21.md), and **everlasting life** in [5:21](../05/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 22 lvhh grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς ἁγιασμόν 1 you have your fruit for sanctification This phrase indicates result. Use natural way in your language to express the result of something. Alternate translation: “that leads to sanctification” or “that causes you to become holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 23 ze3f figs-personification τὰ γὰρ ὀψώνια τῆς ἁμαρτίας θάνατος 1 For the wages of sin are death Here, **sin** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could pay **wages**. Paul means that the result of living sinfully is eternal **death**. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Indeed, when a person lives sinfully it results in eternal death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 6 23 juc4 figs-metaphor τὰ γὰρ ὀψώνια τῆς ἁμαρτίας θάνατος 1 For the wages of sin are death Paul speaks figuratively of **death** as if it were a **wages** paid to those who **sin**. He means that the result of living sinfully is eternal **death**. If your readers would not understand what **wages** or **death** means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “This is because whoever lives sinfully earns eternal death as if it were wages for work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 23 ffpr grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 For the wages of sin are death Here what follows **for**summarizes chapter 6 and its theme of the results of living sinfully and living righteously. Alternate translation: “This is because” or “In summary” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 6 23 iyv3 figs-possession τὰ…ὀψώνια τῆς ἁμαρτίας 1 For the wages of sin are death Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the wages** that come from **sin**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “sin’s” instead of the noun “sin” or communicate that another way. Alternate translation: “sin’s wages” or “the wages that come from sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 6 23 slyb figs-abstractnouns θάνατος; τὸ…χάρισμα…ζωὴ αἰώνιος 1 For the wages of sin are death See how you translated the abstract nouns **death** in [6:21](../06/21.md), **gracious gift** in [5:15–16](../05/15.md), and **everlasting life** in [6:22](../06/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 6 23 cwkw figs-possession τὸ…χάρισμα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 For the wages of sin are death Paul is using the possessive form to describe **the gracious gift** that comes from **God**. If this is not clear in your language, you could use the adjective “God’s” instead of the noun “God” or communicate that another way. Alternate translation: “God’s gracious gift” or “the gracious gift from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) ROM 6 23 jn66 figs-metaphor ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 For the wages of sin are death Paul speaks figuratively of **eternal life** as if it were occupying space inside of **Christ Jesus**. Paul means that **eternal life** comes by being united to **Christ Jesus** in baptism (See [6:3–4](../06/03.md), [11](../06/11.md)). If your readers would not understand what **in Christ Jesus** means in this context, you could use equivalent metaphors from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “for those who are united to Christ Jesus” or “comes through being united to Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 6 23 qq9e figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 For the wages of sin are death Here, **our** refers to all baptized Christians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 7 intro fl1y 0 # Romans 7 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

5. Becoming like Christ in this life (6:1–8:39)
* Baptism represents union with Christ’s death (6:1–14)
* Christians are now slaves of righteousness (6:15–23)
* Christians have been freed from the law (7:1–6)
* Christians still struggle with indwelling sin (7:7–25)

### “Or do you not know”

Paul uses this phrase to discuss a new topic, while connecting what follows with the previous teaching.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “We have been released from the law”

Paul explains that the law of Moses is no longer in effect. While this is true, the timeless principles behind the law reflect the character of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Marriage

Scripture commonly uses marriage as a metaphor. Here Paul uses it to describe how the church relates to the law of Moses and now to Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Flesh

This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]]) ROM 7 1 mk7w figs-rquestion ἢ ἀγνοεῖτε, ἀδελφοί (γινώσκουσιν γὰρ νόμον λαλῶ), ὅτι ὁ νόμος κυριεύει τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐφ’ ὅσον χρόνον ζῇ? 1 do you not know, brothers … that the law controls a person for as long as he lives? Paul is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize that the Jew is required to obey the law his whole life. 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: “Because you are Jewish, you certainly understand that what God requires in his law obligates you to obey it for as long as you live!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 7 1 r9fl figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί…τοῦ ἀνθρώπου…ζῇ 1 brothers Although the term **brothers** and **the man** and **he** are masculine, Paul is using the words here in a generic sense that includes both males and females. Alternate translation: “my fellow Jewish believers in Christ … a person … that person lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ROM 7 1 s4su figs-aside (γινώσκουσιν γὰρ νόμον λαλῶ) 1 brothers Paul could be saying this as an aside in order to clarify that he is specifically directing this part of the letter to the Jewish believers of the church at Rome. If this would be confusing in your language, you could add parentheses like the ULT or use a natural way in your language to indicate an aside. Alternate translation: “(this is because I am writing to Jewish believers in Christ)” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) ROM 7 1 j67x grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 brothers Here what follows **For** indicates the reason why these **brothers** should understand what Paul is saying (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ROM 7 1 ajk4 writing-pronouns λαλῶ 1 brothers The pronoun **I** refers to Paul (See [6:19](../06/19.md)). If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, am speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 7 1 k3h5 figs-personification γινώσκουσιν…νόμον 1 brothers Here, **the law** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who someone else could know. Paul means that these Jewish believers in Christ understand what God’s **law** teaches. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to people who know what the law teaches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 1 okz5 figs-personification ὁ νόμος κυριεύει τοῦ ἀνθρώπου 1 brothers Here, **the law** is spoken of figuratively as though it were king. Paul means that, like a king, **the law** requires obedience for those who are obligated to obey it. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “like a king, God’s law must be obeyed by every Jewish person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 2 hpn4 figs-activepassive ἡ γὰρ ὕπανδρος γυνὴ…δέδεται νόμῳ…κατήργηται 1 Connecting Statement: 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: “according to what his law teaches, God binds the married woman … God releases her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 7 2 l6d9 figs-personification ἡ γὰρ ὕπανδρος γυνὴ τῷ ζῶντι ἀνδρὶ δέδεται νόμῳ 1 the married woman is bound by law to the husband Here, **law** is spoken of figuratively as though it were a person who could tie someone up. Paul means that the law teaches that a **married woman** is required to stay married to her **husband** for as long he is alive. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Indeed, according to what his law teaches, God requires a married woman to remain married to her husband as long as he lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 2 as1h grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Connecting Statement: Here, **For** indicates that what follows in [7:2–3](../07/02.md) is an example from God’s law (See that illustrates Paul’s assertion in [7:1](../07/01.md) about how “the law rules over the man for as long as he lives”). Alternate translation: “For example,” or “As an illustration,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) ROM 7 3 w3yw 0 Connecting Statement: This verse ends a description of what Paul means by “the law controls a person for as long as he lives” ([Romans 7:1](../07/01.md)). ROM 7 3 r2m4 figs-activepassive μοιχαλὶς χρηματίσει 1 she will be called an adulteress You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will consider her an adulteress” or “people will call her an adulteress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 7 3 wg4k ἐλευθέρα ἐστὶν ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου 1 she is free from the law Here being **free from the law** means not having to obey the law. In this case, the woman does not have to obey the law that says that a married woman cannot marry another man. Alternate translation: “she does not have to obey that law” ROM 7 4 ne64 ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου 1 Therefore, my brothers This relates back to [Romans 7:1](../07/01.md). ROM 7 4 u5nu ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, **brothers** refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women. ROM 7 4 z8zj figs-activepassive καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐθανατώθητε τῷ νόμῳ διὰ τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 you were also made dead to the law through the body of Christ You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “you also died to the law when through Christ you died on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 7 4 t9nt figs-idiom τῷ ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγερθέντι 1 to him who was raised from the dead Here, **raised from the dead** is an idiom for “caused to live again.” Alternate translation: “to him who was caused to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 7 4 rj6u figs-activepassive τῷ ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγερθέντι 1 You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “to him whom God raised from the dead” or “to him whom God caused to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 7 4 c4rl figs-metaphor καρποφορήσωμεν τῷ Θεῷ 1 we might produce fruit for God Here, **fruit** is a metaphor for actions that please God. Alternate translation: “we might be able to do things pleasing to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 7 5 xed9 figs-metaphor εἰς τὸ καρποφορῆσαι τῷ θανάτῳ 1 to bear fruit for death Here, **fruit** is a metaphor for a “result of one’s actions” or “outcome of one’s actions.” Alternate translation: “which resulted in spiritual-death” or “the outcome of which was our own spiritual death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 7 6 mze7 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds us that God does not make us holy by the law. ROM 7 6 l8w4 figs-activepassive κατηργήθημεν ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου 1 we have been released from the law You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has released us from the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 7 6 j6i3 figs-exclusive κατηργήθημεν 1 we have been released The pronoun **we** refers to Paul and the believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 7 6 l2l3 figs-activepassive ἐν ᾧ κατειχόμεθα 1 to that by which we were held This refers to the law. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “to the law which held us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 7 6 rm8r figs-explicit γράμματος 1 the letter Here, **the letter** refers to the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “of the law of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 7 7 k1jj figs-rquestion τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν? 1 What will we say then? Paul uses this phrase to introduce a new topic. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 7 7 erx6 μὴ γένοιτο 1 May it never be “Of course that is not true!” This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in [Romans 9:14](../09/14.md). ROM 7 7 zl8m figs-personification τὴν ἁμαρτίαν οὐκ ἔγνων, εἰ μὴ διὰ νόμου 1 I would never have known sin, if it were not through the law Paul is speaking of **sin** as if it were a person who can act. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 8 mz77 figs-personification ἀφορμὴν δὲ λαβοῦσα ἡ ἁμαρτία διὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς, κατειργάσατο ἐν ἐμοὶ πᾶσαν ἐπιθυμίαν; 1 But sin took the opportunity … brought about every lust Paul continues comparing sin to a person who can act. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 8 r5i2 χωρὶς…νόμου, ἁμαρτία νεκρά 1 without the law, sin is dead Alternate translation: “if there were no law, there would be no breaking of the law, so there would be no sin” ROM 7 9 q9le figs-personification ἡ ἁμαρτία ἀνέζησεν 1 sin regained life This could mean: (1) Paul realized that he was sinning. (2) Paul strongly desired to sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 10 yu1u figs-metaphor εὑρέθη μοι ἡ ἐντολὴ, ἡ εἰς ζωὴν, αὕτη εἰς θάνατον. 1 The commandment that was to bring life turned out to be death for me Paul speaks of God’s **commandment** as if it resulted primarily in physical death. Alternate translation: “God gave me the commandment so I would live, but it killed me instead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 7 11 r582 figs-personification ἡ γὰρ ἁμαρτία ἀφορμὴν λαβοῦσα διὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς, ἐξηπάτησέν με καὶ δι’ αὐτῆς ἀπέκτεινεν 1 For sin took the opportunity through the commandment and deceived me. Through the commandment it killed me As in [Romans 7:7-8](./07.md), Paul is describing **sin** as a person who can do three things: take the opportunity, deceive, and kill. Alternate translation: “Because I wanted to sin, I deceived myself into thinking that I could sin and obey the commandment at the same time, but God punished me for disobeying the commandment by separating me from him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 11 qi99 ἡ…ἁμαρτία 1 sin Alternate translation: “my desire to sin” ROM 7 11 f6sx figs-metaphor ἀπέκτεινεν 1 it killed me Paul speaks of sin as if it resulted primarily in physical death. Alternate translation: “it separated me from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 7 13 cz5k 0 Connecting Statement: Paul talks about the struggle inside his inner man between sin in his inner man and his mind with the law of God—between sin and good. ROM 7 13 us69 οὖν 1 So Paul is introducing a new topic. ROM 7 13 e1bx figs-rquestion τὸ…ἀγαθὸν ἐμοὶ ἐγένετο θάνατος? 1 did what is good become death to me? Paul uses this question to add emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 7 13 g451 τὸ…ἀγαθὸν 1 what is good This refers to God’s law. ROM 7 13 qwe9 ἐμοὶ ἐγένετο θάνατος 1 become death to me Alternate translation: “did … cause me to die” ROM 7 13 hgm6 figs-rquestion μὴ γένοιτο! 1 May it never be This expression gives the strongest possible negative answer to the preceding rhetorical question. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. Alternate translation: “Of course that is not true!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 7 13 m4l5 figs-personification ἡ ἁμαρτία…μοι κατεργαζομένη θάνατον; 1 sin … brought about death in me Paul is viewing **sin** as though it were a person who could act. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 13 pnq6 μοι κατεργαζομένη θάνατον 1 brought about death in me Alternate translation: “separated me from God” ROM 7 13 a6zb διὰ τῆς ἐντολῆς 1 through the commandment Alternate translation: “because I disobeyed the commandment” ROM 7 15 udc8 0 Connecting Statement: Paul talks about the struggle inside his inner man between his flesh and the law of God—between sin and good. ROM 7 15 u3av ὃ γὰρ κατεργάζομαι, οὐ γινώσκω 1 For what I do, I do not really understand Alternate translation: “I am not sure why I do some of the things that I do” ROM 7 15 hv9g ὃ γὰρ κατεργάζομαι 1 For what I do Alternate translation: “Because what I do” ROM 7 15 az2z figs-hyperbole οὐ…ὃ θέλω, τοῦτο πράσσω 2 what I want to do, this I do not do The words **I do not do** are an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul does not do what he wants to do as often as he would like or that he does what he does not want to do too often. Alternate translation: “I do not always do what I want to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 7 15 zv5l figs-hyperbole ὃ μισῶ, τοῦτο ποιῶ. 1 what I hate, this I do The words **I do**, which implies that he always does what he hates to do, are an exaggeration to emphasize that Paul does what he does not want to do too often. Alternate translation: “the things that I know are not good are the things that I sometimes do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 7 16 y26s εἰ δὲ ὃ οὐ θέλω, τοῦτο ποιῶ 1 But if I do Alternate translation: “However, if I do what I do not want to do” ROM 7 16 q3b5 σύνφημι τῷ νόμῳ, ὅτι καλός 1 I agree with the law Alternate translation: “I know God’s law is good” ROM 7 17 f6n8 figs-personification ἡ ἐνοικοῦσα ἐν ἐμοὶ ἁμαρτία 1 the sin that lives in me Paul describes **sin** as a living being that has the power to influence him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 18 p1c1 figs-metonymy τῇ σαρκί μου 1 my flesh Here, **flesh** is a metonym for the sinful nature. Alternate translation: “my sinful nature” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 7 19 ri3b ἀγαθόν 1 the good Alternate translation: “the good deeds” or “the good actions” ROM 7 19 j69g κακὸν 1 the evil Alternate translation: “the evil deeds” or “the evil actions” ROM 7 20 afw6 figs-personification ἀλλὰ ἡ οἰκοῦσα ἐν ἐμοὶ ἁμαρτία 1 rather sin that lives in me Paul speaks of **sin** as if it were alive and living inside him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 21 fbr9 figs-personification ὅτι ἐμοὶ τὸ κακὸν παράκειται 1 that evil is actually present in me Paul speaks of **evil** here as if it were alive and living inside him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 7 22 m13q figs-metaphor τὸν ἔσω ἄνθρωπον 1 the inner man This refers to the newly-revived spirit of a person who trusts in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 7 23 clu4 βλέπω δὲ ἕτερον νόμον ἐν τοῖς μέλεσίν μου, ἀντιστρατευόμενον τῷ νόμῳ τοῦ νοός μου, καὶ αἰχμαλωτίζοντά με 1 But I see a different principle in my body parts. It fights against that new principle in my mind. It takes me captive Alternate translation: “But I am able only to do what my old nature tells me to do, not to live the new way the Spirit shows me” ROM 7 23 t7yh τῷ νόμῳ τοῦ νοός μου 1 new principle This refers to the new spiritually-alive nature. ROM 7 23 fct8 ἕτερον νόμον ἐν τοῖς μέλεσίν μου 1 a different principle in my body parts This refers to the old nature, the way people are when they are born. ROM 7 23 u4ny τῷ νόμῳ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, τῷ ὄντι ἐν τοῖς μέλεσίν μου 1 the principle of sin that is in my body parts Alternate translation: “my sinful nature” ROM 7 24 h8l8 figs-rquestion τίς με ῥύσεται ἐκ τοῦ σώματος τοῦ θανάτου τούτου? 1 Who will deliver me from this body of death? Paul uses this question to express great emotion. If your language has a way of showing great emotion through an exclamation or a question, use it here. Alternate translation: “I want someone to set me free from the control of what my body desires!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 7 24 nu6u με ῥύσεται 1 deliver me Alternate translation: “will rescue me” ROM 7 24 md8e figs-metaphor τοῦ σώματος τοῦ θανάτου τούτου 1 this body of death This is a metaphor that means a **body** that will experience physical **death**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 7 25 w9ui χάρις τῷ Θεῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν 1 But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord This is the answer to the question in 7:24. ROM 7 25 adx1 figs-metaphor ἄρα οὖν αὐτὸς ἐγὼ, τῷ μὲν νοῒ δουλεύω νόμῳ Θεοῦ; τῇ δὲ σαρκὶ, νόμῳ ἁμαρτίας 1 So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind. However, with the flesh I serve the principle of sin The mind and flesh are used here to show how they compare to serve either the **law of God** or the principle of **sin**. With the mind or intellect one can choose to please and obey God and with the flesh or physical nature to serve sin. Alternate translation: “My mind chooses to please God, but my flesh chooses to obey sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 intro ev4r 0 # Romans 8 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

5. Becoming like Christ in this life (6:1–8:39)
* Baptism represents union with Christ’s death (6:1–14)
* Christians are now slaves of righteousness (6:15–23)
* Christians have been freed from the law (7:1–6)
* Christians still struggle with indwelling sin (7:7–25)
* The Holy Spirit dwells in Christians (8:1–27)
* Christians have confidence in God’s love (8:28–8:39)

The first verse of this chapter is a transitional sentence. Paul concludes his teaching of Chapter 7 and leads into the words of Chapter 8.

