OET interlinear MAT 8:30

8:30

This verse gives some background information. The pigs were there all along, but it is at this point that Matthew tells the reader that they were there. Some English versions indicate this background information with the word “now.” For example:

Now… (ESV)

Many English versions do not have a word or phrase to introduce this information.

In the distance: The pigs were far from Jesus and the demon-possessed men, but they were close enough to be seen.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

at a distance from them (NASB)

somewhat far from them

a large herd of pigs: The word herd refers to a group. This herd was large.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

a herd of many pigs (ESV)

many pigs

pigs: “Hogs” or “swine” (RSV) are also called pigs in English. These were domestic pigs and not wild pigs. Jewish law said that pigs were ritually unclean, and Jews did not eat their meat.

In some languages people are not familiar with pigs. If that is true in your language, here are possible ways to translate pigs:

• Use a general expression along with the word for pigs from another language. For example:

  animals called “pigs”

• Use a general word or expression for farm animals. For example:

  livestock

  domestic animals

• Use the word from the major language, if it is well-known by people of your language.

You might also want to use a picture of pigs in your translation.

was feeding: The word feeding indicates that the pigs were eating food. They were probably digging in the ground and looking for things to eat.