UTN uW Translation Notes:

Matthew 3 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

1. The birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of his ministry (1:1-4:25) * The ministry of John the Baptist (3:1–12) * John baptizes Jesus (3:13–17)Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quotation from the Old Testament in verse 3.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

John the Baptist

In this chapter, Matthew introduces John the Baptist, who preached in the wilderness. Matthew describes his clothing and his food in ways that resemble the prophet Elijah. John preached a message that called for repentance. He prepared the way for Jesus to begin his ministry.

Baptism

The word “baptism” refers to a ritual washing, usually with water. John’s baptism is similar to Christian baptism, but it does not mean exactly the same thing (see Acts 18:24–26). John says that his baptism is “for repentance” (see 3:11). Most likely, it symbolized the removal of the sins that people were repenting of and the beginning of a new way of living. However, even Jesus received this baptism despite the fact that he did not need to repent of any sins. In this case, the baptism may symbolize complete dedication to God. Consider how you might refer to this kind of ritual washing in your language.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

Fruit tree metaphor

In 3:8 and 3:10, John speaks of people as if they were fruit trees. He says that people need to produce “good fruit,” just like fruit trees should. However, every fruit tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and burned. In the same way, people who do not do what is right will be judged and punished. If possible, preserve this metaphor or express it in simile form.

Wheat harvest metaphor

In 3:12, John speaks of people as if they were parts of wheat plants. People who obey God are like the edible part of the wheat plant, the grain. People who disobey God are like the inedible part of the wheat plant, the chaff. Just as a farmer separates the grain from the chaff, so God will separate people into those who obey him and those who do not. Then, just as the farmer stores the grain and burns the chaff, so God will save those who obey him and punish those who do not. If possible, preserve this metaphor or express it in simile form.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Many of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that John the Baptist delivers to groups of people. Because of this, most forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: figs-yousingular)