Matthew 10:18 And you shall be brought before governors

Spoken to: 

Apostles

Sending of Apostles, Warnings

KJV: 

Matthew 10:18 And you shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

NIV : 

Matthew 10:18  On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

3RD (NLT, if not otherwise identified): 

Matthew 10:18 You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me.

LISTENERS HEARD: 

Not only before governors but also kings are you going be brought. On account of me for testimony to them and those outsiders.

MY TAKE: 

The job is telling people the truth not what they want to hear.

GREEK (Each Word Explained Bottom of Page): 

LOST IN TRANSLATION: 

There is an "however" before the s3cond "and" that is edited out in all English versions and the initial "and" is edited out in the NIV and NLT. This conjunction is usually in the second position, but here follows a preposition phrase. These elements reveal the unconventional, and  conversational nature of Jesus's words. Unlike the English translations, there is nothing here about being offering testimony "against" them or standing trial. In the Greek, the verse is phrased like the answer to two questions, one question about being brought before the authorities and another question about why.

# KJV TRANSLATION ISSUES: 

2
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "but" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "against" should be something more like "to."

# NIV TRANSLATION ISSUES: 

5
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "but" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "as" should be something more like "for."
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "witnesses" should be something more like "proof."
  • WN  - Wrong Number- The word "witnesses" is translated as plural but the word "proof" is singular.

# 3RD TRANSLATION ISSUES: 

14
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "stand" should be something more like "brought."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "but" is not shown in the English translation.
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "trial" doesn't exist in the source.
  • IP - Inserted phrase-- The phrase "you are" doesn't exist in the source.
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "followers" doesn't exist in the source.
  • WP -- Wrongly Placed -- The word "but" doesn't appear here but before "and kings."
  • IP - Inserted phrase-- The phrase "this will be your opportunity to" doesn't exist in the source.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "but" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "tell" should be something more like "testimony."
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "the ruler" should be something more like "them."
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "other" should be something more like "the."
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "unbelievers" should be something more like "outsiders."
  • IP - Inserted phrase-- The phrase "about me" doesn't exist in the source.

EACH WORD of KJV : 

And -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."

you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.

shall  -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.

be  -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.

brought -- "Brought" is a Greek word which means "to lead," "to carry," or "to fetch" and has a lot of different specific meanings in different contexts. Not all of these are negative, for example, this phrase could mean "guided." It is in the passive, future, so "you a going to be guided" or "you are going to be carried."

before -- The word translated as "before" means "against," "before," "by" or "on." The Greek word translated as "before" denotes being upon or support by a point. It has a number of meanings. With the form of governors here, its most common meaning would be "before," "in the presence of," and "up to." It can mean "against" but only when the context clearly indicates it.

governors -- "Governors" is from the Greek for a leader of any kind, but the term was specifically used for the governors of provinces in Roman times.

missing "but"-- (MW) The untranslated word "but" joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. It is in an odd position here, appearing fourth between two "and" conjunctions. One possible explanation is that it is used to answer an interjection from someone. This word is used specifically to respond to a "really?" question in a slightly adversarial way.

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."

kings -- "Kings" is translated from a Greek word which means a "king" or "chief."

for -- The word translated as "for...sake" means "on account of," and "because."

my --  The "my" is the Greek pronoun meaning "of mine."

sake, -- The word translated as "for...sake" means "on account of," and "because."

for -- "For" is from a preposition that is primarily used to mean "into" a place, but can also mean "for" a purpose.

a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a word doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.

testimony -- "Testimony" is from the Greek word "testimony" or "proof." From the Greek root word for our word 'martyr', which means "witness." Obvious from the meaning of "martyr" today what the initial fate of such witnesses was.

against  -- (WW) This word "against" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object, a "with" for instruments, an "in" for locations, an "as" for purposes, an "of" for possession, a "by" for agents, an "as" for comparisons, "at" or "on" a time, and an "in" for area of effect.

them -- The word translated as "them" is the Greek word that means "the same." that Christ almost always uses as the third person pronoun. It is in the form of an indirect object, which has a number of purposes in Greek. Most commonly, it would simply mean "to them" or a declaration of benefit "for them." It can mean "again" in the sense of "concerning" but only when the word only makes sense in that context.

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

Gentiles. -- The word translated as "Gentiles" does not mean "gentiles" or even "foreigners." Its primary meaning is "a group of people living together," a nation, a tribe, or a cast of people. Our term "ethnics" is from the same root and has the same sense. Later it came to mean "barbarous nations" similar to our idea of ethnic people. It is in the same form as the "them" above, so "to them" or "for them." This word is in the same indicated object form as the "them" above.