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 verse 36. Paul quotes these words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Indwelling of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is said to live inside a person or inside their heart. If the Spirit is present, this signifies that a person is saved. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

### “These are sons of God”

Jesus is the Son of God in a unique way. God also adopts Christians to be his children. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sonofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/adoption]])

### Predestination

Many scholars believe Paul in this chapter teaches on a subject known as “predestination.” This is related to the biblical concept of “predestine.” Some take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen some to be eternally saved. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject. So translators need to take extra care when translating this chapter, especially with regards to elements of causation. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/predestine]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Metaphor

Paul poetically presents his teaching in verses 38 and 39 in the form of an extended metaphor. He explains that nothing can separate a person from the love of God in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### No condemnation

This phrase must be translated carefully to avoid doctrinal confusion. People are still guilty of their sin. God disapproves of acting sinfully, even after believing in Jesus. God still punishes the sins of believers, but Jesus has paid the punishment for their sin. This is what Paul expresses here. The word “condemn” has several possible meanings. Here Paul emphasizes that people who believe in Jesus are no longer punished eternally for their sin by being “condemned to hell.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]])

### Flesh

This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]]) ROM 8 1 xq2y 0 Connecting Statement: Paul gives the answer to the struggle he has with sin and good. ROM 8 1 xw65 figs-explicit οὐδὲν ἄρα νῦν κατάκριμα τοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Here, **condemnation** refers to punishing people. Alternate translation: “God will not condemn and punish those who are joined to Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 8 1 i12t ἄρα 1 therefore Alternate translation: “for that reason” or “because what I have just told you is true” ROM 8 2 x8uu figs-explicit ὁ…νόμος τοῦ Πνεύματος τῆς ζωῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus Here, **the Spirit of life** refers to God’s Spirit. Alternate translation: “the working of the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 8 2 th4n figs-metaphor ἠλευθέρωσέν σε ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου τῆς ἁμαρτίας καὶ τοῦ θανάτου 1 has set you free from the law of sin and death Being **set free** from **the law of sin and death** is a metaphor for not being controlled by the law of sin and death. Alternate translation: “has caused the law of sin and death to no longer control you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 2 u82e τοῦ νόμου τῆς ἁμαρτίας καὶ τοῦ θανάτου 1 the law of sin and death This could mean: (1) the **law** of Moses, which provokes people to sin, and their sin causes them to die. Alternate translation: “the law which causes sin and death” (2) Paul is stating the principle that people **sin** and die. ROM 8 3 j98t figs-personification τὸ γὰρ ἀδύνατον τοῦ νόμου, ἐν ᾧ ἠσθένει διὰ τῆς σαρκός, ὁ Θεὸς 1 For what the law was unable to do because it was weak through the flesh, God did Here the **law** is described as a person who could not break the power of sin. Alternate translation: “For the law did not have the power to stop us from sinning, because the power of sin within us was too strong. But God did stop us from sinning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 8 3 etf2 διὰ τῆς σαρκός 1 through the flesh Alternate translation: “because of people’s sinful nature” ROM 8 3 p4qq τὸν ἑαυτοῦ Υἱὸν πέμψας, ἐν ὁμοιώματι σαρκὸς ἁμαρτίας, καὶ περὶ ἁμαρτίας, κατέκρινε τὴν ἁμαρτίαν 1 He … sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh … an offering for sin … he condemned sin The **Son** of God forever satisfied God’s holy anger against our sin by giving his own body and human life as the eternal sacrifice for sin. ROM 8 3 csl8 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Υἱὸν 1 Son **Son** is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) ROM 8 3 uf94 ἐν ὁμοιώματι σαρκὸς ἁμαρτίας 1 in the likeness of sinful flesh Alternate translation: “who looked like any other sinful human being” ROM 8 3 hfr2 καὶ περὶ ἁμαρτίας 1 to be an offering for sin Alternate translation: “so that he could die as a sacrifice for our sins” ROM 8 3 es29 κατέκρινε τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ἐν τῇ σαρκί 1 he condemned sin in the flesh Alternate translation: “God broke the power of sin through the body of his Son” ROM 8 4 j9ff figs-activepassive τὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ νόμου πληρωθῇ ἐν ἡμῖν 1 the requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “we might fulfill what the law requires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 4 acc4 figs-metaphor τοῖς μὴ κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦσιν 1 we who walk not according to the flesh Here, **walking** on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: “we who do not obey our sinful desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 4 bgg7 figs-idiom τοῖς μὴ κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦσιν 1 Here, **flesh** is an idiom for sinful human nature. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 8 4 a5t4 ἀλλὰ κατὰ Πνεῦμα 1 but according to the Spirit Alternate translation: “but who obey the Holy Spirit” ROM 8 6 y6p7 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues to contrast the flesh with the Spirit we now have. ROM 8 6 vyw4 figs-personification τὸ…φρόνημα τῆς σαρκὸς…τὸ δὲ φρόνημα τοῦ Πνεύματος 1 the mind set on the flesh … the mind set on the Spirit Here Paul speaks of both the **mind of the flesh** and the **mind of the Spirit** as if they were living persons. Alternate translation: “the way sinful people think … the way people who listen to the Holy Spirit think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 8 8 me7u οἱ…ἐν σαρκὶ ὄντες 1 Those who are in the flesh This refers to people who do what their sinful nature tells them to do. ROM 8 9 czm9 ἐν σαρκὶ 1 in the flesh “acting according to your sinful natures.” See how **the flesh** was translated in [Romans 8:5](../08/05.md). ROM 8 9 e54u ἐν Πνεύματι 1 in the Spirit Alternate translation: “acting according to the Holy Spirit” ROM 8 9 p55f Πνεύματι,…Πνεῦμα Θεοῦ…Πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ 1 Spirit … God’s Spirit … Spirit of Christ These all refer to the Holy **Spirit**. ROM 8 9 bei3 εἴπερ 1 if it is true that This phrase does not mean Paul doubts that some of them have God’s Spirit. Paul wants them to realize that they all have God’s Spirit. Alternate translation: “since” or “because” ROM 8 10 q8be figs-explicit εἰ…Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν 1 If Christ is in you How **Christ** lives in a person could be made explicit. Alternate translation: “If Christ lives in you through the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 8 10 e6g9 figs-idiom τὸ μὲν σῶμα νεκρὸν διὰ ἁμαρτίαν 1 the body is dead with respect to sin This could mean: (1) a person is spiritually **dead** to the power of sin. (2) the physical **body** will still die because of sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 8 10 yb1b figs-idiom τὸ δὲ Πνεῦμα ζωὴ διὰ δικαιοσύνην 1 the spirit is alive with respect to righteousness This could mean: (1) a person is spiritually **alive** because God has given him power to do what is right. (2) God will bring the person back to life after he dies because God is righteous and gives believers eternal life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 8 11 jlc9 εἰ δὲ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ ἐγείραντος τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐκ νεκρῶν οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν 1 If the Spirit … lives in you Paul assumes that the Holy Spirit lives in his readers. Alternate translation: “Since the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you” ROM 8 11 b9pu τοῦ ἐγείραντος 1 of him who raised Alternate translation: “of God, who raised” ROM 8 11 jr6p figs-idiom ἐγείραντος τὸν Ἰησοῦν 1 raised Jesus Here “to raise” is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “who caused Jesus to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 8 11 t27d τὰ θνητὰ σώματα ὑμῶν 1 mortal bodies Alternate translation: “your physical bodies” or “your bodies, which will die someday” ROM 8 12 mv1r ἄρα οὖν 1 So then Alternate translation: “Because what I have just told you is true” ROM 8 12 qw5b ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women. ROM 8 12 e3j8 figs-metaphor ὀφειλέται ἐσμέν 1 we are debtors Paul is speaking of obedience as if it were paying back a debt. Alternate translation: “we need to obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 12 fb3m figs-ellipsis οὐ τῇ σαρκὶ, τοῦ κατὰ σάρκα ζῆν 1 but not to the flesh to live according to the flesh You can include the implied word “debtors.” Alternate translation: “but we are not debtors to the flesh, and we do not have to obey our sinful desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 8 13 ri75 εἰ γὰρ κατὰ σάρκα ζῆτε 1 For if you live according to the flesh Alternate translation: “Because if you live only to please your sinful desires” ROM 8 13 b9n5 μέλλετε ἀποθνῄσκειν 1 you are about to die Alternate translation: “you will certainly be separated from God” ROM 8 13 ld2h figs-metaphor εἰ δὲ Πνεύματι τὰς πράξεις τοῦ σώματος θανατοῦτε 1 but if by the Spirit you put to death the body’s actions Paul speaks of not doing sinful **deeds** as putting them to death. Alternate translation: “but if by the power of the Holy Spirit you stop obeying your sinful desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 14 u8pv figs-activepassive ὅσοι γὰρ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ ἄγονται 1 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For all the people whom the Spirit of God leads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 14 gd1i υἱοί Θεοῦ 1 sons of God Here, **sons of God** refers to all believers in Jesus. ROM 8 15 ecq3 ἐν ᾧ κράζομεν 1 by which we cry Alternate translation: “who causes us to cry out” ROM 8 15 vxs9 translate-unknown Ἀββά, ὁ Πατήρ 1 Abba, Father **Abba** is the word for **Father** in the Aramaic language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) ROM 8 17 fj7w figs-metaphor κληρονόμοι μὲν Θεοῦ 1 heirs of God Paul speaks of the Christian believers as if they will inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: “we also will one day receive what God has promised us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 17 q751 figs-metaphor συνκληρονόμοι…Χριστοῦ 1 we are joint heirs with Christ Paul speaks of the Christian believers as if they will inherit property and wealth from a family member. God will give to us what he gives to Christ. Alternate translation: “we will also receive what God has promised us and Christ together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 17 j6ia figs-activepassive ἵνα καὶ συνδοξασθῶμεν 1 that we may also be glorified with him God will honor Christian believers when he honors Christ. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “that God may glorify us along with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 18 phk6 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds us as believers that our bodies will be changed at the redemption of our bodies in this section which ends in [Romans 8:25](../08/25.md). ROM 8 18 i5nu γὰρ 1 For This emphasizes **I consider**. Here, it does not mean “because.” ROM 8 18 b3b1 figs-activepassive λογίζομαι…ὅτι οὐκ ἄξια τὰ παθήματα τοῦ νῦν καιροῦ, πρὸς 1 I consider that … are not worthy to be compared with You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “I cannot compare the sufferings of this present time with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 18 jjb8 figs-activepassive μέλλουσαν…ἀποκαλυφθῆναι 1 will be revealed You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “that God will reveal” or “that God will make known” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 19 d911 figs-personification ἡ…ἀποκαραδοκία τῆς κτίσεως, τὴν…ἀπεκδέχεται 1 the eager expectation of the creation waits for Paul describes everything that God created as a person who eagerly waits for something. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 8 19 dm6s figs-activepassive τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τῶν υἱῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 for the revealing of the sons of God You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “for the time when God will reveal his sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 19 sr2p τῶν υἱῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 sons of God Here refers to all believers in Jesus. ROM 8 20 l9ab figs-activepassive τῇ γὰρ ματαιότητι, ἡ κτίσις ὑπετάγη 1 For the creation was subjected to futility You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For God caused what he had created to be unable to achieve what he intended” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 20 yvl3 figs-personification οὐχ ἑκοῦσα, ἀλλὰ διὰ τὸν ὑποτάξαντα 1 not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it Here Paul describes “creation” as a person who can desire. Alternate translation: “not because this is what the created things wanted, but because it is what God wanted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 8 21 l6qc figs-activepassive αὐτὴ ἡ κτίσις ἐλευθερωθήσεται 1 the creation itself will be delivered You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will save creation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 21 ba5h figs-metaphor ἀπὸ τῆς δουλείας τῆς φθορᾶς 1 from slavery to decay Here being in **slavery to decay** is a metaphor for being certain to decay. Alternate translation: “from being destined to decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 21 tx57 figs-metaphor εἰς τὴν ἐλευθερίαν τῆς δόξης τῶν τέκνων τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 that it will be brought into the freedom of the glory of the children of God Here, **freedom** is in contrast with slavery to decay. It is a metaphor meaning that the creation will not decay. Alternate translation: “that it will become gloriously free from decay like the children of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 22 l69k figs-metaphor οἴδαμεν γὰρ ὅτι πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις συνστενάζει καὶ συνωδίνει ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν 1 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors in pain together even now The creation is compared to a woman who **groans** while giving birth to a baby. Alternate translation: “For we know that everything that God created wants to be free and groans for it like a woman giving birth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 23 k1wy figs-explicit υἱοθεσίαν ἀπεκδεχόμενοι 1 waiting for our adoption, the redemption of our body Here, **our adoption** refers to when we will become full members of God’s family, as adopted sons. Alternate translation: “waiting for when we are fully members of God’s family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 8 23 qsb9 figs-metaphor τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν τοῦ σώματος ἡμῶν 1 Here, the word **redemption** means when God saves us. Alternate translation: “when he saves our bodies from decay and death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 24 x4gi figs-activepassive τῇ γὰρ ἐλπίδι ἐσώθημεν 1 For in this certain hope we were saved You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For God saved us because we hoped in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 24 tks9 figs-rquestion ἐλπὶς δὲ βλεπομένη, οὐκ ἔστιν ἐλπίς; ὃ γὰρ βλέπει τις, ἐλπίζει? 1 Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he can see? Paul uses a question to help his audience understand what **hope** is. Alternate translation: “But if we are confidently waiting, that means we do not yet have what we want. No one can confidently wait if he already has what he wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 8 26 h8jy 0 Connecting Statement: Though Paul has been emphasizing that there is a struggle in believers between the flesh and the Spirit, he affirms that the Spirit is aiding us. ROM 8 26 jmp8 στεναγμοῖς ἀλαλήτοις 1 inexpressible groans Alternate translation: “with groanings that we cannot express in words” ROM 8 27 tq4n ὁ…ἐραυνῶν τὰς καρδίας 1 He who searches the hearts Here, **the one** refers to God. ROM 8 27 tz5h figs-metonymy ὁ…ἐραυνῶν τὰς καρδίας 1 Here, **hearts** is a metonym for a person’s thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “God, who searches all our thoughts and feelings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 8 27 v184 figs-metaphor ὁ…ἐραυνῶν τὰς καρδίας 1 The phrase **searches the hearts** is a metaphor for examining thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “God, who knows all our thoughts and feelings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 8 28 w4rz 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds the believers that nothing can separate them from God’s love. ROM 8 28 q3ce figs-activepassive τοῖς…κλητοῖς οὖσιν 2 for those who are called You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “for those whom God chose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 29 m3vv οὓς προέγνω 1 those whom he foreknew Alternate translation: “those whom he knew before he even created them” ROM 8 29 rg4t καὶ προώρισεν 1 he also predestined Alternate translation: “he also made it their destiny” or “he also planned in advance for them” ROM 8 29 xhn2 figs-activepassive συμμόρφους τῆς εἰκόνος τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 to be conformed to the image of his Son God planned from before the beginning of creation to grow those who believe in Jesus, the **Son** of God, into persons who are like Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “that he would change them to be like his Son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 29 yuw2 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 Son **Son** is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) ROM 8 29 lf49 εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν πρωτότοκον 1 that he might be the firstborn Alternate translation: “so that his Son would be the firstborn” ROM 8 29 s552 figs-explicit ἐν πολλοῖς ἀδελφοῖς 1 among many brothers Here, **brothers** refers to all believers, both male and female. Alternate translation: “among many brothers and sisters who belong to the family of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 8 30 hg3f οὓς…προώρισεν 1 Those whom he predestined Alternate translation: “those whom God made plans for in advance” ROM 8 30 g1y3 figs-explicit τούτους καὶ ἐδικαίωσεν 1 these he also justified Here, **justified** is in the past tense to emphasize that this will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “these he also put right with himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 8 30 g29g figs-explicit τούτους καὶ ἐδόξασεν 1 these he also glorified The word **glorified** is in the past tense to emphasize that this will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “these he will also glorify” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 8 31 xpu3 figs-rquestion τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν πρὸς ταῦτα? εἰ ὁ Θεὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, τίς καθ’ ἡμῶν? 1 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Paul uses questions to emphasize the main point of what he said previously. Alternate translation: “This is what we should know from all of this: since God is helping us, no one can defeat us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 8 32 l73i guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὅς γε τοῦ ἰδίου Υἱοῦ οὐκ ἐφείσατο 1 He who did not spare his own Son God the Father sent the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to the cross as the holy, infinite sacrifice necessary to satisfy God’s infinite, holy nature against the sin of humanity. Here, **Son** is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) ROM 8 32 b3au ἀλλὰ…παρέδωκεν αὐτόν 1 but delivered him up Alternate translation: “but put him under the control of his enemies” ROM 8 32 gk4l figs-rquestion πῶς οὐχὶ καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ, τὰ πάντα ἡμῖν χαρίσεται? 1 how will he not also with him freely give us all things? Paul is using a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: “he will certainly and freely give us all things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 8 32 rib2 πῶς οὐχὶ καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ, τὰ πάντα ἡμῖν χαρίσεται 1 freely give us all things Alternate translation: “he will certainly also kindly give us all things” ROM 8 33 vr1b figs-rquestion τίς ἐγκαλέσει κατὰ ἐκλεκτῶν Θεοῦ? Θεὸς ὁ δικαιῶν. 1 Who will bring any accusation against God’s chosen ones? God is the one who justifies Paul uses a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: “No one can accuse us before God because he is the one who makes us right with him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 8 34 vt5r figs-rquestion τίς ὁ κατακρινῶν? 1 Who is the one who condemns? Paul uses a question for emphasis. He does not expect an answer. Alternate translation: “No one will condemn us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 8 34 vd8g translate-symaction ὅς, καί ἐστιν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 who is at the right hand of God To be **at the right hand of God** is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “who is at the place of honor beside God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) ROM 8 35 h9ba figs-rquestion τίς ἡμᾶς χωρίσει ἀπὸ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Χριστοῦ? 1 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Paul uses this question to teach that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Alternate translation: “No one will ever separate us from the love of Christ!” or “Nothing will ever separate us from the love of Christ!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 8 35 m2hl figs-ellipsis θλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμὸς, ἢ λιμὸς, ἢ γυμνότης, ἢ κίνδυνος, ἢ μάχαιρα? 1 Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? The words “shall separate us from the love of Christ” are understood from the previous question. Alternate translation: “Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword separate us from the love of Christ?”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 8 35 ldx1 figs-rquestion θλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμὸς, ἢ λιμὸς, ἢ γυμνότης, ἢ κίνδυνος, ἢ μάχαιρα? 1 Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Paul uses this question to emphasize that even these things cannot separate us from the love of Christ. Alternate translation: “Even tribulation, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, and sword cannot separate us from the love of Christ!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 8 35 qe2z figs-abstractnouns θλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμὸς, ἢ λιμὸς, ἢ γυμνότης, ἢ κίνδυνος, ἢ μάχαιρα 1 Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? The abstract nouns can be expressed with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “Even if people cause us trouble, hurt us, take away our clothes and food, or kill us, they cannot separate us from the love of Christ.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 8 35 kcjr figs-metonymy ἢ μάχαιρα 1 Here, **sword** is a metonym that represents being killed violently. Alternate translation: “or being killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 8 35 q2dc figs-doublet θλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία 1 Tribulation, or distress These words both mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 8 36 t67y figs-you ὅτι ἕνεκεν σοῦ 1 For your benefit Here, **your** is singular and refers to God. Alternate translation: “For you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 8 36 s7wj figs-exclusive θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν 1 we are killed all day long Here, **we** refers to the one who wrote this part of Scripture, but not his audience, who was God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 8 36 h6v7 figs-hyperbole θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν 1 The phrase **all day long** is an exaggeration to emphasize how much danger they are in. Paul uses this part of Scripture to show that all who belong to God should expect difficult times. Alternate translation: “we are continually killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 8 36 phxq figs-activepassive θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “our enemies continually seek to kill us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 36 g3pi figs-simile ἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς 1 We were considered as sheep for the slaughter Here Paul compares to livestock those whom people kill because they are loyal to God. Alternate translation: “Our lives are considered of no more value to them than the sheep they kill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) ROM 8 36 gmi0 figs-activepassive ἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Our lives have no more value to them than the sheep they kill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 8 37 iui3 ὑπερνικῶμεν 1 we are more than conquerors Alternate translation: “we have complete victory” ROM 8 37 wcm6 figs-explicit διὰ τοῦ ἀγαπήσαντος ἡμᾶς 1 through the one who loved us You can make explicit the kind of love that Jesus showed. Alternate translation: “because of Jesus, who loved us so much he was willing to die for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 8 38 fch1 πέπεισμαι 1 I have been convinced Alternate translation: “I am confident” ROM 8 38 js9q ἀρχαὶ 1 governments This could refer to: (1) demons. (2) human kings and rulers. ROM 8 38 q7ti οὔτε δυνάμεις 1 nor powers This could refer to: (1) spiritual beings with power. (2) human beings with power. ROM 9 intro w6f4 0 # Romans 9 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

6. God’s plan for Israel (9:1–11:36)
* Paul’s sorrow for Israel’s unbelief (9:1–5)
* God chooses whom he wants to choose (9:6–13)
* God shows mercy on whom he wants to show mercy (9:14–18)
* No one can question God’s choice (9:19–33)

In this chapter, Paul changes what he is teaching about. In Chapters 9-11, he focuses on the nation of Israel.

