OET interlinear ROM 1:10

1:10a

in my prayers at all times: In some languages it is better to use a verb for the meaning of prayers here. For example:

every time I pray (GW)

prayers: This word refers to talking to God, praising him, thanking him, and asking him to do something.

1:10b

that: The Greek word that the BSB translates as that is often translated “if.” Here, it occurs before a Greek word that is often translated as “somehow.” The BSB does not directly translate this word. Here the word “if” indicates that Paul was uncertain whether or not he would go to Rome. For example:

if somehowWitherington, page 41, and Moo, page 55.

These words also indicate that Paul was not sure how he would get to Rome. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

if by any means (KJV)

if, in some way,

now at last: This phrase indicates that Paul had wanted to visit the believers in Rome for some time, and at this time might finally go. It is not clear how long he had wanted to go to Rome. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

finally (GNT)

for a long time but now

by God’s will: This indicates that God would decide if Paul would go or not. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

that God will decide/choose that

that God will allow

if God wants it (NCV)

I may succeed: The Greek word here is more literally “I may be led on a good road.” Paul hoped that God would guide him so that he would have a good way to travel to Rome. Many languages can translate the more literal Greek for the correct meaning. For example:

He might make a way thatWestern Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation.

he will open give a/any way to meNalik Back Translation, draft, Papua New Guinea.

I may be granted good passageJewett, page 117.

Note that the first two examples above change the Greek passive to an active clause.

Some English versions follow the more figurative meaning of this Greek word: “to succeed,” as the BSB does. But the more literal sense seems a better way to translate here.Jewett (page 122) says, “What Paul has regularly petitioned is that he be granted ‘good passage’ to Rome, whereby the literal meaning of εὐοδόω, ‘be on a good path,’ seems more relevant than the metaphorical meaning, ‘have success.’ ” Dunn (page 30) says, “Literally, ‘be led along a good road’ (cf. Tob 5:16), so ‘prosper, succeed’ (cf. 2 Chron 32:30; Sir 41:1; 1 Cor 16:2); but in view of the context Paul may have the original meaning in mind (Lightfoot)—cf. 1 Thess 3:11.”