OET interlinear LUKE 15:2

15:2a

So: This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that many English versions translate as “and.” The BSB translates it as So because it introduces what the Pharisees’ said as a result of what was happening. The CEV also translates it as “So.” Jesus accepted people whom the Pharisees had rejected as sinners. They did not like this and they complained about it. Consider what conjunction would be natural here in your language. In some languages a conjunction may not be needed.

the Pharisees: The Pharisees were members of a religious group that emphasized obeying Moses’ Law. Here are some ways to translate this word:

• Transliterate the word Pharisees and indicate that it refers to a group of people. For example:

  Farisi members

  Parise adherents

• Transliterate the word Pharisees and indicate that it refers to a group of people with certain beliefs. For example:

  people belonging to the Farise religious sect/group

  members of the religious group called the Farasi

This word first occurs in 5:17b. See also the note at 11:37b.

scribes: The Greek word that the BSB translates as scribes refers to men whose most important work at the time of Jesus was to study, interpret, and teach the Law of Moses. This word is sometimes translated as “scribes” by versions such as the RSV. That is because the original work of these men was to copy the laws of Moses by hand. In New Testament times, this was no longer their main task.

Some ways to translate this term are:

teachers of the Law of Moses (CEV)

teachers of religious law

experts in the law (NET)

The term scribes also occurs at 9:22b. See also teacher of the law in the Glossary.

began to grumble: The Greek word that the BSB translates as began to grumble here means “complained.” The religious leaders expressed to each other their disapproval or criticism of what Jesus was doing. The following context implies that they spoke loudly enough for Jesus to hear them.

The form of the Greek verb here may also be translated as an action that was beginning or continuing. For example:

started grumbling (GNT)

were grumbling (NRSV)

15:2b

This man welcomes sinners: The Greek expression that the BSB translates as This man welcomes sinners is a complaint or criticism. The religious leaders were not pleased that Jesus was friendly to people whom they considered to be worthless sinners.

This man: The Greek expression that the BSB translates as This man refers to Jesus. When the religious leaders referred to Jesus in this way, they showed that they disliked and disapproved of him. People in your culture may have a different way to indicate that they do not approve of someone they are referring to. In some languages it may be natural to use a separate phrase or a separate sentence. For example:

As for this fellow/person, he welcomes

Look at that Jesus/guy! He welcomes

welcomes: The Greek word that the BSB translates as welcomes means “to receive in a friendly way.” In this context it refers to an action that Jesus did as a habit. He showed that he was happy to have sinners around him. He regularly talked with them in a friendly way.

sinners: This is the same word as in 15:1.

eats with them: The phrase eats with them again refers to an action that Jesus often did. He often ate at the home of people whom others despised as sinners.