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 verses 25-29 and 33 of this chapter. Paul quotes all of these words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Flesh

Paul uses the word “flesh” in this chapter only to refer to Israelites, people physically descending from Abraham through Jacob, who God named Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])

In other chapters, Paul uses the word “brother” to mean fellow Christians. However, in this chapter, he uses “my brothers” to mean his kinsmen the Israelites.

Paul refers to those who believe in Jesus as “children of God” and “children of the promise.”

### Predestination

Many scholars believe Paul in this chapter teaches extensively on a subject known as “predestination.” This is related to the biblical concept of “predestine.” Some take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen some people to eternally save. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject. So translators need to take extra care when translating this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/predestine]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

### Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Stone of stumbling

Paul explains that while some Gentiles accepted Jesus as their savior by believing in him, most Jews were trying to earn their salvation and so rejected Jesus. Paul, quoting the Old Testament, describes Jesus as a stone that the Jews stumble over when walking. This “stone of stumbling” causes them to “fall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “It is not everyone in Israel who truly belongs to Israel”

Paul uses the word “Israel” in this verse with two different meanings. The first “Israel” means the physical descendants of Abraham through Jacob. The second “Israel” means those who are God’s people through faith. The UST reflects this. ROM 9 1 b89f 0 Connecting Statement: Paul tells of his personal desire that the people of the nation of Israel will be saved. Then he emphasizes the different ways in which God has prepared them to believe. ROM 9 1 yg93 figs-doublet ἀλήθειαν λέγω ἐν Χριστῷ, οὐ ψεύδομαι 1 I tell the truth in Christ. I do not lie These two expressions mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize that he is telling the truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 9 1 h9mp συνμαρτυρούσης μοι τῆς συνειδήσεώς μου ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ 1 my conscience bears witness with me in the Holy Spirit Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit controls my conscience and confirms what I say” ROM 9 2 jx3a figs-idiom ὅτι λύπη μοί ἐστιν μεγάλη, καὶ ἀδιάλειπτος ὀδύνη τῇ καρδίᾳ μου 1 that for me there is great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart Here, **unceasing pain in my heart** is an idiom that Paul uses to share his emotional distress. Alternate translation: “I tell you that I grieve very greatly and deeply” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 9 2 jky1 figs-doublet λύπη…μεγάλη, καὶ ἀδιάλειπτος ὀδύνη 1 great sorrow and unceasing pain These two expressions mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how great his emotions are. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 9 3 rh5h figs-activepassive ηὐχόμην γὰρ ἀνάθεμα εἶναι αὐτὸς, ἐγὼ ἀπὸ τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 For I could wish that I myself would be cursed and set apart from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race according to the flesh You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “I personally would be willing to let God curse me and, keep me apart from Christ forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 9 3 eg9b τῶν ἀδελφῶν 1 brothers Here, **brothers** means fellow Christians, including both men and women. ROM 9 4 p1ys οἵτινές εἰσιν Ἰσραηλεῖται 1 They are Israelites Alternate translation: “who, like me, are Israelites” ROM 9 4 l6vs figs-metaphor ὧν ἡ υἱοθεσία 1 They have adoption Here Paul uses the metaphor of **adoption** to indicate that the Israelites are like God’s children. Alternate translation: “who have God as their father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 9 6 s2ma 0 Connecting Statement: Paul emphasizes that those who are born in the family of Israel can really only be a true part of Israel through faith. ROM 9 6 equ8 οὐχ οἷον δὲ, ὅτι ἐκπέπτωκεν ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 But it is not as though the promises of God have failed Alternate translation: “But God has not failed to keep his promises” or “But God has kept his promises” ROM 9 6 wy8z οὐ γὰρ πάντες οἱ ἐξ Ἰσραήλ οὗτοι, Ἰσραήλ 1 For it is not everyone in Israel who truly belongs to Israel God did not make his promises to all the physical descendants of **Israel** (or Jacob), but to his spiritual descendants, that is, those who trust in Jesus. ROM 9 7 s3rj οὐδ’ ὅτι εἰσὶν σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ πάντες τέκνα 1 Neither are all Abraham’s descendants truly his children Alternate translation: “Nor are they all children of God just because they are Abraham’s descendants” ROM 9 8 s5xa figs-metonymy τὰ τέκνα τῆς σαρκὸς, 1 the children of the flesh are not Here, **children of the flesh** is a metonym that refers to the physical descendants of Abraham. Alternate translation: “all of Abraham’s descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 9 8 y17u figs-metaphor οὐ…ταῦτα τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 children of God The phrase **children of God** is a metaphor that refers to people who are spiritual descendants, those who have faith in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 9 8 ta8t τὰ τέκνα τῆς ἐπαγγελίας 1 children of the promise The phrase **children of the promise** refers to people who will inherit the promises that God gave to Abraham. ROM 9 9 up57 ἐπαγγελίας…ὁ λόγος οὗτος 1 this is the word of promise Alternate translation: “these are the words God used when he made the promise” ROM 9 9 wqb2 figs-activepassive ἔσται τῇ Σάρρᾳ υἱός 1 a son will be given to Sarah You can translate this in an active form to express that God will give a son to Sarah. Alternate translation: “I will give Sarah a son” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 9 10 mb5q figs-exclusive τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν 1 our father Paul refers to Isaac as **our father** because Isaac was the ancestor of Paul and of the Jewish believers in Rome. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 9 10 icc1 κοίτην, ἔχουσα 1 had conceived Alternate translation: “had become pregnant” ROM 9 11 h16y μήπω γὰρ γεννηθέντων, μηδὲ πραξάντων τι ἀγαθὸν ἢ φαῦλον 1 for the children were not yet born and had not yet done anything good or bad Alternate translation: “before the children were born and before they had done anything, whether good or bad” ROM 9 11 a1gz ἵνα ἡ κατ’ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις τοῦ Θεοῦ μένῃ 1 so that the purpose of God according to choice might stand Alternate translation: “so that what God wants to happen according to His choice will happen” ROM 9 11 eez1 μήπω γὰρ γεννηθέντων 1 for the children were not yet born Alternate translation: “before the children were born” ROM 9 11 iw56 μηδὲ πραξάντων τι ἀγαθὸν ἢ φαῦλον 1 had not yet done anything good or bad Alternate translation: “not because of anything they had done” ROM 9 12 ze3m 0 Connecting Statement: It may be necessary in your language to place this verse between verse 10 and verse 11: “our father Isaac, it was said to her, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ Now the children were not yet born and had not yet done anything good or bad, but so that the purpose of God according to choice might stand—not because of actions, but because of him who calls. It is just” ROM 9 12 d6mr ἐκ τοῦ 1 because of him because of God ROM 9 12 wv7n ἐρρέθη αὐτῇ, ὅτι ὁ μείζων δουλεύσει τῷ ἐλάσσονι 1 it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” Alternate translation: “God said to Rebecca, ‘The older son will serve the younger son’” ROM 9 13 xt7t figs-hyperbole τὸν Ἰακὼβ ἠγάπησα, τὸν δὲ Ἠσαῦ ἐμίσησα 1 Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated The word **hated** is an exaggeration. God **loved** **Jacob** much more than he loved **Esau**. He did not literally hate Esau. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 9 14 m8xk figs-rquestion τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν? 1 What then will we say? Paul is using the question to get the attention of his readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 9 14 s1hm μὴ γένοιτο! 1 May it never be “That is not possible!” or “Certainly not!” This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. ROM 9 15 kq2c figs-metaphor τῷ Μωϋσεῖ γὰρ λέγει 1 For he says to Moses Paul speaks about God’s talking with **Moses** as if it is being done in the present time. Alternate translation: “For God said to Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 9 16 d4f5 οὐ τοῦ θέλοντος, οὐδὲ τοῦ τρέχοντος 1 it is not because of him who wills, nor because of him who runs Alternate translation: “it is not because of what people want or because they try hard” ROM 9 16 ues3 figs-metaphor οὐδὲ τοῦ τρέχοντος 1 nor because of him who runs Paul speaks of a person who does good things in order to gain God’s favor as if that person were running a race. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 9 17 x1cj figs-personification λέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφὴ 1 For the scripture says Here the **scripture** is personified as if God were talking to Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “For the scripture records that God said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 9 17 xu7s ἐξήγειρά σε…ἐνδείξωμαι…μου 1 I … my Here the pronouns **I** and **my** refer to God as the speaker. ROM 9 17 nfv5 figs-you σε 1 you Here, **you** is singular and refers to Pharaoh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 9 17 pz5x figs-idiom ἐξήγειρά σε 1 I raised you up Here, **raised** is an idiom for causing something to be what it is. Alternate translation: “I made you the powerful man that you are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 9 17 gps5 figs-activepassive ὅπως διαγγελῇ τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 so that my name might be proclaimed You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “so that people might proclaim my name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 9 17 jp6i figs-metonymy τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 my name Here, **name** is a metonym that could refer to: (1) God in all of his being. Alternate translation: “who I am” (2) God’s reputation. Alternate translation: “how great I am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 9 17 jn7u figs-hyperbole ἐν πάσῃ τῇ γῇ 1 in all the earth “wherever there are people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 9 18 a1uv ὃν δὲ θέλει, σκληρύνει 1 whom he wishes, he makes stubborn God makes stubborn whoever he wishes to make stubborn. ROM 9 19 z4j2 figs-you ἐρεῖς μοι οὖν 1 You will say then to me Paul is talking to the critics of his teaching as though he were only talking to one person. You may need to use the plural here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 9 19 bbe4 figs-rquestion τί οὖν ἔτι μέμφεται? τῷ γὰρ βουλήματι αὐτοῦ, τίς ἀνθέστηκεν? 1 Why does he still find fault? For who has ever withstood his will? These rhetorical questions are complaints against God. You can translate them as strong statements. Alternate translation: “He should not find fault with us. No one has ever been able to withstand his will.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 9 19 hqr7 μέμφεται…αὐτοῦ 1 he … his The words **he** and **his** here refer to God. ROM 9 19 n1ti τῷ…βουλήματι αὐτοῦ, τίς ἀνθέστηκεν 1 has … withstood his will Alternate translation: “who has ever stopped him from doing what he wanted to do” ROM 9 20 arw8 figs-metaphor μὴ ἐρεῖ τὸ πλάσμα, τῷ πλάσαντι, τί με ἐποίησας οὕτως? 1 Will what has been molded say to the one who molds it, “Why … way?” Paul uses the potter’s right to make any kind of container he wants from the clay as a metaphor for the creator’s right to do whatever he wants with his creation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 9 20 knb3 figs-rquestion μὴ ἐρεῖ τὸ πλάσμα, τῷ πλάσαντι, τί με ἐποίησας οὕτως? 1 Paul asks questions to emphasize his point. You can translate this as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “What a person has molded should never say to the one who molds it, ‘Why did you make me this way?’!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 9 20 wcj3 figs-rquestion τί με ἐποίησας οὕτως 1 Why did you make me this way? This question is a rebuke and can be translated as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have made me this way!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 9 21 e94a figs-rquestion ἢ οὐκ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν ὁ κεραμεὺς τοῦ πηλοῦ, ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ φυράματος ποιῆσαι ὃ μὲν εἰς τιμὴν σκεῦος, ὃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν? 1 Does the potter not have the right … for daily use? This rhetorical question is a rebuke. Alternate translation: “The potter certainly has the right over the clay to make from the same lump a container for special occasions, but another for daily use.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 9 22 we86 figs-metaphor σκεύη ὀργῆς 1 containers of wrath Paul speaks of people as if they were **containers**. Alternate translation: “people who deserve wrath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 9 23 ufj7 γνωρίσῃ…αὐτοῦ 1 he … his The pronouns **he** and **his** here refer to God. ROM 9 23 v33r figs-metaphor σκεύη ἐλέους 1 containers of mercy Paul speaks of people as if they were **containers**. Alternate translation: “people who deserve mercy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 9 23 she3 figs-metaphor τὸν πλοῦτον τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ 1 the riches of his glory upon Paul compares God’s wonderful actions here to great **riches**. Alternate translation: “his glory, which is of great value, upon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 9 23 t41s figs-explicit ἃ προητοίμασεν εἰς δόξαν 1 which he had previously prepared for glory Here, **glory** refers to life in heaven with God. Alternate translation: “whom he prepared ahead of time in order that they might live with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 9 24 y6vp figs-exclusive καὶ…ἡμᾶς 1 also for us The pronoun **us** here refers to Paul and fellow believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 9 24 t8rn ἐκάλεσεν 1 called Here, **called** means God has appointed or chosen people to be his children, to be his servants and proclaimers of his message of salvation through Jesus. ROM 9 25 eqc2 0 Connecting Statement: In this section Paul explains how Israel’s unbelief as a nation was told ahead of time by the prophet Hosea. ROM 9 25 ewb4 figs-explicit ὡς καὶ ἐν τῷ Ὡσηὲ λέγει 1 As he says also in Hosea Here, **he** refers to God. Alternate translation: “As God says also in the book that Hosea wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 9 25 m82v translate-names τῷ Ὡσηὲ 1 Hosea **Hosea** was an Old Testament prophet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 9 25 gi5k καλέσω τὸν οὐ λαόν μου, λαόν μου 1 I will call my people who were not my people Alternate translation: “I will choose for my people those who were not my people” ROM 9 25 yy15 figs-activepassive τὴν οὐκ ἠγαπημένην, ἠγαπημένην 1 her beloved who was not beloved Here, **the one** refers to Hosea’s wife, Gomer, who represents the nation of Israel. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “I will choose her whom I did not love to be one whom I love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 9 26 qe9f υἱοὶ Θεοῦ ζῶντος 1 sons of the living God The word **living** may refer to the fact that God is the only true God, and not like the false idols. Alternate translation: “children of the true God” ROM 9 27 zqi1 κράζει 1 cries out Alternate translation: “calls out” ROM 9 27 k9j8 figs-simile ὡς ἡ ἄμμος τῆς θαλάσσης 1 as the sand of the sea Here Paul compares the number of the people of Israel to the number of grains of **sand** in the **sea**. Alternate translation: “too many to count” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) ROM 9 27 wig1 figs-activepassive σωθήσεται 1 will be saved Paul uses the word **saved** in a spiritual sense. If God saves a person, it means that through believing in Jesus’ death on the cross, God has forgiven him and rescued him from being punished for his sin. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 9 28 cm32 λόγον…ποιήσει Κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 the Lord will carry out his sentence on the earth Here, **word** refers to how he has decided to punish people. Alternate translation: “the Lord will punish people on the earth according to how he has said” ROM 9 29 dl9x figs-exclusive ἡμῖν…ἂν ἐγενήθημεν 1 us … we Here the pronouns **us** and **we** refer to Isaiah and those to whom he spoke. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 9 29 tk2e figs-explicit ὡς Σόδομα ἂν ἐγενήθημεν, καὶ ὡς Γόμορρα ἂν ὡμοιώθημεν 1 we would be like Sodom, and we would have become like Gomorrah God killed all of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sin. Alternate translation: “we all would have been destroyed like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah” or “God would have destroyed all of us, like he destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gommorah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 9 30 m5l2 figs-rquestion τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν? 1 What will we say then? Paul uses this question to get the attention of his readers. Alternate translation: “This is what we must say.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 9 30 ki4k ὅτι ἔθνη 1 That the Gentiles Alternate translation: “We will say that the Gentiles” ROM 9 30 bnl6 τὰ μὴ διώκοντα δικαιοσύνην 1 who were not pursuing righteousness Alternate translation: “who were not trying to please God” ROM 9 30 gl4m figs-explicit δικαιοσύνην…τὴν ἐκ πίστεως 1 the righteousness by faith Here, **by faith** refers to placing one’s trust in Christ. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “because God made them right with him when they trusted in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 9 31 f18n figs-explicit εἰς νόμον οὐκ ἔφθασεν 1 did not arrive at it This means that the Israelites could not please God by trying to keep **the law**. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “were not able to please God by keeping the law because they could not keep it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 9 32 y4pf figs-ellipsis διὰ τί? 1 Why not? This is an ellipsis. You can include the implied words in your translation. Alternate translation: “Why could they not attain righteousness?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 9 32 e7p7 figs-rquestion διὰ τί? 1 Paul asks this question to get the attention of his readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 9 32 j5jp figs-explicit ὡς ἐξ ἔργων 1 by works This refers to things that people do to try to please God. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “by trying to do things that would please God” or “by keeping the Law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 9 33 kx9c figs-explicit καθὼς γέγραπται 1 as it has been written You can indicate that Isaiah wrote this. Alternate translation: “just as it has been written by Isaiah the prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 9 33 ivt3 figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “as Isaiah the prophet wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 9 33 dy6x figs-metonymy ἐν Σιὼν 1 in Zion Here, **Zion** is a metonym that represents Israel. Alternate translation: “in Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 9 33 u3dj figs-doublet λίθον προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτραν σκανδάλου 1 stone of stumbling and a rock of offense Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 9 33 mf6h figs-metaphor λίθον προσκόμματος, καὶ πέτραν σκανδάλου 1 These phrases are metaphors that refer to Jesus and his death on the cross. It was as if the people stumbled over a stone because they were disgusted when they considered Jesus’ death on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 9 33 tu4i πιστεύων ἐπ’ αὐτῷ 1 believes in it Because the stone stands for a person, you may need to translate this as “who believes in him.” ROM 10 intro c2li 0 # Romans 10 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

6. God’s plan for Israel (9:1–11:36)
* Paul’s sorrow for Israel’s unbelief (9:1–5)
* God chooses whom he wants to choose (9:6–13)
* God shows mercy on whom he wants to show mercy (9:14–18)
* No one can question God’s choice (9:19–33)
* Israel’s false righteousness (10:1–4)
* Salvation is available to everyone (10:5–21)

Some translations set prose 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 words in verse 8.