EACH WORD of NIV : 

missing "and"-- (MW) The untranslated word "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."

On -- The word translated as "on...account" means "on account of," and "because."

my --  The "my" is the Greek pronoun meaning "of mine."

account, -- The word translated as "on...account" means "on account of," and "because."

you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.

will -- This helping verb "will " indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.

be  -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.

brought -- "Brought" is a Greek word which means "to lead," "to carry," or "to fetch" and has a lot of different specific meanings in different contexts. Not all of these are negative, for example, this phrase could mean "guided." It is in the passive, future, so "you a going to be guided" or "you are going to be carried."

before -- The word translated as "before" means "against," "before," "by" or "on." The Greek word translated as "before" denotes being upon or support by a point. It has a number of meanings. With the form of governors here, its most common meaning would be "before," "in the presence of," and "up to." It can mean "against" but only when the context clearly indicates it.

governors -- "Governors" is from the Greek for a leader of any kind, but the term was specifically used for the governors of provinces in Roman times.

missing "but"-- (MW) The untranslated word "but" joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. It is in an odd position here, appearing fourth between two "and" conjunctions. One possible explanation is that it is used to answer an interjection from someone. This word is used specifically to respond to a "really?" question in a slightly adversarial way.

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."

kings -- "Kings" is translated from a Greek word which means a "king" or "chief."

as -- (WW) "As" is from a preposition that is primarily used to mean "into" a place, but can also mean "for" a purpose.

witnesses -- (WW, WN) "Witnesses" is from the Greek word "testimony" or "proof." From the Greek root word for our word 'martyr', which means "witness." Obvious from the meaning of "martyr" today what the initial fate of such witnesses was.

to -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object, a "with" for instruments, an "in" for locations, an "as" for purposes, an "of" for possession, a "by" for agents, an "as" for comparisons, "at" or "on" a time, and an "in" for area of effect.

them -- The word translated as "them" is the Greek word that means "the same." that Christ almost always uses as the third person pronoun. It is in the form of an indirect object, which has a number of purposes in Greek. Most commonly, it would simply mean "to them" or a declaration of benefit "for them." It can mean "again" in the sense of "concerning" but only when the word only makes sense in that context.

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

to -- There is no preposition here but because of the form of the words, the previous proposition applies.

the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

Gentiles. -- The word translated as "Gentiles" does not mean "gentiles" or even "foreigners." Its primary meaning is "a group of people living together," a nation, a tribe, or a cast of people. Our term "ethnics" is from the same root and has the same sense. Later it came to mean "barbarous nations" similar to our idea of ethnic people. It is in the same form as the "them" above, so "to them" or "for them." This word is in the same indicated object form as the "them" above.

EACH WORD 3RD (NLT or as noted): 

missing "and"-- (MW) The untranslated word "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."

you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.

will -- This helping verb "will " indicates that the verb is the future tense. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.

stand -- (WW) "Stand" is a Greek word which means "to lead," "to carry," or "to fetch" and has a lot of different specific meanings in different contexts. Not all of these are negative, for example, this phrase could mean "guided." It is in the passive, future, so "you a going to be guided" or "you are going to be carried."

trial -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "trial" in the Greek source.

before -- The word translated as "before" means "against," "before," "by" or "on." The Greek word translated as "before" denotes being upon or support by a point. It has a number of meanings. With the form of governors here, its most common meaning would be "before," "in the presence of," and "up to." It can mean "against" but only when the context clearly indicates it.

governors -- "Governors" is from the Greek for a leader of any kind, but the term was specifically used for the governors of provinces in Roman times.

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."

kings -- "Kings" is translated from a Greek word which means a "king" or "chief."

because -- The word translated as "because" means "on account of," and "because."

you are - -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "you are" in the Greek source.

my  --  The "my" is the Greek pronoun meaning "of mine."

followers. -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "followers" in the Greek source.

