Luke 18:27-29

18:27 He replied, “What is impossible ¹  for mere humans ²  is possible for God.” 18:28 And Peter said, “Look, we have left everything we own ³  to follow you!” ⁴  18:29 Then ⁵  Jesus ⁶  said to them, “I tell you the truth, ⁷  there is no one who has left home or wife or brothers ⁸  or parents or children for the sake of God’s kingdom

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¹ sn The term impossible is in the emphatic position in the Greek text. God makes the impossible possible.

² tn The plural Greek term ἄνθρωποις (anqrwpois) is used here in a generic sense, referring to both men and women (cf. NASB 1995 update, “people”). Because of the contrast here between mere mortals and God (“impossible for men…possible for God”) the phrase “mere humans” has been used in the translation.

³ tn Or “left our homes,” “left our possessions”; Grk “left our own things.” The word ἴδιος (idios) can refer to one’s home (including the people and possessions in it) or to one’s property or possessions. Both options are mentioned in BDAG 467 s.v. 4.b. See also I. H. Marshall, Luke (NIGTC), 688; D. L. Bock, Luke (BECNT), 2:1488.

⁴ tn Grk “We have left everything we own and followed you.” Koine Greek often used paratactic structure when hypotactic was implied.

⁵ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

⁶ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁷ tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”

⁸ tn The term “brothers” could be understood as generic here, referring to either male or female siblings. However, it is noteworthy that in the parallel passages in both Matt 19:29 and Mark 10:29, “sisters” are explicitly mentioned in the Greek text.