Somebody on the Bible translation mailing list mentioned this verse but for a different reason than what I’m writing about.

Matthew 19:12 TNIV
For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others have been made eunuchs; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.

I noticed how accept is mentioned twice and sounds redundant in a way but it really is the same two words in the Greek as far as I can tell. The more formal translations retain the use of the same word whether it’s receive or accept.

Matthew 19:12 ESV
For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.

The more dynamic translations make it sound less redundant.

Matthew 19:12 GNB
For there are different reasons why men cannot marry: some, because they were born that way; others, because men made them that way; and others do not marry for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Let him who can accept this teaching do so.

Matthew 19:12 NLT
Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.

I like the idea of keeping the same word just because that’s how it is but is there any meaning lost in the more dynamic translations? I tend not to think so at first glance.

Being sick today I wanted to just write a quick post and you can discuss if you’d like. I’m not being critical of either translation style.