OET interlinear MARK 9:5

9:5a

Peter said: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as Peter said is literally “Peter answered and said.” This indicates that Peter responded to the situation of Jesus talking with Elijah and Moses.

In some languages it may not be natural to “answer” a situation. Because of that, many English versions use only the verb “said” here.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

Peter spoke up and said (GNT)

Then Peter said to Jesus (NET)

Rabbi: The word Rabbi is a transliteration of a Hebrew word that means “my great one.” At the time when Mark wrote this gospel message, people used this word as a title of respect for an important religious teacher or leader. It does not refer to a school teacher.

If you do not have a word that expresses this idea of a religious teacher, you can simply use the word “teacher” or “master.” If possible, use a word that implies that the teacher is respected. For example:

Teacher

my teacher/master

Use an expression in your language that is natural and shows proper respect.

The parallel passages for this verse are in Matthew 17:4 and Luke 9:33. Matthew used a Greek title that means “Lord.” Luke used a Greek title that means “Master.” Both “Lord” and “Master” were used in the same way as “Rabbi.”

it is good for us to be here: The phrase it is good for us to be here expresses Peter’s feelings. He felt that it was good, wonderful or fortunate that they were there to see and experience this amazing event.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

it is good that we are here (REB)

our presence here is really good

how wonderful that we are here

us: There are two ways to interpret the pronoun us here:

1. It refers to the three disciples only. It means:

   “It’s good for us^(excl) disciples to be here.”

2. It refers to the three disciples and Jesus. It means:

   “It’s good for all of us^(incl) to be here together.”

You should translate ambiguously if your language allows you to do so. If you need to choose an exclusive or inclusive “us,” you should choose interpretation (1). Peter’s statement was probably closely connected to his plan in 9:5b to put up shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. (See the next note.) Your translation should not imply that Peter meant to exclude Jesus and the prophets in any offensive way.

9:5b

Let us put up: The Greek verb that the BSB translates as Let us put up expresses a suggestion. It is not a request for permission.

Here are some other ways to translate this verb:

We shall make

I would like for us to make

us: The pronoun us refers to only Peter, James, and John here. Peter did not expect Jesus (or Moses or Elijah) to help them to make the shelters.

put up: The Greek word that the BSB translates as put up is literally “make.” Peter was suggesting that he, James, and John build a shelter from materials that were there on the mountain.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

build

make (NJB)

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

1. It refers to temporary shelters made from branches, leaves, and other things that were easy to find. They were used for shade or to block the wind. The NET says:

   three shelters (NIV, NJB, CEV, NET, JBP, REB, NLT)

2. It refers to tents. Tents are made out of cloth or animal skins. They were used to block the rain or the wind. God’s worship tent in the Old Testament was made of skins. The NCV says:

   three tents (GNT, GW, NCV, ESV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).