Luke 12:35-37

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Luke 12:35 tn Grk “Let your loins be girded,” an idiom referring to the practice of tucking the ends of the long cloak (outer garment) into the belt to shorten it in preparation for activities like running, etc.
2. Luke 12:35 sn Keep your lamps burning means to be ready at all times.
3. Luke 12:36 tn That is, like slaves (who are mentioned later, vv. 37-38), although the term ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois) is used here. Since in this context it appears generic rather than gender-specific, the translation “people” is employed.
4. Luke 12:36 sn An ancient wedding celebration could last for days (Tob 11:18).
5. Luke 12:37 tn See the note on the word “slave” in 7:2.
6. Luke 12:37 tn Or “watching”; Grk “awake,” but in context this is not just being awake but alert and looking out.
7. Luke 12:37 tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amēn), I say to you.”
8. Luke 12:37 tn See v. 35 (same verb).
9. Luke 12:37 tn Grk “have them recline at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.
10. Luke 12:37 tn The participle παρελθών (parelthōn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
11. Luke 12:37 sn He…will come and wait on them is a reversal of expectation, but shows that what Jesus asks for he is willing to do as well; see John 13:5 and 15:18-27, although those instances merely foreshadow what is in view here.