OET interlinear ROM 2:25

2:25a

The Greek begins with a word that is usually translated as “For.” This word introduces an example of breaking the law, or a further point about breaking the law. The BSB does not translate this word and it may not be necessary in some languages to translate it. However, if it would be more natural in your language to translate this word, here are other ways to translate it:

For example (GW)

In the same wayAlford (page 335).

Circumcision has value if you observe the law: Here the if-clause comes after the then-clause. This makes the then-clause the topic. In some languages the if-clause must come first. For example:

if you obey the law, then circumcision indeed is of value

Circumcision: The word “circumcise” means to cut off the loose skin at the end of a boy’s penis. The father or a man who specialized in doing circumcision would do that. Among the Jews, Circumcision is a religious ritual which serves as a sign that they have a covenant with God (Genesis 17:9–14).

In some cultures, it is acceptable to translate explicitly the meaning “cut off the loose skin at the end of a boy’s penis.” In other cultures, it is necessary to speak more generally or use a euphemism to describe this event. Here are some examples:

Cutting the skin

Marking the body to show he belongs to God

Receiving the mark

In some cultures people do not circumcise babies, and in some cultures they do not circumcise any males. In other cultures circumcision is done for different reasons than Jewish circumcision. If that is true in your culture, you may want to include a footnote to explain the Jewish custom. For example:

Circumcision is the cutting off of the skin at the end of the penis. Every male Jew was required to be circumcised. Circumcision was the sign that he was a member of the community with whom God had made a covenant.

But if you have already included a footnote in other books of the Bible (for instance Luke 1:59), you may want to refer your readers there. Here is an example footnote:

See footnote on circumcision at Luke 1:59.

has value: God gave circumcision to Abraham and his descendants as a sign of his covenant with them. It showed that they were a member of his people. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

is valuable (NLT)

is worthwhile (CEV)

There is…a use/benefitKankanaey Back Translation on TW.

is goodYakan Back Translation on TW.

the law: This phrase refers to the law that God gave to Moses. See how you translated it in 2:12 or 2:23.

2:25b

you break the law: See how you translated a similar clause (“breaking the law”) in 2:23.

2:25c

your circumcision has become uncircumcision: This indicates that if a Jew disobeys the law, the fact that he has been circumcised is no use to him. In God’s eyes he is no better off than a non-Jew. Here are other ways to translate these words:

you have become as though you had not been circumcised (NIV)

you are no more circumcised than the uncircumcised (NJB)

circumcision is of no valueYakan Back Translation on TW.

we are just like those people who aren’t Jews who have never been circumcisedWestern Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation on TW.

uncircumcision: This word refers to not being circumcised.