OET interlinear MAT 18:19

18:19a

Again, I tell you truly: There is a textual issue here. In some Greek manuscripts, there is a word that means “truly.”

Some important Greek manuscripts do not have this Greek word. Most English versions follow these manuscripts. For example:

Again I say to you (RSV) (RSV, ESV, NIV, NASB, REB, KJV, NLT, GNT, NCV, JBP)

Other Greek manuscripts have this Greek word. A few English versions follow these manuscripts. For example:

Again, truly I tell you (NRSV) (BSB, NRSV, NET, NJB, CEV, GW)

It is recommended that you follow option (1) and the majority of English versions. Do not include a translation of the word “truly.”

Again: The Greek word that the BSB translates as Again indicates that Jesus wanted to say some more things to his disciples. It does not mean that he wanted to repeat something he had already said.

Here are some other ways to translate this word and its context:

And I tell you more: (GNT)

I also tell you this (NLT)

Also, I tell you that (NCV)

18:19b

if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for: This clause refers to two of Jesus’ disciples agreeing to ask God for something. It refers to agreeing about something and praying for it.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

if two of you on earth agree about anything and ask God for it

if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it (NCV)

when any two of you on earth agree about something you are praying for (CEV)

In this context, this clause may refer to asking for wisdom to handle the issue of the brother who has sinned (in 18:15a). But it may include other issues as well. You should translate it in a general way so that it can refer to any issue.

two of you…you: The second you translates a form that is more literally “they.” However, both pronouns refer to Jesus’ disciples, so the BSB and some English versions change the pronoun “they” to you to make this clearer. In some languages, it would be natural to follow the Greek and use both you and “they” here. For example:

if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask (ESV)

In some languages, it may also be more natural to use the same pronoun here.

on the earth: This phrase on the earth contrasts with the phrase “in heaven” at the end of 18:19c. It refers to where people are, as opposed to where God is.

In some languages, it will be natural to put this phrase at a different place in the clause. For example:

if two of you agree on anything here on earth (GW)

about anything you ask for: The Greek word that the BSB translates as anything you ask for refers to any matter or thing of concern.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

about whatever (NET)

concerning any matter

18:19c

it will be done for you by My Father in heaven: This clause is passive. Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb, as in the BSB.

• Use an active verb. For example:

  my Father in heaven will do it for you (NET)

  you will receive it from my Father in heaven

it will be done for you: The Greek verb that the BSB translates as will be done means “will do” what they asked for or “will answer” their prayer. You should use a verb in your language that refers to answering a prayer. For example:

my Father in heaven will answer their/your prayer

my Father in heaven will give it to them/you

my Father in heaven will fulfill what they/you asked

you: The pronoun you here, as in 18:19b, is more literally “them.” However, this pronoun refers to “you” in the phrase “two of you.” Therefore, the BSB and some other English versions change the “them” to you. In some languages, it would be natural to follow the Greek and use “they” here. For example:

it will be done for them (ESV)