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 verses 18-20 of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### God’s righteousness

Paul teaches here that while many Jews earnestly tried to be righteous, they did not succeed. We cannot earn God’s righteousness. God gives us Jesus’ righteousness when we believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical questions

Paul uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. He does this to convince his readers that God does not save only the Hebrew people, so Christians must be ready to go and share the gospel with the whole world. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “I will provoke you to jealousy by what is not a nation”

Paul uses this prophecy to explain that God will use the church to make the Hebrew people jealous. This is so they will seek God and believe the gospel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/jealous]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 10 1 pi37 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues stating his desire for Israel to believe but emphasizes that both those who are Jews as well as everyone else can only be saved by faith in Jesus. ROM 10 1 hj4b ἀδελφοί 1 Brothers Here, **brothers** refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women. ROM 10 1 tq7k figs-metonymy ἡ μὲν εὐδοκία τῆς ἐμῆς καρδίας 1 my heart’s desire Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s emotions or inner being. Alternate translation: “my greatest desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 10 1 tmf2 ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν εἰς σωτηρίαν 1 is for them, for their salvation Alternate translation: “is that God will save the Jews” ROM 10 2 y7qg μαρτυρῶ…αὐτοῖς 1 I testify about them Alternate translation: “I declare truthfully about them” ROM 10 3 bw97 figs-explicit ἀγνοοῦντες γὰρ τὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην 1 For they do not know of God’s righteousness Here, **righteousness** refers to the way God puts people right with himself. You can make this explicit in the translation. Alternate translation: “For they do not know how God puts people right with himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 10 3 a6r4 τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐχ ὑπετάγησαν 1 They did not submit to the righteousness of God Alternate translation: “they did not accept God’s way of putting people right with himself” ROM 10 4 x1w8 τέλος γὰρ νόμου Χριστὸς 1 For Christ is the fulfillment of the law Alternate translation: “For Christ completely fulfilled the law” ROM 10 4 f6pu figs-explicit εἰς δικαιοσύνην παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι 1 for righteousness for everyone who believes Here, **believes** means “trusts.” Alternate translation: “in order that he may make everyone who trusts in him right before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 10 5 qby2 τὴν δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐκ νόμου 1 the righteousness that comes from the law Alternate translation: “how the law makes a person right before God” ROM 10 5 wjn6 figs-explicit ὅτι ὁ ποιήσας αὐτὰ ἄνθρωπος, ζήσεται ἐν αὐτῇ 1 The man who does the righteousness of the law will live by this righteousness In order to be made right with God through the law, a person would have to keep the law perfectly, which is not possible. Alternate translation: “The person who perfectly obeys the law will live because the law will make him right before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 10 5 qkz4 ζήσεται 1 will live Here, **will live** could refer to: (1) eternal life. (2) mortal life in fellowship with God. ROM 10 6 sr9z figs-personification ἡ δὲ ἐκ πίστεως δικαιοσύνη οὕτως λέγει 1 But the righteousness that comes from faith says this Here, **righteousness** is described as a person who can speak. Alternate translation: “But Moses writes this about how faith makes a person right before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 10 6 x7h4 figs-you μὴ εἴπῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου 1 Do not say in your heart Moses was addressing the people as if he were speaking to only one person. The pronoun **your** is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 10 6 nwlw figs-metonymy μὴ εἴπῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου 1 Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s mind or inner being. Alternate translation: “Do not say to yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 10 6 tf9r figs-rquestion τίς ἀναβήσεται εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν? 1 Who will ascend into heaven? Moses uses a question to teach his audience. His previous instruction of, “Do not say” requires a negative answer to this question. You can translate this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one is able to go up to heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 10 6 gi7s τοῦτ’ ἔστιν Χριστὸν καταγαγεῖν 1 that is, to bring Christ down Alternate translation: “in order that they might have Christ come down to earth” ROM 10 7 w8xe figs-rquestion τίς καταβήσεται εἰς τὴν Ἄβυσσον? 1 Who will descend into the abyss Moses uses a question to teach his audience. His previous instruction of, “Do not say” requires a negative answer to this question. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “No person can go down and enter the place where the spirits of dead persons are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 10 7 iw13 ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 from the dead From among all those who have died. This expression describes all **dead** people together in the underworld. ROM 10 7 t8dd νεκρῶν 1 dead Here, **the dead** speaks of physical death. ROM 10 8 gz7t figs-personification ἀλλὰ τί λέγει? 1 But what does it say? The word **it** refers to “the righteousness” of [Romans 10:6](../10/06.md). Here Paul describes righteousness as a person who can speak. Alternate translation: “But this is what Moses says?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 10 8 sen1 figs-rquestion ἀλλὰ τί λέγει? 1 Paul uses a question to emphasize the answer he is about to give. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 10 8 kzb2 figs-personification ἐγγύς σου τὸ ῥῆμά ἐστιν 1 The word is near you Paul speaks of God’s word as if it were a person who can move. Alternate translation: “You have heard the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 10 8 y6mq figs-metonymy ἐγγύς σου τὸ ῥῆμά ἐστιν, ἐν τῷ στόματί σου, καὶ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου 1 The word is … in your mouth The word **mouth** is a metonym that refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “You can hear and know how to speak and think about God’s message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 10 8 zvx4 figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου 1 The word is … in your heart The phrase **in your heart** is metonym that refers to what a person thinks and believes. Alternate translation: “and you know what it means” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 10 8 lh5d τὸ ῥῆμα τῆς πίστεως 1 the word of faith Alternate translation: “God’s message that tells us that we must believe in him” ROM 10 9 tz7r ἐὰν ὁμολογήσῃς ἐν τῷ στόματί σου, Κύριον Ἰησοῦν 1 if with your mouth you confess Jesus as Lord Alternate translation: “if you verbally confess that Jesus is Lord” ROM 10 9 ie71 figs-metonymy πιστεύσῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου 1 believe in your heart Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s mind or inner person. Alternate translation: “believe in your mind” or “truly believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 10 9 zdf5 figs-idiom αὐτὸν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 raised him from the dead Here, **raised** here is an idiom for “caused to live again.” Alternate translation: “caused him to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 10 9 c3cq figs-activepassive σωθήσῃ 1 you will be saved You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will save you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 10 10 g7i1 figs-metonymy καρδίᾳ γὰρ πιστεύεται εἰς δικαιοσύνην, στόματι δὲ ὁμολογεῖται εἰς σωτηρίαν 1 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation Here, **heart** is a metonym that represents the mind or will. Alternate translation: “For it is with the mind that a person trusts and is right before God, and it is with the mouth that a person confesses and God saves him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 10 10 xs8c figs-synecdoche στόματι 1 with the mouth Here, **mouth** is a synecdoche that represents a person’s capacity to speak. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 10 11 gu99 figs-personification λέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφή 1 For scripture says Paul speaks of the scripture as if it were alive and had a voice. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 10 11 r6tf figs-explicit λέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφή 1 You can make explicit who wrote the scripture that Paul uses here. Alternate translation: “For Isaiah wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 10 11 nv71 figs-activepassive πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ἐπ’ αὐτῷ οὐ καταισχυνθήσεται 1 Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame This is equivalent to: “Everyone who does not believe will be shamed.” The negative is used here for emphasis. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will honor everyone who believes in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 10 12 z8p4 figs-explicit οὐ γάρ ἐστιν διαστολὴ Ἰουδαίου τε καὶ Ἕλληνος 1 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek Paul implies that God will treat all people the same. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “In this way, God treats the Jews and the non-Jews the same” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 10 12 p9py figs-explicit πλουτῶν εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους αὐτόν 1 he is rich to all who call upon him Here, **being rich** means that God blesses richly. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “and he richly blesses all who trust in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 10 13 pe96 figs-metonymy πᾶς γὰρ ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου, σωθήσεται 1 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved Here the word **name** is a metonym for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 10 13 js1b figs-activepassive πᾶς γὰρ ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου, σωθήσεται 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For the Lord will save everyone who trusts in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 10 14 utr4 figs-rquestion πῶς οὖν ἐπικαλέσωνται εἰς ὃν οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν? 1 How then can they call on him in whom they have not believed? Paul uses a question to emphasize the importance of taking the good news of Christ to those who have not heard. The word **they** refers to those who do not yet belong to God. Alternate translation: “Those who do not believe in God cannot call on him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 10 14 lx52 figs-rquestion πῶς…πιστεύσωσιν οὗ οὐκ ἤκουσαν? 2 How can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? Paul uses another question for the same reason. Alternate translation: “they cannot believe in him if they have not heard his message!” or “they cannot believe in him if they have not heard the message about him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 10 14 mrl8 πιστεύσωσιν 1 believe in Here this means to acknowledge that what that person has said is true. ROM 10 14 iwc1 figs-rquestion πῶς…ἀκούσωσιν χωρὶς κηρύσσοντος? 3 How can they hear without a preacher? Paul uses another question for the same reason. Alternate translation: “they cannot hear the message if someone does not tell them!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 10 15 e8rt figs-metonymy ὡς ὡραῖοι οἱ πόδες τῶν εὐαγγελιζομένων τὰ ἀγαθά! 1 How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim good news Paul uses **feet** to represent those who travel and bring the message to those who have not heard it. Alternate translation: “It is wonderful when messengers come and tell us the good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 10 16 hku8 οὐ πάντες ὑπήκουσαν 1 not all of them obeyed Here, **them** refers to the Jews. “not all of the Jews obeyed” ROM 10 16 j3se figs-rquestion Κύριε, τίς ἐπίστευσεν τῇ ἀκοῇ ἡμῶν? 1 Lord, who has believed our message? Paul is using this question to emphasize that Isaiah prophesied in the Scriptures that many Jews would not believe in Jesus. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “Lord, so many of them do not believe our message.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 10 16 z4s9 τῇ ἀκοῇ ἡμῶν 1 our message Here, **our** refers to God and Isaiah. ROM 10 17 wu5a ἡ πίστις ἐξ ἀκοῆς 1 faith comes from hearing Here, **faith** refers to “believing in Christ” ROM 10 17 nq87 ἡ…ἀκοὴ διὰ ῥήματος Χριστοῦ 2 hearing by the word of Christ Alternate translation: “hearing by listening to the message about Christ” ROM 10 18 f6jy figs-rquestion ἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ οὐκ ἤκουσαν? μενοῦνγε 1 But I say, “Did they not hear?” Yes, most certainly Paul uses a question for emphasis. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “But, I say the Jews certainly have heard the message about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 10 18 s5zh figs-parallelism εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν; καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης, τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν 1 Their sound has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. Both of these statements mean basically the same thing and Paul uses them for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 10 18 g4vd figs-personification εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν; καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης, τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν 1 The word **their** refers to the sun, moon, and stars. Here they are described as human messengers that tell people about God. This refers to how their existence shows God’s power and glory. Alternate translation: “The sun, moon, and the stars are proof of God’s power and glory, and everyone in the world sees them and knows the truth about God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 10 18 lz77 figs-explicit εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν; καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης, τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν 1 You can make explicit that Paul is quoting Scripture here. Alternate translation: “As the Scriptures record, ‘The sun, moon, and the stars are proof of God’s power and glory, and everyone in the world sees them and knows the truth about God.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 10 19 ib4m figs-rquestion ἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ Ἰσραὴλ οὐκ ἔγνω? 1 Moreover, I say, “Did Israel not know?” Paul uses a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: “Again I tell you that Israel did know the message.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 10 19 zyw0 figs-metonymy ἀλλὰ λέγω, μὴ Ἰσραὴλ οὐκ ἔγνω? 1 The word **Israel** is a metonym for the people who lived in the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “Again I tell you the people of Israel did know the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 10 19 jjt3 figs-explicit πρῶτος Μωϋσῆς λέγει 1 First Moses says, “I will provoke you … I will stir you up to anger.” This means that Moses wrote down what God said. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 10 19 vxzz figs-you ἐγὼ παραζηλώσω ὑμᾶς,…παροργιῶ ὑμᾶς 1 Both instances of **I** refer to God, and **you** refers to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “God will provoke you … God will stir you up to anger.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 10 19 ve6t ἐπ’ οὐκ ἔθνει 1 by what is not a nation Alternate translation: “by those you do not consider to be a real nation” or “by people who do not belong to any nation” ROM 10 19 s3nz figs-explicit ἐπ’ ἔθνει ἀσυνέτῳ 1 By means of a nation without understanding Here, **without understanding** means that the people do not know God. Alternate translation: “by a nation with people who do not know me or my commands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 10 19 g7zt παροργιῶ ὑμᾶς 1 I will stir you up to anger Alternate translation: “I will make you angry” or “I will cause you to become angry” ROM 10 19 a7k7 figs-you ὑμᾶς 1 you Here, **you** refers to the nation of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 10 20 qcx2 0 General Information: Here the words **I**, “me,” and “my” refer to God. ROM 10 20 cv1x Ἠσαΐας δὲ ἀποτολμᾷ καὶ λέγει 1 Then Isaiah was very bold when he says This means the prophet **Isaiah** wrote what God had said. ROM 10 20 fc4b εὑρέθην ἐν τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ζητοῦσιν 1 I was found by those who did not seek me Prophets often speak of things in the future as if they have already happened. This emphasizes that the prophecy will certainly come true. ROM 10 20 u60f figs-activepassive εὑρέθην ἐν τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ζητοῦσιν 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Even though the Gentile people will not look for me, they will find me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 10 20 t78j ἐμφανὴς ἐγενόμην 1 I appeared Alternate translation: “I made myself known” ROM 10 20 k8pp λέγει 1 he says **He** refers to God, who is speaking through Isaiah. ROM 10 21 hw4w ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν 1 All the day long This phrase is used to emphasize God’s continual effort. “Continually” ROM 10 21 il8s translate-symaction ἐξεπέτασα τὰς χεῖράς μου πρὸς λαὸν ἀπειθοῦντα καὶ ἀντιλέγοντα 1 I reached out my hands to a disobedient and stubborn people The action of reaching out a hand represents offering help to a person. Alternate translation: “I tried to welcome you and to help you, but you refused my help and continued to disobey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) ROM 11 intro e9qz 0 # Romans 11 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

6. God’s plan for Israel (9:1–11:36)
* Paul’s sorrow for Israel’s unbelief (9:1–5)
* God chooses whom he wants to choose (9:6–13)
* God shows mercy on whom he wants to show mercy (9:14–18)
* No one can question God’s choice (9:19–33)
* Israel’s false righteousness (10:1–4)
* Salvation is available to everyone (10:5–21)
* Israel has a faithful remnant (11:1–10)
* Israel’s unbelief resulted in non-Jews’ belief (11:11–24)
* God will save Israel (11:15–32)
* Praise for God’s wisdom (11:33–11:36)

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 verses 9-10, 26-27, and 34-35, which are words from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Grafting

Paul uses the image of “grafting” to refer to the place of the Gentiles and Jews in the plans of God. Making one plant to be permanently part of another plant is called “grafting.” Paul uses the picture of God grafting the Gentiles as a wild branch into his saving plans. But God has not forgotten about the Jews, who are spoken of as the natural plant. God will also save Jews who believe in Jesus.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “Did God reject his people? May it never be”