But-- (WP) The untranslated word "but" joins phrases in an adversarial way. Since it always falls in the second position, translating it as "however" often captures its feeling better. It is in an odd position here, appearing fourth between two "and" conjunctions. One possible explanation is that it is used to answer an interjection from someone. This word is used specifically to respond to a "really?" question in a slightly adversarial way. This conjunction appears between the "governors" and "kings," not here.

this will be your opportunity to  -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "this will be your opportunity to" in the Greek source.

missing "to"-- (MW) The untranslated word "to" is from a preposition that is primarily used to mean "into" a place, but can also mean "for" a purpose.

tell -- (WW) "Tell" is from the Greek word "testimony" or "proof." From the Greek root word for our word 'martyr', which means "witness." Obvious from the meaning of "martyr" today what the initial fate of such witnesses was. It is a noun, not a verb.

the rulers -- (WW) The word translated as "them" is the Greek word that means "the same." that Christ almost always uses as the third person pronoun. It is in the form of an indirect object, which has a number of purposes in Greek. Most commonly, it would simply mean "to them" or a declaration of benefit "for them." It can mean "again" in the sense of "concerning" but only when the word only makes sense in that context.

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it is can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

other -- (WW) The word translated as "other" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

unbelievers -- (WW) The word translated as "unbelievers" means "a group of people living together," "a nation," "a tribe," or a cast of people. Our term "ethnics" is from the same root and has the same sense. Later it came to mean "barbarous nations" similar to our idea of ethnic people. It is in the same form as the "them" above, so "to them" or "for them." This word is in the same indicated object form as the "them" above.

about me. -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "about me" in the Greek source.

COMPARISON: GREEK to KJV : 

καὶ (conj)"And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." --

ἐπὶ (prep) "Before" is from epi which means "on," "upon," "at," "by," "before," "across," and "against." -

ἡγεμόνας [3 verses](noun pl masc acc) "Governors" is hegemon, which means "one who leads," "leader," "commander," "chief," and "one who does a thing first." The term was specifically used for the governors of provinces in Roman times.

δὲ (partic) "But" is from de which means "but" and "on the other hand." It is the particle that joins sentences in an adversarial way but can also be an explanation of cause ("so").

καὶ (conj) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." --

βασιλεῖς (noun pl masc acc) "Kings" is from basileus, which means a "king," "chief," "prince," "lord," "master," "a great man," and "the first and most distinguished of any class." It is a form of the world used for "kingdom."

ἀχθήσεσθε (2nd pl fut ind pass) "Shall be brought" is ago, which means to "lead," "carry," "bring," "fetch," "take with one," "carry of," "bear up," "remove," "lead to a point," "lead," "guide," "manage," "refer," "bring up," "train," "educate," "reduce," "draw out (in length)," "hold," "celebrate," "observe (a date)," "pass (Time)," "hold account," "treat," "draw down (in the scale)," and "weight."'

ἕνεκεν (prep) "For...sake" is from heneka, which means "on account of," "as far as regards," "in consequence of," and "because."

ἐμοῦ (pron 1st sg masc gen) "My" is from emou, which means "me," and "mine."

εἰς (prep) "For" is from eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)."

μαρτύριον [4 verses](noun sg neut acc) "Testimony" is martyrion, which means "testimony," and proof."

αὐτοῖς (adj pl masc dat) "Against them" is from autos, which means "the same," and the reflexive pronouns, "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," or the oblique case of the pronouns, "him," "her," and "it." It also means "one's true self," that is, "the soul" as opposed to the body and "of one's own accord."

καὶ (conj) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

τοῖς (article pl neut dat) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."

ἔθνεσιν. (noun pl neut dat) "The gentiles" is ethnos, which means "a number of people living together," "company," "body of men," "tribe," "a people," "nation," and (later) "foreign, barbarous nations."

Wordplay: 

 This phrase can be read either as a prediction of persecution or as a prediction of the role Christian will play in changing rulers and nations. 

Related Verses: 

Unimportant Opinions and Imaginings: 

 “They won’t kill any of our sons, will they?” one of their mothers asked.  
“The Distinguished?” said Matthew. “They can’t. Not legally.”
“No?”  someone asked.
“The Roman’s are jealous of the powers,” explained the Militant.
“Legally, to do more than beat us, the Distinguished would have to take us in front of Roman officials,” Phil clarified.
“And Roman don’t get involved in religious matters.” added Ugly Jake.
“So they accuse us of sedition,” said the Militant, “and have us brought
“Master,” Andrew asked. “We aren’t going to have to go before the Romans are we?”
The teacher was silent at first, with a distant look in his eyes. He looked at Andrew kindly and said softly, “Not only before officials, but also rulers.”
Then he said to all his students, “You are all going to brought.”
He said it like a prophecy. A chill when through the group from the serious way he said it. He was normally so light-hearted.
“Why?” asked Thaddaeus plaintively.
“Because of me,” the Master said more cheerfully.
“What for?”
“For testimony,” he explained, “to them and to the foreigners.”

Front Page Date: 

Sep 3 2020