OET interlinear ROM 13:4

13:4a

For: Here this word introduces something more that Paul wanted to say about the government leader.

God’s: In the Greek this word is emphasized by being first in the clause. If possible, emphasize this word in your translation.

servant: This word refers to a person who works for someone else. God has appointed these government authorities (13:2a) to govern, so in that way they are God’s servants.

for your good: The Greek is more literally “to you for the good.” Government leaders are to benefit believers (and all people) by the way they govern and lead the people so that they do good.See Morris (page 463–464). Here are other ways to translate this word:

to do you good (NIV)

to you for good (NASB)

13:4b

do wrong: Here the word wrong refers to deeds that are morally wrong. For example, hurting others or stealing is morally wrong. It does not refer to mistakes here (for example, he folded the paper in the wrong way).

be afraid: Some languages must say what one is afraid of. For example:

fear the authorityOtomi Back Translation on TW.

Some languages cannot command someone to be afraid. If that is true in your language, use another way to indicate the correct meaning. For example:

it is fitting/right that you fear

you will have cause to fear them (REB)

13:4c

for: Here this word introduces the reason why a believer who does wrong should be afraid of government leaders.

he does not carry the sword in vain: Here the phrase in vain refers to having no purpose.BDAG and L&N. With the word not, this clause indicates that the government leader has a purpose for bearing the sword. That purpose is to punish those who do wrong. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

rulers do not bear the sword for no reason (NIV11)

he has a purpose in bearing the sword

they have the power to punish you (NLT)

carry the sword: This is a figure of speech that means here “to have the authority to punish.” In some languages a literal translation will not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

  This means “to have the authority to punish.” Or write a footnote explaining it means the same thing as the weapon or symbol in your language.

• Use the weapon or symbol of authority in your language that is used to punish. You may then want to write a footnote describing the literal words. Here is an example footnote:

  Literally “bear the sword.”

carry: Here this word means to have in the hand or on a belt or attached to the clothing.

sword: A sword is a hand-held weapon that is used to cut or stab. The swords of that time were 60–120 centimeters (2–4 feet) long and made of metal. The picture shows some of the various kinds of swords used at that time.

In some languages people are not familiar with swords. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate the meaning in your translation. For example:

  long knife

  cutting/sharp weapon

  war machete/bush-knife

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

  A sword is a hand-held weapon that is used to cut or stab. The swords of that time were 60–120 centimeters long and made of metal.

13:4d

13:4e

an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer: This phrase further describes the government leader. In some languages it would be more natural to add connecting words or to translate this phrase as a full clause. For example:

that is, he is an agent who brings retribution to the wrongdoer

he is an avenger who applies wrath on the wrongdoer

agent: The Greek word that the BSB translates as agent is more literally “avenger.” This word refers to a person who punishes people for the evil that they did to someone else.BDAG. For example, if Tom hurt Bill, Sam could “avenge” Bill by punishing Tom. Here is another way to translate this word:

one who avenges

of retribution to the wrongdoer: There are two ways to interpret whose retribution this is:

1. It is the retribution/wrath of the avenger. For example:

   to execute wrath on (NRSV) (BSB, NIV, NJB, NRSV, KJV, NASB, NET, NABRE, NLT, REB, NCV)

2. It is the retribution/wrath of God. For example:

   God’s wrath (RSV) (RSV, GNT, ESV, GW, CEV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the subject here is the government authority, here called “an avenger.”

The same issue occurs at 13:5. This author follows the same interpretation there.

of retribution to: The Greek is literally “to/for wrath to.” Here it indicates the goal of avenging; the government leader causes wrath, in the form of punishment, to come to the wrongdoer. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

for wrath to be applied to

to cause wrath to fall on

to punish

retribution: The Greek word is more literally “wrath.” It refers generally to strong emotion, usually anger or passion, depending on the context. Sometimes, as here, it focuses on the actions taken in that anger. Here it implies that the government authorities punish the evildoer for his evil deeds, which is why the BSB translates it as retribution.

In some languages a literal translation would imply evil deeds done to this evildoer rather than punishment. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate the implied meaning here. For example:

  punishment (NIV)

• Explain the implied meaning in your translation. For example:

  wrath, that is, punishment,

  wrath in the form of punishment

  wrath of punishment

• Translate literally and explain the meaning in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

  This refers to punishment for the evil deeds of the evildoer.

the wrongdoer: Here the Greek phrase that BSB translates as the wrongdoer refers to people who habitually do what is evil. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

the people who are doing evil

evil people