Whether Israel (the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) has a future in the plans of God, or if they have been replaced in the plans of God by the church, is a major theological issue in Chapters 9-11. This phrase is an important part of this section of Romans. It seems to indicate that Israel remains distinct from the church. Not all scholars arrive at this conclusion. Despite their currently rejecting Jesus as their Messiah, Israel has not exhausted the grace and mercy of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]]) ROM 11 1 p2h9 0 Connecting Statement: Though Israel as a nation has rejected God, God wants them to understand salvation comes by grace without works. ROM 11 1 wp35 λέγω οὖν 1 I say then Alternate translation: “I, Paul, say then” ROM 11 1 p4zd figs-rquestion μὴ ἀπώσατο ὁ Θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ? 1 did God reject his people? Paul asks this question so that he can answer the questions of other Jews who are upset that God has included the Gentiles among his people, while the hearts of the Jewish people have been hardened. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 11 1 wqu2 μὴ γένοιτο 1 May it never be “That is not possible!” or “Certainly not!” This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in [Romans 9:14](../09/14.md). ROM 11 1 bc4g φυλῆς Βενιαμείν 1 tribe of Benjamin This refers to the **tribe** descended from **Benjamin**, one of the 12 tribes into which God divided the people of Israel. ROM 11 2 h4qe ὃν προέγνω 1 whom he foreknew Alternate translation: “whom he knew ahead of time” ROM 11 2 cjp6 figs-rquestion ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ἐν Ἠλείᾳ τί λέγει ἡ Γραφή, ὡς ἐντυγχάνει τῷ Θεῷ κατὰ τοῦ Ἰσραήλ? 1 Do you not know what the scripture says about Elijah, how he pleaded with God against Israel? You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you know what the Scriptures record about when Elijah pleaded with God against Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 11 2 dd1e figs-personification τί λέγει ἡ Γραφή 1 what the scripture says Paul is referring to the **scriptures** as if they were able to speak. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 11 3 fh9i ἀπέκτειναν 1 they have killed Here, **they** refers to the people of Israel. ROM 11 3 ut1s κἀγὼ ὑπελείφθην μόνος 1 I alone am left The pronoun **I** here refers to Elijah. ROM 11 3 dv5u ζητοῦσιν τὴν ψυχήν μου 1 seeking my life Alternate translation: “they want to kill me” ROM 11 4 rj4e figs-rquestion ἀλλὰ τί λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ χρηματισμός? 1 But what does God’s answer say to him? Paul is using this question to bring the reader to his next point. Alternate translation: “How does God answer him?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 11 4 x6e9 αὐτῷ 1 him The pronoun **him** refers to Elijah. ROM 11 5 ce2r λῖμμα 1 remnant Here this means a small part of people whom God chose to receive his grace. ROM 11 6 q6es figs-explicit εἰ δὲ χάριτι 1 But if it is by grace Paul continues to explain how God’s mercy works. Alternate translation: “But since God’s mercy works by grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 11 7 k94b figs-rquestion τί οὖν? 1 What then? “What should we conclude?” Paul asks this question to move his reader to his next point. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is what we need to remember.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 11 8 uc8g figs-metaphor ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς πνεῦμα κατανύξεως, ὀφθαλμοὺς τοῦ μὴ βλέπειν, καὶ ὦτα τοῦ μὴ ἀκούειν 1 God has given them a spirit of dullness, eyes so that they should not see, and ears so that they should not hear This is a metaphor about the fact that the people are spiritually dull. They are not able to **hear** or receive spiritual truth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 8 z47a πνεῦμα κατανύξεως 1 spirit of dullness Here, **spirit** means “the characteristics of,” such as the “spirit of wisdom.” ROM 11 8 zyk1 ὀφθαλμοὺς τοῦ μὴ βλέπειν 1 eyes so that they should not see The concept of seeing with one’s **eyes** was considered to be equivalent to gaining understanding. ROM 11 8 ny8w ὦτα τοῦ μὴ ἀκούειν 1 ears so that they should not hear The concept of hearing with the **ears** was considered to be equivalent to obedience. ROM 11 9 kpg8 figs-metonymy γενηθήτω ἡ τράπεζα αὐτῶν εἰς παγίδα, καὶ εἰς θήραν 1 Let their table become a net and a trap Here, **table** here is a metonym that represents feasting. Alternate translation: “Please, God, make their feasts become like a trap” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 11 9 l6re figs-metaphor γενηθήτω ἡ τράπεζα αὐτῶν εἰς παγίδα, καὶ εἰς θήραν 1 Here, **net** and **trap** are metaphors that represent punishment. Alternate translation: (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 9 x0wl figs-activepassive γενηθήτω ἡ τράπεζα αὐτῶν εἰς παγίδα, καὶ εἰς θήραν 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Please, God, make their feasts like a trap that catches them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 9 ya1g figs-metaphor σκάνδαλον 1 a stumbling block A **stumbling block** is anything that causes a person to trip so that he falls down. Here it represents something that tempts a person to sin. Alternate translation: “something that tempts them to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 9 xex5 ἀνταπόδομα αὐτοῖς 1 a retribution for them Alternate translation: “something that allows you to take revenge on them” ROM 11 10 c1nj figs-metonymy τὸν νῶτον αὐτῶν διὰ παντὸς σύνκαμψον 1 bend their backs continually Here, **make their backs bend** is a metonym for forcing slaves to carry heavy loads on their backs. Alternate translation: “make them continually carry heavy loads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 11 10 biqg figs-metaphor τὸν νῶτον αὐτῶν διὰ παντὸς σύνκαμψον 1 This is a metaphor for making them suffer. Alternate translation: “make them continually suffer like people carrying heavy loads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 11 z8tw 0 Connecting Statement: With Israel as a nation rejecting God, Paul warns the Gentiles to be careful they do not make the same mistake. ROM 11 11 r9hg figs-rquestion μὴ ἔπταισαν ἵνα πέσωσιν? 1 Did they stumble so as to fall? Paul uses this question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “Has God rejected them forever because they sinned?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 11 11 qbx4 μὴ γένοιτο! 1 May it never be “That is not possible!” or “Certainly not!” This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here. See how you translated this in [Romans 9:14](../09/14.md). ROM 11 11 f1jw παραζηλῶσαι αὐτούς 1 provoke … to jealousy See how you translated this phrase in [Romans 10:19](../10/19.md). ROM 11 12 ew4i figs-doublet εἰ…τὸ παράπτωμα αὐτῶν, πλοῦτος κόσμου, καὶ τὸ ἥττημα αὐτῶν, πλοῦτος ἐθνῶν 1 if their failure is the riches of the world, and if their loss is the riches of the Gentiles Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. If you need to, you can combine them in your translation. Alternate translation: “when the Jews failed spiritually, the result was that God abundantly blessed the non-Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 11 12 dh1g πλοῦτος ἐθνῶν 1 the riches of the world Because the Jews rejected Christ, God richly blessed the **Gentiles** by giving them the opportunity to receive Christ. ROM 11 12 it9k κόσμου 1 the world Here the **world** is a metonym that refers to the people who live in the world, especially the Gentiles. ROM 11 14 ua2k παραζηλώσω 1 I will provoke to jealousy See how you translated this phrase in [Romans 10:19](../10/19.md). ROM 11 14 h1qe μου τὴν σάρκα 1 those who are of my own flesh This refers to Paul’s fellow Jews. ROM 11 14 gp38 figs-explicit καὶ σώσω τινὰς ἐξ αὐτῶν 1 Perhaps I will save some of them God will save those who believe. Alternate translation: “and perhaps some will believe and God will save them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 11 15 es22 εἰ γὰρ ἡ ἀποβολὴ αὐτῶν καταλλαγὴ κόσμου 1 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world Alternate translation: “For if because God rejected them, he will reconcile the rest of the **world** to himself” ROM 11 15 ui3i ἡ ἀποβολὴ αὐτῶν 1 their rejection The pronoun **their** refers to Jewish unbelievers. ROM 11 15 m3fs figs-metonymy κόσμου 1 the world Here, **the world** is a metonym for the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 11 15 em8m figs-rquestion τίς ἡ πρόσλημψις εἰ μὴ ζωὴ ἐκ νεκρῶν? 1 what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? Paul asks this question to emphasize that when God accepts the Jews, it will be a wonderful thing. Alternate translation: “how will it be when God accepts them? It will be like they have come back to life from among the dead!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 11 15 civ7 figs-activepassive τίς ἡ πρόσλημψις εἰ μὴ ζωὴ ἐκ νεκρῶν? 1 You can translate it in an active form. Alternate translation: “then when God accepts them, it will be like they have died and become alive again!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 15 jn4l νεκρῶν 1 the dead These words speak of all **dead** people together in the underworld. ROM 11 16 b2s5 figs-metaphor εἰ δὲ ἡ ἀπαρχὴ ἁγία, καὶ τὸ φύραμα; 1 If the firstfruits are reserved, so is the lump of dough Paul is speaking of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Israelites’ ancestors, as if they were the first grain or **firstfruits** to be harvested. He is also speaking of the Israelites who are descendants of those men as if they were a **lump of dough** that they made from the grain. Alternate translation: “If Abraham is counted as the first of what has been offered to God, all of our ancestors who followed should also be counted as God’s possession” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 16 dci1 figs-metaphor εἰ ἡ ῥίζα ἁγία, καὶ οἱ κλάδοι 1 If the root is reserved, so are the branches Paul is speaking of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Israelites’ ancestors, as if they were the **root** of a tree, and the Israelites who are descendants of those men, as if they were the **branches** of the tree. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 16 d1zi figs-metaphor ἁγία 1 reserved The people always dedicated to God the first crops that they harvested. Here, “firstfruits” stands for the first people to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 17 slf6 figs-metaphor εἰ δέ τινες τῶν κλάδων ἐξεκλάσθησαν 1 But if some of the branches were broken off Here Paul refers to the Jews who rejected Jesus as **branches** that were **broken off**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 17 b8ic figs-activepassive εἰ δέ τινες τῶν κλάδων ἐξεκλάσθησαν 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “But if someone broke off some of the branches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 17 qv65 σὺ δὲ ἀγριέλαιος ὢν 1 if you, a wild olive branch The pronoun **you**, and the phrase **a wild olive branch**, refer to the Gentile people who have accepted salvation through Jesus. ROM 11 17 z6hr figs-metaphor ἐνεκεντρίσθης ἐν αὐτοῖς 1 were grafted in among them Here Paul speaks of the Gentile Christians as if they were **grafted** into the faith of Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 17 lb1p figs-activepassive ἐνεκεντρίσθης ἐν αὐτοῖς 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God attached you to the tree among the remaining branches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 17 s9w3 figs-metaphor τῆς ῥίζης τῆς πιότητος τῆς ἐλαίας ἐγένου 1 the rich root of the olive tree Here, **the richness of the root** is a metaphor that refers to the promises of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 18 gqd6 figs-metaphor μὴ κατακαυχῶ τῶν κλάδων 1 do not boast over the branches Here, **the branches** is a metaphor that stands for the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “do not say you are better than the Jewish people God has rejected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 18 llz1 figs-metaphor οὐ σὺ τὴν ῥίζαν βαστάζεις, ἀλλὰ ἡ ῥίζα σέ 1 it is not you who supports the root, but the root that supports you Again Paul implies that the Gentile believers are branches that are connected to the **root** of the faith of the Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs. God saves them only because of the covenant promises that he made to the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 19 mm6w figs-metaphor ἐξεκλάσθησαν κλάδοι 1 Branches were broken off **Branches** here refer to the Jews who rejected Jesus and whom God has now rejected. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 19 qk8c figs-activepassive ἐξεκλάσθησαν κλάδοι 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God broke branches off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 19 p9ti figs-metaphor ἐγὼ ἐνκεντρισθῶ 1 I might be grafted in Paul uses this phrase to refer to the Gentile believers whom God has accepted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 19 z9l9 figs-activepassive ἐγὼ ἐνκεντρισθῶ 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “he might attach me in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 20 puj9 τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ ἐξεκλάσθησαν 1 their … they The pronouns **They** and **their** refer to the Jewish people who did not believe. ROM 11 20 v2ua figs-metaphor σὺ δὲ τῇ πίστει ἕστηκας 1 but you stand firm because of your faith Paul speaks of the Gentile believers remaining faithful as if they were standing **firm** and no one could move them. Alternate translation: “but you remain because of your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 21 f6i7 figs-metaphor εἰ γὰρ ὁ Θεὸς τῶν κατὰ φύσιν κλάδων οὐκ ἐφείσατο, οὐδὲ σοῦ φείσεται 1 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you Here the **natural branches** refer to the Jewish people who rejected Jesus. Alternate translation: “Since God did not spare those unbelieving Jews, who grew up like a tree’s natural branches that came from the root, then know, if you do not believe, he will not spare you either” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 22 xdm3 χρηστότητα καὶ ἀποτομίαν Θεοῦ 1 the kind actions and the severity of God Paul is reminding the Gentile believers that although God may act very kindly toward them, he will not hesitate to judge and punish them. ROM 11 22 p691 figs-abstractnouns ἐπὶ μὲν τοὺς πεσόντας, ἀποτομία; ἐπὶ δὲ σὲ, χρηστότης Θεοῦ 1 severity came on the Jews who fell … God’s kindness comes on you This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns **severity** and **kindness**. Alternate translation: “God dealt harshly with the Jews who fell, but God acts kindly toward you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 11 22 scf8 figs-metaphor τοὺς πεσόντας 1 those who fell Doing what is wrong is spoken of as if it is falling down. Alternate translation: “the Jews who have done wrong” or “the Jews who have refused to trust in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 22 z41m figs-abstractnouns ἐὰν ἐπιμένῃς τῇ χρηστότητι 1 if you continue in his kindness This can be restated to remove the abstract noun **kindness**. Alternate translation: “if you continue doing what is right so that he continues being kind to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 11 22 t4mk figs-metaphor ἐπεὶ καὶ σὺ ἐκκοπήσῃ 1 Otherwise you also will be cut off Paul again uses the metaphor of a branch, which God can **cut off** if he needs to. Here, **cut off** is a metaphor for rejecting someone. Alternate translation: “Otherwise you will be rejected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 22 l17i figs-activepassive ἐπεὶ καὶ σὺ ἐκκοπήσῃ 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Otherwise God will cut you off” or “Otherwise God will reject you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 23 lvk7 figs-doublenegatives ἐὰν μὴ ἐπιμένωσι τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ 1 if they do not continue in their unbelief The phrase **do not continue in their unbelief** is a double negative. You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “if the Jews start believing in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ROM 11 23 zu7k figs-metaphor ἐνκεντρισθήσονται 1 will be grafted in Paul speaks of the Jews as if they were branches that could be **grafted** back into a tree if they start to believe in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 23 lx11 figs-activepassive ἐνκεντρισθήσονται 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will graft them back in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 23 yjj6 ἐνκεντρίσαι 1 graft This is a common process where the end of a live branch of one tree is inserted into another tree so that the new branch will continue to grow in that tree. ROM 11 23 r5kg κἀκεῖνοι…αὐτούς 1 they … them The occurrences of **they** and **them** refer to the Jews. ROM 11 24 s1a4 figs-metaphor εἰ γὰρ σὺ ἐκ τῆς κατὰ φύσιν ἐξεκόπης ἀγριελαίου, καὶ παρὰ φύσιν ἐνεκεντρίσθης εἰς καλλιέλαιον, πόσῳ μᾶλλον οὗτοι, οἱ κατὰ φύσιν ἐνκεντρισθήσονται τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐλαίᾳ 1 For if you were cut out of what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a good olive tree, how much more will these Jews, who are the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree? Paul continues speaking of the Gentile believers and Jews as if they were branches of a tree. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 24 dem3 figs-activepassive εἰ γὰρ σὺ ἐκ τῆς κατὰ φύσιν ἐξεκόπης ἀγριελαίου, καὶ παρὰ φύσιν ἐνεκεντρίσθης εἰς καλλιέλαιον, πόσῳ μᾶλλον οὗτοι, οἱ κατὰ φύσιν ἐνκεντρισθήσονται τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐλαίᾳ? 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For if God had cut you out of what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature had grafted you into a good olive tree, how much more will he graft these Jews, who are the natural branches, into their own olive tree?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 24 yn21 figs-metaphor οἱ κατὰ φύσιν 1 branches Paul continues speaking of the Jews and Gentiles as if they were branches. The branches **according to nature** represent the Jews who were originally connected to the faith of Abraham and the Jewish patriarchs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 25 ye5w figs-doublenegatives οὐ…θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν 1 I do not want you to be uninformed Here Paul uses a double negative. You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “I very much want you to be aware” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ROM 11 25 w7lx ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, **brothers** refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women. ROM 11 25 q3i2 θέλω 1 I Here the pronoun **I** refers to Paul. ROM 11 25 sf4v ὑμᾶς…ἦτε…ἑαυτοῖς 1 you … you … your The pronouns **you** and **yourselves** refer to the Gentile believers. ROM 11 25 me1g figs-explicit ἵνα μὴ ἦτε παρ’ ἑαυτοῖς φρόνιμοι 1 in order that you will not be wise in your own thinking Paul does not want the Gentile believers to think they are wiser than the Jewish unbelievers. Alternate translation: “so that you will not think you are wiser than you are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 11 25 ec4j figs-metaphor πώρωσις ἀπὸ μέρους τῷ Ἰσραὴλ γέγονεν 1 a partial hardening has occurred in Israel Paul speaks of stubbornness as if it were a **hardening** of physical organs in the body. Some Jews have refused to accept salvation through Jesus. Alternate translation: “many people of Israel continue to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 25 db1x ἄχρι οὗ τὸ πλήρωμα τῶν ἐθνῶν εἰσέλθῃ 1 until the completion of the Gentiles come in The word **until** here implies that a portion Jews will refuse to believe until after God has finished bringing the **Gentiles** into the church. ROM 11 26 ds7a 0 Connecting Statement: Paul says that a deliverer will come out of Israel to the glory of God. ROM 11 26 vu7t figs-activepassive καὶ οὕτως πᾶς Ἰσραὴλ σωθήσεται 1 Thus all Israel will be saved You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “and thus God will save all Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 26 n7yf figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 just as it is written You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “just as the scriptures record” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 26 dm4e figs-metonymy ἐκ Σιὼν 1 Out of Zion Here, **Zion** is used as a metonym for the place where God dwells. Alternate translation: “From where God is among the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 11 26 v96c ὁ ῥυόμενος 1 the Deliverer Alternate translation: “the one who brings his people to safety” ROM 11 26 at55 figs-metaphor ἀποστρέψει ἀσεβείας 1 He will remove ungodliness Paul speaks of **ungodliness** as if it were an object that someone could remove, perhaps like someone removes a garment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 26 bkr2 figs-metonymy ἀπὸ Ἰακώβ 1 from Jacob Here, **Jacob** is used as a metonym for Israel. Alternate translation: “from the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 11 27 ll39 figs-metaphor ἀφέλωμαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν 1 I will take away their sins Here Paul speaks of **sins** as if they were objects that someone could take away. Alternate translation: “I will remove the burden of their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 28 ctn9 figs-explicit κατὰ μὲν τὸ εὐαγγέλιον 1 As far as the gospel is concerned You can make explicit why Paul mentions the **gospel**. Alternate translation: “Because the Jews rejected the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 11 28 x6aa figs-explicit ἐχθροὶ δι’ ὑμᾶς 1 they are enemies for your sake You can make explicit whose **enemies** they are, and how this was for the Gentiles’ sake. Alternate translation: “they are God’s enemies for your sake” or “God has treated them as enemies in order that you also might hear the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 11 28 dr2q figs-explicit κατὰ…τὴν ἐκλογὴν 2 as far as election is concerned You can make explicit why Paul mentions **election**. Alternate translation: “because God has elected the Jews” or “because God has chosen the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 11 28 jas2 figs-explicit ἀγαπητοὶ διὰ τοὺς πατέρας 1 they are beloved because of their forefathers You can make explicit who loves the Jews and why Paul mentions **their forefathers**. Alternate translation: “they are loved by God because of what he promised to do for their ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 11 28 d82k figs-activepassive ἀγαπητοὶ διὰ τοὺς πατέρας 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God still loves them because of what he promised to do for their ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 11 29 p2sf figs-metaphor ἀμεταμέλητα γὰρ τὰ χαρίσματα καὶ ἡ κλῆσις τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 For the gifts and the call of God are unchangeable Paul speaks of the spiritual and material blessings that God promised to give his people as if they were **gifts**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 29 mnqs figs-explicit ἀμεταμέλητα γὰρ τὰ χαρίσματα καὶ ἡ κλῆσις τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The call of God refers to the fact that God called the Jews to be his people. Alternate translation: “For God never changed his mind about what he has promised to give them, and about how he has called them to be his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 11 30 bj8g ὑμεῖς ποτε ἠπειθήσατε 1 you were formerly disobedient Alternate translation: “you did not obey in the past” ROM 11 30 df91 figs-explicit ἠλεήθητε τῇ τούτων ἀπειθείᾳ 1 you have received mercy because of their disobedience Here, **mercy** means God’s undeserved blessings. Alternate translation: “because the Jews have rejected Jesus, you have received blessings that you did not deserve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 11 30 g3cn figs-you ὑμεῖς 1 you Here, **you** refers to Gentile believers, and is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 11 32 t6cb figs-metaphor συνέκλεισεν…ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς πάντας εἰς ἀπείθειαν 1 God has shut up all into disobedience God has treated people who disobey him like prisoners who are unable to escape from prison. Alternate translation: “God has made prisoners of those who disobey him. Now they cannot stop disobeying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 11 33 x3kb figs-doublet ὦ βάθος πλούτου, καὶ σοφίας καὶ γνώσεως Θεοῦ 1 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! Here, **wisdom** and **knowledge** mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “How amazing are the many benefits of both God’s wisdom and knowledge!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 11 33 u322 ὡς ἀνεξεραύνητα τὰ κρίματα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀνεξιχνίαστοι αἱ ὁδοὶ αὐτοῦ 1 How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways beyond discovering Alternate translation: “We are completely unable to understand the things that he has decided and find out the ways in which he acts toward us” ROM 11 34 r2wj figs-rquestion τίς γὰρ ἔγνω νοῦν Κυρίου, ἢ τίς σύμβουλος αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο? 1 For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has become his advisor? Paul uses this question to emphasize that no one is as wise as the Lord. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one has ever known the mind of the Lord, and no one has become his advisor.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 11 34 yy52 figs-metonymy νοῦν Κυρίου 1 the mind of the Lord Here, **mind** is a metonym for knowing things or thinking about things. Alternate translation: “all that the Lord knows” or “what the Lord thinks about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 11 35 j5cn figs-rquestion ἢ τίς προέδωκεν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἀνταποδοθήσεται αὐτῷ? 1 Or who has first given anything to God, that God must repay him? Paul uses this question to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “No one has ever given anything to God that he did not first receive from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 11 36 abc1 writing-pronouns ἐξ αὐτοῦ, καὶ δι’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ εἰς αὐτὸν, τὰ πάντα. αὐτῷ 1 For from him … through him … to him Here, all occurrences of **him** refer to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ROM 11 36 rpx6 figs-explicit αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας 1 To him be the glory forever This expresses Paul’s desire for all people to honor God. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “May all people honor him forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 12 intro aky9 0 # Romans 12 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

7. Instructions for living as Christians (12:1–15:13)
* How to act toward God (12:1–2)
* How to serve the church (12:3–8)
* How to act toward other Christians (12:9–13)
* How to act toward unbelievers (12:14–21)
* How to act toward government (13:1–7)
* How to act toward other people (13:8–10)
* Act as if the end is near (13:11–14)
* Do not judge other Christians (14:1–12)
* Do not tempt other Christians to sin (14:13–23)
* Be united with other Christians (15:1–13)

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 words of verse 20, which are from the Old Testament.

