OET interlinear MAT 11:8

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-logic-contrast

ἀλλὰ

but

Here, the word But introduces a contrast with the possibility that Jesus asked about in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [If not that,] or [So,]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / rquestion

ἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε ἰδεῖν? ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον?

but what ˱you_all˲_came_out /to/_see /a/_man in fine_‹clothes› /having_been/_dressed

Jesus is using the question form to teach the crowds about John. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: [Surely you did not go out to see a man dressed in soft clothing!] or [I know what you went out to see. It was not a man dressed in soft clothing.]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον

/a/_man in fine_‹clothes› /having_been/_dressed

Luke assumes that readers will know that John wore crude, rugged clothing. Like his residence in the desert, his clothing was a symbolic protest against the established order. As such, it would have been offensive rather than attractive. So no one would have gone out just to see a person dressed that way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [A man wearing splendid clothing? You would not have gone to hear John if that was what you wanted to see.]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

ἐν & ἠμφιεσμένον

in & /having_been/_dressed

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [who had put on]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

μαλακοῖς & τὰ μαλακὰ

fine_‹clothes› & ¬the fine_‹clothes›

The term soft clothing refers to luxurious or expensive clothes, since normal clothing was rough. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [splendid clothing … splendid clothing] or [expensive clothing … expensive clothing]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / exclamations

ἰδοὺ

behold

Here, the word behold draws the attention of the audience and asks them to listen carefully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express behold with a word or phrase that asks the audience to listen, or you could draw the audience’s attention in another way. Alternate translation: [Listen] or [As you know]