Luke 12:46-48

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Luke 12:46 tn The verb διχοτομέω (dichotomeō) means to cut an object into two parts (L&N 19.19). This is an extremely severe punishment compared to the other two later punishments. To translate it simply as “punish” is too mild. If taken literally this servant is dismembered, although it is possible to view the stated punishment as hyperbole (L&N 38.12).
2. Luke 12:46 tn Or “unbelieving.” Here the translation employs the slightly more ambiguous “unfaithful,” which creates a link with the point of the parable—faithfulness versus unfaithfulness in servants. The example of this verse must be taken together with the examples of vv. 47-48 as part of a scale of reactions with the most disobedient response coming here. The fact that this servant is placed in a distinct group, unlike the one in vv. 47-48, also suggests ultimate exclusion. This is the hypocrite of Matt 24:51.
3. Luke 12:47 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
4. Luke 12:47 tn Grk “or do according to his will”; the referent (the master) has been specified in the translation for clarity. This example deals with the slave who knew what the command was and yet failed to complete it.
5. Luke 12:48 tn Grk “did not know”; the phrase “his master’s will” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the contemporary English reader.
6. Luke 12:48 tn Grk “blows.”
7. Luke 12:48 tn Grk “will receive few (blows).”
8. Luke 12:48 tn Grk “required from him,” but the words “from him” are redundant in English and have not been translated.
9. Luke 12:48 sn Entrusted with much. To be gifted with precious responsibility is something that requires faithfulness.
10. Luke 12:48 tn Grk “they will ask even more.”