Many scholars believe Paul uses the word **therefore** in [Romans 12:1](../rom/12/01.md) to refer back to all of Chapters 1-11. Having carefully explained the Christian gospel, Paul now explains how Christians should live in light of these great truths. Chapters 12-16 focus on living out one’s Christian faith. Paul uses many different commands in these chapters to give these practical instructions. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Christian living

Under the law of Moses, people were required to offer temple sacrifices of animals or grain. Now Christians are required to live their lives as a type of sacrifice to God. Physical sacrifices are no longer required. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Body of Christ

The body of Christ is an important metaphor or image used in Scripture to refer to the church. Each church member plays a unique and important function. Christians need each other. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/body]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 12 1 rhs3 0 Connecting Statement: Paul tells what the life of a believer should be and how believers should serve. ROM 12 1 d2y3 figs-explicit παρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God Here, **brothers** refers to fellow believers, both male and female. Alternate translation: “Fellow believers, because of the great mercy that God has given you I very much want you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 12 1 w1mz figs-synecdoche παραστῆσαι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν θυσίαν ζῶσαν 1 to present your bodies a living sacrifice Here Paul uses the word **bodies** to refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “to offer yourselves completely to God as a living sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 12 1 wuyl figs-metaphor παραστῆσαι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν θυσίαν ζῶσαν 1 Paul is comparing a believer in Christ who completely obeys God to the animals that the Jews killed and then offered to God. Alternate translation: “to offer yourselves completely to God while you are alive as if you were a dead sacrifice on a temple altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 12 1 dwr5 figs-doublet ἁγίαν, εὐάρεστον, τῷ Θεῷ 1 holy, acceptable to God This could refer to: (1) a sacrifice that you give to God alone and that pleases him. (2) a sacrifice that is **acceptable** to God because it is morally pure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 12 1 tyk7 τὴν λογικὴν λατρείαν ὑμῶν 1 This is your reasonable service Alternate translation: “which is the right way to worship God” ROM 12 2 clc6 figs-metaphor μὴ συνσχηματίζεσθε τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ 1 Do not be conformed to this world This could mean: (1) do not behave as the world behaves. (2) do not think the way the world does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 12 2 pyb6 figs-activepassive μὴ συνσχηματίζεσθε τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ 1 Do not be conformed You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “do not act and think like the world does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 12 2 d2qq figs-metonymy τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ 1 this world Here, **this world** refers to unbelievers who live in the world. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 12 2 na8p figs-activepassive ἀλλὰ μεταμορφοῦσθε τῇ ἀνακαινώσει τοῦ νοός 1 but be transformed by the renewal of your mind You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “but let God change the way you think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 12 3 nyc2 figs-explicit διὰ τῆς χάριτος τῆς δοθείσης μοι 1 because of the grace that was given to me Here, **grace** refers to God’s choosing Paul to be an apostle and leader of the church. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “through the grace that caused me to become an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 12 3 l6c6 figs-activepassive διὰ τῆς χάριτος τῆς δοθείσης μοι 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “because God freely chose me to be an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 12 3 s6yg παντὶ τῷ ὄντι ἐν ὑμῖν, μὴ ὑπερφρονεῖν παρ’ ὃ δεῖ φρονεῖν 1 that everyone who is among you should not think more highly of themselves than they ought to think Alternate translation: “that no one among you should think they are better than they are” ROM 12 3 me4t ἀλλὰ φρονεῖν εἰς τὸ σωφρονεῖν 1 Instead, they should think in a wise way Alternate translation: “but you should be wise in how you think about yourselves” ROM 12 3 m8z7 figs-explicit ἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ Θεὸς ἐμέρισεν μέτρον πίστεως 1 just as God has given out to each one a certain amount of faith Paul implies here that believers have different abilities that correspond to their **faith** in God. Alternate translation: “since God has given each of you the faith to trust in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 12 4 zm8p γὰρ 1 For Paul the word **For** to show that he will now explain why some Christians should not think they are better than others. ROM 12 4 v2pi figs-metaphor ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, πολλὰ μέλη ἔχομεν 1 we have many members in one body Paul refers to all the believers in Christ as if they were different parts of the human **body**. He does this to illustrate that although believers may serve Christ in different ways, each person belongs to Christ and serves in an important way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 12 4 v5iy μέλη 1 members Here, **members** are such things as eyes, stomachs, and hands. ROM 12 5 dhx8 figs-metaphor τὸ δὲ καθ’ εἷς ἀλλήλων μέλη 1 are individually members of each other Paul speaks of the believers as if God had physically joined them together like the parts of the human body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 12 5 cutl figs-activepassive τὸ δὲ καθ’ εἷς ἀλλήλων μέλη 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has joined each believer together with all other believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 12 6 hrr1 figs-metaphor ἔχοντες δὲ χαρίσματα κατὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν διάφορα 1 We have different gifts according to the grace that was given to us Paul speaks of believers’ different abilities as being free gifts from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 12 6 y267 figs-activepassive ἔχοντες δὲ χαρίσματα κατὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν διάφορα 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God has freely given each of us the ability to do different things for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 12 6 bnk9 κατὰ τὴν ἀναλογίαν τῆς πίστεως 1 let it be done according to the proportion of his faith This could mean: (1) he should speak prophecies that do not go beyond the amount of faith God has given us. (2) he should speak prophecies that agree with the teachings of our faith. ROM 12 8 m2as figs-explicit ὁ μεταδιδοὺς 1 giving Here, **giving** refers to giving money and other things to people. You can make this meaning explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “if one has the gift of giving money or other goods to people in need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 12 9 iv5h figs-activepassive ἡ ἀγάπη ἀνυπόκριτος 1 Let love be without hypocrisy You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “You must love people sincerely and truly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 12 9 eaw7 ἡ ἀγάπη 1 love The word Paul uses here refers to the kind of love that comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. ROM 12 10 mr8i τῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ 1 love This is another word that means brotherly **love** or love for a friend or family member. This is natural human love between friends or relatives. ROM 12 10 ng86 τῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ…φιλόστοργοι 1 Concerning love of the brothers, be affectionate Here Paul begins a list of nine items, each of the form **in … be** to tell the believers what kind of people they should be. You may need to translate some of the items as “in … do.” The list continues to [Romans 12:13](../12/13.md). ROM 12 10 ux2y τῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ 1 Concerning love of the brothers Alternate translation: “as for how you love your fellow believers” ROM 12 10 tj57 τῇ τιμῇ ἀλλήλους προηγούμενοι 1 Concerning honor, respect one another Alternate translation: “honor and respect one another” or “honor your fellow believers by respecting them” ROM 12 11 iu2i τῇ σπουδῇ μὴ ὀκνηροί, τῷ πνεύματι ζέοντες, τῷ Κυρίῳ δουλεύοντες 1 Concerning diligence, do not be hesitant. Concerning the spirit, be eager. Concerning the Lord, serve him Alternate translation: “do not be lazy in your duty, but be eager to follow the Spirit and to serve the Lord” ROM 12 12 l3es τῇ θλίψει ὑπομένοντες 1 be patient in suffering Alternate translation: “wait patiently whenever you have troubles” ROM 12 13 vk5h ταῖς χρείαις τῶν ἁγίων κοινωνοῦντες 1 Share in the needs of the saints Alternate translation: “when fellow Christians are in trouble, help them with what they need” ROM 12 13 exd8 τὴν φιλοξενίαν διώκοντες 1 Find many ways to show hospitality This is the last item in the list that began in [Romans 12:9](../12/09.md). “always welcome them into your home when they need a place to stay” ROM 12 16 hwd1 figs-idiom τὸ αὐτὸ εἰς ἀλλήλους φρονοῦντες 1 Be of the same mind toward one another This is an idiom that means to live in unity. Alternate translation: “agreeing with one another” or “living in unity with each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ROM 12 16 ar7y μὴ τὰ ὑψηλὰ φρονοῦντες 1 Do not think in proud ways Alternate translation: “do not think that you are more important than others” ROM 12 16 cc23 τοῖς ταπεινοῖς συναπαγόμενοι 1 accept lowly people Alternate translation: “welcome people who do not seem important” ROM 12 16 h469 μὴ γίνεσθε φρόνιμοι παρ’ ἑαυτοῖς 1 Do not be wise in your own thoughts Alternate translation: “Do not think of yourselves as having more wisdom than everyone else” ROM 12 17 h2tz μηδενὶ κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ ἀποδιδόντες 1 Repay no one evil for evil Alternate translation: “do not do evil things to someone who has done evil things to you” ROM 12 17 fzh8 προνοούμενοι καλὰ ἐνώπιον πάντων ἀνθρώπων 1 Do good things in the sight of all people Alternate translation: “do things that everyone considers to be good” ROM 12 18 pgt7 τὸ ἐξ ὑμῶν, μετὰ πάντων ἀνθρώπων εἰρηνεύοντες 1 as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people Alternate translation: “do whatever you can to live in peace with everyone” ROM 12 19 ew6x figs-metonymy δότε τόπον τῇ ὀργῇ 1 give way to his wrath Here, **wrath** is a metonym for God’s punishment. Alternate translation: “allow God to punish them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 12 19 ns3b figs-activepassive γέγραπται γάρ 1 For it is written You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “for someone has written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 12 19 l2i8 figs-parallelism ἐμοὶ ἐκδίκησις; ἐγὼ ἀνταποδώσω 1 Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that God will avenge his people. Alternate translation: “I will certainly avenge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ROM 12 20 c4ig figs-you ὁ ἐχθρός σου…σωρεύσεις 1 your enemy … feed him … give him a drink … if you do this, you will heap The pronouns **your** and **you** are singular and addressed as to one person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 12 20 q7dq ἀλλὰ ἐὰν πεινᾷ ὁ ἐχθρός σου, ψώμιζε αὐτόν; ἐὰν διψᾷ, πότιζε αὐτόν; τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν, ἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ. 1 But if your enemy is hungry … his head In 12:20 Paul quotes another part of scripture. Alternate translation: “But the scripture also says, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For doing this, you will heap coals of fire on his head’” ROM 12 20 wce6 figs-metaphor ἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ 1 You will heap coals of fire on his head Paul speaks of the blessings that the enemies will receive as if someone were pouring hot **coals** on their heads. This could mean: (1) you will make the person who harmed you feel badly about how he has mistreated you. (2) you will give God a reason to judge your enemy more harshly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 12 21 q761 figs-personification μὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ, ἀλλὰ νίκα ἐν τῷ ἀγαθῷ τὸ κακόν 1 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good Paul describes **evil** as though it were a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 12 21 k8et figs-activepassive μὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Do not let those who are evil defeat you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 12 21 p7fd μὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ, ἀλλὰ νίκα…τὸ κακόν 1 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil These verbs are addressed as to one person and so are singular. ROM 13 intro l4q7 0 # Romans 13 General Notes

## Structure and formatting


7. Instructions for living as Christians (12:1–15:13)
* How to act toward God (12:1–2)
* How to serve the church (12:3–8)
* How to act toward other Christians (12:9–13)
* How to act toward unbelievers (12:14–21)
* How to act toward government (13:1–7)
* How to act toward other people (13:8–10)
* Act as if the end is near (13:11–14)

In the first part of this chapter, Paul teaches Christians to obey rulers who govern them. At that time, ungodly Roman rulers governed the land. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Ungodly rulers

When Paul teaches about obeying rulers, some readers will find this difficult to understand, especially in places where rulers persecute the church. Christians must obey their rulers as well as obey God, unless the rulers do not allow Christians to do something God explicitly commands them to do. There are times when a believer must submit to these rulers and suffer at their hands. Christians understand that this world is temporary and they will ultimately be with God forever. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Flesh

This is a complex issue. “Flesh” is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive (“in the flesh”), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]]) ROM 13 1 v5ik 0 Connecting Statement: Paul tells believers how to live under their rulers. ROM 13 1 b8nf figs-synecdoche πᾶσα ψυχὴ…ὑποτασσέσθω 1 Let every soul be obedient to Here, **soul** is a synecdoche for the whole person. “Let every Christian obey” or “Everyone should obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 13 1 g1by ἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις 1 higher authorities Alternate translation: “submit to government officials” ROM 13 1 wii2 figs-doublenegatives οὐ…ἔστιν ἐξουσία, εἰ μὴ ὑπὸ Θεοῦ 1 there is no authority unless it comes from God This is a double negative. You can translate it in a positive form. Alternate translation: “all authority comes from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ROM 13 1 j3lr figs-activepassive αἱ δὲ οὖσαι ὑπὸ Θεοῦ τεταγμέναι εἰσίν 1 The authorities that exist have been appointed by God You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “And the people who are in authority are there because God put them there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 13 2 ui8y τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ 1 that authority Alternate translation: “that government authority” or “the authority that God placed in power” ROM 13 2 dsa3 figs-activepassive οἱ…ἀνθεστηκότες, ἑαυτοῖς κρίμα λήμψονται 1 those who oppose it will receive judgment on themselves You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will judge those who oppose government authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 13 3 m3yf γὰρ 1 For Paul uses this word to begin his explanation of [Romans 13:2](../13/02.md) and to tell about what will result if the government condemns a person. ROM 13 3 c2xa οἱ…ἄρχοντες οὐκ εἰσὶν φόβος 1 rulers are not a terror Rulers do not make good people afraid. ROM 13 3 jt2z τῷ ἀγαθῷ ἔργῳ,…τῷ κακῷ 1 to good deeds … to evil deeds People are identified with their **good deeds** or **evil deeds**. ROM 13 3 z4sq figs-rquestion θέλεις δὲ μὴ φοβεῖσθαι τὴν ἐξουσίαν? 1 Do you desire to be unafraid of the one in authority? Paul uses this question to get people to think about what they need to do in order not to be afraid of rulers. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you how you can be unafraid of the ruler.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 13 3 ahl9 ἕξεις ἔπαινον ἐξ αὐτῆς 1 you will receive his approval The government will say good things about people who do what is good. ROM 13 4 ink8 figs-litotes οὐ…εἰκῇ τὴν μάχαιραν φορεῖ 1 he does not carry the sword for no reason You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “he carries the sword for a very good reason” or “he has the power to punish people, and he will punish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) ROM 13 4 s3vz figs-metonymy τὴν μάχαιραν φορεῖ 1 carry the sword Roman governors carried a short **sword** as a symbol of their authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 13 4 au7j figs-metonymy ἔκδικος εἰς ὀργὴν 1 an avenger for wrath Here, **wrath** represents the punishment people receive when they do evil deeds. Alternate translation: “a person who punishes people as an expression of the government’s anger against evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 13 5 q81v οὐ μόνον διὰ τὴν ὀργὴν, ἀλλὰ καὶ διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν 1 not only because of the wrath, but also because of conscience Alternate translation: “not only so the government will not punish you, but also so you will have a clear conscience before God” ROM 13 6 r1jy διὰ τοῦτο 1 Because of this Alternate translation: “because the government punishes evildoers” ROM 13 6 r4b3 τελεῖτε 1 you pay Paul is addressing the believers here, so this verb is plural. ROM 13 6 hy4f γὰρ…εἰσιν 2 For they are Alternate translation: “This is why you should pay taxes: authorities are” ROM 13 7 z9cn ἀπόδοτε πᾶσι 1 Pay to everyone Paul is addressing the believers here, so this verb is plural. ROM 13 7 wg2l figs-ellipsis τῷ τὸν φόρον, τὸν φόρον; τῷ τὸ τέλος, τὸ τέλος; τῷ τὸν φόβον, τὸν φόβον; τῷ τὴν τιμὴν, τὴν τιμήν 1 Tax to whom tax is due, toll to whom toll is due; fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due. The word “pay” is understood from the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “pay tax to whom tax is due and toll to whom toll is due. Pay fear to whom fear is due and honor to him to whom honor is due” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 13 7 nwi2 figs-metaphor τῷ τὸν φόβον, τὸν φόβον; τῷ τὴν τιμὴν, τὴν τιμήν 1 fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due Here paying **fear** and **honor** is a metaphor for fearing and honoring those who deserve to be feared and honored. Alternate translation: “Fear those who deserve to be feared, and honor those who deserved to be honored” or “Respect those whom you ought to respect, and honor those whom you ought to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 13 7 s2nf τὸ τέλος 1 toll This is a kind of tax. ROM 13 8 s8pb 0 Connecting Statement: Paul tells believers how to act toward neighbors. ROM 13 8 a69g figs-doublenegatives μηδενὶ μηδὲν ὀφείλετε, εἰ μὴ τὸ ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν 1 Owe no one anything, except to love one another This is a double negative. You can translate it in a positive form. Alternate translation: “Pay all you owe to everyone, and fulfill your obligation to love one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ROM 13 8 ay3n εἰ μὴ τὸ ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν 1 except to love one another This is the one debt that can remain. ROM 13 8 p6cw ὀφείλετε 1 Owe This verb is plural and applies to all the Christians in Rome. ROM 13 8 i5au ἀγαπᾶν 1 love This refers to the kind of **love** that comes from God and focuses on the good of others, even when it does not benefit oneself. ROM 13 10 vy62 figs-personification ἡ ἀγάπη τῷ πλησίον κακὸν οὐκ ἐργάζεται 1 Love does not harm one’s neighbor This phrase portrays love as a person who is being kind to other people. Alternate translation: “People who love their neighbors do not harm them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 13 11 b6l3 figs-metaphor εἰδότες τὸν καιρόν, ὅτι ὥρα ἤδη ὑμᾶς ἐξ ὕπνου ἐγερθῆναι 1 we know the time, that it is already time for us to awake out of sleep Paul speaks of the need for the Roman believers to change their behavior as if they needed to wake up from being asleep. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 13 12 ahn4 figs-metaphor ἡ νὺξ προέκοψεν 1 The night has advanced Paul speaks of the time when people do evil deeds as **night**. Alternate translation: “The sinful time is almost over” or “It is as though the night is almost finished” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 13 12 p7xp figs-metaphor ἡ…ἡμέρα ἤγγικεν 2 the day has come near Paul speaks of the time when people do what is right as the **day**. Alternate translation: “the time of righteousness will begin soon” or “it is as though it will soon be day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 13 12 bb8t figs-metaphor ἀποθώμεθα οὖν τὰ ἔργα τοῦ σκότους 1 Let us therefore put aside the works of darkness Paul speaks of **works of darkness** as if they are clothing that a person puts aside. Here to **put aside** means to stop doing something. Here, **darkness** is a metaphor for evil. Alternate translation: “Let us therefore stop doing the evil things that people do in the dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 13 12 y5n4 figs-metaphor ἐνδυσώμεθα…τὰ ὅπλα τοῦ φωτός 1 let us put on the armor of light Here, **light** is a metaphor for what is good and right. Paul speaks of doing what is right as if it were putting on armor to protect one’s self. Alternate translation: “let us start doing what is right. Doing this will protect us from what is evil like armor protects a solider” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 13 13 gv4q figs-exclusive περιπατήσωμεν 1 Let us walk Paul includes his readers and other believers with himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 13 13 e6ij figs-metaphor ὡς ἐν ἡμέρᾳ εὐσχημόνως περιπατήσωμεν 1 Let us walk appropriately, as in the day Paul speaks of living as true believers as if one were walking while it is **day**. Alternate translation: “Let us walk in a visible way knowing that everyone can see us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 13 13 qes3 figs-doublet κοίταις καὶ ἀσελγείαις 1 in sexual immorality or in uncontrolled lust These concepts mean basically the same thing. You can combine them in your translation. Alternate translation: “in sexually immoral acts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 13 13 h6xl ἔριδι 1 strife This refers to plotting against and arguing with other people. ROM 13 14 sir6 figs-metaphor ἐνδύσασθε τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν 1 put on the Lord Jesus Christ Paul speaks of accepting the moral nature of Christ as if he were our outer clothing that people can see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 13 14 j795 ἐνδύσασθε 1 put on If your language has a plural form for commands, use it here. ROM 13 14 xre7 figs-metonymy τῆς σαρκὸς πρόνοιαν μὴ ποιεῖσθε 1 make no provision for the flesh Here the **flesh** refers to the self-directed nature of people who oppose God. This is the sinful nature of human beings. Alternate translation: “do not allow your old evil heart any opportunity at all for doing wicked things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 14 intro kt8c 0 # Romans 14 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

7. Instructions for living as Christians (12:1–15:13)
* How to act toward God (12:1–2)
* How to serve the church (12:3–8)
* How to act toward other Christians (12:9–13)
* How to act toward unbelievers (12:14–21)
* How to act toward government (13:1–7)
* How to act toward other people (13:8–10)
* Act as if the end is near (13:11–14)
* Do not judge other Christians (14:1–12)
* Do not tempt other Christians to sin (14:13–23)

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 verse 11 of this chapter, which Paul quotes from the Old Testament.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Weak in faith

Paul teaches that Christians can have real faith and at the same time be “weak in faith” in a given situation. This describes Christians whose faith is immature, not strong, or misunderstood. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

### Dietary restrictions

Many religions in the ancient Near East restricted what was eaten. Christians have freedom to eat what they want. But they need to use this freedom wisely, in a way that honors the Lord and does not cause others to sin. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

