OET interlinear MAT 19:28

19:28a

Truly I tell you: This same expression occurs in 19:23a. You should translate it here as you did there. For example:

I assure you that

Listen to this:

Let me tell you this:

19:28b

in the renewal of all things: The Greek word that the BSB translates as the renewal of all things is more literally “rebirth.” It refers to the age to come (see 12:32) when God makes the world new again.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

In the age when all things are renewed (NET)

in the world to come (GW)

in the New Age (GNT)

when God makes the world/earth new again

19:28c

the Son of Man: Jesus used the phrase the Son of Man to refer to himself. In some languages, it may be necessary to add the pronoun “I” to show that Jesus was referring to himself. For example:

I, the Son of Man

In Matthew, this phrase first occurs in 8:20b. See the Note there for more information on translating it.

sits on His glorious throne: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as His glorious throne is more literally “throne of his glory” (as in the NRSV). This phrase does not only mean that the throne itself is glorious. It means that the person (Jesus) who sits on the throne is glorious. When Jesus sits on this throne, it shows that he has power and authority.

Also, Jesus will sit on this throne to rule. He will not sit on this throne because he needs to rest. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this explicit.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

will sit on his great throne (NCV)

will sit on his chief chair in glory/greatness to rule

will sit with his authority/power on his chair/stool to rule

In some languages, there may be a special verb that describes a chief sitting to rule. It may not be necessary to also translate the word throne. For example:

will sit in/with power to rule

glorious: The Greek word that the BSB translates as glorious is more literally “of glory.” Here it refers to the greatness and power of the person who sits on the throne.

throne: A throne is a special chair on which a king sits. He sits on this chair to judge and rule and show that he has authority.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

king’s chair

chief’s stool

19:28d

you who have followed Me: This clause refers to the twelve disciples whom Jesus chose.

Here is another way to translate it:

you, my followers (GW)

you twelve followers of mine (GNT)

you, my disciples

will also sit on twelve thrones: The word thrones here is the same as in 19:28c. Translate it here in the same way.

19:28e

judging: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the BSB translates as judging:

1. It refers to governing/ruling. According to this interpretation, it refers to using authority over a period of time. It is similar to Moses judging/ruling the people of Israel for forty years. For example:

   to rule (GNT)

2. It refers to deciding whether people are guilty or innocent, and deciding how the guilty people must be punished. According to this interpretation, it refers to a single event on judgment day. The disciples will judge Israel. They will condemn some of the people of Israel for rejecting Christ.

If you can translate this word with a term that includes both interpretations, you should do that. If you must make a choice, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Jesus promised his disciples a reward for abandoning everything to follow him. That reward is that they will reign with him.Davies and Allison (vol. III pages 55–56) say, “What is meant by κρίνοντες? Many have understood the verb to refer not to lordship but to a one-time judgement: Israel will be judged—some would say condemned—by the twelve at the consummation. In support of this conclusion, many ancient Jewish and Christian texts foresee a group of saints judging the world in the sense indicated. Further, 19:28 recalls 25:31, which introduces a depiction of the last judgement. But it is better to hold that for Matthew and his tradition, κρίνοντες had the range of the Hebrew šāpaṭ. In this case, the sitting on the throne designates the exercise of authority over a period of time. As the twelve phylarchs once directed the twelve tribes under Moses, and as Israel was once ruled by judges, so shall it be at the end.”

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

rule/reign

govern

the twelve tribes of Israel: The word tribes refers to “clans.” The twelve clans started from the twelve sons of Israel who founded the nation of Israel.

Here the word tribes does not refer to distinct ethnic groups who spoke different languages and had different customs.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the twelve clans of Israel

the people who descended from the twelve sons of Israel