OET interlinear LUKE 20:47

20:47a

They defraud widows of their houses: The Greek clause that the BSB translates literally as They defraud widows of their houses is literally “who devour/eat the houses of widows.” This phrase an idiom. It indicates that the teachers of the religious law often tried to get as much money as they could from widows. The text does not specify how they did this. They may have persuaded the widows to give them generous gifts. Some other ways to translate this are:

But they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property (NLT96)

They persuade/manipulate widows to give them everything they have

They exploit widows and take their possessions and homes

If you have an idiom or phrase in your language that expresses this meaning, consider using it here. For example:

They fatten themselves by consuming the possessions/money of widows

houses: The word houses here is a figure of speech. It includes the widows’ money and other possessions, in addition to their homes.

20:47b

and for a show make lengthy prayers: This phrase implies that the scribes only pretended to be godly when they prayed. They prayed long prayers in public, wanting people to think that they were close to God. In reality, they were greedy and corrupt. See Matthew 6:5–8. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

and then say long prayers to make themselves look good (GW)

and then try to make themselves look good by saying long prayers (NCV)

for a show make lengthy prayers: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as for a show means “for a pretense.” The scribes prayed long prayers because they wanted to impress people. They wanted people to think that they were righteous, so they prayed long prayers in public where other people could see and hear them. Some ways to translate this are:

say long prayers to make themselves look good (GW)

pray long prayers so people will think they are righteous

and then make a show of saying long prayers (GNT)

In some languages it may be helpful to use indirect speech here to express what the scribes wanted people to think. For example:

They pray long prayers so that people will say, “They are so righteous!”

make lengthy prayers: The Greek word that the BSB translates as make…prayers is literally “praying.” It refers to speaking to God. In this context it refers to formal prayers that the teachers prayed aloud in public. The phrase make lengthy prayers indicates that when the teachers prayed in public, they prayed for a long time. Some ways to translate this are:

pray for a long time

pray with many words

Some languages may use different words to refer to specific kinds of prayer, such as requests, thanks, or praise. Here you should use a word or phrase that has a general meaning.

20:47c

These men will receive greater condemnation: The Greek expression that the BSB translates as These men will receive greater condemnation is more literally “They will receive the greater condemnation.” The RSV and several other English versions translate it that way. There is an implied comparison here. The clause implies that the scribes will be punished more than other people will be punished. In some languages it may be necessary to make the comparison explicit:

They will be punished more severely than other people.

greater condemnation: The Greek word that the BSB translates as greater means “very great, much greater.” For example:

They will receive much more severe punishment

In some languages it may be necessary to indicate who will punish the scribes. If that is true in your language, you should indicate that God will punish them. For example:

God will punish them much more severely/greatly than he will punish anyone else.