### The judgment seat of God

The judgment seat of God or Christ represents a time when all people, including Christians, will be held accountable for the way they lived their lives. ROM 14 1 abm6 0 Connecting Statement: Paul encourages believers to remember that they are answerable to God. ROM 14 1 jf8v ἀσθενοῦντα τῇ πίστει 1 weak in faith This refers to those who felt guilty over eating and drinking certain things. ROM 14 1 p697 μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν 1 without giving judgment about arguments Alternate translation: “and do not condemn them for their opinions” ROM 14 2 ii8g ὃς μὲν πιστεύει φαγεῖν πάντα 1 One person has faith to eat anything Some people believe God permits them to eat any kind of food. ROM 14 2 n2n6 ὁ…ἀσθενῶν λάχανα ἐσθίει 1 another who is weak eats only vegetables This describes a person who believes God does not want him to eat meat. ROM 14 4 q9bx figs-rquestion σὺ τίς εἶ, ὁ κρίνων ἀλλότριον οἰκέτην? 1 Who are you, you who judge a servant belonging to someone else? Paul is using a question to scold those who are judging others. You can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not God, and you are not allowed to judge one of his servants!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 14 4 xq7r figs-you σὺ…ὁ κρίνων 1 you, who judges The form of **you** here is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 14 4 ba38 figs-metaphor τῷ ἰδίῳ κυρίῳ στήκει ἢ πίπτει 1 It is before his own master that he stands or falls Paul speaks of God as if he were a **master** who owned slaves. Alternate translation: “Only the master can decide if he will accept the slave or not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 14 4 cp9y figs-metaphor σταθήσεται δέ, δυνατεῖ γὰρ ὁ Κύριος στῆσαι αὐτόν 1 But he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand Paul speaks of the servant who is acceptable to God as if he were being **made to stand** instead of falling. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 14 4 ucto figs-activepassive σταθήσεται δέ, δυνατεῖ γὰρ ὁ Κύριος στῆσαι αὐτόν 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “But the Lord will accept him because he is able to make the servant acceptable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 14 5 x7j2 ὃς μὲν κρίνει ἡμέραν παρ’ ἡμέραν; ὃς δὲ κρίνει πᾶσαν ἡμέραν. 1 One person values one day above another. Another values every day equally Alternate translation: “One person thinks one day is more important than all the others, but another person thinks that all days are the same” ROM 14 5 m511 figs-explicit ἕκαστος ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοῒ, πληροφορείσθω 1 Let each person be convinced in his own mind You can make the full meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “Let each person be convinced that he is honoring the Lord by what he does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 5 y5ea figs-activepassive ἕκαστος ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ νοῒ, πληροφορείσθω 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Let each person be sure what he is doing is to honor the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 14 6 pfn6 figs-explicit ὁ φρονῶν τὴν ἡμέραν, Κυρίῳ φρονεῖ 1 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord Here, **observes** refers to worshiping. Alternate translation: “The person who worships on a certain day does it to honor the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 6 esu5 figs-ellipsis ὁ ἐσθίων 1 he who eats The word “everything” is understood from [Romans 14:3](../14/03.md). It can be repeatd here. Alternate translation: “the person who eats every kind of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 14 6 f9tm Κυρίῳ ἐσθίει 1 eats for the Lord Alternate translation: “eats to honor the Lord” or “eats that way in order to honor the Lord” ROM 14 6 jh8j figs-ellipsis καὶ ὁ μὴ ἐσθίων 1 He who does not eat The word “everything” is understood from [Romans 14:3](../14/03.md). It can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “and he who does not eat everything” or “and the person who does not eat certain kinds of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 14 7 txm3 figs-explicit οὐδεὶς γὰρ ἡμῶν ἑαυτῷ ζῇ 1 For none of us lives for himself Here, **lives for himself** means to live only to please oneself. Alternate translation: “None of us should live merely to please ourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 7 u9ar figs-exclusive οὐδεὶς…ἡμῶν 1 none of us Paul is including his readers, so this is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 14 7 c9ls figs-explicit οὐδεὶς ἑαυτῷ ἀποθνῄσκει 1 none dies for himself This means anyone’s death affects other people. Alternate translation: “none of us should think that when we die, it affects only us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 8 s3lb figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Paul is speaking of both himself and his readers, so all instances of “we” are inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 14 10 db9a figs-rquestion τί κρίνεις τὸν ἀδελφόν σου? ἢ καὶ σὺ τί ἐξουθενεῖς τὸν ἀδελφόν σου? 1 why do you judge your brother? And you, why do you despise your brother? By using these questions, Paul is demonstrating how he might need to scold individuals among his readers. Alternate translation: “it is wrong for you to judge your brother, and it is wrong for you to despise your brother!” or “stop judging and despising your brother!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ROM 14 10 al55 τὸν ἀδελφόν 1 brother Here, **brother** means a fellow Christian, male or female. ROM 14 10 jq85 figs-metonymy πάντες γὰρ παραστησόμεθα τῷ βήματι τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God The **judgment seat** refers to God’s authority to judge. Alternate translation: “For God will judge us all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 14 11 fel6 figs-activepassive γέγραπται γάρ 1 For it is written, You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For someone has written in the scriptures:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 14 11 tf76 figs-explicit ζῶ ἐγώ 1 As I live This phrase is used to start an oath or solemn promise. Alternate translation: “You can be certain that this is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 11 sb6q figs-synecdoche ἐμοὶ κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ, καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ Θεῷ 1 to me every knee will bend, and every tongue will confess to God Paul uses the word **God** and **tongue** to refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “every person will bow and give praise to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 14 11 vngp figs-123person ἐμοὶ κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ, καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ Θεῷ 1 The Lord uses the word **God** to refer to himself. Alternate translation: “every person will bow and give praise to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) ROM 14 12 nsy8 περὶ ἑαυτοῦ, λόγον δώσει τῷ Θεῷ 1 will give an account of himself to God Alternate translation: “will have to explain our actions to God” ROM 14 13 ia62 figs-doublet ἀλλὰ τοῦτο κρίνατε μᾶλλον, τὸ μὴ τιθέναι πρόσκομμα τῷ ἀδελφῷ ἢ σκάνδαλον 1 but instead decide this, that no one will place a stumbling block or a snare for his brother Here, **stumbling block** and **snare** mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “but instead make it your goal not to do or say anything that might cause a fellow believer to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 14 13 cx4s τῷ ἀδελφῷ 1 brother Here, **brother** refers to a fellow Christian, male or female. ROM 14 14 t7gc figs-doublet οἶδα καὶ πέπεισμαι ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ 1 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus Here the words **know** and **am persuaded** mean basically the same thing; Paul uses them to emphasize his certainty. Alternate translation: “I am certain because of my relationship with the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 14 14 fuk1 figs-doublenegatives οὐδὲν κοινὸν δι’ ἑαυτοῦ 1 nothing is unclean by itself You can translate this in a positive form. Alternate translation: “everything by itself is clean” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ROM 14 14 mjc5 δι’ ἑαυτοῦ 1 by itself Alternate translation: “by its nature” or “because of what it is” ROM 14 14 w3gg figs-explicit εἰ μὴ τῷ λογιζομένῳ τι κοινὸν εἶναι, ἐκείνῳ κοινόν 1 Only for him who considers anything to be unclean, for him it is unclean Paul implies here that a person should stay away from anything that he thinks is unclean. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “but if a person thinks something is unclean, then for that person it is unclean and he should stay away from it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 15 iw7w εἰ…διὰ βρῶμα, ὁ ἀδελφός σου λυπεῖται 1 If because of food your brother is hurt “If you hurt your fellow believer’s faith over the matter of food.” Here the word **your** refers to those who are strong in faith and **brother** refers to those who are weak in faith. ROM 14 15 ln42 ὁ ἀδελφός 1 brother Here, **brother** refers to a fellow Christian, male or female. ROM 14 15 bj8v figs-metaphor οὐκέτι κατὰ ἀγάπην περιπατεῖς 1 you are no longer walking in love Paul speaks of the behavior of believers as if it were a walk. Alternate translation: “then you are no longer showing love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 14 16 gl48 μὴ βλασφημείσθω οὖν ὑμῶν τὸ ἀγαθόν 1 So do not allow what you consider to be good to be spoken of as evil Alternate translation: “If someone else thinks that something is evil, do not do it, even if you consider it to be good” ROM 14 17 j92k figs-explicit οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ βρῶσις καὶ πόσις, ἀλλὰ δικαιοσύνη, καὶ εἰρήνη, καὶ χαρὰ ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ 1 For the kingdom of God is not about food and drink, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit Paul argues that God set up his **kingdom** so he could give us a right relationship with himself, and to provide peace and joy. Alternate translation: “For God did not set up his kingdom so that he could rule over what we eat and drink. He set up his kingdom so we could have a right relationship with him, and so he could give us peace and joy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 18 am8m figs-activepassive δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις 1 approved by people You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “people will approve of him” or “people will respect him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 14 19 i3rv figs-explicit τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης διώκωμεν, καὶ τὰ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς τῆς εἰς ἀλλήλους 1 let us pursue the things of peace and the things that build up one another Here, **build up one another** refers to helping each other grow in faith. Alternate translation: “let us seek to live peacefully together and help one another grow stronger in faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 20 p65h figs-explicit μὴ ἕνεκεν βρώματος, κατάλυε τὸ ἔργον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Do not destroy the work of God because of food You can make explicit the full meaning of this sentence. Alternate translation: “Do not undo what God has done for a fellow believer just because you want to eat a certain kind of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 20 dk72 figs-explicit ἀλλὰ κακὸν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ τῷ διὰ προσκόμματος ἐσθίοντι 1 but it is evil for that person who eats and causes him to stumble Here a **stumbling block** is a food that a weaker brother eats despite thinking it is wrong, and thereby goes against his conscience. Alternate translation: “but it would be a sin for someone to eat food, which another brother thinks is wrong to eat, if by eating this causes the weaker brother to do something that is against his conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 21 mrr4 καλὸν τὸ μὴ φαγεῖν κρέα, μηδὲ πιεῖν οἶνον, μηδὲ ἐν ᾧ ὁ ἀδελφός σου προσκόπτει 1 It is good not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor anything by which your brother takes offense Alternate translation: “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that might cause your brother to sin” ROM 14 21 iq9g ὁ ἀδελφός 1 brother Here, **brother** refers to a fellow Christian, male or female. ROM 14 21 e1du figs-you σου 1 your Here, **you** is singular and stresses the responsibility of each individual believer for his fellow believer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 14 22 hjk9 σὺ πίστιν ἣν ἔχεις 1 The faith you have Here, **faith** refers back to the beliefs about food and drink. ROM 14 22 b3hi figs-you σὺ…σεαυτὸν 1 you … yourself Here, **you** and **yourself** are singular. Because Paul is addressing the believers, you may have to translate this using plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ROM 14 22 r53r μακάριος ὁ μὴ κρίνων ἑαυτὸν ἐν ᾧ δοκιμάζει 1 Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves Alternate translation: “Blessed are those who do not feel guilty for what they decide to do” ROM 14 23 s1ph figs-activepassive ὁ δὲ διακρινόμενος, ἐὰν φάγῃ, κατακέκριται 1 He who doubts is condemned if he eats You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “God will say that the person does wrong if he is not sure if it is right to eat a certain food, but he eats it anyway” or “The person who is not sure if it is right to eat a certain food, but then eats it anyway will have a troubled conscience” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 14 23 yr44 figs-explicit ὅτι οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως 1 because it is not from faith Anything that is **not from faith** is something that God does not want you to do. You can make explicit the full meaning here. Alternate translation: “God will say that he is wrong because he is eating something he believes God does not want him to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 14 23 tr9i figs-explicit πᾶν δὲ ὃ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως, ἁμαρτία ἐστίν 1 whatever is not from faith is sin Anything that is **not from faith** is something that God does not want you to do. You can make explicit the full meaning here. Alternate translation: “you are sinning if you do something that you do not believe God wants you to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 intro ae9u 0 # Romans 15 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

7. Instructions for living as Christians (12:1–15:13)
* How to act toward God (12:1–2)
* How to serve the church (12:3–8)
* How to act toward other Christians (12:9–13)
* How to act toward unbelievers (12:14–21)
* How to act toward government (13:1–7)
* How to act toward other people (13:8–10)
* Act as if the end is near (13:11–14)
* Do not judge other Christians (14:1–12)
* Do not tempt other Christians to sin (14:13–23)
* Be united with other Christians (15:1–13)
8. Conclusion (15:14–16:27)
* Paul describes his mission (15:14–21)
* Paul’s travel plans (15:22–33)

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 verses 9-11 and 21 of this chapter, which are words from the Old Testament.

Some translations set prose quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the quoted words in verse 12.

In [Romans 15:14](../rom/15/14.md), Paul begins to speak more personally. He shifts from teaching to telling of his personal plans.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Strong/Weak

These terms are used to refer to people who are mature and immature in their faith. Paul teaches that those who are strong in faith need to help those who are weak in faith. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]]) ROM 15 1 cx66 0 Connecting Statement: Paul concludes this section about believers’ living for others with reminding them how Christ lived. ROM 15 1 u19s δὲ 1 Now Translate this using the words your language uses to introduce a new idea into an argument. ROM 15 1 u73x figs-explicit ἡμεῖς, οἱ δυνατοὶ 1 we who are strong Here, **strong** refers to the people who are strong in their faith. They believe that God allows them to eat any kind of food. Alternate translation: “we who are strong in faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 1 dx9d figs-exclusive ἡμεῖς 1 we This refers to Paul, his readers, and other believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 15 1 cv61 figs-explicit τῶν ἀδυνάτων 1 of the weak Here, **the weak** refers to the people who are weak in their faith. They believe that God does not allow them to eat some kinds of food. Alternate translation: “those who are weak in faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 2 z2k8 figs-explicit πρὸς οἰκοδομήν 1 in order to build him up By this, Paul means to strengthen someone’s faith. Alternate translation: “to strengthen his faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 3 y6fe figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “someone wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 3 bcz1 figs-explicit καθὼς γέγραπται 1 it was just as it is written Here Paul refers to a scripture where Christ (the Messiah) speaks to God. Alternate translation: “the Messiah said to God in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 3 qni7 οἱ ὀνειδισμοὶ τῶν ὀνειδιζόντων σε, ἐπέπεσαν ἐπ’ ἐμέ 1 The insults of those who insulted you fell on me The insults of those who insulted God fell on Christ. ROM 15 4 txd4 figs-activepassive ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν ἐγράφη 1 For whatever was previously written was written for our instruction You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “For in times past, the prophets wrote everything in the Scriptures to teach us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 4 m7yy figs-exclusive ἡμετέραν…ἔχωμεν 1 our … we have Paul includes his readers and other believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 15 4 g6r1 figs-explicit ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ διὰ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν Γραφῶν, τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν 1 in order that through patience and through encouragement of the scriptures we would have certain hope Here, **have hope** means that the believers will know that God will fulfill his promises. You can make explicit the full meaning in your translation. Alternate translation: “In this way the scriptures will encourage us to expect that God will do for us everything that he has promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 5 u2zm 0 Connecting Statement: Paul encourages the believers to remember that both Gentile believers and Jews that believe are made one in Christ. ROM 15 5 g5xm Θεὸς…δῴη 1 may … God … grant Alternate translation: “I pray that … God … will grant” ROM 15 5 ws7q τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν ἀλλήλοις 1 to be of the same mind with each other Alternate translation: “to be in agreement with each other” or “to be united” ROM 15 6 uz1z figs-metonymy ἐν ἑνὶ στόματι, δοξάζητε 1 praise with one mouth This means to be united in praising God. Alternate translation: “praise God together in unity as if only one mouth were speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 15 7 z941 προσλαμβάνεσθε ἀλλήλους 1 receive one another Alternate translation: “accept one another” ROM 15 8 gbh8 λέγω γὰρ 1 For I say The pronoun **I** refers to Paul. ROM 15 8 k4my figs-metonymy Χριστὸν διάκονον γεγενῆσθαι περιτομῆς 1 Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision Here, **the circumcision** is a metonym that refers to the Jews. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ has been made a servant of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 15 8 r0gd figs-activepassive Χριστὸν διάκονον γεγενῆσθαι περιτομῆς 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ has become a servant of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 8 me1e εἰς τὸ βεβαιῶσαι τὰς ἐπαγγελίας 1 in order to confirm the promises This is one of the two purposes for which Christ became a servant of the circumcision. ROM 15 8 gu7z figs-explicit τὰς ἐπαγγελίας τῶν πατέρων 1 the promises given to the fathers Here, **the fathers** refers to the ancestors of the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “the promises to the ancestors of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 8 dxz1 figs-activepassive τὰς ἐπαγγελίας τῶν πατέρων 1 You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “the promises that God gave to the ancestors of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 9 k5q7 τὰ δὲ ἔθνη, ὑπὲρ ἐλέους δοξάσαι τὸν Θεόν 1 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for his mercy This is the second reason for which Christ became a servant of the circumcision. Alternate translation: “and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy” ROM 15 9 xgc4 figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 As it is written You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “as someone has written in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 9 em5q figs-metonymy τῷ ὀνόματί σου ψαλῶ 1 sing praise to your name Here, **your name** is a metonym that refers to God. Alternate translation: “sing praise to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 15 10 yvy9 καὶ πάλιν λέγει 1 Again it says Alternate translation: “And again the scripture says” ROM 15 10 x4kg figs-explicit μετὰ τοῦ λαοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 with his people This refers to God’s **people**. You can make this explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “with the people of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 11 xw7t ἐπαινεσάτωσαν αὐτὸν 1 Let praise him Alternate translation: “let … praise the Lord” ROM 15 12 fta5 figs-metonymy ἡ ῥίζα τοῦ Ἰεσσαί 1 root of Jesse **Jesse** was the physical father of King David. Alternate translation: “descendant of Jesse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 15 12 i4nn figs-explicit ἐπ’ αὐτῷ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν 1 in him the Gentiles will have hope Here, **him** refers to the descendant of Jesse, the Messiah. Those who are not Jews will also trust him to fulfill his promises. Alternate translation: “the people who are not Jews can trust him to do what he has promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 13 w7wn figs-hyperbole πληρώσαι ὑμᾶς πάσης χαρᾶς καὶ εἰρήνης 1 May fill you with all joy and peace Paul exaggerates here to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “may … fill you with great joy and peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 15 14 h98x 0 Connecting Statement: Paul reminds the believers in Rome that God chose him to reach the Gentiles. ROM 15 14 qfs6 figs-explicit πέπεισμαι…ἀδελφοί μου, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐγὼ περὶ ὑμῶν 1 I myself am also convinced about you, my brothers Paul is quite sure that the believers in Rome are honoring each other in their behavior. Alternate translation: “I myself am completely sure that you yourselves have acted toward others in a completely good way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 14 d878 ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, **brothers** refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women. ROM 15 14 qhv3 figs-hyperbole πεπληρωμένοι πάσης γνώσεως 1 filled with all knowledge Paul exaggerates here to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “having been filled with sufficient knowledge to follow God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 15 14 ge2l figs-explicit δυνάμενοι καὶ ἀλλήλους νουθετεῖν 1 able to also exhort one another Here, to **exhort** means to teach. Alternate translation: “also able to teach each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 15 n2gr figs-activepassive τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the grace given me by God Paul speaks of **grace** as if it were a physical gift that **God** had **given** him. God had appointed Paul and apostle even though he had persecuted believers before he decided to follow Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “the grace that God gave me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 16 wiw1 figs-metaphor γένηται ἡ προσφορὰ τῶν ἐθνῶν εὐπρόσδεκτος 1 the offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable Paul speaks of his preaching the gospel as if he, as a priest, were making an **offering** to God. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles might please God when they obey him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 15 18 lu97 figs-doublenegatives οὐ γὰρ τολμήσω τι λαλεῖν, ὧν οὐ κατειργάσατο Χριστὸς δι’ ἐμοῦ, εἰς ὑπακοὴν ἐθνῶν λόγῳ καὶ ἔργῳ 1 by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God You can translate this double negative in a positive form. Alternate translation: “For the sake of the obedience of the Gentiles, I will only speak of what Christ has accomplished through me in my words and actions and by the power of signs and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ROM 15 18 by9s εἰς ὑπακοὴν ἐθνῶν 1 for the obedience of the Gentiles Alternate translation: “so that the Gentiles will obey God” ROM 15 18 xds3 figs-explicit λόγῳ καὶ ἔργῳ 1 These are things done by word and action Here, **word and deed** refers to what Christ has accomplished through Paul. Alternate translation: “through me in my words and actions” or “the things that Christ has accomplished through what I have said and done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 19 g8bk figs-doublet σημείων καὶ τεράτων 1 signs and wonders These two words mean basically the same thing and refer to various kinds of miracles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 15 19 c8ff ὥστε…ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ κύκλῳ μέχρι τοῦ Ἰλλυρικοῦ 1 so that from Jerusalem, and round about as far as Illyricum This is from the city of **Jerusalem** as far as the province of **Illyricum**, a region close to Italy. ROM 15 20 x9xm figs-explicit οὕτως δὲ φιλοτιμούμενον εὐαγγελίζεσθαι, οὐχ ὅπου ὠνομάσθη Χριστός 1 In this way, my desire has been to proclaim the gospel, but not where Christ is known by name Paul only wants to preach to people who have never heard of Christ. Alternate translation: “but because of this, I want to preach the good news in places where people have never heard of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 20 kt3r figs-metaphor ἵνα μὴ ἐπ’ ἀλλότριον θεμέλιον οἰκοδομῶ 1 in order that I might not build upon another man’s foundation Paul speaks of his ministry work as if he were building a house on a **foundation**. Alternate translation: “in order that I might not be simply continuing the work that someone else already started. I do not want to be like a man who builds a house on someone else’s foundation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 15 21 rb5r figs-explicit καθὼς γέγραπται 1 It is as it is written Here Paul refers to what Isaiah wrote in the scriptures. You can make the meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “what is happening is like what was written by Isaiah in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 21 wy8k figs-activepassive καθὼς γέγραπται 1 You can translate this in an active form and make the meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “what is happening is like what Isaiah wrote in the scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 21 u8d6 figs-activepassive οἷς οὐκ ἀνηγγέλη περὶ αὐτοῦ 1 Those to whom no tidings of him came You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “Those whom no one had told the news about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 22 f1fq 0 Connecting Statement: Paul tells the believers in Rome about his personal plans to visit them and asks the believers to pray. ROM 15 22 ex5j figs-activepassive καὶ ἐνεκοπτόμην 1 I was also hindered You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “they also hindered me” or “people also hindered me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 23 b6kl figs-explicit μηκέτι τόπον ἔχων ἐν τοῖς κλίμασι τούτοις 1 I no longer have any place in these regions Paul implies that there are no more places in these areas where people live who have not heard about Christ. Alternate translation: “there are no more places in these regions where people have not heard about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 24 si59 translate-names τὴν Σπανίαν 1 Spain At that time, **Spain** was a Roman province west of Rome that Paul desired to visit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 15 24 c6wq διαπορευόμενος 1 in passing Alternate translation: “as I pass through Rome” or “while I am on my way” ROM 15 24 vya3 figs-explicit καὶ ὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι ἐκεῖ 1 and to be helped by you along my journey there Here Paul implies that he wants the Roman believers to provide some financial assistance to him for his journey to Spain. Alternate translation: “that you will provide for me on my journey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 24 rzie figs-activepassive καὶ ὑφ’ ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι ἐκεῖ 1 You can translate this in active form. Alternate translation: “and that you will help me on my journey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 24 wg6d ἐὰν ὑμῶν πρῶτον ἀπὸ μέρους ἐμπλησθῶ 1 I have enjoyed your company Alternate translation: “after I have enjoyed spending some time with you” ROM 15 26 vn1r figs-synecdoche εὐδόκησαν…Μακεδονία καὶ Ἀχαΐα 1 it was the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia Here the words **Macedonia** and **Achaia** are synecdoches for the people who live in those areas. Alternate translation: “the believers in the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia were happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ROM 15 27 w5ap εὐδόκησαν γάρ 1 Indeed they were please to do this Alternate translation: “Indeed, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to do it” ROM 15 27 tfz1 ὀφειλέται εἰσὶν αὐτῶν 1 indeed, they are their debtors Alternate translation: “indeed the people of Macedonia and Achaia are in debt to the believers in Jerusalem” ROM 15 27 en7l εἰ…τοῖς πνευματικοῖς αὐτῶν ἐκοινώνησαν τὰ ἔθνη, ὀφείλουσιν καὶ ἐν τοῖς σαρκικοῖς λειτουργῆσαι αὐτοῖς 1 if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to serve them Alternate translation: “since the Gentiles have shared in the spiritual things of the Jerusalem believers, the Gentiles ought to share their physical things with the Jerusalem believers” ROM 15 28 zz8u figs-metaphor σφραγισάμενος αὐτοῖς τὸν καρπὸν τοῦτον 1 made sure that they have received what was collected Paul speaks of the money he is taking to Jerusalem as if it were a **fruit** that was collected and **sealed** for them. Alternate translation: “and have safely delivered this offering to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 15 29 ylq8 figs-explicit ἐν πληρώματι εὐλογίας Χριστοῦ, ἐλεύσομαι 1 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ This phrase means that Christ will bless Paul and the Roman believers. Alternate translation: “Christ will abundantly bless us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 30 w1ta δὲ 1 Now If your language has a way to show that Paul has stopped talking about the good things he is confident of ([Romans 15:29](../15/29.md)) and is now starting to talk about the dangers he faces, use it here. ROM 15 30 yb7m παρακαλῶ…ὑμᾶς 1 I urge you Alternate translation: “I encourage you” ROM 15 30 v9iy ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, **brothers** refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women. ROM 15 30 fy1v συναγωνίσασθαί 1 to strive together with Alternate translation: “to work hard with” or “to struggle with” ROM 15 31 u7st figs-activepassive ῥυσθῶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀπειθούντων 1 I may be rescued from those who are disobedient You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “God may rescue me from those who are disobedient” or “God may keep those who are disobedient from harming me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 15 31 nw5h figs-explicit καὶ ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ εὐπρόσδεκτος τοῖς ἁγίοις γένηται 1 and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the believers Here Paul expresses his desire that the **saints** in **Jerusalem** will gladly accept the money from the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Alternate translation: “and pray that the believers in Jerusalem will be glad to receive the money that I am bringing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 15 33 s947 figs-explicit ὁ…Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης μετὰ 1 May the God of peace be with The **God of peace** means the God who causes believers to have inner peace. Alternate translation: “I pray that God who causes all of us to have inner peace may be with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 16 intro qy96 0 # Romans 16 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

