If you do not already have a Bible translation app on your computer, the two best no-cost options are:
- BETSy (video that introduces the app)
- www.StepBible.org
Both BETSy and STEP:
- analyze each Greek word and define it for you, letting you make your own first-pass translation before looking at anybody else's translation
- make use of Bill Mounce's concise Greek-English Dictionary.
The major differences between these two apps are:
- You can store your translation notes and comments in BETSy.
- BETSy and STEP have different capabilities when it comes to search.
Acts 1:21-23 video
Please download and print these out.
Use StepBible to help you with your first-pass translation
Using these, work up your own interlinear rendering.
Verses 21 and 22 comprise one long sentence, which is almost impossible to diagram. This is hugely difficult Greek—for everybody! Do your best to translate it without first looking at another translation.
I will do my best to walk you through it in my video in Part B.
As you are translating these verses, you can comfort yourself somewhat with Plummer's remarks in the International Critical Commentary volume on Acts: "The sentence runs somewhat out of control and in other respects does not represent Luke’s best style."
The New American Standard Bible and English Standard Version are intentionally written to be as close to the word order of the Greek as possible, and still be comprehensible. When I am struggling with coming up with a basic interlinear rendering, I find it helpful to compare my work with theirs.
Once you are moderately happy with your interlinear rendering, then download and review the notes on this verse from the NET Bible. They often have some "tn" translation notes that will be helpful.
The idea in every case...
...looking at the NASB, ESV, NET Bible, and finally getting Bob's comments as you will in the next half of the lesson...
...as you have already noticed, is to try and do the best you can on your own, then go to an outside aid for help. This will help you maximize your learning experiences.
When you have done all of these things, go on to .