OET interlinear REV 2:10

2:10a

Do not fear what you are about to suffer: This clause functions in two ways:

1. as a prophecy that the believers at Smyrna will soon suffer for the sake of Jesus,

2. as an encouragement to not be afraid of that suffering.

Other ways to translate this clause are:

Do not be afraid of the sufferings that are coming to you (NJB)

You are about to suffer, but do not be afraid of that.

2:10b

Look: The Greek word that the BSB translates as Look. The word emphasizes or calls attention to the words that follow.

If you have a word with that meaning, you may want to use it here. Some examples are:

Behold, (NASB)

Beware, (NRSV)

Listen/Hey!

the devil: The Greek word that that the BSB translates as devil means “slanderer.” A slanderer is someone who says false things about someone to try to ruin that person’s reputation, name, or status. This word is used like a title for the leader of demons, Satan. Make it clear that this word is used like a title:

Devil (GNT)

Some ways to translate this word are:

• Use a local name or idiom that refers to the chief of all demons. You may want to explain the meaning of the Greek word in a footnote. An example footnote is:

  Literally:“slanderer.” In Greek this was used as a title for the chief of all demons.

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

  leader of the evil spirits

  spirit enemy of God You may want to explain the meaning of the Greek word in a footnote. An example footnote is:

  Literally: “slanderer.” In Greek this was used as a title for the chief of all demons.

• Translate its meaning. For example:

  Slanderer You may then want to explain this title in a footnote. An example footnote is:

  The title “Slanderer” refers to the chief of demons.

• Use the major language word. If people are not familiar with this word, you may want to explain it in a footnote. An example footnote is:

  The word “Devil” means “slanderer” in Greek.

is about to throw some of you into prison: This clause indicates that Satan would influence others to put some believers in prison. Satan would not physically put the believers in prison himself.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that Satan would physically put them there himself. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain the correct meaning in your translation. For example:

will cause others to put some of you in prison

prison: This word refers to a place where people are locked inside so they cannot leave. Another way to translate this word is:

jail (CEV)

to test you: Here the word test refers to examining someone’s faith to see if it is strong. The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as to test you is literally “that you may be tested.” It is a passive clause. It does not say who would test the believers. In one sense, Satan would test the believers by tempting them to give up their faith. But in another sense, God was testing them to see if they believed strongly in him. Many English versions leave the subject ambiguous. For example:

and you will be tested (CEV)

so that you will experience/undergo testing

where your faith will be tested (JBP)

so that it will become clear if you believe well/truly or not

2:10c

suffer tribulation: The Greek word that the BSB translates as suffer is literally “have.” The Greek word that the BSB translates as tribulation refers to “oppression” or more generally “troubles.” Here it probably refers to the suffering and testing of 2:10a–b. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

have tribulation (RSV)

face hardship (NJB)

experience suffering (NET)

suffer (NCV)

2:10d

Be faithful: This is a command to continue to follow Jesus Christ and to do what he says to do. In some languages it is more natural to say to whom the believers in Smyrna should be loyal. For example:

Be faithful to me (GNT)

even unto death: This phrase indicates that the believers must continue to follow Jesus even if others kill them because of it. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

Even if you have to die (NJB)

even though that might cause your death

even if others kill you for believing/following me

2:10e

the crown of life: The Greek word that the BSB translates as crown is literally “wreath.” Here it means “reward.” This metaphor indicates that God will reward believers with eternal life. They will live forever with him.

In ancient times, athletes who won a contest received a wreath of leaves to wear on their heads as a sign of victory. This was a great honor, and it was their reward for winning the contest.

In a similar way, God will honor those who are victorious by giving them eternal life. The BSB has translated the word meaning “wreath” as crown because in English a crown is more easily understood to be a symbol for victory.

Some ways to translate this phrase are:

• Translate literally and explain it in your translation. For example:

  the crown that is life itself (NET)

  the wreath of victory, which represents eternal life

• Use a metaphor which uses an object that is a sign of victory in your culture. For example:

  badge/trophy of life You may then want to explain the Greek phrase in a footnote. For example:

  Literally:“crown/wreath of life.”

• Translate the meaning without the metaphor. For example:

  the reward of eternal life for your victory

  life as your prize of victory (GNT)

• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. For example:

  “The crown/wreath of life” indicates that the believer who remains faithful to Jesus will be rewarded with eternal life. The crown/wreath is a symbol of that victory for remaining faithful.