8. Conclusion (15:14–16:27)
* Paul describes his mission (15:14–21)
* Paul’s travel plans (15:22–33)
* Paul commends Phoebe (16:1–2)
* Paul greets Christians in Rome (16:3–16)
* Paul warns against false teachers (16:17–20)
* Paul greets more Christians in Rome (16:21–24)
* Doxology (16:25–27)

In this chapter, Paul gives personal greetings to some of the Christians in Rome. It was common to end a letter in the ancient Near East with this type of personal greeting.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Because of the personal nature of this chapter, much of the context is unknown. This will make translation more difficult. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 16 1 sg6a 0 Connecting Statement: Paul then greets many of the believers in Rome by name. ROM 16 1 vkg8 συνίστημι δὲ ὑμῖν Φοίβην 1 I commend to you Phoebe Alternate translation: “I want you to respect Phoebe” ROM 16 1 sry4 translate-names Φοίβην 1 Phoebe **Phoebe** is a woman’s name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 1 q86q figs-exclusive τὴν ἀδελφὴν ἡμῶν 1 our sister The word **our** refers to Paul and all believers. Alternate translation: “our sister in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ROM 16 1 q669 translate-names Κενχρεαῖς 1 Cenchrea **Cenchrea** was a seaport city in Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 2 cwx1 figs-explicit αὐτὴν προσδέξησθε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 you may receive her in the Lord Paul encourages the Roman believers to welcome Phoebe as a fellow believer. Alternate translation: “you would welcome her because we all belong to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 16 2 yic3 ἀξίως τῶν ἁγίων 1 in a manner worthy of the saints Alternate translation: “in the way that believers should welcome other believers” ROM 16 2 qp4w figs-euphemism παραστῆτε αὐτῇ 1 stand by her Paul encourages the Roman believers to give to Phoebe anything she needs. Alternate translation: “help her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) ROM 16 2 inh1 καὶ…προστάτις πολλῶν ἐγενήθη καὶ ἐμοῦ αὐτοῦ 2 has become a helper of many, and of myself as well Alternate translation: “has helped many people, and she has also helped me” ROM 16 3 c5lg translate-names Πρίσκαν καὶ Ἀκύλαν 1 Priscilla and Aquila **Priscilla** was the wife of **Aquila**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 3 fsk1 figs-explicit τοὺς συνεργούς μου ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 my fellow workers in Christ Jesus Paul’s **fellow workers** are people who also tell others about Jesus. Alternate translation: “who work with me to tell people about Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 16 5 i32d καὶ τὴν κατ’ οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίαν 1 Greet the church that is in their house Alternate translation: “and greet the believers who meet in their house to worship” ROM 16 5 bn9z translate-names Ἐπαίνετον 1 Epaenetus **Epaenetus** is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 5 d1f1 figs-metaphor ἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀσίας εἰς Χριστόν 1 firstfruit of Asia to Christ Paul speaks of Epaenetus as if he were a fruit that he harvested. Alternate translation: “first person in Asia to believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 16 6 ew2z translate-names Μαρίαν 1 Mary **Mary** is a woman’s name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 7 tzk4 translate-names Ἀνδρόνικον 1 Andronicus **Andronicus** is a man’s name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 7 z9uk translate-names Ἰουνίαν 1 Junias This could refer to: (1) Junia, a woman’s name. (2) Junias, a man’s name, although this is less likely. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 7 gce3 figs-activepassive οἵτινές εἰσιν ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις 1 They are prominent among the apostles You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “whom the apostles know very well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 16 8 h976 translate-names Ἀμπλιᾶτον 1 Ampliatus **Ampliatus** is a man’s name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 8 alh2 τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 my beloved in the Lord Alternate translation: “my dear friend and fellow believer in the Lord” ROM 16 9 bd5l translate-names Οὐρβανὸν…Στάχυν 1 Urbanus … Stachys These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 10 k55t translate-names Ἀπελλῆν…Ἀριστοβούλου 1 Apelles … Aristobulus These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 10 q96n τὸν δόκιμον ἐν Χριστῷ 1 the approved in Christ The word **approved** refers to someone who has been tested and proved to be genuine. Alternate translation: “whom Christ has approved” ROM 16 11 gt6r translate-names Ἡρῳδίωνα…Ναρκίσσου 1 Herodion … Narcissus These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 11 ket9 figs-explicit τοὺς ὄντας ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 who are in the Lord This refers to those who trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: “who are believers” or “who belong to the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 16 12 sq9n translate-names Τρύφαιναν…Τρυφῶσαν…Περσίδα 1 Tryphaena … Tryphosa … Persis These are women’s names. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 13 zmf4 translate-names Ῥοῦφον 1 Rufus **Rufus** is a man’s name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 13 zy3x figs-activepassive τὸν ἐκλεκτὸν ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 chosen in the Lord You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “whom the Lord has chosen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 16 13 hqf6 figs-metaphor τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐμοῦ 1 his mother and mine Paul speaks of the mother of Rufus as if she were his own **mother**. Alternate translation: “his mother, whom I also think of as my mother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 16 14 dwh9 translate-names Ἀσύγκριτον, Φλέγοντα, Ἑρμῆν, Πατροβᾶν, Ἑρμᾶν 1 Asyncritus … Phlegon … Hermes … Patrobas … Hermas These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 14 ck2w ἀδελφούς 1 brothers Here, **brothers** refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women. ROM 16 15 ye9j translate-names Φιλόλογον…Νηρέα…Ὀλυμπᾶν 1 Philologus … Nereus … Olympas These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 15 n2rx translate-names Ἰουλίαν 1 Julia **Julia** is the name of a woman. She was probably the wife of Philologus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 16 g2z1 φιλήματι ἁγίῳ 1 a holy kiss an expression of affection for fellow believers ROM 16 16 t1q4 figs-hyperbole ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς αἱ ἐκκλησίαι πᾶσαι τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 All the churches of Christ greet you Here Paul speaks in a general manner concerning the **churches** of Christ. Alternate translation: “The believers in all the churches in this area send their greetings to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ROM 16 17 u1m9 0 Connecting Statement: Paul gives one last warning to the believers about unity and living for God. ROM 16 17 wx6r ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here, **brothers** refers to fellow Christians, including both men and women. ROM 16 17 ztv5 σκοπεῖν 1 to think about Alternate translation: “to watch out for” ROM 16 17 n59l figs-explicit τὰς διχοστασίας καὶ τὰ σκάνδαλα…ποιοῦντας 1 who are causing the divisions and obstacles This refers to those who argue and cause others to stop trusting in Jesus. Alternate translation: “who are causing believers to argue with one another and to stop having faith in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 16 17 j9x7 παρὰ τὴν διδαχὴν ἣν ὑμεῖς ἐμάθετε 1 They are going beyond the teaching that you have learned Alternate translation: “and teaching things that do not agree with the truth you have already learned” ROM 16 17 b318 figs-metaphor ἐκκλίνετε ἀπ’ αὐτῶν 1 Turn away from them Here, **turn away** is a metaphor for “refuse to listen.” Alternate translation: “do not listen to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 16 18 ea6h figs-ellipsis ἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ 1 but their own stomach The words “they serve” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “but they serve their own stomach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) ROM 16 18 nxn4 figs-metonymy ἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ 1 but their own stomach Here, **stomach** is a metonym that refers to physical desires. Alternate translation: “but they only care about their physical desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 16 18 eff9 figs-metaphor ἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ 1 Serving there **stomach** represents satisfying their desires. Alternate translation: “but they only want to satisfy their own selfish desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 16 18 eif6 figs-doublet καὶ διὰ τῆς χρηστολογίας καὶ εὐλογίας 1 By their smooth and flattering speech The words **smooth** and **flattering** mean basically the same thing. Paul is emphasizing how these people are deceiving believers. Alternate translation: “and by saying things that seem to be good and true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 16 18 c2je figs-metonymy ἐξαπατῶσι τὰς καρδίας τῶν ἀκάκων 1 they deceive the hearts of the innocent Here, **hearts** is a metonym for a person’s mind or inner being. Alternate translation: “they deceive the innocent believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ROM 16 18 m9h5 τῶν ἀκάκων 1 innocent This refers to those who are simple, inexperienced, and naive. Alternate translation: “of those who innocently trust them” or “of those who do not know these teachers are fooling them” ROM 16 19 imc7 figs-personification ἡ γὰρ ὑμῶν ὑπακοὴ, εἰς πάντας ἀφίκετο 1 For your obedience reaches everyone Here Paul speaks of the Roman believers’ **obedience** as if it were a person who could go to people. Alternate translation: “For everyone has heard how you obey Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) ROM 16 19 le5l ἀκεραίους…εἰς τὸ κακόν 1 innocent to that which is evil Alternate translation: “not involved in doing evil things” ROM 16 20 s3cq figs-metaphor ὁ δὲ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης συντρίψει τὸν Σατανᾶν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας ὑμῶν ἐν τάχει 1 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet The phrase **crush … under your feet** refers to complete victory over an enemy. Here Paul speaks of the victory over **Satan** as if the Roman believers were trampling an enemy under their **feet**. Alternate translation: “Soon God will give you peace and complete victory over Satan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 16 21 z4g3 0 Connecting Statement: Paul gives greetings from the believers who are with him. ROM 16 21 ku15 translate-names Λούκιος…Ἰάσων…Σωσίπατρος 1 Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 22 xu3q translate-names ἐγὼ, Τέρτιος, ὁ γράψας τὴν ἐπιστολὴν 1 Tertius, who write this epistle **Tertius** is the man who wrote down what Paul spoke. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 22 nx4g ἀσπάζομαι ὑμᾶς…ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 greet you in the Lord Alternate translation: “greet you as a fellow believer” ROM 16 23 sw7r translate-names Γάϊος…Ἔραστος…Κούαρτος 1 Gaius … Erastus … Quartus These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ROM 16 23 j9u7 ὁ ξένος 1 the host This refers to Gaius, the person in whose house Paul and his fellow believers gathered for worship. ROM 16 23 m5hg ὁ οἰκονόμος 1 the treasurer This is a person who takes care of the money for a group. ROM 16 25 psm3 0 Connecting Statement: Paul closes with a prayer of blessing. ROM 16 25 v71l δὲ 1 Now Here the word **Now** marks the closing section of the letter. If you have a way of doing this in your language, you can use it here. ROM 16 25 pp5k figs-metaphor ὑμᾶς στηρίξαι 1 to strengthen you Paul speaks here of having strong faith as if a person were being set firmly in place. Alternate translation: “to make your faith strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 16 25 kmw1 κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου, καὶ τὸ κήρυγμα Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ Alternate translation: “by the good news that I have preached about Jesus Christ” ROM 16 25 s5ky figs-metaphor κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν μυστηρίου χρόνοις αἰωνίοις σεσιγημένου 1 according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long ages Paul says that God has revealed previously hidden truths to the believers. He speaks of these truths as if they were a **secret**. Alternate translation: “because God has revealed to us believers what had been kept secret for a long time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ROM 16 25 n6c1 figs-activepassive κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν μυστηρίου χρόνοις αἰωνίοις σεσιγημένου 1 You can translate this in an active form. Alternate translation: “because God has revealed to us believers the secret that he was keeping for a long time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 16 26 d7r5 figs-doublet φανερωθέντος δὲ νῦν διά τε Γραφῶν προφητικῶν, κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ αἰωνίου Θεοῦ εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως, εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη γνωρισθέντος 1 but now has been revealed and made known through the prophetic writings to all nations, by the command of the eternal God The verbs **revealed** and **made known** mean basically the same thing. Paul uses both of them to emphasize his point. Alternate translation: “but now the mystery has been made known to all the nations through the prophetic writings so people can believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ROM 16 26 efyy figs-activepassive φανερωθέντος δὲ νῦν διά τε Γραφῶν προφητικῶν, κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ αἰωνίου Θεοῦ εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως, εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη γνωρισθέντος 1 You can combine the verbs **revealed** and **made known** in an active form. Alternate translation: “but now the eternal God has made it known to all the nations through the prophetic writings so that people would believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ROM 16 26 lc6d figs-abstractnouns εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως 1 to bring about the obedience of faith Here, **obedience** and **faith** are abstract nouns. You can use the verbs “obey” and “trust” in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that all nations will believe and obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ROM 16 26 cvi3 figs-explicit εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως 1 You may need to make explicit who will obey and trust. Alternate translation: “so that all nations will obey God because they trust in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ROM 16 27 qmj7 figs-explicit μόνῳ σοφῷ Θεῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. ἀμήν! 1 To the only wise God … be glory forever. Amen Here, **through Jesus Christ** refers to what Jesus did. To give **glory** means to praise God. Alternate translation: “Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, we will praise forever the one who alone is God and who alone is wise. Amen!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])