OET interlinear MAT 23:2

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: writing-quotations

λέγων

saying

Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “and he said”

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ἐπὶ τῆς Μωϋσέως καθέδρας ἐκάθισαν

on the ˱of˲_Moses seat sat_down

Here, Jesus refers to having the authority that Moses had in teaching the law as if it were sitting in the seat of Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “taught the law as Moses did” or “succeeded Moses as teachers of our law”

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / explicit

ἐκάθισαν

sat_down

Here, the word sat could imply: (1) that the scribes and the Pharisees are right or correct to sit in the seat of Moses. Alternate translation: “are those who sit” (2) that the scribes and the Pharisees have inappropriately sat in the seat of Moses. Alternate translation: “decided to sit” or “seated themselves”

Note 4 topic: translate-tense

ἐκάθισαν

sat_down

Here Jesus uses the past tense to speak about something that is generally true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense is most naturally for expressing a general truth. Alternate translation: “sit”