36-00

The Transfiguration

This title can also be translated as: “About when the disciples saw Jesus change before them” or “What happened when the disciples saw Jesus change before them?”

36-01

One day

This phrase introduces an event that happened in the past, but does not state the specific time. Many languages have a similar way to begin telling a true story. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/writing-newevent/01.md]])

James

This is a different James than the one who wrote the Book of James in the Bible. To make this clear, some languages may need to use two slightly different names or to spell them differently.

36-02

his face became as bright as the sun

This simile emphasizes how bright Jesus’ appearance became. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

His clothes became as white as light

This simile emphasizes how white Jesus’ clothes became. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

whiter

This could mean more white.

36-03

appeared

It is also possible to say: “appeared out of nowhere.” They suddenly were there.

in Jerusalem

Some languages may prefer to say: “in the city of Jerusalem.”

36-04

It is good for us to be here

It is not clear whether us refers only to Peter, James, and John, or if it refers to everyone there, including Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. If you can translate so that both options are possible, do so. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]])

shelters

This can also be translated as: “lean-tos” or “garden huts” or “tents.” It refers to small, individual, temporary shelters like the Jews made from tree branches during an annual Jewish holiday.

did not know what he was saying

This could mean was speaking without understanding what was happening or spoke without thinking clearly because he was so excited. This is background information about why Peter said what he did. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

36-05

a voice coming from the cloud. It said

Here a voice is a metonym that refers to someone who spoke. This can also be translated as: “a voice spoke from the cloud saying” or “God spoke from the cloud and said.” (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

my Son

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples/01.md]])

Listen to him

This could be translated as: “He is the one you must listen to.”

terrified

This could mean extremely scared.

fell on the ground

This could mean quickly bowed to the ground or immediately got down on the ground. Make sure the translation of fell does not sound like an accident. They probably did this intentionally out of awe and fear.

36-06

touched them

This could mean put his hand on them. Some languages may prefer to specify where he touched them. If so, this could be translated as: “he touched them on the shoulder” or “he put his hand on each one’s shoulder.”

said, “Do not be afraid. Get up.”

This is direct quotation. It can also be stated as an indirect quotation: “told them not to be afraid, and to get up.” (See: [[https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-quotations/01.md]])

Do not be afraid

This could also be translated as: “Stop being afraid.”

Get up

This could also be translated as: “Stand up” or “Please get up.” Make sure that it sounds like Jesus spoke this with kindness.

the only one still there was Jesus

It is also possible to add: “Moses and Elijah had left.”

36-07

A Bible story from

These references may be slightly different in some Bible translations.