OET interlinear MAT 3:4

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: writing-background

αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ Ἰωάννης

himself and ¬the John

Here Matthew uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. The word does not introduce another event in the story. This background information is found in 3:4–6. Use a natural form in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “Concerning this John, he”

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom

εἶχεν τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου

/was/_having the clothing ˱of˲_him from hairs ˱of˲_/a/_camel

The phrase had his clothing from the hair of a camel means that he wore clothes made from camels’ hair. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “wore clothing made from the hair of camels”

Note 3 topic: translate-unknown

ζώνην δερματίνην

/a/_belt leather

A leather belt is a thin strap made out of animal skin that holds clothing in place. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of clothing, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “an animal skin strap” or “a band made from animal skin”