OET interlinear COL 3:25

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-words-phrases

γὰρ

for

The word For introduces support for what has already been said. Here Paul uses it to introduce a negative reason for obedience (he already gave a positive reason in 3:24). If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify that the word introduces another reason for obedience. Alternate translation: [Do these things because]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / genericnoun

ὁ & ἀδικῶν & ἠδίκησεν

the_‹one› & doing_wrong & ˱he˲_did_wrong

Here Paul speaks in general of anyone who does unrighteousness. However, he directs this general statement to the slaves he has been addressing (not the masters, since he does not address them until 4:1). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a customary form for generic statements or include the slaves as the ones being addressed. Alternate translation: [any of you who do unrighteousness … you did unrighteously]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

ἀδικῶν

doing_wrong

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind unrighteousness, you could express the idea differently, such as with an adverb. Alternate translation: [acting unrighteously] or [doing unrighteous things]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

κομιεῖται ὃ ἠδίκησεν

/will_be/_receiving_back what ˱he˲_did_wrong

In this context, the phrase will receive refers to getting something in payment or in return for something else. Paul, then, speaks as if the one doing unrighteousness will receive as payment or recompense exactly what he did unrighteously. By this, Paul means that God will punish those who do unrighteousness in a way that fits with what they did. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [will receive a punishment that fits the crime]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολημψία

not ˱there˲_is favoritism

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind favoritism, you could express the idea with a verb such as “favor” or with a short phrase. Alternate translation: [God does not favor anyone] or [God judges everyone by the same standard]