From what I understand, words in Italics are either absent from the original and inserted by the translators/editors, or represent an attempt to translate a word of which the meaning is unknown.

For example, many languages, especially ancient languages, frequently omit forms of the verb "to be," as well as understood subjects or objects. These are some of the most frequently italicized "insertions" because it sounds bad in English.

__________________
Davidius
Husband of Emilia
Member: First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Durham (RPCNA) - Durham, NC
Student: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, German Literature and Classics

This may explain the old adage about Baptists being Methodists with shoes, and Presbyterians being Baptists who can read. To round out the adage, Lutherans might qualify as Presbyterians who drink to excess, and Episcopalians as Lutherans who know when to say when. - D.G. Hart