UTN uW Translation Notes:

Matthew 16 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

7. Further opposition to Jesus and misunderstanding of the kingdom of God (13:53-17:27) * The Pharisees and Sadducees test Jesus (16:1–4) * The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees (16:5–12) * Who Jesus really is (16:13–20) * What Jesus and his disciples must do (16:21–28)

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The sign of Jonah

In 16:4, Jesus briefly refers to “the sign of Jonah.” He has already discussed this sign in more detail in 12:39–41. See the introduction to chapter 12 for more information. Express the idea here as you did there. (See: jonah)

Peter, “this rock,” and the keys of the kingdom

In 16:18–19, Jesus tells Peter that he is a rock on which the church will be built and that he has been given the keys to the kingdom of the heavens. It is clear is that Peter is very important for God’s kingdom. However, Christians debate in what way Peter is important. Some think that Peter is primarily important because of what he confessed about Jesus. Others think that Peter and his successors have authority over the church. Others think that Peter himself had authority over the early church but that he did not have any successors. If possible, express the idea in a general way but so that it is clear that Peter supports the church and has some kind of authority.

The coming of the Son of Man

In 16:27–28, Jesus twice refers to how he, the Son of Man, will “come.” The first time (in 16:27), Jesus speaks about coming in glory with his angels. In this case, he is almost certainly referring to his second coming, when he will punish or reward everyone for what they have done.The second time he refers to his “coming” (in 16:28), Jesus speaks about coming “in his kingdom.” Christians debate what he could be referring to. It could be:1. Jesus’ transfiguration, which Matthew narrates in 17:1–82. Jesus’ resurrection and enthronement in heaven3. the empowerment and growth of the church4. the destruction of Jerusalem5. Jesus’ second coming6. several of these options togetherSince Christians have understood this verse in at least these different ways, if possible your translation should allow for all these options. See the notes on 16:28 for translation options.

Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter

The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

In 16:5–12, Jesus tells his disciples to guard themselves from the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The disciples misunderstand him and think that he is saying something about bread, which they forgot to bring with them. Jesus reminds them that he is not talking about lack of bread, since he has proved twice that he can multiply food. When he repeats that they should guard themselves from the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Sadducees, the disciples realize that Jesus is speaking figuratively about what the Pharisees and Sadducees teach. Since the disciples misunderstanding “yeast” is an important part of this passage, you should not explain what “yeast” means when Jesus uses the word. However, make sure that it is clear that “yeast” refers to teachings when Matthew explains the metaphor in 16:12. (See: figs-metaphor)

“This rock” and the name Peter

In 16:18, Jesus tells Peter that his name is “Peter.” Jesus does this because he wants to comment on what the name “Peter” means, which is “rock.” After saying the name “Peter,” Jesus says that he will build his church “on this rock,” which refers back to the name “Peter.” Consider how you might naturally explain what the name “Peter” means so that your readers understand what Jesus means when he speaks about “this rock.” You could consider using a footnote or explaining the name in the translation itself.

The keys of the kingdom

In 16:19, Jesus promises that he will give “the keys of the kingdom of the heavens” to Peter. This could mean that Peter will control who enters the kingdom and who does not enter the kingdom. Or, it could mean that Peter has a position of authority within the kingdom. Since Christians debate exactly what the “keys” mean, if possible you should preserve the metaphor or express the idea in a general way. See the notes on the verse for translation options. (See: figs-metaphor)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Singular and plural forms of “you”

Many of the forms of “you” in this chapter appear in speeches that Jesus gives to the disciples. Because of this, the majority of forms of “you” in this chapter are plural. You should assume forms of “you” are plural unless a note specifies that the form is singular. (See: figs-yousingular)

Verses 2b–3

Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include anything for 16:2b–3. Since the earliest manuscripts do not include these words, the ULT and UST put them in brackets. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT and omit these words. If it would be helpful, you could put the words in brackets or in a footnote.