complete verse (Matthew 18:31)

Following are a number of back-translations of Matthew 18:31:

  • Uma: “‘When the other slaves saw what had happened, they were very angry/upset. They went to the king and told [him] the behavior/character of that slave earlier.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “So-then when the other servants saw what happened there, they were very worried. They went to the sultan and told him about it.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And when his companion servants learned about it, they went to their master the king, and they told him everything.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “When his fellow officials saw that-aforementioned that he had done, they were extremely sad/upset (lit. their thoughts hurt extremely), and they went to the king who was their boss and related to him everything that had happened.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “When their fellow servants observed this happening, they were really grieved. They went to the king and told.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “Others of the workers saw what was done and were incensed at what that one had done to his fellowman. They went then to tell the boss what he had done.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Matthew 18:31

Fellow servants is the same noun used in verses 28 and 29. For many translators, “the king’s other servants (or, officials)” is a natural expression.

Distressed, a verb signifying shock and amazement, is used in the Septuagint of Nehemiah 5.6; Jonah 4.4, 9. The story would have been shocking to Jesus’ disciples also, since it was not customary to imprison a person for debt in Palestine.

Their lord is translated “the king” by Good News Translation. See comment at verse 27, where “the lord of that servant” is also translated “the king” by Good News Translation. In addition, see verse 34.

Reported translates a verb that may be used when a man reports to his superior. Elsewhere in the New Testament it is found only in 13.36. Here “told the king” is probably acceptable.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .